By Dansu Peter The traditional title of Obalefun Agbaye , conferred on the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Gb...
By Dansu Peter
The cancellation was contained in a letter dated April 20, 2025, signed by His Divine Grace, Oba Isooro O.O.O Dada, the Arole Obatala Obalesun Obatala Agbaye, and the Oloja of Iranje-Idita Town, Ile-Ife. The council expressed strong disapproval of the conferment, describing it as an “illegal coronation” and a “gross abuse of privileges.”
According to the letter, only the Obalesun Obatala Agbaye-in-Council—based in Ile-Ife and regarded as the supreme authority within the Obatala religious tradition—has the legitimate power to bestow the Obalefun Agbaye title. The conferment in Badagry was labelled a “fraudulent misrepresentation” and a desecration of sacred rites tied to the revered office.
A video of the installation ceremony, which trended online in recent days, showed Oba Adedokun Ayinla, the Alase Oosa Agbaye Worldwide, bestowing the title on Rhodes-Vivour at an event held in the Ikoga area of Badagry. The event drew attention across the Yoruba religious community, with Oba Ayinla stating the decision was a collective one by Yoruba traditional religion leaders.
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However, the Ile-Ife-based council countered this claim, stating that Oba Ayinla and his group—Ijo Olorisa Parapo Agbaye—were unauthorized to confer such a high-ranking spiritual title. The letter further alleged that Oba Ayinla had previously been removed as Oba Aala Obatala of Lagos State due to “similar gross acts of misconduct and wanton criminalities.”
“The actions taken amount to fraud, impersonation, and violation of sacred rites. We hereby cancel the title conferred on Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and warn all parties involved,” the letter reads.
The council also warned that legal action may be pursued, threatening criminal charges including conspiracy, deceit, and impersonation.
The original ceremony saw Rhodes-Vivour don ceremonial regalia, receive blessings, and pledge to uphold the spiritual values associated with the title. He was accompanied by family, political allies, and traditional worshippers, with the Akran of Badagry reportedly offering his blessings.
As the controversy unfolds, it raises fresh questions about the line between religious authority and traditional legitimacy, particularly in a region where both wield significant cultural weight.
Efforts to reach Mr. Rhodes-Vivour and Oba Ayinla for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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