In a powerful move to champion Yoruba
spirituality and cultural heritage, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan
Ogunwusi, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa
Religion (ICIR) for the construction of what is set to become the largest Ifa
temple in the world.
The temple, to be located along
Route 7 in the Stadium Area of Ile-Ife, will serve as the central hub for
traditional Yoruba religious worshippers from around the globe. The site is
also expected to become a major international pilgrimage destination for devotees
of Ifa and other Orisa-based traditions.
Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, President of
ICIR, conveyed the council’s deep appreciation in a letter sent Wednesday from
Ibadan. He described the monarch’s gesture as historic, saying it underscores
Oba Ogunwusi’s unwavering commitment to Yoruba spirituality and the
preservation of Oduduwa’s cultural legacy.
“This project is going to be the
largest World Ifa Temple across the globe,” Fakayode wrote. “It will serve as a
major pilgrimage site for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality and Yoruba
traditional religion everywhere.”
ICIR, which has its headquarters at
Oke-Itase in Ile-Ife, had earlier submitted a request for land to facilitate
the construction of the temple. Oba Ogunwusi's approval and donation mark a
significant milestone in efforts to institutionalize Yoruba traditional
religion and elevate its global visibility.
Fakayode also conveyed the gratitude
of the Council of Araba and Oluwo, including Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni—the
Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye—to the Ooni for what he called a “bold and culturally
resonant act.”
“With this step, Ooni’s commitment
to preserving and promoting Oduduwa’s cultural heritage and spirituality is
obvious to all to see,” he added.
Construction activity has already
begun on the donated land, which is being cleared in preparation for the
monumental structure. The temple is expected to draw not only worshippers but
also cultural tourists, scholars, and spiritual seekers, further anchoring
Ile-Ife as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba world.
The donation is the latest in a series of cultural preservation efforts by Oba Ogunwusi, who has consistently advocated for the global recognition of Yoruba heritage and Sprituality.
