From right, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja (JP, FMBE) and the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom, HRM Oba (Bldr) Asunmo Aderibigbe, while fielding questions from journalists during the celebration.
By Babatunde Kaka
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom, Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Epe division of Lagos State, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe, Jamade II, says the enthronement of Yoruba traditional Obas who are not adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion, is a bad omen which portends untold hardship and calamities to their subjects.
The monarch, however, insisted that the gods and deities of the land must be appeased and worshipped as and when due for prosperity and growth.
He disclosed this during an interview with EKO HOT BLOG during the 2022 Eebi (Kilajolu) Festival of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos State.
This online media platform reports that the month-long thrilling Eebi festival is an iconic festival celebrated amidst pomp, pageantry and fanfare in the Epe division to the delight of tourists and returnees who travelled from far and near to join in the celebrations.
Notably, Epe town, Odo-Ayandelu, Odo-Egiri, Poka and a host of other adjoining communities across the Epe division had earlier celebrated theirs, while others are currently planning to do so in the coming days.
Speaking on why Faith-Based Yoruba Obas are not fit to go on the throne in Yoruba land, Oba Alayandelu said, “Many traditional rulers forsake the traditional rites, and that is why we have been experiencing all sorts of calamities all over. They don’t appease the gods; you have to appease your gods. If you know you want to practice your religion, don’t come to the throne. If you know you cannot practice what we are doing, why are you here? You are a thief.
“You know what they do in Obaship, and you choose to be there, and when it is time to appease and worship our deities, you chicken out, claiming you’re a Muslim or a Christian. Then, why are you there? It means you have been enthroned to come and rob the people.”
The Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom stressed that it wasn’t good for the community for Faith-Based Yoruba Obas to be enthroned. He asserted that the Yoruba culture in its entirety must be showcased, developed and preserved through the rich cultural and traditional festivals celebrated annually.
In backing up his claims, Oba Asumo Aderibigbe noted that the popular Halloween celebrations in the United States and other western countries, which he referred to as “odun aje” (festival of the witches and wizards), are no different from the widely celebrated traditional festivals across the shores of Africa.
He, therefore, submitted that the practice of having faith-based Yoruba Obas, the place of an alien religion and cultural practices must be separated as they are not the same side of a coin.
Speaking further, he delved into the significance of celebrating the Eebi festival, which he said was done to ward off evil and unwarranted calamities in the community. This, Alaiyeluwa said, is carried out in the most cultural manner where the women folks in the community would convey themselves to the stream, holding burning firewood to offer prayers.
“It is used to ward off evil; we pray for the State, we pray for Nigeria for more blessings and development, that’s why we celebrate it,” he said.
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He noted that the spectacular aspect of the procession at the stream is when the women folk pick the scarce “woro” leaves and invoke its spirit to come to town to feast on the sumptuously prepared goat meat and pounded yam.
He added that aside from the Eebi festival, the Oro festival, Ogun festival, Agemo festival, orisha Nla festival, amongst others are also widely celebrated among the Yoruba.
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