In the evolving political landscape of Oyo State, a subtle yet powerful call echoes through the corridors of tradition and governance: “Let Ifá Decide.” This is not merely a proverb or nostalgic invocation—it is a deeply rooted cultural mechanism, revered across Yoruba history as a sacred tool for justice, divine wisdom, and leadership selection.
🪬 What is Ifá and How Does It Work?
Ifá is the divination system of the Yoruba people, grounded in a complex spiritual cosmology. At the heart of Ifá is the Babaláwo (father of mysteries), a priest trained in decoding messages from Orunmila, the deity of wisdom. The Ifá oracle uses sacred instruments such as ikin (palm nuts) or opon Ifá (divination tray) to interpret odu, a collection of 256 sacred verses believed to contain solutions to all of life's challenges—including political impasses.
The oracle doesn’t just predict outcomes—it reveals truths. Decisions based on Ifá are seen as impartial, incorruptible, and spiritually guided. That’s why, when all else fails, Yoruba leaders traditionally submit to the verdict of Ifá.
👑 When Tradition Settled a Royal Crisis: The Alaafin Succession Case
The importance of Ifá was dramatically evident in the prolonged succession crisis of the Alaafin of Oyo, one of Nigeria’s most powerful traditional thrones. For years, kingmakers allegedly stalled the selection process amid growing allegations of bias and financial inducements from competing royal contenders.
Amid public outcry and political gridlock, Governor Seyi Makinde turned to Yoruba ancestral wisdom. He consulted Professor Wande Abimbola, a globally respected Ifá priest and scholar, and the Awise Awo of Ifá Worldwide. Through meticulous spiritual processes, the oracle’s verdict was sought—restoring credibility, cultural pride, and divine order to the succession process.
🗳️ Could Ifá Decide Oyo's Next Governor?
With Governor Seyi Makinde approaching the final phase of his second term, Oyo State is again bracing for a fiercely competitive political contest. The race to succeed him has already begun—long before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out the timetable.
There are too many aspirants and too few assurances. From seasoned politicians to emerging technocrats, the list reads like a political all-star lineup:
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin – Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly
Adebayo Adelabu – Former CBN Deputy Governor and Accord Party candidate in 2023
Senator Teslim Folarin – APC chieftain and three-time senator
Engineer Dotun Sanusi – Philanthropist and CEO of Ilaji Resorts
Shina Peller – Ex-lawmaker and entrepreneur
Zacch Adedeji – FIRS Chairman and former Commissioner
Adegoke Adegboyega Adedeji – Reputed technocrat
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Adebayo Shittu, Bola Sarumi-Aliyu, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki, Raphael Afonja, Amofin Beulah Ayanfe Adeoye, and others still warming up.
Each has personal strengths, regional backing, and varying levels of alignment with Governor Makinde’s vision for Oyo. Yet none seems to be a perfect “heir to the throne”—at least not yet.
This makes the governor’s dilemma very real. Should he back a technocrat, a loyalist, an Ibadan indigene, or break ranks and opt for an outsider—perhaps from Oke-Ogun, a region long yearning for political recognition?
⚖️ When Politics Fails, Culture Prevails
If Oyo State’s political climate becomes overly fragmented, could Governor Makinde once again invoke the Ifá Oracle, as he did with the Alaafin stool? Could divine consultation cut through the fog of ambition and reveal the most suitable candidate for governance, legacy, and stability?
After all, if traditional institutions can be trusted with kingship selection—arguably more sensitive than partisan politics—why not governance?
In a nation plagued by electoral fraud, judicial inconsistency, and godfatherism, Ifá stands out as an incorruptible force—guided not by money or influence, but by ase (divine will).
🔮 The Future of Politics: A Return to the Ancients?
As Nigeria’s democracy continues to mature amid spiritual awakening, perhaps the question isn’t whether Ifá should choose political leaders, but why not? With increasing frustration toward conventional power dynamics, Yoruba youths and traditionalists alike are beginning to push for hybrid models of governance—one that blends democracy with ancestral wisdom.
So, as 2027 draws near and Oyo prepares for yet another historic transition, we may once again hear the age-old chorus rising:
“Let Ifá Decide.”
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