Ife emerged as the most important city of early Yorubaland. Yoruba tradition attributed its foundation to Oduduwa, described as the creator of the earth and ancestor of the ruling lineage. This tradition gave Ife a foundational place in the political and cultural history of the Yoruba region.

The city served as the seat of political power and religious influence. Its king combined economic, political, and sacred authority: trade passing through the city was taxed, while offerings were received because the ruler was recognized as the religious head. Ife’s prominence therefore rested on both commerce and dynastic-religious legitimacy.

In later centuries, Ife’s economic and political power declined as Oyo and Benin became more prominent trading centers. Their leaders nevertheless maintained lineages said to reach back to Oduduwa and the Ife dynasty. The city’s influence thus continued through traditions of descent even after its direct political centrality diminished.