Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his respect for Ifa, the Yoruba divination system, highlighting its historical significance in Yorubaland prior to the arrival of Christianity and Islam.
Obasanjo shared his views on Sunday during a luncheon he hosted to celebrate the 50th birthday of renowned female drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, popularly known as Ara. The event took place at the Green Legacy of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving African cultural heritage, Obasanjo remarked, “Culture is the totality of who we are. Unfortunately, we have relegated some aspects of our culture—our food, language, dress, and more—to the background. They even call Yoruba a vernacular, which is wrong. Yoruba is authentic, and we must celebrate what belongs to us.”
The former president, a Christian, added, “I have been to two churches today, but anyone who says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a bloody fool. Orunmila has been with us long before Christianity and Islam.”
Explaining his decision to honor Ara, Obasanjo reflected on societal taboos from his youth. “When I was growing up, there were two things you would never see a woman do: climb a palm tree or play the drums. Ara, with her tenacity and focus, has broken this taboo. She is now globally recognized as a drummer, beating the drum better than many men. By sustaining our cultural heritage, she inspires others, and that’s why I chose to celebrate her—to encourage her to keep up the good work.”
Obasanjo also encouraged young people to learn from Ara’s achievements. “Whatever good your hands find to do, do it well, and I will celebrate you. The lesson here is that nothing is insignificant in any area of human endeavor,” he concluded.
