Deity worship unrelated to Yoruba culture, Gbobaniyi of Iwo declares
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Gbobaniyi of Iwoland, Chief Abdulrosheed Jeleel Omogbolahan, has declared that deity worship has no connection to Yoruba culture and traditions.
This statement comes in response to recent comments from the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), which urged the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, to refrain from making disrespectful remarks about Yoruba traditional religion, culture, and traditions.
Chief Omogbolahan, in a statement obtained by WESTERN POST on Monday, emphasized that Ifa worship should not be conflated with Yoruba culture and traditions. He expressed concern about the ICIR’s efforts to integrate Ifa worship into the broader scope of Yoruba cultural practices.
According to Omogbolahan, deity worship was a common practice globally during ancient times, but it should not be seen as a component of Yoruba heritage. He argued that Ifa worship is a religion in its own right, separate from the rich cultural and traditional practices of the Yoruba people.
He further noted that major religions like Islam and Christianity do not disguise themselves under the guise of cultural practices, challenging Ifa practitioners to clearly define their religious codes, similar to the Bible and Qur’an.
“Yoruba has the richest culture and traditions. Our rallying point, Oduduwa, never worshipped any deity. He worshipped only Olodumare. He brought unilateral leadership committed to Olodumare (God),” Omogbolahan stated.
He elaborated that the mixing of idolatry with Yoruba culture began after Oduduwa’s death, when the Obatala family, known for idol worship, took over the throne.
Chief Omogbolahan asserted that the truth about Yoruba culture must now be recognized and maintained. He described the Oluwo of Iwoland as the guardian of pure, unadulterated Yoruba culture and traditions as established by Oduduwa.
“Deitism has no link with Yoruba culture and kingship. Yorubas are special creatures. We communicate directly to Olodumare and not through any intermediary,” he concluded.
