Olurounbi's Promise, An African Folktale

By Princess Sherifat Akorede

This African folklore, OLUROUNBI’S PROMISE, set in the rural area of the Yoruba kingdom presents a female main character named OLUROUNBI who is subjected to the common female-targeted blame for delay in childbearing after marriage. Her interaction with the king of the woods, Iroko tree in trying to solve her financial problems borne out of early widowhood also presents diversity of cultural response to socio-economic challenges. Olurounbi’s Promise is a story of a young bride, Olurounbi and her groom, AYO who did not have a child right after their wedding as the society expected. Therefore, they were subjected to ill-treatment and tormenting. The couple was expected to birth a male child as well to inherit the throne. Finally, they gave birth to a female child which infuriated the paternal grandfather so much he rejected her. After her husband's sudden and tragic death, Olurounbi offered her daughter as a sacrifice to Iroko tree in exchange for wealth to combat her descent into poverty and ignominy.When Olurounbi refused to honor the covenant, Iroko threatened to destroy the town and its people with an earthquake, the townsfolk forced Olurounbi to give up her child. Will she give up her only child to save herself from the towns people’s wrath or bear the brunt of the consequences that are to come from not giving up her child?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Princess Sherifat Akorede
• Release date: Feb 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9780985026882

Princess Sherifat Akorede

Princess Sherifat Akorede hails from the Laoye Akorede Dynasty of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria by way of her father who was a Nigerian diplomat and Chief Imam. She's the voiceover talent that translated the anthropology documentary, Birth of the Princess, adapted and co-produced by award-winning UCLA professor, Dr. Andrew Apter. Sherifat has published two timely journals in her tenure, "Religion, Politics, and Women: The Politics of Exclusion and Inclusion" and "Osama bin Laden and the Saudi Opposition", both presented for selection by Chicago State University. Her work has been published in the literary anthology, NOMMO, a project developed by the Organization of Black American Culture. She is the author of OLUROUNBI'S PROMISE; and the soon to be released OLUFUNMI-THE ACCIDENTAL SHE-HERO, LOVE ON THE ARABIAN SAND, and TEARS OF A YORUBA BRIDE. Princess Sherifat received her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and two Master's degrees from the University of Chicago. She is currently working as a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Texas and resides in the Houston area with her family.