About Us
Being Yoruba is More Than
Aso Ebi and Afrobeats.
A diaspora community platform dedicated to educating, connecting and celebrating Yoruba culture in London and beyond.
Our story
It started with a gap.
Ijoko Omo Yoruba (IOY) was founded in May 2024 after recognising that many Yoruba people in the diaspora were disconnected from their language, stories and traditions. A generation growing up in London without a real place to explore and celebrate their heritage.
IOY exists to bridge that gap. Through events, learning, media and community, we bring people together to educate, connect, celebrate and preserve Yoruba culture for generations to come.
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See what IOY is all about
Meet the founder
Iyimide Martins
Iyimide Martins founded Ijoko Omo Yoruba after recognising a cultural gap - a generation of Yoruba people in the diaspora who were disconnected from their language, stories and traditions.
Driven by a deep love for community and identity, her vision was simple: build a welcoming space where Yoruba people and friends of the culture could gather, learn and belong - not just on special occasions, but as a living, breathing community.
What started with a single event on 13 May 2024 has grown into a vibrant platform of over 250 members, with regular events, language sessions, cooking classes, blood donation campaigns and an ever-growing online community.
“I want every Yoruba person in the diaspora to feel proud of who they are, where they come from, and the richness of the culture they carry.”
- Iyimide Martins, Founder
Ready to be part of the story?
Join over 250 members building something meaningful together.