The word Ìyàwó meaning wife was not part of the collection of Yoruba names initially. Wives were formerly known as Aya until a certain man named Orunmila visited Iwo, a large town in Osun State to seek the hand of a beautiful maiden called Wuraola in marriage. Here is the story below according to documented Yoruba history.

(All pictures are for emphasis)

A certain King in Iwo land had a beautiful daughter who was said to be the most beautiful girl in the land. Her name is Wuraola, Everyman sought for her hand in marriage. Powerful men including the likes of Sango, Ogun, and others came from far and near just to win her hand in marriage but they all left with uncontrollable anger because Wuraola was very rude to them and to everyone. She hurled curses, rain insults, and jeered at her suitors. They could not withstand such behavior from a woman no matter how beautiful she was.

Then came Orunmila, a handsome man who had heard about the stories and decided to try his luck. Before leaving for Iwo land, he consulted Olodumare (the supreme being) through Ifa. Olodumare advised him to be patient with Wuraola. He was told to endure her bad behaviors in order to win her heart. After hearing this, Orunmila set out for Iwo land.

On getting there, Wuraola greeted her new suitor with a hiss and scornful laughter. Wuraola served him neither food nor water for the whole seven days. She insulted him so much that even her father( the king) got angry. She made life unbearable for this young man but he replied all with love. She even used his Open Ifa (divination board) for firewood. She also took his Apo Ominijekun (his pouch) from him. Orunmila boiled with rage but refused to show it. He stuck to the instructions of Olodumare.

Well, the patient dog eats the fattest bone they say, His patience paid off on the seventh day. The king gave him his daughter after concluding that he was suitable for her, being tolerable, kind, and patient. Orunmila was elated after he was finally given Wuraola's hand in marriage. He was overwhelmed with joy and glad he heeded the advice of Olodumare.

He took his wife back to his town and his people heaped word of praises on him for his accomplishment, they were overjoyed. When he was asked on how he achieved success, he would respond with "Ìyà tí mo Je ní Ìwó" meaning my suffering in Iwo. That was how the word Ìyàwó i.e Ìyà-ìwó started to be used to call every wife in Yoruba land. (Adapted from Sankofa Writing Contest)

It should be noted that Wuraola's bad behavior was all a ruse to test her suitors. She wanted a husband who was kind, loving, caring, and Well behaved. She was scared to marry due to the fact that her husband beats their wives mercilessly then. The big question here is that Can you suffer all these because of love? Just because you want to marry a beautiful maiden?. Don't forget to share your views in the comments section and hit the follow button for more stories.