In an urban-culture city of Lagos,
inhabited by diverse worship and faith, Ijo Orunmila Adulawo Worldwide faithful
worship with songs, language, liturgy, and great testimonies, as they affirmed,
there is worship in the city…
I was just
trying to find what important project to embark in 2017 and I remember how I
have been fraternizing with Orunmila story as part of a 2006 documentary series
that never saw the light of the day. Research have been carried out on
different culture related topics but was abandoned due to lack of funds, the
usual suspects that always come to cripple creative ideas. The traditional
style of worship started coming to me for exploration in film, photographs and
reportage. I quipped again, why this idea? I ran away from it and moved into
the Christmas season but once again, the idea came back, now this time, very
big and so important. I decided to go online for connectors and I found a
Facebook account for ‘Ijo Orunmila Adulawo Worldwide’, I checked in and
introduced myself with a proposal attached. A day later, I discovered a
response on my mission and this gladdened my heart that something is happening
so fast in the new year, as if I have all the money. No! I didn’t have a dime
but the drive was just there to do it.
A certain
connector from the other end introduced himself as Bosun Adetayo, who handles
the platform. All the way, our discussions have always been formal with all the
formalities observed. The account holder on the other end gave me the assurance
that I am indeed welcome to engage them and see who they are and what they
represent. He assured me further, that he has spoken with the elders among the
faith and they also gave their words to be of help to make my documentary film worthwhile.
But a little crack observed by Bosun was simply the address on the proposal
which he had gone through. He revealed to me that the proposal was actually
addressed to the Mushin branch of the church while he is in Somolu parish. Then,
we agreed to meet on the 7th of January 2017 which we did at No 96,
Apata Street, off Oguntolu Street, Somolu. The first time I saw Bosun, I
remained perplexed! Bosun is a 19 year old undergraduate in one of Nigerian
Universities!
The sign post
with the name and address of the church comes out bodily while also written is the
branch known as ‘Solution Temple’. A bungalow building stands with a wide
entrance big door to usher in the faithful. Another door is on the other end of
the building. In the church you have array of plastic chairs, all facing the
altar known as ‘Ijuba’ where conspicuously placed is the picture of the founder
which is synonymous to all the parishes and temples of Ijo Orunmila Adulawo
Worldwide. At the end of the altar are the two doors that lead to the sacristy.
One observation is the two doors are separated by a wall to divide the rooms
into two. One for the male pastoral team, while the other one, is for the
female team made up of mostly choir members. The seating arrangement of the
faithful reminds one of the Vatican 1 of the Catholic Church, where men are
separated from their women in seating arrangement. Another is the hymnal board
hanging on one side of the wall in the church. I was amazed not to find a
shrine with blood! At the back of the church, there is a bungalow built to have
the priest and household. Just like a vicarage.
It may be an
illusion to some that traditional religion still holds sway in the hearts and
minds of Africans. But Africans still hold their allegiance to their cultural
milieu. The church of Orunmila Worldwide was founded in 1934 by the revered
apostle and high priest Olorunfunmi Adebanjo Oshiga. Born in 1898, but lived and
died in 1943 aged 45. His life was brief, yet he left an established faith
already for the faithful. Since the demise of Olorunfunmi Oshiga, the faith has
grown in numbers with countless testimonies and appreciation of the Almighty by
the faithful. While some were born into the faith, others came through
spiritual search for God’s presence.
Interesting
to know are some of the visible components that have built ‘Ijo Orunmila
Adulawo. Firstly, is the Liturgical
process, which is similar to Christianity. The entrance and recessional hymns
and order of movement are in line with the Christian order of Orthodox churches
that include the act of genuflecting at the altar known as ‘Ijuba’. The
pastoral team is dressed in white apparel that symbolizes purity. Secondly, the
songs of the church have familiar tunes with what is obtainable in
Christianity. Scored with antiphon, refrain and chorus ensemble. Thirdly, is
the adherence to Yoruba language which has given the faith the sort of
international recognition it has garnered so far. The quest to know about the
religion and the faithful has grown into international prominence. Fourthly are the testimonies that abound in
the church among the faithful. While some give testimonies on career path and
job opportunities, others give on marital breakthrough and many still come to
give appreciation for finding their path through the religion. And fifthly is the presence of different
generation of people that abound. A bit to someone’s dismay, will surely be to
see urbane- styled young people in the faith with serious devotion to what they
believe in. The faith boasts of different category and class of people who have
come to see Orunmila as their intercessor to God.
Bosun
Adetayo is a faithful of Orunmila worship in the sprawling city of Lagos.
Though he is not alone in this devotion,
along with his sister and their mum, they join their uncle Segun Adetayo
who is the parish head of Orunmila church known as ‘Solution Temple’ in Somolu,
one of the bludgeoning suburbs in the city to worship God through regular mass
and programs. The Somolu temple of the church is 55years old. Confidently,
Bosun says, “I am a proud member of Ijo Orunmila Adulawo. I was born into this
faith and I have no regrets whatsoever being part of it.”
