Similarities Between Fela Kuti 'Abami Eda' & Sunday Igboho 'Oosa'

This video analyses the similarities bewteen the two freedom fighters. So watch the video below and subscribe to the channel

Africans & African Americans Need To Stay United!

Please watch this video as I directly address Art Cathey, an African American Youtube who mover to the Gambia. The controversial Youtuber has received a lot of criticism and backlash for her often offensive, degrading and ill-conceived remarks about Continental African.

Check out the Unbelievable Dowry List From A Nigerian Lady's Family

 

                            

Also check out the Hilarious dowry list for a Nigerian to be bride..There are demands from the father, mother and family. I give up 😆😆😆

I recently made a video on the importance of the Dowry in African Culture See Video Below:

Why Are There So Many Young Single Mothers In Nigeria?

 This has been been somewhat of an emotive subject which I have always wanted to speak about and I thought now would be an appropriate time.

I have noticed a somewhat worrying trend among young ladies in Nigeria. A worrying percentage of them (20-30 years old) seem to all share one common trait- They are single mothers. I was perplexed as to what could be the cause of this and I attend to raise an awareness and promote a discussion in my latest video below.

Please kindly watch till the end and feel free to like, share and comment. Also if you are new to my channel, kindly subscribe.

Obaruwa Festival of Arts & Culture 2019

This video covers the main performance of the Obaruwa Festival of Culture & Arts in Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State Nigeria. Obaruwa is an annual, week-long programmes which highlights and showcases the Culture & Traditions of the Makun people.

It is a very colourful affair with cultural dancers, masquerades traditional worshippers with a lot of kings and dignitaries in attendance.

Picture of my dad, Ewusi of Makun and traditional worshippers

Yoruba Culture And The Stigma Of The Left Hand

The Yorubas are one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria and can also be found in Togo, Benin and parts of Ghana. They are descendants of Oduduwa, who is believed to be the spiritual head of all Yoruba people. The Yorubas are a people with a strong sense of cultural, tradition and social identity and there are so many customs, beliefs, superstitions and taboos which govern the customs and lifestyle of the  people.


Yorubas do not joke with their culture and this is evident in the religious way they showcase, appreciate and promote it. This is also evident in everyday life especially  when it comes to the way you accord respect to an elder. They ensure they pass on traditions and culture to the younger generations through oral lectures, poetry, storytelling  and so on. They believe it is very important to teach their children and the younger generation the importance of good manners, respect and grounded moral upbringing.


As I stated earlier, there are many superstitions, taboos, stigma which the Yorubas do not take lightly and  I will be taking a closer look at one of such taboo which is the sigma that is attached to the use of the left hand.

The left hand (Owo Osi) as known by Yoruba people is considered to be an 'unclean' hand. The left hand is associated with a lot of negative connotation. There are so many superstitions associated with the left hand so one must begin to wonder where these beliefs originate from and its impact on Yoruba culture. In contrary, The right hand is used as a symbol of strength, authority and acceptance. eg. 'My right hand man!'!

It is the belief of the people that it is unclean to eat with your left hand and certain activities are equally reserved for the left hand such as picking your nose, picking up litter and dirt or cleaning yourself after visiting the toilet.

Also, you do not give or receive items with your left hand in Yorubaland. I cannot remember how many times I was scolded and reprimanded for giving or receiving items with my left hand. I have to say even till date I still live my this strict moral code of conduct associated with my people. I find myself on numerous occasions swiftly 'changing hands' from left to right whenever I want to give anything to anyone even to those who are not Yoruba talk less of  being Nigerian.

There is a popular saying in Yorubaland "Omo ale lo ma fi owo osi juwe ile baba re" meaning It is a bastard that points to his father's house with the left hand. This further emphasises the severity of the issue amongst the people. 

It should also be noted at this point that religions like Christianity & Islam also denote the left hand in a negative manner.

Having said this, I will like to note that not all aspect of the culture looks unfavourably on the left hand. If you look at IFA divination and religion for example, the  rites use the left palm of an individual to reveal details of their future and also to hold traditionally sacred items.

The fact that Yorubas sometimed call the left hand ‘Owo Alaafia’ which literally means ‘hand of peace’ instead of ‘Owo Osi’, the original Yoruba word for the left hand also shows that the left hand is not totally condemned.

In conclusion, one begins to wonder if the stigma accorded to the left hand by the Yoruba people does not stem from the natural weakness of the left hand compared to the right although left-handed people will disagree and we can also imagine the impact of these beliefs on such left handed individuals.

I invite all readers to share their views, comments and experiences below.

OSUN- An African goddess

òrìṣà

According to the Yoruba people of South-Western Nigeria and also parts of Republic of Benin, practitioners of the Yoruba traditional tradition and Ifa oral literature believe in a pantheon of 401 gods or deities (orisa) who were sent to the world by Olodumare to protect and govern the world and all forms of human life.

