This is the Iya Abessan Temple in Okọ̀rọ̀ (Akron) quarters, Àjàṣẹ́ (Porto Novo), Benin Republic

This is the Iya Abessan Temple in Okọ̀rọ̀ (Akron) quarters, Àjàṣẹ́ (Porto Novo), Benin Republic. 🇧🇯

Okoro together with Jassin (Ija osan) are said to be the oldest settled places in the Southern part of Benin Republic. Both of them were originally separate villages established by Yorubas from what is now Southwestern Nigeria 🇳🇬. The Iya Abi Mesan Temple was erected on the site from which the city of Porto Novo began to spread out in Okọrọ (meaning a corner), and is an example of Yoruba architecture.

Many myths and legends surround the site but it is very likely connected to the fierce Yoruba deity Oya, who is known as “Iya abi mesan” or ‘Iyasan (Mother of Nine).