By: Sayo Alagbe
The official housewarming ceremony of the General Temple of Ifá Devotees, known as Ijo Adìmúlà Temple, was held on January 31, 2023, at Taraa Area, Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The historic event was marked by the formal cutting of the tape, performed on behalf of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, by High Chief S.S. Otolorin, the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso.
The programme commenced amid melodious and spiritually uplifting renditions of traditional Ifá chants and songs. Opening prayers were offered by Chief Fajinmi Adesoye, setting a solemn and reverent tone for the occasion. Speaking thereafter, the Araba Oluawo of Ogbomoso expressed deep gratitude to Olódùmarè for the realization of a long-held vision—establishing a general assembly where traditional worshippers could freely worship and congregate without hindrance.
He commended Dr. Dejo Akanni, the founder of the temple, describing him as the driving force, facilitator, executor, and chief organizer of the project, whose dedication ensured the successful completion of the edifice and the ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Dejo Akanni returned all glory to Olódùmarè for the strength, grace, and privilege bestowed upon him to champion the establishment of the temple. He described the Ijo Adìmúlà Temple as a unifying spiritual centre where Ifá devotees across the five local government areas of Ogbomoso could pray, worship, and hold meetings without obstacles. He also paid tribute to his father for initiating him into the sacred path of Ifá divinity, which he described as a way of truth, discipline, and upright living.
Dr. Akanni further acknowledged the collective efforts of his friends, associates, and members of the Ifá community in Ogbomosoland, whose financial contributions ensured the successful completion of the project. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the people of Taraa Community for their hospitality and acceptance, expressing optimism that the area would witness unprecedented growth, peace, progress, and development with the establishment of the temple.
The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, later joined the ceremony and congratulated the Ifá devotees and traditional worshippers for their perseverance and unity in turning their vision into reality. Kabiyesi reaffirmed his position as a father to all, emphasizing that he harboured no resentment against any religion in the ancient city. He charged the devotees to remain steadfast in prayers and commitment toward the growth, peace, and overall development of Ogbomosoland.
Prior to the monarch’s arrival, various sacred rites and services in the Ifá tradition were observed. The Soun was also taken on an inspection tour of the temple.
The ceremony was well attended by prominent personalities from across Ogbomoso, including High Chief Mrs. Rebecca Ogundare, the Iyalode of Ogbomosoland; High Chief (Rtd.) Rear Admiral Ajani, the Aare Mayegun of Ogbomosoland; High Chief (Sir) Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, the Asipa of Ogbomosoland; Oba James Oyetunji, the Onipakiotan of Pakiotan; Mr. Sola Adeoye Adekunle; Prince Kolapo Oyadiran, and numerous traditional worshippers from the five local government areas of Ogbomoso.
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
