In this interview with Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemilolye Akinyooye III, the 35th Olufon of Ifon Osun and Aremo Obatala of the universe, we delve into the tapestry of his ascension to the throne and the challenges he faced. His journey from a reluctant contender to a revered monarch is intertwined with mystical encounters, spiritual revelations and encounters with fraudsters. His narrative provides insights into the timeless traditions, rich heritage and unwavering commitment to progress that define Ifon Osun. He speaks with TOBA ADEDEJI
How he ascended the throne
We’ve transcended the need for admonishing my fellow contenders, as harmony now prevails amongst us. Many have joined hands, contributing ideas and efforts towards our shared goals. There are no losers; we are all winners, collectively propelling our town forward. I adhere to my blueprint for development, focusing on initiatives that will uplift our community. I believe our town’s sons and daughters don’t necessarily need to return physically to contribute; investing in their homeland can drive progress.
We’ve laid the groundwork, fostering peace with our neighbors to prevent further conflict. Through this approach, many are already considering investing in our town. While I assumed this throne only six months ago, it’s premature to expect everyone to relocate immediately. We’re engaging with our diaspora community, encouraging them to participate in our town’s growth.
Regarding the unfortunate incident with the Ilobu community, it’s incomprehensible that violence erupted over land disputes. Such actions defy logic and decency, warranting intervention and psychological assessment. Despite our historical ties and intermarriages, they trespassed and incited violence. Despite our pleas for assistance, some authorities underestimated the severity, allowing the situation to escalate.
Engaging in armed conflict with neighbors is unacceptable, especially considering our close relationship. It’s disheartening that instigators remain unpunished, while our communities suffer. It’s imperative that those responsible face justice, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.
How Osun State government resolved Ifon-Ilobu the communal war
I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to peace, even in the face of discomfort for stakeholders. His dedication to maintaining peace is admirable and underscores the importance of peace in fostering development. Ifon Osun is known for its inclusivity, hosting diverse communities including the Hausa, Igbo, and Fulani in significant numbers.
During the recent Salah celebration, our community welcomed visitors from across Osun State and beyond, attracted by the presence of over twenty trucks of rams brought by northerners for sale, all of which were sold out.
While the issue with Ilobu has received attention, it’s important to note that Ifon has ceded land to several other communities, with documented boundaries dating back to the 18th century, as evidenced by the Captain Rose Boundary document. Any further land requests should be approached through civilised means, such as consulting with the Olufon. It’s concerning when individuals attempt to claim ownership of land through deceitful means, as seen in instances where properties purchased from Ifon are falsely labeled as belonging to Ilobu. Such actions disregard established laws and undermine communal harmony.
Casualties of the communal war and compensation process
We’ve compiled the names of those affected by the recent unrest. Since assuming my position, I’ve made efforts to obtain the list and provide assistance to those in need. With the resources available to me, we’re doing our best to support them. I’m grateful to Senator Ajagunla, who generously contributed bags of rice directly to the palace for distribution to the affected individuals. We’ve been methodically distributing aid, ensuring each person receives their share.
However, the scale of the damage is extensive, with many suffering losses such as looted and burnt shops and homes. As a traditional ruler, my resources are limited. We’ve reached out to organisations like NEMA through the Ifon Progressive Union, but assistance has been slow to materialise. I appeal to both the federal and state governments to intervene, providing grants and loans to help rebuild the lives and livelihoods of those affected.
I am honored to serve as the 35th Olufon of Ifon Osun, and I hold the esteemed title of Aremo Obatala of the universe. Ifon is steeped in ancient history, and its influence extends far beyond its borders. Not only do we have other Ifon towns in Ondo State, such as Sepeteri and Ago Amodu, but we also have a presence in Cotonou. These towns serve as reminders of our ancestral migrations and the rich heritage we carry with us. As custodians of our core traditions, it is incumbent upon traditional rulers to deeply understand the responsibilities of the throne they seek to inherit. Every religion finds its place within our realm, for they all offer paths to our revered ancestors. A king must embrace all faiths, for in doing so, he honors the diverse spiritual beliefs of his people.
