Introduction

In ancient times, at the beginning of the 15th century, in the heart of the Dagomba kingdom (Current northern Ghana), lived a princess as courageous as she was mysterious, named Yennenga. Her story, rich in audacity and heritage, transcends time to shape the destiny of a royal lineage.

The Okra Lesson

Daughter of King Nédéga, Yennenga stood out for her independence of spirit and became a key figure in the kingdom. One day, to illustrate her discontent with her father’s neglect in managing her love life, she sowed okra seeds, let them grow, and then let them rot. Questioned by the king, she responded wisely, comparing her situation to that of the neglected okra field.

The Escape

Outraged by this lesson, the king punished her by imprisoning her, but Yennenga was not to be tamed by the walls. One night, she escaped from her prison, riding her favorite white stallion. Their wild ride led them into a forest, where the horse got stuck in mud, precipitating the princess towards an unexpected destiny. Lost in a region called Boussansés (the land of the Bissa peoples), Yennenga encountered an elephant hunter, Rialé, who initially did not recognize her royalty but generously offered her refuge and food. Over time, an unbreakable connection formed between them. Their son, named “Ouédraogo,” meaning stallion in honor of the horse that had guided Yennenga, became the jewel of their union.

The Birth of the Mossi Kingdom

Nostalgia gripped Yennenga, urging her to send her son to meet her grandfather, the king of Dagomba. The reunion was emotional, and the old king organized sumptuous celebrations. Full of pride, he offered his grandson gifts, servants, and a warrior escort from Dagomba to establish a new kingdom in the Boussansés region. The son, Ouédraogo, commonly called Nabiiga (prince), returned with this powerful troop, founding the village of Morosi, later known as Mossi. Thus, the Mossi kingdom and its people were born, fulfilling Yennenga’s dream. Ouédraogo became the first Mogho Naaba of the Mossi people, establishing his capital at Tenkodogo (which means ancient land). His descendants marked a new chapter, as his sons, such as Naba Zoungrana and Naba Rawa, expanded the Mossi empire, sealing Yennenga’s legacy in history.

Conclusion

Thus, the Amazon Yennenga, an ancestral icon endowed with wisdom, sows the seeds of change, transcends generations, leaving behind a legacy that still flourishes today in the Mossi royalty. A story of independence, love, and a lineage that forever marks its existence.