The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) for the construction of the World Ifa Temple.
This initiative aims to promote Yoruba spirituality and culture while establishing a significant pilgrimage site for traditional worshippers globally.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the gesture was described as historic and a testament to the Ooni’s dedication to preserving Yoruba heritage.
“This gesture of our revered first-class Oba demonstrates his love for tradition, Yoruba culture, and spirituality,” Fakayode said.
He extended gratitude on behalf of the Council of Araba and Oluwo, led by His Eminence Awodotun Aworeni, the Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye, and practitioners of Ifa and Orisa worldwide.
“With this step, Ooni’s commitment to preserving and promoting Oduduwa’s cultural heritage and spirituality is obvious for all to see. This project will be the largest World Ifa Temple globally and a major pilgrimage site for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality.”
The three-acre plot is located near the Stadium Area, Route 7, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and construction has already commenced. The ICIR’s headquarters, based at Oke-Itase in Ile-Ife, had earlier sought the land for what it described as a monumental project to house the “Largest World Ifa Temple.”
This development is expected to bolster Yoruba traditional religion and position Ile-Ife as a significant cultural and spiritual hub for devotees around the world.
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