The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has declared the African traditional religion as world’s oldest religion which can not be inferior to any other religion.
The African foremost monarch made this declaration yesterday at Ile-Ife, Nigeria during the annual celebration of Osara Festival, ably represented by his culturally endowed Queen, Olori Folasade Ashley Ogunwusi who doubles as the ‘Yeye Omi’ of Ife Kingdom.
While addressing newsmen before proceeding to the ancient Osara Groove amid cheers from natives and residents of Ife, Olori Afolasade Ogunwusi explained that the festival is laced with immeasurable spiritual components since time immemorial.
Queen Ogunwusi eulogised her husband the Ooni as not only the natural father but also the spiritual head of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide who has relentlessly worked for the advancement of traditional culture and traditions of the African people.
He described the Monarch as a living deity and incorruptible Pan Africanist who, though has maximum respect for other religions but who can never trade African traditional cultures and religions for anything.
In her festival message during the event, the Ooni’s UK trained Chartered Accountant wife explained the historical background of Osara and why she should always be celebrated.
She pointed out that Osara, one of the wives of Oduduwa who happened to be a friend to Olokun her co wife.
She narrated the strong bond between Olokun and Osara, imploring Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of Unity for the greatness Nigeria.
“Many are here with several prayer requests which is an attestation of their firm belief in Osara which doesn’t fail its devotees.
“I hereby pray that the Almighty Olodumare answers all our prayers through Osara, a committed servant of God the creator.”
“Our culture is very rich and we must support our father The Ooni who has taken it upon himself to showcase our culture and traditions to the world. He was recently hosted by President LULA of Brazil for the unveiling of Annual ISESE DAY(African Religion Day).
“Osara was one of the wives of Ooni Oduduwa, she was a close friend of Olokun who was also a wife of Oduduwa. She is the goddess of lagoon while Olokun is the goddess of the sea.
“Osara is known for purity and loyalty and if people can just emulate the purity and the loyalty of Osara, the deity is still right there to give children to the barren, job to the job seekers, peace to the conflict region, strength to the weak and healing to the sick.” Queen Ogunwusi said.
In his speech at the event, the Olosara of Ife, Oba Isoro Isola Osunwusi who is the chief priest of the deity narrated that Osara is the mother of Oduduwa race whose several children including Okanbi became founders of several kingdoms globally.
“Osara was a very good friend of Olokun, therefore, for historical clarification, the popular rift that people always talk about between the duo was a normal polygamous issue which is normal but that did not make them enemies. Celebrating Osara annually is celebrating our race annually, Olosara said.