All Posts in "Oduduwa"

Hardship:Olu-Ibogun Offers Prayers For Nigeria At Coronation Anniversary

     Mohammed Shosanya

 

The Olu of Ibogun, Owu Kingdom and the founder of Ifa Olokun Foundation, Oba ( Dr.) Fakayode Adesina Faluade,today  commenced activities lined up for his seventh coronation anniversary with visits to Osa beach and Okun beach in Badagry, Lagos to offer prayers for the nation’s socio – economic growth.

 

 

 

Many activities that gave life to the two- day occasion such as cultural dances, offer of special prayers for the growth and development of the country and offer of sacrifices to appease the river goddess took place during the visits.

 

 

 

In his address,the Ibogun monarch expressed hope that the appeasement of the river goddess would bring about the much expected accelerated socio – economic development in the country.

 

 

 

He noted that Olosa festival on Friday at Afowo beach in Badagry was for the Almighty  ( Olodumare) to deliver the nation from utter destruction, recompense tribulations for all that trouble the peace and progress of Nigeria, decree the much sought turn around for the country and move it forward in all areas for her to regain her lost glory.

 

 

 

He disclosed that prayers were also offered for the utter destruction of every form of stagnation militating against the advancement of the country,  stressing that the Almighty (Olodumare) revealed that Nigeria had been destined for  greatness.

 

 

 

The Ibogun monarch further stressed that his group’s visit to Agborin beach on Saturday for Aje Olokun festival was to appease Olokun and also pray for the restoration of the nation’s economy and an end to the economic woes  bedevilling the country.

 

 

 

He  said that during the twin – programme, prayers were offered for peace to reign in the land, as well af for the Almighty (Olodumare) to give the nation good leaders that will usher the country into realms of greater peace and prosperity.

 

 

 

Other activities ĺined up for the 7th year anniversary celebration include Odun Egbe Alaje heritage foundation/ Ikunle Ifa Oloja at Ajigbotifa temple, commissioning of state – of – the – art Amotekun and Police Posts donated by Oba Faluade,entertainment of guests at Olu Ibogun Palace, Jumat service at  Oba Faluade Central Mosque and Church thanksgiving service at the Olu Ibogun Palace.

Online Editor by — November 23, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
I Didn’t Incite Violence-Alapomu

        Mohammed Shosanya

Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, the Alapomu of Apomu has denied allegations of inciting electoral violence in Osun.

His media aide,Tolu Adetunji,conveyed this in a signed statement on Monday, wherein he stated that his attention has been drawn to a video where he made a speech at the flag of a  road construction in Apomu.

According to him,he never urged members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to attack supporters of All Progressive Congress, APC in the forthcoming 2027 election as alleged about the video.

He said there was no where in the said video that he mentioned 2027 election or APC.

He added:”The allegation is false and fabricated. I am a man of peace. I do not encourage or support violence in any form or manner”.

Online Editor by — November 11, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Ifa Worshippers To Police:Probe Killing Claim On Yinka Ayefele’s Radio Station

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The President of the International Council for Ifá Religion, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode,has called on the Nigerian Police Force to investigate a recent killing claim made by a guest at a Fresh FM radio station in Ibadan.

 

 

 

 

 

The station is owned by a popular Nigerian music producer and gospel singer,Mr. Yinka Aiyefele.

 

 

 

In the  viral video, only the owner of the Radio Station, Yinka Ayefele was seen interviewing a man whose face was not shown and the interviewee said he had killed many people for Òrìṣà.

 

 

 

 

 

In a press release on Thursday, the President of ICIR, said there is nothing like human sacrifice in Yoruba traditional religion,adding that claim was fabricated with the aim of tarnishing the image of Yoruba native religion.

 

 

 

 

He added:”Our attention has been drawn to a viral video, allegedly made in the Yinka Ayefele’s studio of Fresh FM in Ibadan where a man whose face was not shown said he had killed many human beings for Òrìsà.

