Igbo-Ifa, the Ifá Orunmila Grove in São Paulo, witnessed a grand celebration this weekend to honor the significance of Yeye Osun, the Yoruba Goddess. Devotees of the Òrisa from all across Brazil gathered in large numbers at Igbo-Ifa, the Ifá Orunmila Grove of Oba (Ogboni) Adekunle Aderonmu in Aruja, São Paulo, Brazil.
The ceremony commenced with rituals and essential sacrifices to the Orisas, guided by the Ogboni king. Osun devotees from various regions of Brazil, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, participated in the festivities.
The Osun festival not only celebrated the Yoruba water goddess but also involved ritual proceedings for the worship of Orisa Osun. Yeye Egbe organized the festival, which began early on Saturday with rituals and sacrifices to Esu, Ogun, and other important Orisas.
Oba (Ogboni) Adekunle Aderonmu, the lead priest and President of the African Cultural Center, Ile-Ifa, Igbo-Ifa, emphasized the importance of recognizing and making sacrifices to the gods during festivals. He stated, “Esu and Ogun are significant, which is why we perform these ritual proceedings before commencing the Osun festival.” The priest elaborated on the significance of these preliminary rituals.
The Osun festival was celebrated modestly, featuring teachings, rituals, dances, drums, and incantations dedicated to the Yoruba gods.
Iya Egbe expressed, “The Osun festival marks the beginning of several other festivals to follow. It is crucial for all of us to celebrate our mother, Yeye Osun.” The traditionalist emphasized the importance of honoring the deity.
The festival witnessed the presence of various traditionalists, including Iya Adriana de Nana, Iya Egbe, Awo Olaoluwa Fuoye, Oluwakemi Aderonmu, Dami Aderonmu, Educadora e Empresária Andrea Guedes , Iya-Abiye-Madalena da Osun, Apetebi-Patrícia Pontes Fernandez, Jornalista Cosme Félix , Babaláwo-Emerson Fernandez, Iyálòrísá Anair de Osun, and many others.
