In a landmark gesture aimed at preserving and promoting Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has donated three acres of land for the construction of a World Ifa Temple.
The donation, announced during a traditional ceremony held in Ile-Ife, is part of ongoing efforts to institutionalize and globalize the Ifa religion, a central pillar of Yoruba cosmology and spiritual practice.
According to the Ooni, the temple will serve as a global center for the teaching, practice, and promotion of Ifa, attracting scholars, practitioners, and spiritual seekers from around the world. He emphasized the need to protect indigenous knowledge systems and ensure that future generations remain connected to their ancestral roots.
“This is not just about religion; it is about heritage, identity, and the preservation of wisdom passed down through centuries,” the Ooni said. “The World Ifa Temple will be a sanctuary of learning, healing, and unity for all who value our rich traditions.”
Cultural stakeholders, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Ifa priesthood have applauded the initiative, describing it as a timely move to counter the erosion of traditional values and reconnect people with their origins.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with the temple poised to become a major cultural and spiritual landmark in Nigeria and across the African diaspora.