 

 

 

 

“It has been said before and we will continue to reiterate the fact that Yoruba Traditional Religion which is called Isese abhors human killing and true Isese worshippers are repulsed upon seeing human blood.

 

 

 

“Those behind this campaign have used every means to tarnish what the Creator gave us to worship him, but we will continue to speak against it; using human parts or blood for money or whatever ritual is alien to our religion and we will continue to fight against it.

 

 

 

“We are surprised that a respected Radio Station in Ibadan can be used to launch this campaign of calumny against us and our cherished Isese, but we are using this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command to immediately launch an investigation into the man’s claim to unearth the truth and arrest him and his sponsors.”

 

 

 

 

According to him,the ICIR has instructed its lawyer to work with Yinka Ayefele in order to get the identity of the self-acclaimed ritual killer for the security agencies to do the needful.

 

 

 

He added:”We also advise Isese adherents to be calm and patient as we are sure that we will get to the bottom of the fabrication”

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 31, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Economic Pains:Iseyin Community To Appease Gods For Solutions

         Mohammed Shosanya
The Iseyin community in Ibadan,will appease  the gods at thirty-nine different shrines in Iseyin to pray and seek better future for Nigeria, Oyo State and Iseyin land.
The Oluwo Aseyin of Iseyin, High Chief Fasola Olusoji Adeyemi,conveyed this in a statement on Sunday.
He quoted that the appeasement will take effect between 28th October and  Sunday 3rd November,during  the celebration of 2024 Oworin-Aseyin Week.
According to him,the current economic travails faced by Nigerians require divine intervention,which the 2024 founders festival is targeted at.
He disclosed that special temples and grooves to carry out the appeasements in Iseyin include Yemeja Olugbemi at Ladogan, Igi Egbe Olugbemi at Ladogan, Gbobi groove at Koso, Ojomode groove at Koso, Ajumoda groove at Koso, Elekure groove at Iwoya, Koso, Elegba shrine at Iserin, Ekunle, Iserin groove at Iserin, Yemeja Iyake at Ekunle area, Agbaale grrove at Ekunle, Okutapemo groove at Ekunle area, Adie Omu, Atoori, Olokooyo and Oju-Ebedi, among others.
He added:”Iseyin community was founded with the Odu Owonrin-Aseyin like people talk of Ose-Meji at Ibadan, so we do rituals and appeasements annually to seek the faces of our ancestors on issues the people in the country, the state and the community are facing today.
“Nigerians are crying about the poor economy that has affected the purchasing power of the people, we will make that and some other issues our prayer points for the year between the 28th of October and 3rd November and we are very sure that our ancestors will not forsake us.
“The Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri 111, Ajirotutu 1 has blessed this year’s celebration and he has charged us to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria, Oyo State and our governor, all indigenes of Iseyin at home and abroad as well as those doing their businesses in our community,”
Online Editor by — October 27, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Ifa Devotees Tie Nigeria’s Economic Woes To Foreign Culture Of Greed

