We Are Not Idol Worshipers In Yoruba Land – Ooni of Ife

By Toba Adedeji

 

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has denounced insinuation that idol worshiping is synonymous to Yoruba tradition saying being a royal father does not mean we are idol worshippers.

 

His royal majesty made this known on Wednesday while speaking at the launching of ‘Ojaja Educational Initiative’ held in Ile-Ife, State of Osun.

 

He said, “Who rules the day? Is God, if we are idol worshippers, why are we celebrating God at Olojo festival? Does it add up?

 

He cautioned people to stop misrepresenting the importance of festivals and deities celebrated in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.

 

“Assuming we are idol worshippers what are we using to appease these gods? Those idols are the unseen spirit playing transitional role between the divinity and humanity.

 

“It is the Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Torah and others spiritual books that made us believe there was a world that existed before mankind and where is that world today? To some people it was a myth but it is a reality”

 

“During Ileya festival an animal was used as symbol and same was done during Olojo festival? Both recognises importance of blood in praying to God. Ogun who is the pathfinder god, what do they kill during it festival – Is not dog? Didn’t people eat dog and beside what else do they use during the festival – Is it not palm fronds? So, what did they use during Palm Sunday celebration before Easter celebration and what did we use during Olojo festival?

 

He stressed the need for the people to be enlightened against the backdrop of misrepresentation and demonizing of these festivals.

 

“To me, we are not idol worshippers and to the glory of God I can prove it beyond reasonable doubt that it is one of my calling on this thrown. It is unfortunate they have used those powers of the divinity negatively. I want people to keep seeing reasons to understand forces of divinity in our tradition.