A traditional ruler should not espouse a particular religion but rather serve as a father figure to all faiths. By maintaining this impartial stance, the throne retains its spiritual power and relevance. Conversely, straying from this principle risks diluting the sacred essence of kingship. I meticulously studied the intricacies of the throne before assuming my rightful place as its guardian. Through this process, I gained invaluable insights into the duties and challenges that lie ahead, guiding my actions as I navigate my reign.
Regarding my ascension to the throne, I believe that we are all guided by spiritual forces in our journeys. At times, I felt a stirring within me, hinting at a future intertwined with royal destiny. However, I initially resisted these inklings, hesitant to embrace the weighty responsibilities of kingship.
Yet, one fateful morning, following the passing of our esteemed monarch, I encountered a profound omen that would alter the course of my life. Three pristine mushrooms emerged inexplicably before my home—a symbolic occurrence deeply rooted in the lore of our town. Upon sharing this extraordinary sight with my father, his reverent reaction affirmed the significance of the moment. Subsequently, I received spiritual signs reaffirming my destined path to the throne, providing solace and resolve during the tumultuous contest for kingship.
These mystical experiences serve as reminders of the sacred bond between our earthly realm and the divine, guiding me as I fulfill my duty to uphold the ancient legacy of Ifon Osun.
To be honest with you, ascending this throne is one of those things I didn’t want to do, but I have been ordained and called for service. When my father told me that I am going to be the next king, I rejected it. I told him to contest for it and I will back him up with all that I have. He said he had seen a lot of things that I would be the king.
I prayed about it and started having dreams that I am on a white throne. I told the wife of my State Pastor about it, Mummy Akinrinade, she said I should give her three days to pray about it. The following morning, she called me and said ‘Kabiyesi’. That was when I entered the contest. Yes, my father was the first person to prostrate for me. That was when he told me that only one person saw mushrooms like I did during the time of Ilufoye and he did not survive it because he was killed before the time. That was why he cautioned me not to tell anybody about it. You know when your father is talking to you, you must take heed.
I wish I could share a story about my encounter with fraudsters on my journey to the throne. Some people who are fraudsters came through one of my loyalists during the contest, they penetrated him and told him that there are some things that we need to do if I am serious about the throne of Olufon. One of them said he is the son of the late Esa of Ifon and his father told him certain things that anybody that wants to become the Olufon must do ahead of other contestants. I was persuaded to heed to them unknowingly. So I met those people at Ara junction, and a boy came to pick us up, he said we need to visit a place where all past Olufon used to visit. I wondered, what kind of shrine he was taking us to because I went with some of my friends. I told those people that I won’t make any covenant nor take any oath.
I was told that the place is only meant for prayers. We entered through bushy paths and upon my arrival, I discovered it was a shrine. We got there and they started to tell us the history of Ifon Osun, those people were very smart because they presented the history in a very chronological way. They mentioned all the Olufon that have reigned. They were eulogizing all the past kings, when they mentioned Olufon Kesa my head was swollen and heart was touched. They showed us the acclaimed seat of the immediate late Olufon at the shrine.
After that, they said we have another meeting with the ancestral world which will happen by 8PM. It is good to hold unto God and have faith in him. Don’t look for what is not yours, when you do that you will be entangled and caught in traps. I lost only N60,000 to them but I showed them pepper! My eyes see many things on my way to become the Olufon.
Experience before ascending the throne
They said they will send a boy called Ifayemi to me by 8PM to take us to the ancestral world because we can’t go during the day. They said we need to buy a white ram, and I gave them the money, that was the N60,000 I said I lost to them. By 8pm., he never showed up until 9pm at my hotel, I thought he would give us something to use that would take me from the hotel to the ancestral world or make some incantation and I would travel from there. He said we should prepare to go, and I asked if we were going in our car and he said ‘Yes’. I wondered where they used to go in the ancestral world with a car. He bought one bottle of Schnapp alcohol. We waited in a place till the dead of night.
