Obasanjo’s Bold Words on Ifa Orunmila: What You Need to Know
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, despite his Christian faith, has emphasized the importance of preserving African cultural heritage, particularly the Ifa divination system.
During a luncheon in Abeokuta, Ogun State, celebrating the 50th birthday of renowned female drummer Aralola Olamuyiwa (Ara), Obasanjo stated, “I am a Christian, I have been to two churches today but whoever says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a bloody fool because Orunmila has been with us before the advent of Christianity or Islam.”
He further emphasized the significance of Ifa, stating, “Before Christianity and Islam, we have Ifa Orunmila meaning Olorun lo mo eni to ma la ‘It is Heaven that knows who will be saved.'”
Obasanjo also highlighted the need to preserve African cultural practices, noting that certain traditions, such as women playing the talking drum, have been traditionally male-dominated but are now being embraced by women like Ara.
He stated, “When I was growing up, there are two things that you don’t imagine a woman should do. You cannot see a woman climbing a palm tree. Secondly, you cannot see a woman playing a talking drum. Ara had broken the taboo and she had done it very well.”