          Mohammed Shosanya
The President, International Council For Ifa Religion, Chief Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode,says present economic crisis bedeviling the country, emanated from the foreign culture of greed adopted  by Nigerians.
He said this in a special lecture titled “Foreign Culture In Yoruba Land: Its Negative Impacts On The Economy Of The Land,” delivered at the 2024’s celebration of Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, which held at Ilaji Resorts, Akanran, Ibadan.
He noted that foreign cultures came into Nigeria and Yoruba land through the introduction of alien religions, which made compulsory for the people to also accept their language, dressing mode, socioeconomic style and behaviors while the Yorubas have been known for the Omoluabi ethos of hard work, contentment, trustworthiness, before the advent of foreign culture, which he said contaminated the early characters.
According to him,acquisition syndrome among political, religious and traditional leaders led to formulation of policies, laws and regulations as well as actions that have secluded the majority from actualizing their economic potentials while the few people in the corridors of power, continue to amass wealth, to the detriment of all, calling on all to go back to the old habit of Omoluabi, speak the truth and lead others with the fear of God.
He said,foreign culture is the alien traditions which are not indigenous to the Yoruba.
He added:”Among the alien cultures that are popular in our midst are those from the white and that of the Arab. Nowadays, foreign cultures are dominant in our land and the introduction of foreign culture to our land were due to the following factors which include the coming of Islam in the 14th century and the British occupation of the 19th century.
“When we are talking about Yoruba people, the term ‘Omoluabi’ keeps surfacing. It is obvious that one of the names that the race was known for before being christened ‘Yoruba’ is Omoluabi. Unfortunately today, many Yoruba do not understand the meaning of the word Omoluabi because of the controversy surrounding the etymology of the term; some previous writers said it is the offspring of a man known as ‘Noah’ that are referred to as Omoluabi. While those who believe in such explanation are proud of it, those who know better will be chuckling.
“This is a serious issue because it is another way of subjugating Yoruba people, it is meant to turn the landlord to a tenant and turning aboriginals to strangers. The truth is that Omoluabi is used to refer to a child of Olu-Iwa, the one who takes after Olu-Iwa, that behaves like Olu-Iwa or followers of Olu-Iwa.
“Who is Olu-Iwa? Among the Divinities (Orisas), he is no other person than Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Whoever is of good character and patience like Orunmila is called ‘Abiwapele Omo Orunmila (one with gentle character like Ọ̀rúnmìlà).
“Omoluabi attitude shows good behavior with perseverance and patience, not greedy, fraudulent, selfish, proud and violent, which are traceable attitudes of the white and Arabians.
“Today, bad habits like lying, stealing, political and economic conspiracies, and human killing have trampled good habits to death in our politicians, leaders of thought, religious leaders and youths and the consequences are reflected in the economy. Farmers cannot harvest their farms without paying ransom to kidnappers while governments and security agencies collaborate or look the other way.
“For our economy to overcome all the challenges, we need to do away with foreign culture which has taken away good morals, so that we all become Omoluabi”
Online Editor by — October 20, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Yoruba Race Didn’t Encourage Slavery,ICIR Replies Erelu Ayorinde

Mohammed Shosanya

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR),has faulted the false statements made by one Erelu Lola Ayorinde on social media on slavery in the old Yoruba history.

The group cleared air in a statement issued and signed on Saturday by its solicitor, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN) & Co.

The group maintained that the wrong assertions of Ayorinde about Yoruba’s culture and tradition must be corrected, in order not to allow such to negatively influence the younger generations of the tribe.

“We are solicitors to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), hereinafter referred to as ‘our client’ and on whose instruction we are issuing this press release.

“We are issuing this Press Release to address the grossly misleading, false and harmful statements made by Erelu Ayorinde on various social media platforms and interviews, her persistent assertions that the Yoruba race encouraged slavery are not only historically inaccurate and false but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes, causing harm to the reputation of the Yoruba people.

“Furthermore, she has consistently misrepresented her heritage, making false claims of connections to the Ooni of Ife, the revered monarch of Osun State and various Yoruba deities, including Sango and Ifa, her actions constitute a gross manipulation of history, culture and historical facts, with the potential to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

“We urge the public to exercise extreme caution and critical thinking when reading her statements, as they are false, unfounded, misleading and do not reflect the values and traditions of the Yoruba people. We will not stand idle and watch while misinformation and deceits are spread by the said Erelu Ayorinde and we are committed to preserving the truth, cultural integrity and dignity of the Yoruba race,” the statement read.

admin by — July 29, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Stop Denigrating Traditional Religion,Ifa Devotees Warn Oluwo

Mohammed Shosanya

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR),told Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi, to desist from denigrating the traditional religion and Yoruba tradition and culture.

The group also implored the Osun state government,Yoruba Elders and all Yoruba Socio-Cultural organizations to also call the monarch to order.

