There is a wide gulf of difference between been born into an extremely protestant
Christian family and living life as a traditionalist. The difference is like comparing
two hundred Naira with two thousand Naira. But for Chief (Mrs.) Olabosipo Olaseinde, the
Iyalaje General of Oodua People’s Congress (New Era), is exactly how destiny played fast game on her, the devoted Christian now Olokun Priest.
The highly spiritualist and woman of substance was born into a family that attended an ultra-conservative Pentecostal Church.
Olabosipo, as a young person couldn’t have dreamt of being involved in anything remotely
related to African traditional and cultural practices, but has the faith would had it, she is currently making a living in her Pennsylvania, Philadelphia base in the United States of America as a Olokun Priest and traditionalist.
During an interview with our reporter, at the recently concluded Olokun
Festival held at Lekki in Lagos, she revealed how difficult it was for her to make
the transition. She ignored series of messages and warnings that she was chosen
by the sea deity, Yemoja, but eventually, Yeye Olabosipo lost the
battle and today is a traditional devotee.
Today, she is not just a convert to the traditionalism, she is an apostle, bearing the
torch high and using every opportunity she has to attempt furthering the cause of
her new belief. And she is also not far from home as she visits Nigeria frequently
to partake in events back here. Most especially, she also makes sure that she is around during
the celebration of Olokun Festival in the month of August. She critically partake in the celebration of isese day during which African traditional believers hold series of events to raise awareness and celebrate our unique customs and tradition.
As a convert to the traditional way of life herself, Olabosipo is quite aware of what
is being lost by not accepting the traditional ways. And she is strenuously working
hard to enlighten others and bring them onto the ‘right path.’ She said ‘In America where I
lives and works, I try to enlighten people through informal lessons. I teach Yoruba
Language and culture to those around me. And I’m happy that many are keen to
learn and embrace the lessons.’
She finds it surprising how people there are eager to learn and accept the
Traditional as a way of life, unfortunately, we that own the customs and language did not value it. Funny enough, in Brazil and many others (Latin America and
Caribbean) Yemoja worship is well grounded, but that is not the case back home here, we
are lost.’
As a traditional healer and consultant, Iyalaje Olabosipo today represents the
Epitome of native African preeminence. Most of her consultation and treatment of
Patients are done almost ‘pro bono’. ‘That is the way I was taught. I don’t charge
Anything to attend to most clients; they bring whatever they like as a mark of
gratitude when their prayers have been answered’.
So, the young lady who once fought all attempts to bring her to the ways of our
Forefathers is today a champion of that cause. And she also accepted and
integrated into it that she has honorary traditional titles and commendations from
various sources to show for her efforts.