Araba of Ota Celebrates Fifth Anniversary, Charges Akheme to Promote Ifá

  Araba of Ota Celebrates Fifth Anniversary, Charges Akheme to Promote Ifá

By Tope Bankole

The Araba of Ota, Oluwo Dr. Faniyi Fasola, the supreme head of Babalawo in Ota and Olu-Isese of traditional believers in the foremost Awori Kingdom, has celebrated the fifth anniversary of his installation with a colourful ceremony at his residence in Ijagba, Ota, Ogun State. The occasion also featured the installation of Barrister Lucky Akheme as Oba Ela Onifa of Ota Kingdom.

Speaking at the event, Fasola expressed profound appreciation to Olodumare for sustaining him throughout the past five years thanking his wives, children and mother, whom he described as a pillar of strength, as well as traditional rulers, chiefs, Babalawos, Ifá practitioners and members of the Ajo Babalawo Ota for their support and contributions to the growth of Ifá traditions in Ota as well the residence In dada asala off Ijagba , Obasanjo farm area

Fasola particularly appreciated the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, whom he described as the number one citizen of Ota recalling that it was during the Olota's reign that he was installed as the Araba of Ota.

He congratulated the Olota on his 60th birthday celebration coming up on Friday, praying for long life, good health and continued success on the throne acknowledging the presence and support of traditional rulers and Ifá leaders, particularly Oluwo

Ojekunle Ategbesun , the Oluwo onifa yewa/awori and also the presence of Oluwo Adebayo Amao Adimula , the chairman, Ajo Babalawo Yewa/ Awori

He commended the Ajo Babalawo Ota for their efforts in propagating Ifá and preserving the traditional heritage of the people reflecting on his five years in office, Fasola said he had no regrets despite the challenges he encountered.

 

According to him, the major challenge had been putting the necessary structures in place for the spiritual, physical, developmental and future growth of Ifá traditions in Ota adding that looking back at his journey, the position of Araba of Ota had gained greater prestige and recognition during his tenure. 

He described the position as an honour and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in promoting Ifá in Ota and the wider Yewa-Awori area.

He pledged to continue working with traditional rulers, Babalawos, Ifá practitioners and other stakeholders to preserve indigenous knowledge and promote Ifá as an important component of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Fasola also expressed appreciation to the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Oba Samuel Ojugbele, whom he described as his father, and congratulated him ahead of his 25th coronation anniversary coming up in October also Acknowledging Oba Ogungbayi , the Onitetiku of Owode Ota for his fatherly role describing himself as a son of all the Awori royal fathers.

The newly installed Oba Ela Onifa, Barr. Lucky Akheme pledged to contribute to the advancement of Ifá in Ota Kingdom, promising to work with other stakeholders to promote and strengthen the tradition and ensure the future growth of Ifá traditions in Ota.

Also speaking, Oluwo Ojekunle Ategbesun, the Oluwo Onifa of Yewa/Awori, thanked Olodumare for making the occasion possible and congratulated the Araba of Ota on his fifth anniversary.

Ategbesun admonished Ifá practitioners to remain steadfast, united and committed to the propagation and preservation of their traditional heritage. He further reinforced his message with an Iwure, invoking blessings, guidance, peace, prosperity and continued success for the Araba of Ota, the newly installed Oba Ela Onifa, the Ifá Council, Ajo Babalawo Ota and all Ifá practitioners.