Everything is now set for the installation ceremony of the founder and head of Jasher Spiritual Products, an indigenous herbal medicine practitioner based in Ibadan, Aare Ayodeji Babalola.
The ceremony will take place on Friday this week, when Baale Emmanuel Bello of Odo-Ona Nla will confer on him the title of Aare Asipa of Odo-Ona.
The event will take place shortly after the August 20 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe celebration. Speaking about the honour, Babalola expressed his appreciation for the decision to confer the title on him.
The veteran traditional medicine practitioner said:
“I thank the Almighty God for considering me worthy of becoming one of the title holders in Ibadan.
I also appreciate the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, i equally thank the Baale of Odo-Ona Nla, Baale Emmanuel Bello, for considering me worthy of being among those who will work with him in the development of Odo-Ona Nla.
“The title of Aare Asipa in Ibadan is an important traditional position, and it is a significant title within Yoruba land.”
He explained that his qualification for the title was not unrelated to his character, achievements and commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and traditional medicine.
The newly appointed Aare also explained that his profession was inherited from his ancestors, although he had acquired additional knowledge and modern training to develop and expand the practice internationally.
He said, “Traditional medicine is an inheritance in my family. My father inherited it, and he passed away in 1981. He also inherited it from his own father, who had inherited it from his predecessors.
“The knowledge of modern medicine available when they left it for me was limited, but when I inherited the profession, I took it further.
“When someone inherits something, one should develop it in a way that makes it compatible with modern times and allows it to continue.
“We seek knowledge and education to move the profession forward because if you simply inherit something and remain satisfied with what you were given, that knowledge will not progress.
“Anyone who sits down without adding knowledge to knowledge and work to work cannot advance the profession. For the purpose of fulfilling the destiny given to us by God, one must conduct research and acquire knowledge.”
Babalola further disclosed that although he is originally from Ondo State, he was born in Ibadan, where his professional practice is also based.
He said his establishment welcomes people from different backgrounds, treating and providing assistance to those who seek their services.
His Views on Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
Speaking about Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, Aare Babalola said there was a need to correct the perception that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is simply a religion.
He said: “When we talk about Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, we need to first correct our mindset and perception. Some people say it is a religion, but in my own understanding, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a religion.
“The reason is that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not something we simply worship. It is not about saying that on a particular day we must perform a particular act. Our father, our mother, our occupation, our traditions and our character are all part of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
“If we look at it properly, we Yoruba people are not defined simply by religion. Our character, language, conduct and way of life are part of our spiritual identity.
“Our dressing, customs, practices and the land from which we originate are also part of our spiritual heritage.>
“It is not something that people merely wrote in a book or forced people to practise by compulsion.”
He added that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe also involves remembering and honouring one’s ancestors, preserving the memory of the Òrìṣà, observing festivals and commemorating important traditional occasions.
According to him, deceased parents and ancestors, whom Yoruba people refer to in relation to the spiritual realm, should be remembered and honoured, alongside the Òrìṣà and other ancestral traditions.
He also explained that everyone has the freedom to choose the religious path that suits them.
“God has given everyone the grace and freedom to practise whichever religion they choose. What appeals to me may not appeal to you.
“Based on the vision and work I have chosen, we do not force anyone. Compulsion is not part of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
“There is no religious oppression in my approach.
We guide people, but ultimately, it is left to each individual to choose the religion that suits them.”