Around 11PM, he took me to Osun Osogbo groove with my friends. When we got there they said we should go and pray at the river bank. Thank God I know the place, I am conversant with the place. They said I should go and pray. I am saying this so that other people won’t fall prey to them that is why I am exposing them now. I prayed by the river, while I finished and about to leave the riverside, I started to hear very strange and loud noises. The noises were terrible; birds were making sounds terribly, the kind of noise that will make you cover your ears.
When I was coming out, I saw women numbering about 40 with this local light called fitila. Nobody can pass through such and won’t fall for their antics. When we were going to the river, they were not there but when I was leaving, I saw them, they were wearing white, calling my father and mother’s names. They were organised fraudsters! They already prepared a mat for me and told my friends who followed me to the place to leave while I stayed. One of them was jittery whether I would return home. This was around midnight. I sat on the mat, they told me to look at the back of a tree close to where I was standing, I moved closer and saw Yoruba cooking stone. There was an empty pot on top of it. When I opened the pot, I saw nothing inside, so they told me to pour the alcohol that Ifayemi had bought inside it, which I did.
Then they told me to make fire underneath with the help of Ifayemi. I closed the pot and stood there watching. After some minutes when vapor was coming out of the pot, they told me to carry the pot and open it. I saw cooked meat inside it. The leader of those women instructed me to stand up, which I did, I was told to move to another side of the area, when I got to the place, I saw the pictures of all the contestants in the place except mine. They said that all those that their pictures were there have visited them but they do not have a crown on their head but they see from the spiritual realm that I have the crown that is why they looked for me. They said they are ready to back me. They asked me of my age and told me to bring things for sacrifice that amount to my age.
From those things they demanded, that was when I got them that they were 419. For example; they asked me to bring 60 cows, 60 rams, 7 horses, 60 chickens and many others. They now said with N20,000 they will transport all of those things. How is that possible? Haba! I felt they were compassionate with me over the N20,000. I think they felt that the bill was too much. At one point, I started making fun of them, they were angry and I denied that I was making jest of them. I told them that I am serious as they are because I am a businessman.
That was how I got them, they were telling me to monetise those things they demanded from me and send it to an account. So I lied to them that I had transferred the money. I already told my friends that if I told them that I had transferred the money they would cut communication with me because they would rush to the bank to go and cash out. So after my claim, they cut contact with me, they were not waiting again. They headed to the bank.
So that is why I want to advise that, when you are looking for something, don’t close your inner and spiritual eyes. If I had looked for this throne desperately, I would have seen many troubles. I know they will read this interview, if they are sure of themselves they can come and greet me in the palace. After that, around 11 pm, he took me to the Osun Osogbo grove with my friends. When we arrived, they instructed us to pray at the riverbank. Fortunately, I was familiar with the area, which prevented me from falling victim to their schemes. I prayed by the river, and as I was leaving, I heard strange and loud noises, accompanied by unsettling bird sounds.
As I exited, I encountered about 40 women wearing white, holding traditional lamps, and calling out my parents’ names. They had prepared a mat for me and urged my friends to leave. Despite their efforts to intimidate me, I remained composed. They directed me to a cooking stone with an empty pot on top, instructing me to pour the alcohol inside and ignite a fire underneath. After a while, the pot revealed cooked meat, and the women guided me to another area where they displayed pictures of all the contestants except mine. Claiming they saw a crown on my head in the spiritual realm, they pledged their support and requested offerings equivalent to my age.
Their demands, including 60 cows, 60 rams, 7 horses, 60 chickens and more, raised suspicions. When they proposed transporting all these items for just N20,000, I realised their fraudulent intentions. Pretending to comply, I claimed to have transferred the money, causing them to abruptly end communication and rush to the bank. This experience taught me to remain vigilant and discerning, especially in pursuit of aspirations. If not for my cautious approach, I could have easily fallen into their trap. I extend this caution to others, urging them not to overlook the signs and to trust their instincts. Looking at the time we came on board, there are a lot of things on the ground that are begging for attention but definitely, sport will be taken to the highest altitudes. We will build our stadium and many other things in sport.
