In the pictures are eight different Aroko letters conveying various pieces of complex information reports and diplomatic message between two neighbouring Yoruba kingdoms; The Awujale, king of Ijebu and Kosoko, the Eleko of Lagos in 1851.
One of the messages from the Awujale reads thus:
“Among all the peoples who inhabit the four corners of the world, the Lagos and the Ijebu people are the closest. As Ayo Opon is a common game in the country, so should the Ijebus and Lagosians always play and be friendly with each other. Mutual goodwill is my desire- as it is pleasant with me, so may it be pleasant with you.
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Deceive me not because the spice would yield nothing but a sweet and genuine odour. I shall never be untrustworthy in dealing with you”.
Arokos could convey entire speeches in just a few strung items in a piece. This particular message was translated by Otunba Payne.
