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Calls For A Return To Traditional Religion
On Wednesday 20th September, 2023, popular Ifa priest, Baba Ifayemi Elebuibon, who is the Araba of Osogbo, stormed the City People corporate headquarters in Lagos to talk about his life as an Ifa priest.
The talk was one of the activities lined up to celebrate City People Magazine at 27.
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon’s visit to the City People Magazine office last Wednesday was a thought-provoking event filled with insights into African Culture, Religion and Tradition, plus the many challenges being faced by traditionalists, and the way forward for preserving our heritage.
Baba Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon who is 77 began his talk by addressing the challenges posed by negative media propaganda against African traditionalists. He highlighted the negative impact of missionaries, emphasizing that their actions had eroded the respect that the younger generation have for their elders and the fear of God and he says is affecting our Culture and even Politics. He stressed the integral connection between Religion and Culture, noting that both had suffered due to Westernization.
To rectify this damage, Chief Ifayemi called for parents to now start instilling good behavior, language, and cultural values in their children. He firmly believed that the behavior learned at home shape society and poses a potential harm if these values weren’t preserved.
He urged Africans to emulate the examples of India and China, which preserved their Cultures despite colonization. Chief Ifayemi emphasized the importance of developing and maintaining indigenous languages as a means to gain respect and avoid overreliance on foreign influences.
The recent recognition of Isese Day was also discussed. Chief Ifayemi explained its significance as a day of respect for our ancestors and cultural heritage. He noted that it had gained recognition in Osun State, Ogun State, Oyo State, with the hope that more Yoruba state would join in the celebration.
In what sounded like a call to action, Chief Ifayemi emphasized the need for a balanced approach to religion and work, citing an imbalance with the country having more churches than factories. He urged Nigerians to prioritize diligent work alongside prayer.
When asked about his views on the new Tinubu government, Chief Ifayemi says he remains cautious, as the President had just come into power, says he awaiting its actions.
He then shared his personal journey to becoming an Ifa priest, a path that was preordained through predictions and divine guidance. His unique story involved his mother’s story of taking sacred water from the river to Ifa Osun for conception.
Many don’t know that Baba Elebuibon did not have formal education yet he speaks fluent English.
Despite having no formal education, Chief Ifayemi said he learned English through friends and correspondence courses. Despite the challenges he faced with his Master against learning, he was able to acquire the basic knowledge that was later useful to his Master he received training from for ten years and 6 months.
He clarified the difference between a Babalowo and Onisegun, with the main distinction being the depth of knowledge. While an Onisegun specializes in herbs, a Babalowo’s knowledge extends further.
He also addressed the misconception that studying Ifa negated belief in God, emphasizing that their programs aimed to enlighten the public about the true nature of Ifa.
Regarding the opportunity offered him in America, Chief Ifayemi shared that during one of his stay in the USA, he was offered a teaching position and housing but chose to return to Nigeria to be with his family. But he said his time in the USA allowed him to write books and expand his knowledge.
Chief Ifayemi’s role as the Araba of Osogbo was also highlighted as vital to the spiritual administration of the town, working closely with the king, to appease gods and seek consultations.
He condemned the misuse of Ifa knowledge for negative purposes, stressing the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines. He denounced the idea of human sacrifices and criticized its use in discrediting traditional religions.
The concept of Esentaye was explained as a means to understand taboos and guidelines in Yoruba culture, ensuring harmony in life and relationships.
In conclusion, he identified religion and politics as the 2 major challenges facing Nigeria today and he urged a shift in their influence to address the nation’s issues. Chief Ifayemi’s visit to the City People Magazine provided valuable insights into African Tradition, Religion & culture and the challenges it faces, and the path forward for its preservation.
By Babatunde Promise
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