Egungun ancestral masquerade cult introduced to Oyo from Nupe

Oyo tradition attributes the introduction of the Egungun cult—masqueraders representing the spirits of deceased ancestors—to the period of Nupe domination during the sixteenth century. The principal Egungun priest of Oyo, the Alapini, is said to have been a Nupe immigrant. Law considers it likely that the Oyo were influenced by Nupe culture during this period of military domination and Nupe settlement in Oyo territory.