In the wake of the crisis that struck the ancient town of Oyo following the sudden death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the former Alaafin, a significant figure emerged in the Ifa world: Professor Wande Abimbola.
Professor Abimbola, a former Majority Leader in Nigeria’s Senate and Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, is recognized globally as the spokesperson for the Ifa oracle. Amid allegations of manipulation by aspirants vying for the Alaafin’s throne, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called upon Abimbola to leverage his expertise in Ifa cosmology, given his unwavering dedication to Ifa and his esteemed reputation.
Traditionally, the Oyomesi (a council of kingmakers) holds the authority to select the Alaafin through a discreet, transparent, and credible process, which is validated but not determined by the Ifa oracle. This procedure has been passed down through generations.
In an interview with the BBC, Professor Abimbola revealed that the divination process to select the new Alaafin took only ten days, aiming to resolve a crisis that had persisted for three years. He explained that the Ifa oracle clearly identified Oba Akeem Abimbola Elewu Etu as the top candidate among five contenders. He was also requested to suggest two alternative nominees for further validation by security agencies.
Abimbola emphasized the importance of consulting the Ifa oracle, stating, “If we don’t consult Ifa, the selection of Obas will be influenced by money.” He insisted that the oracle does not select alternatives, affirming that the only option he supported bore one of his names, Abimbola.
Who Is Professor Wande Abimbola?
Professor Wande Abimbola is the President and Founder of the Ifa Heritage Institute. He served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1982 to 1989. Between 1992 and 1993, he was the Senate Majority Leader of Nigeria, and from 2003 to 2005, he acted as Special Adviser on Cultural Affairs and Traditional Matters to the President of Nigeria. In 1981, he was installed as Awise Awo ni Agbaye (Spokesperson of Ifa in the World) by the Ooni of Ife, following the recommendation of a conclave of West African Babalawos.
Born in Oyo, Nigeria, Professor Abimbola comes from a distinguished family. His father, Abimbola Iroko, was a World War I veteran and a celebrated hunter, serving as the Asipade (Leader of the Ogun Community) until his death in 1971. His mother, Sangodayo Ifagbemisola Awele, was a high priest of Sango, living a vibrant life until her passing in 1987 at the age of 109.
Abimbola has taught at three Nigerian universities: the University of Ibadan (1963-65), the University of Lagos (1966-72), and the University of Ife (1972-91). Additionally, he has lectured at various universities in the USA, including Indiana University, Amherst College, Harvard University, Boston University, Colgate University, and the University of Louisville.
He earned his first degree in History from University College, Ibadan, in 1963, followed by a Master’s in Linguistics from Northwestern University, Illinois, in 1966, and a Ph.D. in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos in 1970. He became a full Professor of African Languages and Literatures at the University of Ife in 1976. Abimbola’s academic journey is deeply rooted in oral tradition, having apprenticed in Ifa chanting and rituals before beginning formal education at the age of 12.