Who is Ọṣun?

Ọṣun can be described as a spirit, a deity or river goddess who is the the goddess of divinity, fertility, femininity, fertility and love. She is believed to be omnipresent and omnipotent. She is very powerful and kind and she is also the saint of the Osun river which can be found in Ekiti State, Western Nigeria.

Ọṣun-Osogbo Festival

The Osun river also passes through the sacred Osun-Osogbo sacred grove and that is where the principal sanctuary of the deity is located. The Osun goddess established her kingdom there. Olaguna(1952:16) writes that many centuries ago, Oba Olarooye of Ipole omu, Olutimehin, a great hunter and their subjects migrated from Ipole omu because of water scarcity and they settled at the Osun groove where the goddess had established her kingdom.

 One day, as they were preparing the ground for the planting season, a tree fell across the river crushing many of Osun tools of trade. It is recorded that the goddess was furious with  Olutimehin saying: "Gbogbo ikoko aro mi le ti fo tan" (You have destroyed all my calabashes).The spirits within the grove pacified the goddess saying:

"Oso-igbo pele o" spirit of the forest we plead
 "Oso-igbo rora o"  spirit of the forest be patient

Olarooye and Olutimehin were shocked because they wondered how the goddess knew their names. Sensing  this, she re-assured them and later advised them to move to the upper part of the river called OHUNTOTO. There Oba Olarooye established another palace as well as a thriving market. 

One day, Olutimehin saw some spirits dancing round a lamp with sixteen receptacles, which he seized through incantation. When the goddess learnt of this, she made Olutimehin and Olarooye promise to celebrate the lightening of the lamp annually, particularly nine days from the grand finale of the Osun festival.

She gave them a calabash containing antiquities with a warning that the contents must never be exposed to the naked eyes. She also decreed that the calabash must be taken to the grove during the festival by a virgin to the reigning king, and who must be chosen by the Ifa. 

On the festival day, the Ataoja (king ) sits on the dedicated stone of authority housed on the Osun temple/shrine where he commune with the ancestors. Osun gave her assurance that if her instructions were carried out, she would  pour a curative substance into the river if sacrifices from the Ataoja were acceptable. According to historical records, Osogbo had been founded as early as  the Oduduwa period. Osogbo, the goddess of Osun river was the queen original founder of Osogbo.

According to Bier (1966:69) there are some heroic roles of historical importance, rendered by Osun goddess especially during the Fulani war of 1842. She was credited with many important achievements, which helped to established the state. She possessed magical powers which inspired her and frightened her.

The relationship between the Osun Osogbo festival which has been celebrated for about six hundred centuries.

Primordial Ọṣun

According to Ifa oral literature, Osun was the only female irunmole (primordial spirit) sent by Olodumare (God) to the world and she encountered difficulties in the course of her duties that she sought the assistance of Sango (god of thunder & lightning). She was mesmerised by Sango's mythical powers that she decided to become his wife. She was honoured by the gods who granted her goddess status based on her loyalty.

Mortal Ọṣun

According version of Ifa literature states that she went to a drum festival where she met and fell in love with Sango. Other versions also mention that she was also married to Orunmila (god of wisdom and divination). The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is the ritual object most associated with Ọṣun. The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is a fan in circular form.

Brazillians

The Afro-Brazillians in Brazil also worship Osun who they believe is the goddess of rivers and waterfalls. She is also in control of wealth, prosperity, love and beauty and follows seek Osun when they have marital or relationship issues.  "Lady of Gold" is another name they call Osun. In Brazil dhe is worshipped near waterfalls, and more rarely, near mineral water sources

Ọṣun worshippers

We showcased Osun worshippers at Golcabash2019, an  event I organise annually to showcase and promote Yoruba culture, tradition & customs. Please see the pictures below:

Me with the Osun worshippers at Ewusi Palace Sagamu

Osun priestess & followers making their way into our palace for their performance at Golcabash 2019

                                                              

Osun priestess carrying the sacred Calabash

Me and Osun worshippers at Golcabash2019.

The young Osun follower left me enchanted and full of emotion when she chanted my Oríkì (praise poetry)

AGEMO MASQUERADE

Agemo

I am opportuned by virtue of my origin to have witnessed and experienced  a lot of rich cultural & traditional festivals. In the Remo (formerly Ijebu remo) area which I hail from, I have been left captivated, enchanted and mesmerized by many of such festivals amongst which is the Agemo festival.

