Ooni of Ife Donates Land for World Ifa Temple to Promote Yoruba Spiritual Heritage

In a significant move to bolster the preservation and global recognition of Yoruba spiritual heritage, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has donated land to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) for the construction of the World Ifa Temple. This initiative aims to establish a central hub for the practice and dissemination of Ifa, a core component of Yoruba traditional religion.

The donation underscores the Ooni's commitment to revitalizing indigenous religious practices and promoting cultural tourism in Ile-Ife, often regarded as the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba people. By facilitating the development of the World Ifa Temple, the Ooni seeks to create a pilgrimage destination that attracts practitioners and scholars from around the world, thereby enhancing the global profile of Yoruba spirituality.

Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, President of the ICIR, expressed profound gratitude for the monarch's support. He emphasized that the establishment of the temple would serve as a beacon for the study and practice of Ifa, providing a dedicated space for rituals, education, and cultural exchange. Dr. Fakayode also highlighted the potential economic benefits, noting that religious tourism could contribute significantly to local and national economies.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to recognize and institutionalize traditional religions within Nigeria's diverse religious landscape. Advocates argue that embracing indigenous spiritual practices can foster a deeper understanding of cultural identity and heritage, especially among younger generations.

As plans for the World Ifa Temple progress, the collaboration between traditional authorities and religious organizations exemplifies a concerted effort to preserve and celebrate Yoruba cultural and spiritual traditions on a global stage.