Ìtàndòwe - Ẹnití kò le se bí aláàárù l'Óyìngbò, kò le se bí Adégbọrọ̀ l'Ọ́jà ọba

Adégbọrọ̀ fi ìlú Ìbàdàn sílẹ̀, ó kọ rí sí ìlú Èkó láti lọ ṣe iṣẹ́ alábàárù ní agbègbè kan tí wọ́n ń pè ní ÒYÌNGBÒ. Ń gbé ẹrù sórí, ń ṣe alábàárù níbẹ̀. Nígbà tí Adégbọrọ̀ ṣe iṣẹ́ yí fún gbà pípẹ́ láì ṣe ìmẹ́lẹ́, kẹ̀rẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀ o ń fi owó pamọ́, bẹ́ẹ̀ ló bá ra ọmọlanke láti máa fi gbé ẹrù dípò rírù sórí.

Eléyìí jẹ́kí ìrọ̀rùn bá iṣẹ́ alábàárù rẹ̀ tó ń ṣe. Nígbà tó wá tún fi ọmọlanke ṣe iṣẹ́ kárakára díẹ̀ si, ó tún wá ra ọmọlanke tó pọ̀ láti fi máa rẹńtì fún àwọn ènìyàn lọ́rísìrísìí fún iṣẹ́ alábàárù láti rọrùn.

Nígbà tí ó tún túnbọ̀ ti ọmọlanke fún ọdún mẹ́jọ gbáko pẹ̀lú gbogbo owó tó ń pá wọlé lórí àwọn ọmọlanke tí ń yá àwọn akẹgbẹ́ rẹ̀, bẹ́ẹ̀ ló bá kó owó jọ tó sì di ẹnití ó ra mọ́tò. Mọ́tò tó rà jẹ́ èyí tí a mọ̀ sí bọ́lẹ̀kájà, ó kọ́ bí wọn ṣe ń wa ọkọ̀ láti mó jú tó ọkọ̀ náà fún ara rẹ̀, bẹ́ẹ̀ ló ń wa ọkọ̀ bọ́lẹ̀kájà náà tó fi pé ọdún mẹ́rin.

Ní Ọlọ́run bá gbọ́ àdúrà Adégbọrọ̀, ló bá ra mọ́tò mẹ́fà ọ̀tọ̀ọ̀tọ̀ tí a mọ̀ sí bọ́lẹ̀kájá tó sì ń gbé fún àwọn ènìyàn láti m'ówó wọlé.

Ó tó àsìkò tí Adégbọrọ̀ yó kọ́ ilé, ó wá korí sí ìlú Ìbàdàn ní agbègbè tí wọn ń pè ní ọjà-ọba, ìbẹ̀ ló lọ kólé sí. Adégbọrọ̀ kọ́ ilé àrà-mọ̀-ǹdà yí tán, àwọn ènìyàn tó mọ ìpilẹ̀ṣẹ̀ rẹ̀ wá ń ríi, wọ́n ń béèrè pé ọ̀nà wo ló gbé gbà tí ó ṣe ń dùn tó ṣe ń dá fún-un, Adégbọrọ̀ wá ń bi wọ́n léèrè pé ṣe wọn lé gbé ẹrù sórí, ṣe wọn lé ṣe alábàárù ní-bi-kí-bi, ṣùgbọ́n wọ́n á dáhùn pé láéláé àwọn kò le se bẹ́ẹ̀.

Ibẹ̀ ni Adégbọrọ̀ ti ń fún wọn lésì pé, "Èèyàn tí kò le se bí Alábàárù l'Óyìngbò, kò mà le se bí Adégbọrọ̀ l'Ọ́jà ọba". Láti ìgbà náà ni ọ̀rọ̀ inú ìtàn yí ti di òwe nílẹ̀ Yorùbá.

Olùfẹ́ ọ̀wọ́n, iṣẹ́ wo ni ìwọ ń ṣe tí o kò tẹpá mọ́? O kò kàwé tàbí tẹpá mọ́ iṣẹ́ kí ṣe tó wù ọ́ láti yàn làáyò, ò ń sọ pé orílẹ̀-èdè ibìkan kò dára. Fí eléyìí kọ́gbọ́n àti ìpinnu ayé tiẹ̀, èèyàn tí kò le se bí aláàárù l'Óyìngbò ni, kò le se bí Adégbọrọ̀ l'Ọ́jà ọba. Tí o bá fi irun dúdú ṣe iṣẹ́, kí o mọ́ bà fi irun funfun gba àárù ni.

