The Awise Awo Agbaye, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), an indigene of Oyo town and former Senate Leader, Professor Wande Abimbola, speaks with LASISI OLAGUNJU and SAHEED SALAWU on the rites of ascension of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, ahead of his coronation today.
Sir, what is your impression of the way the installation rites of the Alaafin have been carried out so far?
The process of the rites has been very smooth and satisfactory. Glory be to God. About 13 separate Ipebi rites have been successfully carried out. So far, so good.
We have also seen how so well-organised the rites have been. What is your advice for other towns that may want to undertake such rites in the future?
If we follow the right procedures at every turn in our affairs, we will always achieve the right results. In the past, throughout Yorubaland, the selection of kings rested solely with the Ifa oracle. After Ifa divination, the right candidate would be chosen from among the princes, and once the appropriate rites were carried out, all affairs of the people would prosper. This was the Yoruba tradition. It is, therefore, surprising to see how the introduction of foreign religions has influenced some indigenous Yoruba people to the point where they no longer have any regard for Ifa.
You are probably one of the few with the gift of seeing what the reign of this Alaafin will likely be to Oyo. What did you see?
It is Ifa that foretells the fortune of the world. During the Ipebi, on three occasions, the Alaafin had good fortune to choose only igba oyin (honey-bearing calabash) each time he was asked to choose one from identical calabashes containing different contents. He chose igba oyin (honey) every time. This indicates that life under the new Alaafin will be sweet like honey. When they reached the House of Ogun, kola nuts were cast seven times, and each time, positivity was announced. This is very pleasing.
Those who are determined to ensure the extinction of Yoruba spiritual, cultural and traditional practices are still at work, but Ifa will ensure that they fail in their attempts.
There are those who argue that, until now, Ifa historically has had no role to play in the choice of an Alaafin. What do you think about this view, sir?
None of those making that argument was here before me. How many Alaafin have they seen ascend the throne? In the past, throughout Yorubaland, it was Ifa that chose kings. It was around the 1950s that things began to deteriorate for the Yoruba in terms of our culture and tradition. Up until the 1940s and 1930s, our heritage was still intact.
What is your advice for the new Alaafin, and also for his Olori?
My advice to our father, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu, is that he should entertain no fear. The entire Oyo stands by him, for the process of his ascension was free from bribery. Ifa has chosen him; Ifa has picked him. We, the people of Oyo, are firmly behind him. He has the support of the entire Yoruba race. By the power of God, his reign will be a success. There will be no obstacles in his path. The world will not be hostile to him, for the white cloth is never antagonistic to the deity. I am confident that he will be a father to us all and rule with fairness.
I, Ogunwande Ifagbemi Sangodahunsi, have no demands to make from anyone. All I seek is peace in our time. I bear no ill will toward anyone, be they Christian or Muslim; they are all our offspring. We do not abandon a misbehaving child to the tiger for destruction; rather, they should join in the collective effort to promote our culture and traditions. It will be well for us all.
What advice do you have for Oyo chiefs?
I take this opportunity to appeal to our father, the Bashorun, and to all those who have not yet paid homage to the Alaafin. Let us all put aside our differences and rally around the chosen one. More than 120 candidates vied for the throne, and the choice of Ifa was that of a truly remarkable individual. He has passed every test, and in terms of integrity, he is without blemish. They should sheathe their swords and avoid turning this matter into a do-or-die situation. Fighting with no compromise brings no good to anyone. There will be prosperity in our time and beyond. Yorubaland will remain peaceful.