I can remember vividly as a child seeing half-naked fierce looking men, who accompied the Agemo masquerades, taking turns to willingly  whip each other with the long whips they were holding. I am not sure which was more terrifying, ths sight of the men whipping each other or the 'moving' mats which danced hapharzardly around the arena. The arena was often open streets or in a king's palace,

The Agemo masquerade belongs to  the yoruba speaking people of Ijebuland. It is an enigmatic  phenomenon which is meant to be invincible. It is one of the most powerful deities in  Ijebuland believed to be a protector of children and also ensures blessings of Ijebu people. Agemo is believed to have been introduced by the mythical Obanta clans.

Festival

The festival usually takes place between the Months of June & August As a deity and unseen god, it dishes out instruction to custodian (The Oloja) and the like OLUGBON ASE (TAMI) to be carried out. The festival is usually preceded by "Ireku" which marks the opening of the gate for the Agemos to come into Imosan. The coming of the  Agemos into Imosan through Ijebu Ode is called "Iworo."

The festival lasts seven days and takes place after consultation between the Awujale (paramount ruler) of Ijebu land & the heads of sixteen recognized or titled agemos also called Olofas.

Agemo festival historically commenced after seven days of chanting by the Oro cult beating their gbedu drums after which the sixteen  Agemo masquerades from sixteen different villages gather at Imosan  via Ijebu-Ode to spend three days at the Agemo shrine where they receive gifts from the Awujale. It is a taboo for women to see the Agemos on their way to Imosan.

The Agemo masquerades perform several traditional rites and appease the Agemo deity. On the last day of the festival where a traditional ritual dance is performed, it can be witnessed by women. The masquerades then make their way to Ijebu Ode where the  festival ends with the dance by the leader of the agemo, 'Tami Onire' before the Awujale and further public dances by the other agemos.

Masquerades

There are 16 different types of Agemo masquerades and 15 are covered from head to toe in Raffia and wearing head masks. The 16th type, Agemo Eleni  (translates to Agemo with the Mat) which is about half the height of the other Agemo masquerades  is covered with a Mat.

Agemo Eleni during Sagamu Day Festival 2018 at Akarigbo Palace Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State

Ogun State Kings- The Ewusi Of Makun Sagamu

EWUSI OF MAKUN

My father, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, is the current Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Ewusi is the traditional title of the king of Makun. He ascended the throne on 27th May 2007.

Sagamu is composed of 13 different towns which are as follows: Makun, Ofin, Epe, Soyindo, Ibido, Egbepa, Ado, Ipoji, Batoro, Oko, Ijoko, Latawa, Ijagba that came together in 1865.

Makun has four ruling houses. They are:-

(a) Osoribiya/Abara
(b) Inanuwa
(c) Muleoruwa/Orungba
(d) Eerikokunsa/Olukokun/Agunloye.

The four ruling houses rotate the kingship of the Ewusi.

On the demise of an Ewusi , it is the tradition of Makun to perform all the traditional rites and rituals. The next ruling house knows itself. It is their duty to present the candidate for the vacant stool. The family can present one or more candidates to the kingmakers in Makun. The kingmakers in Makun are ten in number. They are the following through their titles. Only those who are holding these titles as at the time a new king is to be appointed are the kingmakers. They are as follows.

1. The Lisa
2. “ Losi
3. “ Aro
4. “ Odofin
5. “ Oliwo
6. “ Apena
7. “ Balogun
8. “ Ogbeni odi (Asoju Oba)
9. “ Olotu Omoba.
10. “ Akoje

There are so many events that will take place between between the period of selection and coronation. There will be restriction, seclusion, and transformation in a practice commonly known as Ipebi.

Ipebi

This is usually a three-month seclusion in a native shrine He is not allowed to see any member of his family except male. During this time he goes through different rites and learns all he needs to know about the traditions and customs of the land and he is fortified traditionally and he gains the power of the previous Ewusis before him. This is a period of real transformation from a mere man to the Oba, alase, ekeji Orisa (King, the ruler and the gods’ lieutenant).

Below are some of the known Ewusis that have ruled over Makun although It was be noted that this is not an exhaustive list due to lack of historical records.

1. Ewusi Osoribiya - Atobatele I
2. Ewusi Agunloye - Agunloye I
3. Ewusi Eerikokunsa - Eerikokunsa I
4. Ewusi Orungba - Orungba I
5. Ewusi Inanuwa - Inanuwa I
6. Ewusi Ajayi Afolu - Afolu I
7. Ewusi Soleghe Olukokun - Olukokun I
8. Ewusi Soyombo Agunloye - Agunloye II
9. Ewusi Sotinwa Atobatele - Atobatele II
10. Ewusi Theo. Oremade - Olukokun II
11. Ewusi Michael Ashaye - Eerikokunsa II
12. Ewusi Henry Adetunji Ayeola - Afolu II
13. Ewusi Olutayo Efuwape Ogunsowo - Inanuwa II
14. Ewusi Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya - Orungba II

Ewusi of Makun, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya & Olori Beatrice Iyabode Akinsanya, coronation day, 27th May 2007

Ewusi of Makun, olori and Akarigbo, Paramount ruler of Remo (Late Oba Sonariwo)

Ewusi of Makun Kingdom

Makun has two main quarters which ate Ojutun and Agbowa. Traditionally, they have been associated with the  clan cults of Makun. It must be noted that even with the introduction of  Christianity and Islam, the traditional clan cults are still maintained by their custodians. There are other major quarters and sub-quarters that emanated from the two main quarters. The quarters, either major or sub-quarter are the following.

