Àşé: Brazil’s Most Iconic Word. Yemanja: Revered Deity. Nigerian Baba King Analyzes Yoruba Philosophy in Brazil.
Babalorisa Adesina Sikiru Salami, one of the world’s most renowned Ifa Orisa Priests and the founder of Brazil’s largest Orisa temple, delves into the significance of Yoruba philosophy in the journey of life. In his scholarly analysis, he highlights how Ifa philosophy has positively impacted devotees at Oduduwa Templo Dos Orixas, enhancing their individual lives.
Affectionately known as Baba King in both popular and spiritual circles, the Bàbálórìsà emphasized that Brazilians participating in Yoruba dances, songs, and Orisa veneration on the international stage aren’t merely engaging in rituals; they are actively applying these traditions to their daily lives. He stated, ‘The devotees of the Oduduwa family at Oduduwa Temple have a profound connection to Yoruba tradition and culture, beyond their sheer enjoyment of the dances and folklore.’
The academic, who has been teaching Ifa in Brazilian universities since 1988, asserts that Ifa serves as a therapeutic philosophy for resolving individual challenges. He believes that venerating Orisa is a wise choice, with wisdom lying in those who honor their ancestors’ traditions rather than those who measure wisdom solely by academic degrees or Western education.”
The Nigerian further expressed that the zeal to venerate Orisa in Brazil is not just a desire but a part of history. “The slave trade era brought Orisa in a very terrible way, but Ifa arrived in Brazil in a smoother and more intelligent manner,” Baba King said.
Speaking at the Adeyinka Olaiya interactive channel, Babalorisa King said, “Àsè has become a language in Brazil. No Brazilian will say they don’t know the words Ase and Yemanja. Though of Yoruba tribal origin, Àsè is used by all Brazilians.
According to the Nigerian traditionalist, Yemoja, the Yoruba water goddess, is practically the most well-known word of African origin spoken in Brazil. “Every Brazilian knows Àsè and Yemoja,” says Baba King.
Baba King further explained that Brazilians gather in large numbers at the beach every New Year’s Eve to seek blessings from Yemoja, the water goddess. They believe that the water goddess is the mother of all.
The priest, who holds a doctorate from the University of São Paulo, said that his students worldwide emulate the ethics of Isese, which, according to him, is Omoluabi . He mentioned that the temple and the Oduduwa family worldwide prioritize respect as an important goal in all their endeavors. “Oduduwa Temple is not just significant in Brazil alone but also in Abeokuta, Nigeria,” Baba King emphasized.
Touching on the importance of the Yoruba language in Nigerian homes, Baba alerts that if Yoruba is not taken seriously, it will erode the culture and traditions of the Yoruba people.
A writer and publisher of numerous theological, philosophical, and academic books, Babalorisa King has introduced Orisa worship to various parts of the planet, including Slovenia in Europe, where Orisa is regarded with as much importance as other religions.
Having arrived in Brazil over 40 years ago, Babalorisa insists that Ìsèsè is the essence of Yoruba culture. He believes it is our individual right to uphold the traditions of our forefathers.
Baba King encourages all Isese practitioners to embrace the principles of Ifa in order to reach greater heights in life.
