World Orisha Congress launched in Lagos as global homecoming for African spiritual heritage

The World Orisha Congress has been officially launched in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a bold new chapter in the global revival and re-education of African spiritual traditions

[dropcap]A [/dropcap]powerful cultural and spiritual movement was officially set in motion yesterday at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos as Ajoyemi Osunleye announced the launch of the World Orisha Congress, a global initiative designed to reclaim, celebrate, and re-educate the world on the sacred traditions of Africa.

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Described as “a spiritual awakening,” the Congress aims to bring together practitioners, scholars, and descendants of Orisha-based traditions from across the globe—from Nigeria to Brazil, Cuba to Haiti, Trinidad to the United States—into one collective circle of cultural connection, education, and healing.

“This is not merely a festival or a conference—it is a spiritual and cultural homecoming,” Osunleye declared in his address to a gathering of cultural custodians and dignitaries.

“It is a platform where the ancient wisdom of our ancestors will meet the curious minds of the modern world, in search of roots, truth, and divine connection.”

“The Orisha tradition is not evil. It is sacred knowledge—wisdom passed down across millennia. What we must do is present it not as fearsome, but as beautiful, intelligent and divine.” — Ajoyemi Osunleye

He praised the Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, particularly the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), for recognising the power of heritage as a vehicle for economic rejuvenation, heritage diplomacy, and spiritual renewal.

With over 400 million people globally identifying with Orisha-based faiths, Osunleye stressed that Nigeria—home to its roots—must take the lead.

Throughout his speech, Osunleye challenged long-held misconceptions about African spirituality, describing how traditions born in sacred groves in Osun, Ife, and Oyo were demonised on the continent, yet revered and preserved across the Atlantic.

“Who told you to fear your own light?” he asked. “The word Orisha means ‘those whom the Creator has specially designed and assigned.’ They are not demons; they are divine expressions of purpose.”

Highlighting personal experiences from Brazil, where Yoruba traditions are celebrated with reverence, Osunleye called for a reawakening among African youth.

“You are torn between religions and ideologies. Let me tell you—calm your heart. Redemption lies not in rejection, but in reconnection.”

With planned international participation and educational exchange, the World Orisha Congress is expected to serve as a transformative space where “priests will sit beside professors, where ritual meets reason, and where heritage meets innovation.”

The event also paid tribute to cultural giants Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Wande Abimbola, described as “bridges to the past,” whose lifelong work in preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage continues to inspire generations.

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In closing, Osunleye asserted, “Africa is not lost. She is rising. Through the World Orisha Congress, Africa will speak again. And this time, the world will listen.”