"Why Are They Running Away From Isese?" - Ifa Priest Asks, Says Those Who Run Away Are Destroying Yoruba Cultural Values
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that in celebration to mark this year Isese day 2025, an Ifa priest and founder of Agbotifayo Empire in Ogun State, Ayedun Ifadare, has lamented why people run away from practicing what their forefathers left behind, warning that those denying the Yoruba traditional religion are destroying the culture and values of the Yoruba people.
OTN News further reports as gathered that Ifadare who argued that both Christian and Muslim worshippers in Africa have ancestral lineages rooted in traditional religion, which many are now denying, asked, “Why are they running away from Isese?”
According to him, “Some of us have gods that our lineages worship. We are black people, and those who run away from Isese are running away from our values and culture.
“Both Muslims and Christians in Yorubaland have their roots in the traditional religion, so why are we denying it?
“This is our root, this is our heritage, and we must not abandon it. We should practice Ifa. As you can see, children are also here celebrating with us. Today is our day," he said.
Ifadare, however, expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for recognizing Isese Day and giving traditional religion worshippers the freedom to practice.
He noted that the governor’s gesture over the past two years has further strengthened cultural preservation in the state.
“We appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for giving us the holiday to celebrate Isese Day. For the past two years now, we have been really happy with that. We thank God that the prayers of our forefathers have been answered,” he said.
OTN News observes from the information gathered that the event was attended by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion, including children and teenagers, all dressed in white traditional attire, offering sacrifices and singing praises to the gods
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