By Dansu Peter The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was on Saturday honoured with the traditi...
By Dansu Peter
The installation ceremony, held in the Ikoga area of Badagry, was led by Oba Adedokun Ayinla, the Alase Oosa Agbaye Worldwide, who described Rhodes-Vivour’s conferment as a collective decision by the leadership of Yoruba traditional religion worshippers.
Obatala, regarded as a wise and compassionate deity in Yoruba cosmology, commands reverence across traditional religious communities. Rhodes-Vivour's new title positions him as a spiritual leader among Obatala devotees worldwide.
Oba Ayinla clarified that the title and accompanying regalia—crown and staff of office—are symbolic and are to be used strictly within religious contexts. “This is a crown among traditional worshippers. It is not to be mistaken for political or royal authority. It must only be worn during religious festivals or ceremonies,” he said.
He further emphasized the hierarchical respect due to traditional rulers, noting, “Even as a religious leader, you must recognize the town's traditional ruler as the ultimate custodian of customs and traditions.”
The Akran of Badagry, Menu Toyi I, was said to have given his blessings for the conferment.
Following the installation, Rhodes-Vivour received prayers from traditional leaders and danced joyfully around the venue, cheered on by worshippers and dignitaries in attendance.
Expressing gratitude, the Labour Party chieftain thanked the Obatala community for the honour and pledged to uphold the values associated with the title. He attended the ceremony alongside his father, wife, friends, and several Labour Party members.
 |
| From Left: Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the newly installed Obalefun of Ijo Olorisa Parapo Badagry, and Chief Babatunde Wusu, Baale Onitiju of Yovokome Boekoh, Badagry, during the coronation ceremony of GRV in Badagry, Lagos State on Saturday April 12, 2025 |
 |
| Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, flanked left by his father, Mr. Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, and right by his wife, and siblings, during his coronation as the Obalefun of Ijo Olorisa Parapo Badagry, on Saturday April 12, 2025 |
Photo Credits: NAN, The Defender
No comments