The tranquil neighborhood of Aruja, Saopaulo, was jolted on the early hours of Saturday, September 24th, as the revered Igbo-Ifa Orunmila grove, one of the most cherished Orisa groves owned by the Ogboni Lord, Oba (Ogboni) Adekunle Aderonmu, was engulfed in flames. This shocking incident marks yet another troubling episode of religious intolerance in the state of Saopaulo.
Local authorities swiftly responded to the scene as the fire devoured the sacred grove, a symbol of deep spiritual significance for followers of the Yoruba religion. Police spokesperson, in addressing the incident, emphasized the gravity of religious intolerance in Brazil, calling it a collective concern for society as a whole.
“The fight against religious intolerance in Brazil is a collective one,” the police spokesperson declared. “We urge all citizens to report any form of religious intolerance to the police, ensuring that we uphold the principles of freedom of faith and respect for all religious practices.”
The Igbo-Ifa Orunmila grove, situated in Aruja, Brazil, holds a central and sacred role in all Orisa practices. Within its grounds lies the Iledi, which serves as the Ogboni fraternity center for Ogboni Lord, Oba Adekunle Aderonmu. This expansive land covers several hectares, offering ample space to host thousands of devotees during Orisa programs and events.
However, in a startling turn of events during the early hours of this Saturday, the grove became the unfortunate target of a deliberate arson attack. Oba Aderonmu expressed his deep dismay, remarking, “This heinous act constitutes a crime in a secular state. Those responsible for setting fire to this sacred grove and disrupting the works of Orunmila will be pursued and brought to justice. We will spare no effort in locating them.”
Elcira, the Iya Egbe of the Ogboni Iwashe fraternity in Brazil, has also taken an active role in pursuing justice for this grave offense. She asserted, “These individuals are criminals, and I am confident that the police authorities will soon apprehend them.”
