As the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, vows to further distance himself from what he calls idol worshipping, some traditionalists and Aborisas in Brazil have warned that grave repercursion awaits him.
The Oluwo is fond of speaking down on traditionalists and traditional religion in Yorubaland, saying at a time that they were responsible for what he sees as socio-political stagnation.
But, reacting to these, the traditionalists in Brazil, where Yoruba religion, tradition and culture remain popular, said his claim that Orisa worshipping is insignificant and alien to kingship in Yorubaland was false.
According to a report in Heritagenews.com, the the Aborishas In Brazil noted that Oba Akanbi was distorting history.
The publication cited a statement issued by the Yoruba traditionalists in Brazil, Ifa Priest Adegboyega Nojeem, aka Omo Odo Agba, who said that Orisas were enough to defend themselves.
According to Nojeem, the spirits of the Yoruba ancestors will surely make justice, and ensure vengeance to whoever attacks them in due time.
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“ You will see what will happen to him at the end. People kept quite because the deities are sufficient enough to defend themselves. He will see their hands at the right time. He removed the Ogun of over 400 years In the palace and threw it away. “Omode bu iroko, o boju weyin, ki ise ojo ti a ba bu Oluwere ni se iku pani,” Heritagenews.com quotes the Babalawo Nojeem as saying.
The publication adds (sic):
“Oba Ogboni Iwashe (World wide) Kabiyesi Adekunle Aderonmu also responded furiously to the claims of the Oluwo of Iwo, he said that Oluwo of Iwo lacks knowledge, he said the monarch is distorting the facts of the Yoruba ancestors.
“Oba Adekunle Aderonmu further explained that idols are not Orishas. There are differences between Orisa and idols. According to him , Deity is known as ORISA, as Idol is known as Omolangidi. He explained that Deities have corresponding link with our Existence; while, Idol is an unknown Spiritual figment for certain persons to adore or Worship. Aderonmu urge the Yoruba council of Obas to do something before it gets out of hand. If Oluwo is not satisfied with the Yoruba religion , he should at least respect and stop demeaning it.”
Other Babalawos are also quoted in the publication.
