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Tag: Ogboni

  • Ogboni initiation: window to Yoruba heritage

    Ogboni initiation: window to Yoruba heritage

    By Opaleye Olakitan

    The Yoruba are one of the major ethnic groups in West Africa, predominantly found in southwestern Nigeria. Known for their rich traditions, structured political systems, and strong moral values, the Yoruba have preserved their heritage through institutions such as kingship, councils of elders, and traditional societies. Among these, the Ogboni Society holds a respected position.

    The Ogboni Society is traditionally regarded as a custodian of truth, justice, and communal harmony. Central to its belief system is Ile (the earth), seen as sacred and as the ultimate witness to human actions. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Ogboni is not built on secrecy alone, but on moral responsibility and service to the community.

    Initiation into the Ogboni Society marks an individual’s readiness to shoulder communal duties. Membership is typically extended to elders and respected individuals known for integrity and good character. Before initiation, candidates are instructed in key values such as honesty, discipline, respect for elders, and commitment to peace.

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    While the deeper rituals remain sacred, initiation symbolically emphasizes the initiate’s bond with the earth and the pursuit of balance and justice. This is often represented by the Edan Ogboni, a pair of brass figures symbolizing unity, truth, and accountability.

    Importance of the Ogboni Society includes preserves Yoruba moral values and traditions, upholds justice and truth in society, promotes peace and social stability, and protects the sanctity of land and ancestral laws.

    Roles of the Ogboni Society includes advising traditional rulers on governance, settling disputes and mediating conflicts, enforcing customary laws and ethical conduct and safeguarding community interests.

    Ultimately, Ogboni initiation is less about mystery and more about service. It reflects core Yoruba ideals where leadership is defined by wisdom, fairness, and responsibility to the land and the people.

    • Opaleye is Asst. Chief Museum Education Officer (ACMEO), Education Unnit, National Museum, Lagos.

  • Ogboni not cultism, Christian, Muslim can join – Oluwo Omikunmi

    Ogboni not cultism, Christian, Muslim can join – Oluwo Omikunmi

    The Chairman, Aborigine the Ogboni fraternity of Nigeria, Oluwo Egbelade Omikunmi, has declared that ‘Ogboni’ is not a religion but a society concerned with peace and progress of people. 

    He said Christians, Muslims and traditional practitioners can also join the society. 

    He members of the society are not cultists, ritualists, nor murderers as being projected by many, creating fear in minds.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the quarterly meeting of the group to affirm its originality, Omikunmi said the society has been in existence from time immemorial, adding that its members embrace truth and good character.

    According to him: “The society work together with other religion to ensure peace in the society, whoever is not truthful, trustworthy and resilient can not be our member, Ogboni is not a religion, everybody can do it, either Christian, Muslim or traditionalists.

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    “We are not murderers or cultists. Ogboni Aborigine society members are respected people in the society. We are not for money rituals as people used to say, our concern is to protect our people and see to progress and development of our land.

    “People mostly point accusing finger to us whenever a crime is committed, our findings has shown that our members are not the one perpetrating the evil, and if any of us is found wanted, we punish him accordingly.”

    He lamented the level of insecurity across the nation, urging government, traditional rulers and stakeholders to return to conventional and traditional ways of securing lives and property. 

    Omikunmi, who faulted adoption of western cultures among traditional rulers as cause of insecurity in the Yoruba land, charged government to accommodate the three main religions as a means of oath for public office holders.

    While describing Ogboni as the way of life, Oluwo Omikunmi revealed that the group which was established in 1832 and registered in 1967 has acquired the certificate and all annual payments receipts till date from Corporate Affairs Commission.

    He however charged other factions of Ogboni to legally contest the certification of the group if they are in doubt, adding that Oba Kazeem Omotoso is the recognized Oluaye Oba Aborigine the Ogboni fraternity worldwide.