The revered Ifa priest celebrates with a three-in-one ceremony attended by traditional rulers, entertainers, politicians and cultural icons in Osogbo
The ancient city of Osogbo, Osun State, was filled with colour, culture and celebration on July 25 as renowned Ifa priest, scholar and cultural custodian, Ifáyẹmi Ọ̀ṣúndàgbonù Elebuibon, marked his 79th birthday with a memorable three-in-one ceremony that brought together traditional rulers, entertainers, politicians and admirers from different parts of the world.
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The Elebuibon 79th birthday celebration combined a grand birthday ceremony with the dedication of The Ancient Philosophy International Event Centre and Ogbe Yonu Temple, as well as a housewarming ceremony and awards presentation celebrating the enduring contributions of the revered Araba Awo of Osogboland and Olú Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
The gathering offered more than a birthday tribute. It became a vivid celebration of Yoruba heritage and the continuing influence of a man whose life has been closely associated with the preservation, teaching and promotion of Ifa knowledge and indigenous culture.
Among the traditional rulers who attended were the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Timi of Ede, the Olufon of Orolu and the Alayemore of Ido Osun, alongside several other Obas who gathered to honour Elebuibon and celebrate his remarkable journey.
Their presence added a significant traditional dimension to the occasion, reflecting the esteem in which the Ifa priest is held within Yoruba cultural and spiritual circles.
The entertainment industry also turned out in impressive numbers, with veteran actor Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, among the prominent guests.
Other notable figures from the creative sector included Oyinda Duroladipo, members of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, Osun State chapter, filmmaker Ambassador Kunle Afod, actress Toyin Adegbola, Oyin Adegbenro and Olaniyan Tosin.
Their attendance highlighted the long-standing relationship between Yoruba traditional culture and Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry, particularly in the areas of theatre, film and storytelling.
The occasion also attracted prominent socialites and cultural personalities, including Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Akintunde Ayeni of Yemkem, Olalekan Fabilola Masoyinbo, Tayo Bello, popularly known as Wasere, Shina Ayomi Daniel, known as Oju Abuja, Tunde Daudu and Singapore, among others.
The political class was equally represented, with the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, attending the celebration. Ibrahim Taofeek Kayode and other political stakeholders were also present to honour the cultural icon.
The diverse gathering reflected the broad reach of Elebuibon’s influence, bringing together people from traditional institutions, the arts, politics and wider cultural circles under one roof.
For many of those in attendance, the celebration was also an opportunity to acknowledge a lifetime dedicated to the protection of Yoruba identity at a time when indigenous knowledge systems continue to face the pressures of modernisation and cultural change.
Elebuibon has established himself as a respected figure in the preservation and documentation of Yoruba heritage.
Beyond his role as an Ifa priest, he is recognised as a writer, poet and linguist whose work has helped draw attention to the intellectual and cultural depth of Yoruba traditional knowledge.
His contribution extends across spiritual practice, literature and cultural scholarship, with his work continuing to attract interest beyond Nigeria and across the global African cultural community.
The dedication of The Ancient Philosophy International Event Centre and Ogbe Yonu Temple added particular significance to the celebration.
The new institutions represent an extension of Elebuibon’s commitment to creating spaces where traditional knowledge, spirituality and cultural education can be preserved and shared with future generations.
The awards presentation further provided an opportunity to recognise individuals and institutions that have contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture and the values associated with indigenous heritage.
As the celebration unfolded, the presence of traditional rulers, cultural custodians, entertainers and public figures created a powerful sense of continuity between generations.
The event ultimately became a fitting tribute to a man whose life has been deeply intertwined with the preservation of Yoruba cultural identity.
At 79, Elebuibon’s influence remains visible not only through his spiritual calling but also through his scholarship, creative expression and efforts to ensure that traditional knowledge retains a place in contemporary society.
The remarkable turnout in Osogbo therefore transformed the birthday into something larger than a personal milestone.
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It became a powerful celebration of heritage, identity and legacy, reaffirming the enduring place of Yoruba culture in Nigeria and the wider world.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
