By Solihu Abdulsemih
A renowned traditionalist, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, has advocated for preservation of ancestral heritage as a means of retaining Yoruba identity which is derived from ancestral lineage.
He disclosed tthis at the maiden Ifayemi Elebuibon Annual Symposium (IFEAS), organised by Isese Welfare Assembly in honour of the renowned Ifa Priest to celebrate his contribution to the development of traditional religion.
The symposium tagged: "Veneration/Worshiping Of The Ancestors: Its Place In Iseee Religion.", had several traditional religion scholars discussing issues with a view to having better understanding.
Elebuibon, while providing insight into the theme, emphasized the link between the living and their ancestors, "we should not neglect where we are from and we should always cherish our heritage. It has contributed a lot to the culture" he said.
He further noted that the symposium is not meant to criticize other religion but to explain the importance in depth of yoruba culture. "The symposium is not criticizing other religion,it is bringing more understanding about all Yoruba traditional religion". he explained.
One of the speakers at the symposium, Komolafe Wande, gave his insight that we can preserve our culture by making sure our language, mode of dressing and Yoruba names should never go into extinction.
"We can preserve our culture by making sure our language continue to grow, our real names should be celebrated, we should give our child names that has a good meaning in our language in accordance to how our ancestors does. Our mode of dressing is also a way of preserving our culture. Whatsoever religion you are practicing, let Yoruba culture prevail". he said.
Komolafe also advice the government to look deeply into the way they can render help to preserve Yoruba culture. "The government is a mega force and the fault is from them. Government in the Southwest must play role in preserving our culture".
The event is organized by the Isese Welfare Association (IWA), also known as the Isese Assembly, It is expected to draw scholars, traditionalists, and members of the public interested in the preservation and understanding of indigenous spiritual systems.
A participant, Ogundeji Elebuibon described the IFEAS as a platform positioned to reaffirm the cultural identity of the Yoruba people and to educate a broader audience on the philosophical depth of ancestral veneration, countering narratives that often misrepresent the practice.