One of the indictments of civilizations is that happiness and intelligence are so rarely found in the same person. (William Feather).
Intellectuals are people who believe that ideas are of more importance
than values.That is to say their ideas and other people’s values (Gerald Brenan).
His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye , the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, is indisputably a traditional ruler with distinction.
More than a year after he ascended the throne of his forefathers, Alaafin Owoade, like his predecessor, added elegance into the traditional institution, not only in Oyo but also globally.
Obviously, the story of Yoruba is not complete if you leave out the
Iku Baba Yeye, Alase Orisa as he is popularly called.
Among the Obas in Yorubaland, he distinguishes himself as a Custodian
of Yoruba’s cultural heritage.
So far, so good the contributions of Oba Owoade to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture, his efforts toward the unity and progress of the Yoruba as well as promotion of the traditional institution are unquantifiable. Sentiments apart.
Little wonder the unprecedented respect , honour and dignity accorded the Titan of Yorubaland by scholars, and other eminent personalities during his weeklong visit to Brazil .
The crowd at every venue of event went into a frenzy, as many surged forward to catch a glimpse of the Royal Enigma acclaimed as the ultimate Political Power of the Yoruba Empire.
Others prostrated in awe, shouting Kaaaabiyesi oo. Many
of the distinguished guests invited showered praises on the Paramount Ruler and prayed that he lives long.The occasions were simply electrifying.
Oba Owoade left no one in doubt globally that “today, Alaafin is duty bound to stand for and defence of every Sango-Oyo soul either on the continent of Africa or in the Diaspora in a globalized world”.
Said he, ‘’ Yoruba religion is a cultural heritage of inestimable value. It defines us, provides understanding for our lives and connects us with our past so that we can chart a course of greatness and development for our children”
He decried serious threats to the religious foundation of Yoruba traditions and
culture posed by those he described as ‘’guest faiths in Africa’’
The Royal Father said it is highly ridiculous and unwelcomed to refer to such belief as being fetish and worshipping idols.
“Every culture has an explanation for the creation of the Universe.The Yoruba traditional beliefs see the world as a product of two connected worlds; the visible world of material life and the invisible spiritual world.
“The connection of these two worlds produces power that is called ASE in Yoruba cosmology.For the Yoruba, the Creator rules over the entire universe manifesting the elements of nature.
“These indigenous beliefs and practices are a life philosophy and natural science; we see the relationship of man with nature and universe. Revealing the ways in which humans can be in harmony with the energies of nature and the universe. It is the basis for understanding the beginning and end of life “.
Oba Owoade noted that all the elements of the visible world are symbolized as Orisa in the invisible world., using the instance of Sango, which he said the energy symbolized by light as a major element in creating the universe.
With the belief of re-incarnation, Oba Owoade argued that each of the
Orisa after their ascendance soon revisited the earth with evidence.
According to him, our traditional religion is part of our heritage, which needs to be preserved and recognised.The whole Yoruba race is a gift from God to me and hence every loss of life even to an untimely birth is a loss to the Alaafin.
Yoruba culture, he pointed out, is the most spread and and most surviving everywhere in the post-colonial time due to our strong spirituality in Orisa and the efficacy of our indigenousness.
The Titan of Yorubaland called for unity among Yoruba communities
across the globe in order to reclaim every lost ground.
“The important agenda before this gathering is to join forces, resist
the demonization of our faith and consider offence against one as
offence against all of us. The solidarity of Sango-Oyo community is
paramount so as to ensure that the legacies of our forefathers are not
condemned to the dustbin of history “”.
” I am aware of the on-going cultural relationship between
the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Nigeria. I have also
been duly informed that Nigeria and Brazil sealed a Memorandum of
Understanding some years back. Today, we need to execute this
understanding and engage the energy of Sango to break new grounds
and liberate our people from the shackles of physical, spiritual and
emotional enslavement on both sides of the Atlantic’’.
The MOU, Oba Owoade asserted must be managed by those who are
passionate about the cultural relationship between Brazil and Nigeria, adding that civil servants alone might not know the full implications and significance of this relationship.
“In fact, many of them have serious misgivings about the
relevance of culture beyond the new fangled ideas of cultural
diplomacy, cultural tourism and cultural jamborees.
” We are asking for a return to African culture as the definer of our spiritual
personalities , the mirror through which we understand our world and
appreciate social realities’’.
He also suggested that both the Brazilian and Nigerian governments to
support the safety and preservation of the ancient tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Sango-Oyo. town, in danger of extinction and conduct academic research to study and make inventory of all assets of Oyo.
#Bode Durojaiye is the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland .
