In the wake of the tragic flood that swept through Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, claiming the lives of over 126 people, leaving 146 missing, and displacing more than 400 thousand residents, Oba Isoro Apetu Obatala Agbaye, Willer de Almeida, has emerged as a voice of reason and compassion.
As the crowned Oba Isoro Apetu Agbaye Obatalá Ile-Ife, his words carry weight within both spiritual and social spheres. Amidst the chaos and despair, Oba Isoro addressed the misattributions and misconceptions surrounding the role of the Orisa, particularly Olokun, in this tragedy.
At the heart of Oba Isoro’s message lies a firm assertion: the Orisa are not to be blamed for the natural disasters that befall humanity. With a backdrop of 64 thousand Orisa shrines in the region, some have hastily pointed fingers at the spiritual realm, suggesting that divine wrath or displeasure may have triggered the catastrophic flood. However, Oba Isoro vehemently rejects such notions, emphasizing the benevolence and compassion inherent in the Orisa tradition. Drawing from his deep spiritual wisdom, he reminds the people that Olodumare, the supreme deity he serves, is not a cruel entity. Rather, he maintains that divine forces, whether in the form of the Orisa, the Christian God, or any other spiritual belief system, do not inflict suffering upon humanity in such wanton manner.
In addition to countering these misguided attributions, Oba Isoro takes aim at the irresponsible rhetoric propagated by certain media influencers. One such individual, Michele Dias, drew criticism for her attempts to sensationalize the tragedy by framing it as divine punishment. Oba Isoro condemns such inflammatory statements as not only false but also deeply harmful, urging the populace to reject fear-mongering and instead unite in solidarity and compassion.
While the ultimate responsibility for disaster response and mitigation lies with the Federal Government of Brazil, Oba Isoro recognizes the importance of community-driven efforts in times of crisis. Thousands of volunteers have mobilized to provide aid and support to those affected by the flood, embodying the spirit of collective resilience and mutual assistance. In alignment with this spirit, Oba Isoro extends his heartfelt solidarity to the people of Rio Grande do Sul, offering not only words of comfort but also substantial financial contributions to bolster rescue and relief operations.
Oba Isoro reaffirms the fundamental principles of the Orisa tradition: that Olokun and the Orisa, in their essence, represent forces of harmony, healing, and empowerment. To attribute tragedy to their supposed anger or caprice is not only misguided but also disrespectful to the sacred traditions upheld by millions worldwide. In the face of adversity, Oba Isoro stands as a beacon of wisdom and compassion, urging all to embrace understanding, unity, and above all, love for our fellow human beings.