Ẹnití kò le ṣe bí aláàárù l'Óyìngbò, kò le se bí Adégbọrọ̀ loja ọba. Don't stay idle because an idle man is a devil's workshop.

We bring you virtues and godly heritages from Yorùbá culture, tradition and lifestyle. #YorùbáDùnlÉdè 
Source - https://bit.ly/2TbBvmS
#YorùbáDùnlÉdè #YorubaHeritages #AIFMEDIA
© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2020

Religious Adventure—A Leaf From Yoruba Culture III
© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019


In the previous episode, I halsened to betalk how Yorùbá came into existence in written words, embraced Christianity, and thereafter contributed to Yorùbá being popular and acceptable language amongst other Africa languages. Under the control of Àjàyí Crowther, many were accomplished by Christian Missionaries for the growth and development of Yorùbá language.


Ajayi Crowther, C.A. Gollmer, J.B. Wood, J.F. Schön, Venn, Mann, Lepsius Bowen (of Baptist Church), Henry Townsend and many other missionaries who came to Nigeria around that time were those who did sacrosanct work together to create and put a start to Yorùbá orthography. Ajayi Crowther first translated Old Testament between 1850-56 and New Testament in 1844, but since around 1854, they started translating 'The Holy Bible' to Yorùbá language philosophy, till final completion in 1880.

In 1841, Crowther returned to Nigeria where he opened his own missionary work alongside Henry Townsend in today's Ogun state of Nigeria and began translating the Bible into the Yoruba langauge. Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther's effort [who was from Oshogun] when he returned from Freetown, Sierra Leone as a linguist and missionary deserves an encomium.


At the time, there were many literate Nigerians who returned from Sierra Leone who began to write literature and some other useful books for teaching in Yorùbá. One of those Sierra Leone indigene was Thomas King. They produced many books for study in schools and CMS orison book in Yorùbá.

In 1843, Crowther produced his first book in Yorùbá—First Primer—where he exemplified the procedure to writing the language of Yorùbá. J.F. Schön (who worked with Crowther), Venn, Revd Mann, Lepsius, Bowen (of Baptist Church), Henry Townsend amongst others, and which for example, C.A. Gollmer proposed dot marks to be underneath some letters as follows: e o, when Mann proposed line marks to be under.

In 1844, C.A. Gollmer translated "Lord's Precation", Biblical Catalogue and 'The Gospel of St. Matthew' to Yorùbá. Thomas King also translated collection of some missionary books within 1857-62. 

In 1848, Ajayi Crowther (made Yorùbá known to be a tonal language and he) released vowels and consonants with tonal marks in Yorùbá language words spelling. It therefore make Yorùbá eath for translator in Newspaper firm, Religious books, Missionary books and Holy Bible. Crowther was the one who made the move of the today's Yorùbá Alphabet and he suggested us to read it in this manner: a bi di e e fi gi gbi hi I je ke li mi ni o o pi ri si si ti u wi yi


Henry Townsend (who was a Bristish), yet brought a printing machine to Abẹ́òkúta, where he made sure every notes brought to be published in Yorùbá are quickly printed. From 1859-67, Townsend started the production of newspapers in Abeokuta for the literate advantage— first of its kind in Nigeria.


Ajayi Crowther preached in Yorùbá language for the first time on January 9, 1844 in Sierra Leone (Ẹsẹ̀ wúrà tó lò lọ́jọ́ náà lóhùn-ún ni Lúùkù 1:35, tí ó kọ báyìí "_ ohung ohworh ti aobih ni inoh reh aomalpe li omoh, Olorung"). He was the chairman, wherefore J.B. Wood was the secretary for the national conference on Yorùbá orthography in 1875.


Do you know? 'Ǹjẹ́ ẹ̀yín mọ̀ pé ọdún 2019 tí a wà yìí ni ó pé igba ọdún (200 years) tí èdè Yorùbá di kíkọ sílé? Òyìnbó òṣìṣẹ́ Ìjọ CMS kan tí orúkọ rẹ̀ ń jẹ́ Bowdich ló jẹ yó tán nílùú Ashanti lọ́dún 1819 tó kọ oókan dé ẹẹ́wàá (1-10) ní èdè tó pè ní èdè AKU, orúko tí wọ́n ń pe èdè Yorùbá nígbà náà. Nítorí náà, èdè Yorùbá kú ayẹyẹ ọjọ́ ìbí igba ọdún tí èdè náà di kíkọ sílẹ̀.

Lẹ́yìn ọdún 1819 tí Bowdich kọ èdè Yorùbá sílẹ̀ yìí ni àwọn Òyìnbó bíi Aya Kilham, Àlùfáà Raban àti Àlùfáà Àjàyí Crowther tó jẹ́ ọmọ abínibí Yorùbá àti àwọn yòókù tẹ́wọ́ gba iṣẹ́ lórí ìdàgbàsókè èdè Yorùbá títí di òní.'

Preserving our godly heritage as Yorùbá is my major concern. I remain your Israel Ayanwuyi, and this is copyrighted in 2019

Religious Adventure: A Leaf From Yoruba Culture II
© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019 

In the world where diverse religion had taken every corners and a particular thought of serving God crossed every minds, yet Yorùbá has been distinct from the ages in their traditional culture and practices. For the purpose of this piece, I shall succinctly sieve out how religious practices or lifestyle has been encroached illicitly with what Yoruba founding fathers meant by traditions, customs or culture.

In the next episode of this series, I will further talk about how Yorùbá came into existence in written words and start to promote Christianity and thereafter contributed to Yorùbá being popular and acceptable language amongst other Africa languages. If you've not read the first episode from this series, then you might befoul the idea behind this move.


In truth, Yoruba refers tradition to be culture and acts which are valuable in exact way our forefathers use to do from the genesis.
How do our forefathers perform traditions? In the ancient time, no one whatsoever—old or young—is ordained to alter the trend of tradition/custom in ure.


Those who embrace tradition in toto are the traditional worshippers, whereas the concept of Yorùbá tradition/custom is not restricted to them. It is rather a commodity expected to be promoted as an heritage for individual who's born in Yorùbá land. It is not until a man set off to worship a god or an idol before a tradition/custom can be observed.

For example, Yorùbá has custom pertaining pregnancy, birth control, childbirth, and naming in which 8 days was adopted aftermath. Yorùbá has tradition of seeking, introduction, engagement and many more pertaining marriage. Also, Yorùbá has pattern they follow in dressing, haircut and body beautification.

To talk of festival, for example, Òsogbo has been celebrating Ọ̀sun Òsogbo fall when it is rainy season and the fall is heavy since inception but it has been left to Ọ̀sun worshipper and it has been modified for Ọ̀sun follower only after Òsogbo people negligence.

Whatsoever a group of people from origin concluded to be doing continually in a specific pattern is tradition/custom.
Therefore, it is not only an idol festival we can term to be tradition.

Nigerian celebrates independence day yearly as a tradition/custom. It is a bequest initiated by our fathers for a reason.

Some towns celebrate new yam festival as their own tradition.
Easter is a tradition for believers as an instruction laid since ages; Eld-kabir is a pattern in Islam as a traditional festival because it started from the start of their religion.

For this reason, it is our duty to promote and support Yorùbá goodly heritages because it ours.

Ọmọ tó gbàgbé ilé sọ àpò ìyá kọ́ ni Yorùbá ma ń wí— A child who forget his culture and traditions hang a pouch of shame to his source.

#YorùbáDùnlÉdè #YorubaHeritages #AIFMEDIA

Preserving our godly heritage as Yorùbá is my major concern. Next time, if I am graced, I will be coming your way with more explanation of how things evolved to be stronger for Yorùbá in their religion adventures. 

TRY ONCE AGAIN! 
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© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019 

Those pains we feel when we have tried something again and again, yet failed are one of the most serious distress a man can encounter, you know? Dammit! It is a serious one to experience in all of our doings. I know pain is a norm to every mortals and perhaps immortals, too, but let us focus on what really concerns us—We mortals.

Most times we get to end of the road after we've strived to make a turn over but failed. I've just got this  to charge your spirit to successfully make it through on trials.

You know, in Luke 5, Jesus was doing his Father's work on the shore —preaching— and he had a need for a pulpit when great crowds pressed on him to listen to the word of God. He made a business proposal to Simon Peter to use his boat as pulpit to teach the crowds.

Peter had worked hard all night and he didn't catch a thing[fish].
Peter didn't stop Jesus from using it. Jesus stepped into one of the boats, and asked Simon, its owner, to push it a bit into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

And when Jesus had finished, profited from the business, he had to make Peter gain and share from the partnership as well.

HE instructed Peter to go DEEPER, and let down his nets to catch some fish. Peter had no reason to let those nets down because he had done more than try from his own capacity overnight but he just had to let them down again at Jesus' word.

Lo! This time, their nets were so full of fish that they began to tear and  his shout for help brought his partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and even on the verge of sinking.