Bosun seems a
teetotaler but the Sister, Ifayemisi who is in her final year in a private
Secondary school is the extrovert one with so much verve to talk about her
decision. Ifayemisi sees the faith as a blessing to her, her family and the
world in general. “In Africa, we have
enough to celebrate and thank God for. The young people should stop running
away from tradition. It has been more of a blessing for me. The confidence in
me has grown as a faithful and in my school, some of my teachers know where I
belong and they show me love and respect. I have never being embarrassed in one
way or the other by my friends and schoolmates,” she reveals.
Bosun and
Ifayemisi’s mum, Chief [Mrs] Mojisola Adetayo, joined the church in 1995
through her husband who is now deceased. “I got married to Oluwo Olorunfunmi
Adetayo in 1994. We started by coming to Ijo Orunmila Adulawo once in a while.
Later, when I moved finally to his house, I completed my movement into the
faith. Since then, I have continued to worship with them,” she recalls. Her
husband died in 2005 and in 2007, she became worried, “I thought about my
staying in the faith or leave, but to God be the Glory, I am still here and
part of the faith.” In 2011, Chief [Mrs] Mojisola Adetayo, was elected as
‘Mother-of-the church.’ That also drew her very close to the faith as she
narrated, “I was elated and happy. I never expected it. Though, I lost my
husband early, but today, I am still in the church.”
The worship most times last less than two
hours in an exciting devotion to Orunmila. Odofin Adesegun Adetayo is the parish
head in Somolu. His parents were integral member of the faith and he grew in
it. “I started my elementary education in Gbagada area of Lagos, before
proceeding to secondary school but couldn’t pass the university matriculation
examination,” he confirms. He started as Altar server [Omo Awo], before, going
through two more steps, Ojubona and Aro before becoming the Odofin. Adesegun
Adetayo highlighted the liturgy process of Ijo Orunmila Adulawo Worldwide. “The
order of proceedings goes like this – [1] Entrance hymn to the altar hymn14,
[2] The blessing of the altar [3] The song of the
founder, [4] The penitential act – hymn 331, [5] Prayer by kneeling process, [6]The first hymn 302, [7]Prayer
of the faithful, [8] The creed is recited- profession of the faith, [9] The
first Ifa verses, [10]Songs of praise, [11]The creed, [12]The second Ifa verses,
[13] Songs and thanks to God hymn 261, [14]Sermon, [15] Offering, [16]Final
blessings, [17]End of the service hymn 360, [18]Recession hymn 16. In any part
of the world, the order is always the same,” says Odofin Adesegun Adetayo.
On the 8th
of January, 2017, Odofin Adesegun was admonishing the faithful through his
sermon on the significance of love and unity in marriage. He said, “It is
important for trust to be the foundation of any genuine marriage. A marriage
built on lies and deceits always end up in a quagmire,” he posited while making
references from ‘Gege Ope’ which
is the combination of Ifa verses and testaments “Every couple has a lot to learn from each
other” he continues, “and one of the components of a successful marriage is
having the ‘act of companionship.’ The ability to know and manage each other’s
weakness is a beautiful route to a love in the air marriage,” he affirmed.
The women in
Orunmila worship are referred as ‘Apetebi’ that literally means ‘Mrs,’ ‘Ms’ or
‘Miss’ and according to Taiwo Igayemi Ifayemi, “being a woman of faith in this
devotion is a special blessing for the womenfolk.” She plays an integral part
in the faith. In fact, she was born into it. Taiwo Igayemi is a tailor by
profession, a missionary that broadcast on radio morning and night
transmission. She has attended various seminars on Ifa adulation. “I am the Choir
Director at the Somolu branch. To join the choir and become a chorister is not
an easy task. There is a special attention to detail. From the hymns,
antiphons, chorus and refrain, everything is scored.” she affirms, as she talks
about the impact of women in Orunmila worship, “Women play important role in
this church. Firstly, we make the world go round. We are mothers with curious
minds to guide and lead the right path. Women play major roles in winning
converts for Orunmila. Our missionary work is highly commendable.”
Testimonies
abound from the faithful and each one of them would confirm the presence of
true worship in their lives. Apetebi Aina Adegun, work with Lagos State
Security and this is her sixth year as a member of the faith. “Formerly, I was
a Christian,” she explains. “I was a Christ Apostolic Church member, in fact, I
was an integral part of their choir. When I met my husband, we had our
introduction, then one Sunday, I asked him, “don’t you go to church?” he
responded, “He always do” Then I asked him, “let us go to your church” which he
obliged. As we got to church of Orunmila in Somolu, I noticed this particular
chant of giving praises such as ‘Eyin Odumare!’ meaning ‘Praise the Lord’ I was
scared and took to my heels. I thought they meant ‘bird of Olodumare’ I ran to
my mother and explained to her my observation in this strange church. My mother
too was puzzled. Eventually, I got pregnant and delivered my first baby Ayeduro
Adegun. The church came and performed the naming ceremony. It became difficult
for Aina to accept easily the faith into her life. She explains further, “One day I thought
about it, will I be staying indoors and not attend church programs? Won’t I
pray to God no more? Then I started coming gradually. My husband told me with
time, I will understand the faith more.” Aina’s father in law gave her the hymn
book of the church and implored her to join the faith fully. “He emphatically
assured me of the thoroughness of the faith that I should endeavor to
participate in the praises and responsorial chants. He used to give me his
tithes to pay on his behalf. This is a schemed way of making me to be punctual.”
