Scholar urges Alaafin to embrace Ifa knowledge
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, on Wednesday, admonished the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to study and understand Ifa science.
He made the call while delivering a coronation lecture with the theme, “The place of the Alaafin institution in Yoruba history, culture and politics: A historical exposition for the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade,” held at the School of Survey, Oyo town.
The lecture was part of activities marking Alaafin Owoade’s coronation ceremony.
The Oyo State Government fixed April 5, 2025, for the coronation of the new Alaafin, following the approval of his appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday, January 10, 2025.
The new monarch was presented with an official appointment letter and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking at the coronation lecture, Prof Oyeweso said, “Alaafin must study and understand the Ifa Science… Iku Baba Yeye, all your predecessors were deeply rooted in Ifa science. You must also immerse yourself in the Ifa belief system.
“It is good to know that you are a thoroughbred Oyo man and familiar with the name Prof Wande Abimbola. His numerous publications on Ifa are available for you to consult and digest.
“I am not a Christian, but I use Western medicine when necessary, along with herbs and divination. You might not be an Ifa worshipper, but that should not stop you from benefiting from its truths, which are so natural and pure. The truths of Ifa are contained in its accurate divination, diagnosis, treatment and healing.”
Oyeweso said the efficacy of Ifa showed why other religions were sneaking into it in secret and benefiting from it while pretending publicly not to have anything to do with it.
Prof Oyeweso said the Alaafin was expected to ensure the sustainable transfer of Yoruba cultural values to generations unborn.
“Hence, the institution and its holders are expected to constantly imbibe in its people the need to respect, preserve, and ensure the sustainable transfer of these cultural values, which teach Yoruba’s patriotic spirit and pan-Yoruba agenda.
“This position echoed the legacies of successive Alaafins of Oyo and the immediate-past Alaafin, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Adeyemi, whose reign as the Oyo monarch was synonymous with raising the kingship institution to an enviable height in all ramifications,” he added.
Meanwhile, the wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Abiwumi Owoade, on Wednesday, promised that Oba Owoade will encourage and support any activity that can improve women’s economic power.
This, she was, was to enable the women to develop high esteem and become more confident to exhibit their God-given potential.
According to a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the state capital, many women had displayed ingenuity and creativity in finding alternatives to various situations, both individually at the household level and collectively at the social level, thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for democracy and democratic governance to thrive.
She warned the womenfolk to exercise restraint in some situations, even when they were under pressure.
“Even if you are the ones paying all the bills, when you are being provoked, control your tongue.
“You cannot sell members of your household cheaply and still expect to buy them back at a high price with gain. God expects us to be trusted helpers and wise counsellors,” she warned.
The monarch’s wife appealed to the government to continue in its provision of an enabling environment for women to thrive.
She promised that Alaafin Owoade would support women to develop their potential.
“Any activity that can improve women’s economic power will not only be encouraged but be supported by my husband, to enable them to develop their potential and perform positive roles in nation building,” she stated.
