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The History of Cocoa: From Ancient Rituals to Global Delight

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The story of cocoa—the seed from which chocolate is made—begins over five thousand years ago in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Once considered a sacred gift by ancient civilizations, cocoa has evolved from a ceremonial drink to one of the world’s most beloved commodities.

Ancient Origins and Use

Early Domestication:

Archaeological evidence traces the earliest use of cacao to around 5,300 years ago by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture of present-day Ecuador. According to findings published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, residues found on ancient pottery confirmed the fermentation and consumption of cacao long before it appeared in Mesoamerica.

Mesoamerican Civilizations:

The Olmecs, one of the earliest known Mesoamerican societies (1500–400 BCE), are believed to have domesticated the cacao tree. Later, the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations developed the culture of consuming cocoa as a bitter drink made from roasted and ground cacao beans mixed with spices, chili, and water—known as xocolatl.

Cultural and Economic Significance:

Cocoa beans held deep symbolic and economic value. Among the Aztecs, they were used as a form of currency and offered during religious rituals. The Maya viewed cocoa as a divine substance, often depicting cacao pods in their art and burial offerings.

Introduction to Europe

Spanish Introduction:

In 1502, Christopher Columbus first brought cocoa beans to Spain after encountering them during his fourth voyage to the Americas. However, it was the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who in 1519, after his conquest of the Aztec Empire, introduced the chocolate drink to Europe in its true form.

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Spread Through Europe:

By the 17th century, cocoa had become a fashionable beverage among Europe’s elite, especially in Spain, France, and England. “Chocolate houses” became social hubs in cities like London and Amsterdam, where wealthy patrons gathered to enjoy hot chocolate sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.

Modern Production and Consumption

Making Chocolate Accessible:

The transformation of cocoa into solid chocolate began in the 18th and 19th centuries. Innovations such as adding milk (by the Swiss in the 1700s) and the invention of the cocoa press (by Coenraad van Houten in 1828) revolutionized chocolate production. Lower import duties in Britain further made chocolate affordable to the middle class.

Global Expansion:

As European empires expanded, cocoa cultivation spread to their tropical colonies. By the late 19th century, West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, became central to global cocoa farming. Nigeria began establishing cocoa plantations during the colonial period, especially in regions like Ondo, Ekiti, and Ogun States.

Today’s Production:

Currently, the Forastero variety dominates global production due to its high yield and disease resistance. West Africa accounts for about 70% of the world’s cocoa supply, with Ivory Coast and Ghana leading as the largest producers.

Cocoa’s Cultural Legacy

Cocoa’s journey from a sacred Mesoamerican ritual drink to a global comfort food highlights humanity’s shared appreciation for taste, culture, and innovation. Beyond its economic value, cocoa remains a symbol of celebration, luxury, and connection across cultures.

Key Facts

Scientific name: Theobroma cacao

First domesticated: ~3300 BCE (Mayo-Chinchipe culture, Ecuador)

Cultural significance: Used as currency and for rituals by Aztecs and Maya

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Introduced to Europe: Early 1500s by Spanish explorers

Main producers today: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia

Sources

Henderson, J. S., et al. “Chemical and Archaeological Evidence for the Earliest Cacao Beverages.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2007.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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