The Role of Ifa in the Selection of the New Alaafin: Insights from Prof. Wande Abimbola

Professor Wande Abimbola, a prominent Yoruba scholar, was deeply involved in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo, shedding light on a traditional process that had been sidelined for years but found a resurgence in modern times. Abimbola, who is also an expert in Ifa divination and the Awise Awo Agbaye, spoke candidly about his role and the significant involvement of Ifa in the royal succession.

In a recent interview, Abimbola explained that, for the first time in modern history, Ifa divination played a key role in selecting the new Alaafin. He emphasized that in traditional Yorubaland, the process of choosing a king was always done through Ifa's guidance, long before money and political influence began to corrupt the process. “In the past, Ifa was the one who would pick the successor to the king who died,” he said. This age-old practice ensured that the successor was chosen based on divine wisdom, not material wealth or power.

Abimbola, who was consulted alongside the Oyo Mesi (the royal council), described how the choice was made. According to him, it was a straightforward process. "A year or two ago, we divined, and it was so easy to pick someone," he said, recalling how the consultation led to a clear decision. Even though he did not want to influence the choice personally, the process guided by Ifa was decisive and without controversy.

The professor recounted that, after the initial consultation, there was a long period of silence before the Oyo kingmakers got embroiled in a series of controversies. Some of them were allegedly involved in corrupt practices, with accusations of accepting bribes. Abimbola was again called upon when the governor, having received various names from the kingmakers, sought his advice. “When the governor heard that I was around, he said he was just about to send for me again because he was ready, and the kingmakers were fighting among themselves,” he shared. Despite the ongoing disputes and corruption allegations, Abimbola remained firm in his belief that the original choice of Ifa should stand.

After the screening process, which included scrutinizing the candidates for any criminal activity, the individual chosen by Ifa was cleared, and his name was officially announced as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

Professor Abimbola expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, noting that it marked a return to traditional values in leadership selection, reinforcing the importance of Ifa divination in modern Yoruba society. He also acknowledged that while the process had faced challenges, including modern-day political and financial influences, the decision was ultimately guided by divination that had stood the test of time.

The return to Ifa in royal succession represents not just a victory for tradition but also a reassertion of the cultural and spiritual wisdom that has shaped Yoruba leadership for centuries. It underscores the role of Ifa as a guiding force in maintaining integrity in the selection of leaders, in stark contrast to the materialism and political maneuvering that often cloud such important decisions.

Abimbola's involvement highlights the continuing relevance of Yoruba traditional institutions, even in the face of modern challenges. It also reflects the resilience of culture and tradition in preserving the values that have long been central to the identity of the Yoruba people. The event serves as a reminder that, even in an age where political intrigue and corruption are commonplace, there is still space for wisdom and divination to guide the course of history.