President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode made the call on Saturday,during the inauguration of the new executive committee of The Council at the World Ifa Temple, Oke-Itase, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He noted that the monarch’s utterances have always caused religious discord and embarrassment for other traditional leaders who are custodians of Yoruba tradition and culture within the Yoruba kingdom and abroad.

“We implore the people who are fanning the ember of religious discord in our land to desist. We advise the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi to refrain from using unprintable statements against the Yoruba tradition, culture and religion.

“We also call on the government, especially the government of Osun State,Yoruba socio-cultural organizations and Yoruba elders to call Oba Abdulrashed to order before his utterances cause problems.”

Fatunde also appeal for calm in the crisis that started in Iseyin between the Muslim and Christian community where a Pastor was alleged to have assaulted an Alfa over attempt to slaughter ram on Eid-Ile-Fitri (Ileya) day.

“For the sake of peace, we implore practitioners of all religions and traditions to live in harmony and focus on what unites us rather than what separates us
In view of this, we appeal to both parties, Muslims and Christians fighting in Iseyin to allow peace to reign,” he said.

Dr. Fakayode charged the new executive committee to see the opportunity to serve as a way to contribute their quota to world peace and human progress as the committee was formed at a time when the Yoruba land and its tradition, as well as religion are facing challenges.

He emphasized the need for the Ifa adherents to be true custodians of the Yoruba tradition, culture and religion.

admin by — June 30, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Yoruba Language Not Vernacular,Ifa Devotees Insist

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode,has emphasized the need for people to stop calling Yoruba language vernacular.

He declared this while delivering a lecture titled:“Yoruba Language and Culture, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the 2024 Annual Cultural Festival organized by Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, Nigeria, Ekun Ife (Association of Teachers of Yoruba Language and Culture, Nigeria, Ife Zone).

He further stressed that the Yoruba language, having secured a vantage position among global languages because of the acceptance of Ifa religion across the world,will continue to grow and with time, supersede other languages.

He added:“It is high time we decolonised ourselves by stop seeing our Language as vernacular and start communicating with our children in Yoruba, our mother tongue. According to research, there is no doubt that students taught any subject with mother tongue perform better than students taught with foreign language.

“The issue of Yoruba Language and Religion can be compared to a Computer whose hardware cannot be functioning without the software. In the case of Yoruba culture, Language and other components are hardwares while Yoruba Religion is the software on which other components rely.

“Today, Yoruba Language is an International Language because, all the people who practice Yoruba Religion irrespective of color or race need to be versed in Ifa, the scripture which can only be rendered in Yoruba Language. As Arabic is the language of the holy Quran so is Yoruba the language of Ifá.

“Therefore, as spread of Islam throughout the world makes Arabic international so is Yoruba Religion makes Yoruba Language international. This is because, once one accepts a religion, one automatically accepts the culture of the source of the religion.

“It is pertinent for all Yorùbá to learn Ifa for it is the storehouse of Yoruba culture and tradition.

“I use this medium to call on all lovers of Yoruba Language to join hands in promoting Ìsẹ̀ṣe, the Yoruba Traditional Religion if truly they do not want Yorùbá language to go into extinction.

“The future of Yoruba Language and culture is promising because, it is witnessing renaissance. Yoruba religion is said to be in the sixth position among the religions of the world today. It is certain that as Yoruba Religion continues to grow, so will the language and culture continue”.

He implored the governors of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States to immediately commence process of changing the language of all textbooks used in primary and secondary schools to Yoruba, in order to enhance good performance and aid the value of the language among speakers

“The time has come for the five South-West governors to start an immediate process of changing the language of textbooks use to teach subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and the rest to aid the relevance of the language and most importantly, improve the academic performance of our students,” Fakayode added.

