Produced by Osaremi Lanloke
Sundays 8-9 PM EST
This weeks topic: A Conversation With Oloye Aikulola Ifawehinmi, Gbawoniyi Osogbo
An introduction to this popular Babalowo and the culture of Ifa worshippers in Osogbo, Nigeria and the Diaspora.
About Oloye Aikulola Ifawehinmi
Born Nathan Lugo of Puerto rican parents, he is a model of excellence for all Lationos who embrace their African heritage as well as other Pan-Africanists. Chief Aikulola is the Gbawoniyi Awo of Osogboland, a high -ranking chieftaincy title in Osogbo’s Ifa priesthood and a member of Idinleke Ifa Temple of Osogbo. He is the spiritual leader of Ijo Asaforitifa, a West African Orisa Community dedicated to the teachings of the indigenous Yoruba culture and religion.
Chief Aikulola Fawehinmi is an initiated priest and official member of three religious orders in Nigeria : The Ifa and Egungun Societies of Osogbo, and the Obatala Society of Oyo. He travels from his home in the U.S. to Nigeria one or two times each year to further his priestly skills under his masteer priest, Chief Fakayode Faniyi, Agbongbon Awo of Osogboland, and his elders in Obatala and Egungun. Additionally, he has a host of other Orisa shrines that he has been properly trained to appeased and consecrate. He is fluent in Spanish and the ancient Oyo dialect of Yoruba, which is still preserved and spoken in today’s Nigeria.
Chief Fawehinmi is a respected religious community leader and teacher in the U.S. and in countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, and Cuba. He currently lives in Miami, where he provides spiritual consultation and educational workshops in Yoruba culture, spirituality, and language.
He studied African-American, African Studies and Anthropology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.
About Guest Host Iya Efunoye Fewemimo Ebunolorun
Iya Efunoye Fawemimo Ebunolorun is a spiritual advisor, performing artist, and administrative consultant. She is also a retired travel agency owner and manager.
In 1993 Iya Efunoye was introduced to the religious tradition of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa. She went through the sacred rites of initiation to Orisa Obatala in 1999. She had the good fortune to travel to Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria in 2003, where she was initiated to Orunmila, also known as Ifa, the Yoruba deity of wisdom by Chief Fakayode Faniyi, Agbongbon Awo of Osogboland.
As a result of her deep interest in the language and music of the Yoruba, Iya Efunoye founded Olorun, a vocal ensemble which presents the folklore of the Yoruba people through storytelling and song. Olorun is known for its interactive presentations to school groups and its energetic stage show at festivals and performing arts venues.
Iya Efunoye has many years experience in coaching others toward positive relationships achieving success, and growth at work, at home, and in the community. Believing that a cure for the world’s social ills is learning to embrace people’s differences, Iya has participated as a facilitator in Study Circles, an organization which promotes cultural and racial harmony through open and honest discussion. She uses effective communication skills to guide Circle members towards the ultimate goal of understanding and respect for diversity.
Iya conducts spiritual consultations using an ancient method of divination known as Eerindinlogun. Through this system, she is able to assist clients in their quest to achieve a positive and balanced life.