Mrs Awolumate
Adesua hails from Edo State. She met her husband as a traditionalist in 2012
and they dated for 2 years before being married as a couple. “We eventually got
married in 2013 and we have a son named Ifamurewa. Since we got married, we
have been giving beautiful testimonies to share. Serving Ifa is good and full
of countless graces that I couldn’t ask for more. She recalls the time she
introduced her fiancé to her family, “I told them he is a traditionalist. My
family members were surprised and asked what I meant? I know even in my place
in Edo State, we have so many of such traditional faith and religion, though
some different from Orunmila. I am from a Christian background but I found love
and joy in Orunmila worship. I was allowed to marry him, since it is a decision
and path I have chosen.
Presently, Chief
Ifagbemi Adedotun Ifajobi is the Supreme Leader and Chief priest of Ijo
Orunmila Adulawo Worldwide. In a chance encounter at the ‘New Year’
appreciation held at ‘Eji Elemere Temple, Mushin, he gave a good account of the
essence of divine and true worship to God. Speaking further, “We have parishes,
provinces, diocesan councils scattered all over the world. In Lagos, we have 9
to 10 parishes. In Ogun State, we have about 30 parishes. We have churches in
Cotonou-Benin Republic, in Ghana likewise Porto Novo, California USA and other
major cities of the world. My parents gave birth to me in this faith and I was
reliably informed the church anchored the naming ceremony and ever since, I
have been part of the church movement.” The high priest also lampooned the
rejection of African religion and cultures, believing both western and
traditional religion all work for the good. He remarks, “We know among the
people of black origin, there are many lost souls. The western civilization and
incursion into our culture actually tampered with many of our cherished
traditions and heritage. Though they did so well by introducing western
education into our society, nevertheless, they shouldn’t have made it to
rubbish our culture, tradition and religion. All what God the Supreme Being
gave us as gifts to relish have been tampered with by brainwashing our people. Many
have been deceived that God does not answer prayers through traditional
worship.”
For Omoyemi
Banjo, a Mathematics student of the University of Lagos, Orunmila worship has
really made her to grow in confidence and show how gullible one can be, if one
continues to tag along with everyone without being conscious to know where
someone belongs. She is one those many youths in the youth wing of the church
and who are adhering to the tenets of Orunmila worship. Just like Bosun and
Ifayemisi, Omoyemisi was born into the faith and vowed never to leave. In her
words, “Orunmila gives me anything I ask for, then why should I leave?” she
asked.
Odofin Adetayo
and High Priest Fagbemi keep giving their assurances that when you join
Orunmila church, believe that whatever your problems are, you have found the
solution here. Odofin Adesegun posits, “In the church of Orunmila, we do not
discriminate against other faith. We
give mutual respect to other faith in existence just as we expect them to do the
same to us, as we promote love unity and peace in our religion which is one of
our tenets. While the High Priest Fagbemi opines, “I employ and appeal to
everyone, let us go back to what we know. The stakeholders in films, music and
theatre have exploited our traditional worship for their career and personal
gains, yet they are very far away from the worship. Our traditional worship
shouldn’t be neglected because every civilization has its foundation process,
as Ifa is the word and remains universal.”
Apetebi Taiwo
Igayemi whose sonorous voice resonates the songs of worship to ecstasy shares
the benefit of the devotion from her own testimony, “I have received bountiful
graces from this faith. My life is a testimony. Ifa gives life. While Mrs
Mojisola Adetayo says she fears no foe.” Once I say my prayers, I know God
answers through Ijo Orunmila Adulawo. I advise women, maybe you are a widow,
come to God of Orunmila. The church of Orunmila is the husband of widows. If
you feel you are barren, come don’t be afraid. In the beginning, I also thought
it was a place for sacrifice here and there with all sorts but I was wrong. Hand
over your life and you will see the joy beneath. There is hope in Orunmila church.”
Aina Adegun said one unique component she observed is the love that bound the
faith. She continues, “In my neighbourhood where I live, once I get prepared to
go to church, my neighbours make obscene gestures at me, calling me a witch. They
always take to their heels. To be candid, none of my neighbours at No 54 Odunsi
Street, Somolu attended the naming ceremony of my two children. They went about
calling us witches. But when they started glancing at the performative rites of
naming ceremony, they were astonished and started gathering. It was a marvel to
behold. She also testified that some of them have started sneaking into Orunmila
church through the back door seeking solutions to their problems. “Since I
joined this faith, I have become one of the happiest people on earth. In the
church of Orunmila, they have never asked me to bring anything living or dead
for sacrifice. Six years down the line, I have no regrets whatsoever of joining
this faith,” she concludes.
Words Ireho Aito
Images Ireho
Aito
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