The International Council for Ifa Religion is advocating for Yoruba monarchs to adopt the Oro deity as a means of securing their domains. According to the council’s president, Fayemi Fakayode, the Oro deity is a system of security and protection that can bring peace and harmony to communities ¹.
Fakayode emphasized that recognizing the Oro deity can deter evil-minded individuals from causing harm in these communities. He also believes that the Oro deity can address societal issues such as electoral crises, contract killings, economic downturns, and insecurity.
At the 2024 World Oro Festival, Fakayode highlighted the importance of embracing Yoruba traditions and culture. He noted that the Oro festival was developed by ancestors to maintain peace and harmony in society. The festival celebrates Oro, a male Orisa who emphasizes sacrifices, initiations, and rituals to ward off iniquities.
The event, held at the Aseyin Palace in Oyo State, brought together traditional chiefs, youth organizations, and civil society organizations. Fakayode stressed that the Oba, or king, has authority on earth as a representative of the ancestors and Orisa, and that the Oro deity is a symbol of this authority.
By embracing the Oro deity, Yoruba monarchs can tap into its protective powers and promote peace and security in their domains. This approach highlights the significance of traditional practices in addressing modern societal challenges.
