Speaking at the 2025 World Annual Obatala Festival, he highlighted the enduring significance of traditional values and spiritual wisdom in addressing contemporary challenges.
Representing the Governor, the Special Adviser on Traditional Matters, Prince Oloke Alexander delivered a compelling address during the festival colloquium, titled "Spiritual Solution to Global Economic Brouhaha.", held at the Oba Okunade Sijuade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife on Wednesday.
In his speech, Oloke underscored the relevance of spiritual insights and ethical frameworks in navigating global economic challenges.
He called for a renewed commitment to unity, integrity, and collective responsibility, noting that these principles, deeply rooted in the teachings of Obatala, could serve as a guide for sustainable growth and societal transformation.
The event, organized by the World Obatala Religious Congress, focused on the theme "Orisa Obatala: A Mainframe of Yoruba Cosmology and Morality".
Hon. Alexander emphasized the significance of Ile-Ife's spiritual practices, particularly the daily sacrifices carried out in the ancient city. He attributed the harmony and economic progress of Osun State and Nigeria to the balance these rituals create between the physical and spiritual realms.
“It will interest all of us here today to know that, from this our Ile-Ife, the regular sacrifices done here daily are helping Osun State and Nigeria advance in steps that bring peace and economic prosperity.
"As man is ambivalent in nature, with both physical and spiritual personalities, these sacrifices promote equilibrium between the two spheres, harmonizing the state with eternal reality for a prosperous regime of Senator Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the current administration’s dedication to fostering cultural heritage and leveraging spirituality as a tool for societal and economic development.
Hon. Alexander also extended heartfelt appreciation to the traditional rulers, spiritual custodians, and senior citizens for their invaluable roles in safeguarding the spiritual and moral foundation of the state.
“We are grateful to our divine majesties and senior citizens who keep our gate safe, spiritually and otherwise. We applaud your advice and silent prayers for our prosperity,” he added.
The Governor’s representative assured attendees that the Adeleke administration remains committed to honoring the trust and mandate bestowed by the people.
“We assure you that we will do more to make you proud of your votes, love, trust, and mandate given to our administration,” he concluded.
In his welcome address, the Oba Alamo Obatala Ile-Ife and the Chairman of the World Obatala Festival Committee, Oba Isoro Oludayo Olufemi Akowe Dada, highlighted the growing renaissance of Yoruba spirituality and culture. Reflecting on the developments of the preceding year, he noted how 2024 ushered in a significant shift in the consciousness of Yoruba spirituality.
This shift, according to him, stemmed from a new wave of understanding and questioning within the religious landscape, as many Yoruba descendants awakened to the need to reconnect with their ancestral roots and embrace their traditional philosophy of religious practices.
Oba Isoro called on parents and custodians of African ancestral knowledge to actively support younger generations by providing adequate knowledge and instructional resources. He emphasized the importance of equipping them with the morals, virtues, and good behavior necessary to defend and promote Isese spirituality in their communities.
"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the values of Isese are preserved and nurtured for expansion, development, and growth," he urged.
The Oba Alamo explained that this year’s theme aims to shed light on Obatala’s pivotal role in Yoruba cosmology and its connection to morality, serving as a foundation for this year’s conference discussions and reflections.
The keynote address titled "Obatala in Shaping Yoruba Cosmology and Ethical Values" was delivered by Mr. Babatunde Otun of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The presentation explored the pivotal role of Obatala in Yoruba cosmology and his enduring influence on moral and ethical frameworks within the Yoruba spiritual tradition.
In his address, Mr. Otun highlighted Obatala's revered position as the "Arch-Deity" or "King of the White Cloth." Obatala is venerated as the creator of human forms and a custodian of wisdom, purity, and ethical principles. Beyond his metaphysical significance, Obatala symbolizes virtues such as patience, humility, and a commitment to justice, making him an embodiment of ethical values.
Mr. Otun emphasized how the values associated with Obatala provide a profound moral framework for his devotees. Through the practice of patience, humility, and inclusivity, followers of Obatala aim to live in accordance with his teachings, thereby upholding principles of justice and compassion.
These ethical teachings transcend individual conduct, fostering a collective sense of unity and social responsibility. By embracing Obatala's values, his devotees contribute to a broader societal ethos rooted in ethical living, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and guide the Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition.
The keynote underscored the integral role of Obatala in shaping not only spiritual beliefs but also ethical standards that resonate deeply within the Yoruba community.
The festival, a globally recognized celebration of Yoruba culture and spirituality, brought together traditional leaders, academics, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
The 2025 edition served as a platform to highlight the enduring relevance of Yoruba cosmology and its contributions to societal progress, with Ile-Ife reaffirmed as the cradle of Yoruba civilization and spiritual enlightenment.
In his remarks, the Arole Obatala, Obalesun Ase Obatala Ife, Oloja Iranje-Idita, Obatala Agbaye, His Divine Grace, Oba Isoro Dada, called on devotees to embrace unity and embody the teachings of Obatala in their daily lives. He emphasized the importance of patience, humility, and justice, urging adherents to reflect these virtues in their interactions and contributions to society.
He lauded the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, for his unwavering commitment to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions.
The Obatala Agbaye emphasized that the Ooni's leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration, ensuring that the rich cultural legacy of the Yoruba people continues to thrive for generations to come.
He highlighted the festival's significance as a time for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to ethical living. He encouraged devotees to use the occasion to foster harmony and promote the principles of compassion and inclusivity, which Obatala stands for.
"Let this moment remind us of our shared responsibilities to uphold peace, justice, and unity in our communities and to be living examples of Obatala’s wisdom and purity," he concluded.
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