In her opening speech, the Ife Branch Zone chairman of Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, Erelu Olubunmi Ajayi said the cultural day gives secondary and primary school students opportunity to show and develop their talents as well as promote culture and tradition of the Yoruba.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Oduduwa 0
Isale Eko Descendants Donates Medical Supplies To Mark Oba Akiolu’s 80th Birthday

Mohammed Shosanya

The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union has announced the donation of medical supplies to the Iga Idungaran Community Health Centre to mark the 80th birthday of Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the union said the significant milestone is a testament to a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their beloved community.

Born on October 29, 1943, HRM Oba Akiolu is a distinguished alumnus of Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, and a graduate of law from the University of Lagos. With a remarkable 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 1999. His glorious journey led him to be crowned as the 21st Oba of Lagos on May 24, 2003, succeeding the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who reigned from 1965 to March 1, 2003.

The IDU said Oba Akiolu’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of Lagos, saying his reign has been marked by wisdom, grace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of his subjects. The group insisted that under His Majesty’s leadership, Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth and development, and the city continues to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and tradition.

The group said Oba Akiolu is celebrated for his benevolence, candour, and bravery, stressing further that the monarch’s impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Lagos and Nigeria is profound.

IDU added that the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police should also be celebrated for his modernization efforts at the palace, which include the construction of a guest house, library, and health centre, adding that the Iga Idunganran Health Centre, funded entirely by the Oba, provides free healthcare services to the community.

“He has also been instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous Lagos indigenes within the Lagos State, Federal Government, and private organizations. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the return of properties belonging to Lagos indigenes, including the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, from the Federal Government.

“Our revered monarch has been a resolute and effective leader, ensuring peace and harmony in his domain through timely and astute guidance to his subjects and governmental bodies. Oba Akiolu’s reign has witnessed the progress of his subjects in all aspects of human life, including the attainment of the highest offices in the nation.

“As the traditional custodian of our heritage, Oba Akiolu has been a source of inspiration and guidance to Isale Eko and the wider Lagos community. His commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while also promoting progress and modernization is a testament to his visionary leadership.

K’ade pe lori,

ki bata pe lese

Ki ase pe lenu

Omo obalufon,

Omo erin jogun ola,

Omo Oba ado kenme, bini arokun tayo,

Omo oba ologunkutere asa logun,

Orisha ni e be ,

e ma be kutere,

Orisha a gba obi,

kutere a gba odindin ori eni,

omo atupa idunganran,

Igba odun odun kan ni oooooo Olowo Eko Baba Fuad

We wish His Royal Majesty, many more years of purposeful leadership as the Oba of Lagos, filled with good health and tranquillity,” Kazeem was quoted in the press statement.

admin by — October 29, 2023 in Oduduwa 0
Oracle Best Option To Enthrone Monarch In Yorubaland-Olubadan

Mohammed Shosanya

The Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Olalekan Balogun,has assessed
the role of oracle (Ifa) as a tradition in the selection of kings in Yorubaland.

He said oracle remains the best option in picking who will occupy the throne in Yorubaland,adding that litigation remains the beauty of democracy in any chieftaincy tussle.

He spoke with newsmen in hi Alarere Palace ahead of his 81st birthday celebration.

He said:”It is a good development, as long as democracy is existing, litigation would continue to be a means that injustices can be addressed.

“Litigation is a process where you can express your emotions or ill-feelings about any issues in court of law and get justice over perceived injustice against you.Litigation remains a very good avenue to tackle any irregularities or injustice process in our society today.” Olubadan said.

The monarch,who prayed for the progress of the Ibadan land, Oyo State and Nigeria,predicted bigger Ibadan, adding that as long as history exists, Ibadan will continue to exist.

He said “I envisage very much bigger Ibadan, as much as history remains, Ibadan will continue to exist , I envisage a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Ibadan, Ibadan is a work in progress, so I want our people to be expecting more good things.

“God has been so wonderful to me, what else should I ask for?, I have built houses, God has done uncountable blessings for me and He’s still doing it because I’m still alive, there is nothing I asked for that he has not done for me, so I’m so grateful to him for going this far.”

admin by — October 17, 2023 in Oduduwa 0