Peter and his partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.

Do you notice Peter would never have this reward if he had not agreed to partner with Jesus? Do you also notice Peter would never enjoy this natural benefits if he had not agreed to go DEEPER at Jesus word?

Peter took a wise step, he succumbed to support Jesus business and Jesus paid attention to his need and business also. Peter included Jesus in his life affair. Peter took instruction from Jesus to go deeper and he had the reward.

Peter got this reward when he didn't even ask for any reward. It came to him naturally because he had submitted his will for the Kingdom establishment and propagation, first.

Peter and his partners further received an honour to co-labour with Jesus to be his disciple[fishers of men], by the selection of grace and partnership. They had honour to be his first apostles who joyfully shared in everything, including his suffering and glory in his Father's Kingdom. What honour, success, prosperity and achievement can be above this?

In divine connection, you should never miss transaction with the person of Jesus Christ; without him, you are with no shape, just like an amoeba. It is from Jesus office everything receive definition and success. 

The life of Peter, whose name previously was Simon—a weed tottle to and fro by the riverside—received definition and drastic change when he entered into the economic of the discovery of Jesus, his name changed to "The Living Stone" —Peter, upon which I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 

Beloved, will you also try once again? But this time, you must include Jesus in your trial, you must do it with him. Pay attention to God's business first. He is able to work excellently far above your imaginations.

For you are the descendant of Abraham, the LORD calls you blessed. Amen. Be encouraged!

Scriptures excerpt from Luke 5:1-11; Mathew 16:18; Matthew 6:33
Source - https://bit.ly/32VqkQY

YOUR STORY
© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019

Although it may not be easy, decision to follow Jesus always worth it as it involves forsaking our own life and ways totally for the life and way Jesus had made available for us (note that I said totally, not partially). From the scriptures, the first four disciples Jesus made—Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John which are sons of Zebedee—had to completely leave what they are doing and follow Jesus instantly. Don't you think this kind of faith worth speaking about? They were not doing part-time of their fishing work and following Jesus, they followed completely.

As far as salvation is concerned, we owe the world a true life story of what our past and present life look like. Is there a distinct difference from your past life and present? Are you still working in partiality? Or you are having a little touch of your past?

Me: What is your salvation experience?
A: Sometimes I used to steal but now I only steal from my parents.

Bible: If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Ephesians 4:28

B: I used to slay everyday with my dresses, words, hairstyle and makeup but now I only do that on Saturdays for Owambe party or Sundays.

Bible: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

C: I always express I love you in words to everyone around me

Bible: Dear friends, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. I John 3:18

D: I used to feel guilt of my past sins when I was of the world

Bible: Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. I John 3:20

E: I pray once in a week, during cooperate prayers or when in church/fellowship.

Bible: Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

F: I cry or run out of God whenever I face challenges or trials.

Bible: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

G: I used to back out my integrity at the face of tribulations.

Bible: You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

H: I always succumb to peer pressure because I cannot stand alone.

Bible: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I Peter 2:9

I: I get angry easily but now it is only once in a while.

Bible: And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26

Through Jesus Christ, the Father, God, called us to be perfect as He is—like Father, like son [Matthew 5:48]. I bring you a message to come hither, you have all it takes to live perfectly as God is. For He said, my grace is sufficient for you(More than you need). Decision to follow Jesus Christ is one you truly have to make, be determined, persisted and consistent about.

Forsake lukewarmnesss, selfishness, idolatry, cheating, ungodly and seductive dressing, immorality, strife, anger, pride, jealousy and many others.

In all of these things, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Pay deliberate attention to your growth and pursuit in God. Whoever save his life shall lose it but whoever forsake his life shall find it, only in Christ Jesus. Be encouraged!

THE EMERGENCE OF THE FIRST FEMALE ALÁÀFIN 
© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019
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It is recorded that in ancient time, a female was once crowned Aláàfin of the Old Ọ̀yọ́ Empire. We must not consider this a new phenomenon —there is nothing new under the heaven—the first female as Aláàfin of Oyo is popularly known as Aláàfin Ọ̀rọ̀pọ̀tọ̀.

The first female Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ was Aláàfin Àjìún Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn who became the Aláàfin in 1554 and reigned till 1562 when there was no male person qualified to ascend the throne.

'Tí kò bá ní ìdí obìnrin kìí jẹ́ kúmólú... a woman does not become.... without reason' 

Her father's name was Aláàfin Onígbódi who lived in Ìbàrùbá land, he died, his son, Aláàfin Ofinran became the king. During his reign, Aláàfin Òfínràn, his siblings, Prince Eguguojú, Princess Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn, Prince Ajíbóyèdé; and their people decided to leave Ìbàrùbá for Ọ̀yọ́. During their journey, one of the queens of Aláàfin Òfínràn who was pregnant at the time gave birth to a son called Tella Àbíìpa. It was also on the way that Aláàfin Ofinran died, and Aláàfin Eguguojú was enthroned. Aláàfin Eguguojú was the one who led the people to Ọ̀yọ́ Ìgbòho town, where they settled after the long journey, and that was where he died, too.

The next male to be enthroned was Prince Ajíbóyèdé but he was a little boy and the next male available was Prince Tella Àbíìpa who was a crawling baby at the time. There was no other male available in the royal lineage to be enthroned and this was why the Ọ̀yọ́mẹ̀sì [the 7-man hereditary council of Ọ̀yọ́ kingmakers which functioned as the legislative arm of the empire] decided to pick a King amongst themselves.

Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn refused and demanded to be the next king. The Ọ̀yọ́mẹ̀sì stood against her interest and stating that it was an abomination for such to happen because a woman had never been king in history: only males were allowed to ascend the throne.
Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn vowed to prove to them that she was a male and was consequently entitled to the throne. She told them to meet her in Ìpèbí—a place where incoming king is empowered—in 7 days time to see and she began to wear Agbádá, Ṣòkòtò and Bùbá —Formal Yorùbá garment, trousers worn by men.

On the 7th day, the Ọ̀yọ́mẹ̀sì were amazed at what they saw in Ìpèbí, Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn unclad herself and they saw that she had no breast, and in place of a vulva, she had male genital!
Immediately the Ọ̀yọ́mẹ̀sì saw this, they prostrated as they eulogized her as the king. She became Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ and her reign was calm, and peaceful. She won diverse wars for the people of Ọ̀yọ́.

Aláàfin Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn was a valiant warrior and an expert in the usage of war machineries: she was the king who conquered the disturbing battle of the Nupe tribe in 1555. After the demise of Aláàfin Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn, Aláàfin Tella Àbíipa emerged as the next ruler of Ọ̀yọ́.
Numerous lessons can be drawn from the history of the first female Aláàfin. One of these lessons is that there is hardly any position of honour that cannot be occupied by a woman though not in a transgender approach. 

"A ò rí irú eléyìí rí, a fi ń dẹ́rù ba ọlọ́rọ̀ ni. Declaring that a phenomenon has never occurred before is a mere ploy to scarce its victim. "

Besides, it is evident from this story that surgery was not invented by the whites. It has been since the beginning. Many people believe it was Aláàfin Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn who first transitioned.

It is important for people to stop desperately seeking to have male children. Regardless of what gender a child is, that child is important—a gift from God and can achieve great things in life
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REFERENCES 
1. OSÙỌLALÉ, Kehinde (2018, April 23). Live Discussion on Aláàfin Ọ̀rọ̀ǹpọ̀tọ̀niyùn, jagunjagun orí ẹṣin. Research Work for AIF MEDIA. 
2. JÁDESỌ́LÁ, Àyánwuyì (2016). An Oral Interview. Interviewer: Israel Ayanwuyi. Research work for the AIF MEDIA. 

JABEZ AND MANY OF US
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© Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019 

Outpouring of pain and trouble on us is almost inevitable in whole of our life journey. Lot of time you've wanted a change, you have a strong desire to make a placement but you couldn't effect it. Perhaps you chorus the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Jabez and many of us have been drown with flood of lacks, pains, troubles and many dirt or a stronghold that brings sadness over years and in recent time. Will you believe with me if I tell you its normal for everyone who lives or had lived through earth, even Jesus —the reflection of God was not excluded— that he went to olive grove with Peter, James and John when he was crushed with trouble to the point of death. This is the first-class recorded sorrow. Jesus prayed fervently when he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. What trouble!

Jabez and many of us had been named a name which depicts sorrow, pain and trouble through our life experiences and dealings. Our journey here on earth have been so challenging and condemning that we suffer with our dirts and inabilities.

Jabez taught a powerful lesson every human must not trivialize at any moment. Every challenges might have many possible solutions but the first of any solution is talking to God. Jabez was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request—He was honourable above his brethren. 

Beloved, there is mighty power in talking to God first about any issues or challenges raging your life. That the Lord will be with you, encourage you and keep you from all trouble and pain! Be encouraged. Amen.

Source - https://bit.ly/2JCWoRw