The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos State election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was on Saturday installed as the Obalefun-Agbaye of Obatala Worshippers Worldwide in Badagry.
The title was conferred on Rhodes-Vivour by a group of traditional religion worshippers led by Oba Adedokun Ayinla, the Alase Oosa Agbaye Worldwide, during a ceremony held in the Ikoga area of Badagry.
Oba Ayinla explained that the decision to honour the politician was collectively agreed upon by traditional religion leaders across Yorubaland, with the approval of the Akran of Badagry, Menu Toyi I. The title was presented along with a crown and staff of office.
However, Ayinla clarified that the crown is strictly for use during religious activities and traditional festivals, stressing that it does not confer authority over the traditional ruler of the town.
He stressed, “But listen carefully, if you are a religious leader or a chief, you should know that the traditional ruler of the town is superior to you. He is the custodian of our customs and traditions. You have no power or right to put on your crown and staff of office to meet him in his palace and see him. It is wrong.
“This is just a crown among traditional worshippers. Some of us have many crowns, but we only wear them during religious activities or when we celebrate traditional festivals. This is just a traditional religious crown and must be used on occasion like this or during religious festivals.”
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Following prayers and the official presentation, Rhodes-Vivour expressed gratitude to the religious leaders and worshippers, pledging to uphold the honour of the title. He was accompanied at the ceremony by his father, wife, friends, and members of the Labour Party.#Rhodes-Vivour
(NAN)
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