1. Itun Alara
2. Itun Imode
3. Itun Ejina
4. Itun Abara
5. Itun Emuko
6. Itun Ojutun
7. Itun Isote
8. Itun Yenugho
9. Itun Ode
10. Itun Kuna
11. Itun Regun
12. Itun Agbon
13. Itun Liwo
14. Itun Ladugba
15. Itun Oje
16. Itun Solomade

My parents at the Thanksgiving ceremony of my father's coronation day 28th May 2007

Ewusi of Makun with the Akarigbo & Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babtunde Adewale Ajayi in a meeting

Although, the purpose of this piece is not to give a comprehensive account of the history of Makun or Indeed Sagamu. A more comprehensive account can be found  here, nevertheless it is noteworthy to remember that Sagamu is the commercial capital of Remo Town, a very important Town in Ogun State that also seats the paramount ruler of Remo, the Akarigbo. 

I remain a proud son of Makun, a great, thriving & developing community full of hard working and accommodating people. Makun is the home of colourful tradition, culture and festivals. Home to many masquerades, traditional worshippers, Christians & muslims alike. It is home to many industrious sons & daughters of  Sagamu and Ogun State. Long live Makun!

Balufon Dancers at GolcaBash 2019

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AFRICAN CULTURE & GOLDEN CALABASH (GOLCA)

This is an introduction to my platform- Golden Calabash GOLCA).

Golden Calabash (GOLCA) was originally created on 4th of September 2007 as an online group and the platform was created based on the desire to showcase the areas which I am most passionate about being African Tradition, Culture, Humour and the Arts. GOLCA initially started as a Facebook group where members could interact and learn more about culture, Arts, Royalty not just in Africa but indeed the whole world.

The African calabash is product of a gourd plant.

Normally, this gourd fruit has to be allowed time to mature before it is plucked hollowed out to remove the content mainly seeds. It is placed out in the sun to dry up. With time, the green colour fades as it becomes hard. It is ready for use at this point. The calabash needs to be handled with care as it is breakable.

The Calabash is also the embodiment of ultimate women’s mystical power- the ability to control spiritual and physical forces, the ability to create life through procreation and the sustenance of life are regarded as the ultimate power. The female being has been chosen by the creator to be the portal between the physical realm and the spiritual realm. In essence, the Golden Calabash thus is the mother of all calabashes- indestructible and full of wisdom, knowledge and answer to all the world's mysteries.

My background

My name is Prince S. Akinsanya. I am a prince from the Orungba ruling house of Makun, Sagamu. My father, Oba Oyesola Akinsanya is the current Ewusi of Makun Sagamu. Sagamu is the biggest and commercial capital of Remo, Ogun state in South western Nigeria.

My Father- The Ewusi of Makun Kingdom

Vision For Golca & Golca Kidz Foundation (GKF).

My vision is that this platform will not only showcase and promote African culture, tradition and Arts but will also develop and assist individuals who have special talents in the Arts or trying to promote culture and Tradition at any level. The vision for Golca is based on the acronym H.A.R.C.T. (Humour Arts Royalty Culture Tradition).

• Humour- The online groups have a lot of  written and visual humorous posts and always lead to active engagement & interaction between group members. Golca also supports upcoming comedians.
• Arts- Golca also supports actors, dancers and other talented performers through various channels.
• Royalty- Golca showcases royalty not just in Africa but all over the world and as a group we visit royal fathers.
• Culture- Golca showcases, educates and promotes African culture and also creates an avenue where we can learn about foreign cultures.
• Tradition- We also aim  to educate and raise awareness about the importance of promoting African Traditions worldwide.

We also set up a children's charity, Golca Kids Foundation (GFK). This was set up to support less privileged children and although this foundation is currently at the registration stage, we have already started supporting and providing relief materials to less privileged homes.

Members of Golca presenting relief materials to an Orphange in Lagos, Nigeria on behalf of Golca Kidz Foundation.

Myself on a visit to an Orphanage in Sagamu to drop essential materials

GOLCABASH

On 24th of August 2019 , we had the first Golcabash which will be an annual event for members to meet, network and enjoy a variety of cultural and Traditional displays as well do discover showcase and support new talents in the world of Arts. The 2020 edition is slated for October this year

Myself (Centred), next to me is my wife and a selection of pageant queens from Ogun State, Nigeria.