Renowned Traditionalist and iconic Ifa priest, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon has registered his support for the agitation for Yoruba Nation.
However, he strongly admonished those leading the freedom struggle to thread with caution so as not to trivialize the project and get distracted.
According to the highly respected Yoruba scholar, “When you cohabit with someone and you realize that you are being rubbished, shortchanged and taken for granted, the best thing is for you to move away. There is no law that says that a union that is making you feel like a slave should not be terminated.”
He was also quick to submit that Nigerians’ over reliance on foreign religion and culture has not helped and is not making the people of the country to be at their best.
“Nigerians have lost originality as they are neither African nor European because they cannot fully fit into the cultures of the British and they have lost their own over time.
The Araba further admonished that parents should work assiduously to teach their children true and original Yoruba culture and language, noting that failure to adhere to such instruction will further lead to immoral practices and moral decadence among the youths.
The respected Yoruba poet gave these submission while featuring on a weekly radio show, Ayekooto on Radio’ anchored by Olayinka Agboola and broadcast live on Lagelu 96.7 FM, Felele Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on Tuesday evening.
The foremost traditional priest further advocated for the return of History into the Nigerian school curriculum as the subject would enable Nigerians to better appreciate their culture, literature and tradition and help to address the social values that are being eroded in the society.
Speaking on the relationship of the traditionalist with Yoruba’ Monarchs, he re-affirmed that there are still respected kings in Yorubaland.
“We traditionalists relate with those of them who so desire. A few believe they are ‘modern kings’ and thus, are not interested in us. Our tradition and culture cannot be wished away just like that.”
He, however, appealed to the Nigerian government to accord traditionalists distinct honour while urging governments at all levels to retrace their steps to the source and emulate China, Japan, India and others, who, according to him give full attention to tradition and cultural value system.
He further urged Nigerians to free themselves from what he called “colonial mentality currently enslaving the people” stating that the country only got political independence devoid of cultural independence.
Packaged by Dare Raji, Timilehin Olalere and Olawale Awe
