The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has made a significant contribution to the preservation of Yoruba culture by donating three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) for the construction of the World Ifa Temple. This initiative is designed to promote the activities of Ifa practitioners and establish a prominent pilgrimage site for Yoruba traditional worshippers globally.
The announcement was made by Fayemi Fakayode, President of the ICIR, during a statement in Ibadan, Oyo State. Fakayode emphasized that this generous gesture from the Ooni reflects his deep commitment to Yoruba tradition, culture, and spirituality. He stated, “This historic gesture demonstrates the love for our heritage and the desire to promote Oduduwa’s cultural significance.”
The land, located near the Stadium Area in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is intended to be the largest World Ifa Temple. It will serve as a central hub for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality from around the world. Fakayode praised the Ooni for his commitment to cultural preservation, noting that this project will significantly enhance the visibility and practice of Ifa religion.
Construction on the site has already begun, marking a crucial step in realizing the vision of creating a major pilgrimage destination. The ICIR, headquartered at Oke-Itase in Ile Ife, had previously requested the land for this ambitious project, highlighting its importance to the global community of Ifa practitioners.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to celebrate and promote Yoruba heritage, providing a space for worship, learning, and cultural exchange. The establishment of the World Ifa Temple is expected to attract visitors and devotees, fostering a greater understanding of Yoruba traditions both locally and internationally.
The Ooni’s donation underscores the importance of community and cultural identity, reinforcing the role of traditional leaders in preserving and promoting indigenous beliefs and practices.
