In a recent interactive session on Adeyinka Olaiya’s YouTube Channel, Dr. Paula Gomes, the Culture Ambassador attached to the Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ passionately debunked the notion that Ifa divination is the sole criterion for selecting the new Aláàfin of Òyó . Dr. Paula’s insights shed light on the intricate process of choosing the next Alaafin, which has been vacant for nearly two years since the passing of the late Aláàfin ti Ọ̀yọ́ , Ikú Bàbá Yèyé , Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi in 2022.
Dr. Paula emphasized that Ifa, while a significant aspect of Yoruba culture, is not elevated above or below other divination systems within Oyo. According to her, the rich heritage of Oyo encompasses various respected and valid divination systems, making it clear that Ifa is not the exclusive determinant for choosing the next Alaafin.
During the live chat from Brazil, Dr. Paula, a staunch advocate of Orisa worship, highlighted the historical devotion of the Yoruba people to Orisa and its relevance in Oyo culture. She conveyed that Ifa’s corpus or divination system cannot be the sole factor in selecting the Alaafin, given the coexistence of other equally esteemed divination systems.
Addressing questions from the live chat in Brazil, Dr. Paula clarified the role of Ifa within the Oyo ruling system, asserting that it is the Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers, who hold the authority to select the new Alaafin. She emphasized that this selection process involves a range of criteria beyond just divination. Divination is just an option in case Oyomesi desires to consult.
Having spent 35 years in Yorùbá land and 15 years as the Culture Ambassador to the Oyo Palace, Dr. Paula paid homage to the late Alaafin of Oyo, expressing her deep respect for his commitment to preserving Oyo’s traditions and culture.
Dr. Paula confirmed that the Oyomesi are the kingmakers, who select the new Alaafin and subsequently submitted the chosen name to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for formal approval. This process underscores the complex and multi-faceted approach to selecting the revered Alaafin of Oyo, firmly rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Dr. Paula emphasized the highly structured and intricate nature of selecting the Alaafin of Oyo, underpinned by profound traditions and cultural significance. She clarified that the Oyomesi holds the responsibility for the choice of the new Alaafin and stressed that eligible candidates must originate from different ruling houses within the Oyo Kingdom. These candidates are subjected to a comprehensive assessment, including the scrutiny of their moral character, their knowledge of Yoruba traditions, and their lineage.
Expanding on the selection process, Dr. Paula highlighted the rigorous evaluation undertaken by the kingmakers, considering factors such as the character of the candidates, their community support, and their grasp of the manifold responsibilities linked to the role of Alaafin. An essential aspect she emphasized was the practice of consulting divination systems, a pivotal element in Oyo traditions, to solicit guidance and divine insight during the coronation, underscoring the spiritual dimension of the decision taken.
Dr. Paula concluded by elucidating the subsequent steps in the process. Once the kingmakers achieve a consensus, the chosen candidate is formally presented to the Oyo State Government for approval. In the event of approval, the new Alaafin undergoes a sequence of rituals, culminating in an elaborate coronation ceremony attended by chiefs, community leaders, and well-wishers. This ceremony encompasses a range of ceremonial activities, including the donning of Sango crown and the administration of oaths of office, symbolizing the investiture of the Alaafin with the authority and duties as the guardian of Yoruba culture and the spiritual and temporal leader of the Oyo people. Following this ascension, the new Alaafin takes on the vital role of safeguarding and advancing Yoruba traditions while discharging various customary, spiritual, and administrative obligations and representing the kingdom in both local and international affairs. Dr. Paula underscored that the selection of the Alaafin is a process that immerses itself in Yoruba traditions, uniting the spiritual and cultural elements, and it attests to the opulent heritage and governance system of the Yoruba people.
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