African Traditional Religion: Elebuibon unveil N200m temple, demand recognition

The popular Osogbo-based Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, on Tuesday, demanded recognition for the African Traditional Religion, saying such official recognition from the government has been long overdue.

Elebuibon spoke in Osogbo, at the official unveiling of a N200m Idin Ileke Temple, a place of worship by traditionalists located in the Atelewo Area of Osogbo.

The edifice, which is to serve as a place of weekly worship and other ceremonies for the adherents of different deities, has a hall fitted with solar panels, as well as designated places for placing atonement.

The adherents are to meet at the hall on Saturdays for service.

Elebuibon said the ATR remained the most enduring and uniting cord binding Africans together, long before the advent of religion that came from other continents of the world.

He said, “The Federal Government must recognise the African Traditional Religion as our only means of cultural identity. Besides, if it is properly recognised, it can generate revenue in billions of dollars into the country’s economy.

“This building is the first of its kind in the country. It is our moderate contribution to traditional religion to enrich our heritage as a people.”

Speaking on behalf of the building committee, Ogundeji Elebuibon said funds were raised for the project through voluntary donations by the traditionalists in the state and some of their apprentices across the globe.

Elebuibon, who served as the treasurer of the committee, further said, “We raised funds for this project through donations by adherents of traditional religion in the state and beyond. We have godchildren all over the globe and they contribute money and send to us.

“We spent about N200m on this project and the construction work was completed within 22 months.”

Speaking on the significance of the temple, he said, “This project is significant. With this kind of place of worship, we won’t lose more members to Western religion.

“It is important for us to have a place where we can worship Olodumare. It will keep our members together. We have our worship on Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm.”

Elebuibon also urged Muslims and Isese devotees in Kwara State to allow peace to reign in the case involving the activist, Adegbola Abdulazeez, a.k.a. Tani Olohun.

Abdulazeez was arrested on August 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State and transferred to the Kwara State Police Command for allegedly insulting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and some prominent Muslim clerics.