How were Yoruba towns organized around the afin of an oba?

In traditional Yoruba towns, the afin (palace) of the oba serves as the central focal point of the settlement.12

The organization of the town radiates outward from this center:

• Radial Layout: Broad roads extend from the palace, effectively dividing the town into distinct quarters.2
• Residential Compounds: Each of these quarters contains the compound of a subordinate chief. These compounds are typically organized around the patrilineages, which form the core social units of the town.21
• Scale: In the precolonial era, some afins were exceptionally large, sometimes encompassing vast areas of the surrounding landscape.2

While many modern Yoruba palaces have incorporated Westernized architectural elements, they continue to maintain traditional features such as courtyards, recreation grounds, and high surrounding walls, preserving the historical spatial relationship between the ruler and the community.2