Culture

Ile-Ife indigenes in Nigeria go spiritual, storm University with charms to force out new VC (Video)

Published

3 years ago

March 22, 2022

African traditional beliefs and spiritualism played out when some indigenes of Ile-Ife in Osun State, Nigeria, stormed the campus of one of the oldest universities in the country, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), with assorted charms, amulets and other fetish objects, to force out the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the institution which is located in the town.

Their grouse?
The indigenes of the town were angry that the new VC was not one of them but someone from another town, despite the fact that there are eminently qualified natives who can take up the position.

The University’s Governing Council led by its Chairman, Chief Owelle Udoji, had on Thursday, March 17, announced Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, a Professor of Agricultural Economics as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

But the decision of the Council angered the indigenes and to show their grievances, they decided to go spiritual and storm the main campus of the school with their charms and paraphernalia of their spirituality.

The indigenes who are adherents of the traditional Yoruba religion, invaded the institution with charms and other fetish objects, and closed the two major gates of the institution, and prevented staff, students, and other stakeholders from coming into or leaving the campus.

The University’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abiodun Olarewaju, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the people “became very violent as they beat up workers, particularly the staff of the Security Unit, and vandalised their office at the main gate.”

“The protests by the Ife indigenes started on Thursday, March 17, 2022, shortly after the University Governing Council, led by its Chairman, Owelle Oscar Udoji, announced a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

“On Monday, March 21, 2022, things took more dangerous dimensions as the indigenes beat up some OAU students whom they met at the gate, blocked the two major gates as early as 6: 00 am, and came into the campus with charms, and other fetish items.

“They assembled at the motion ground of the University Secretariat, dressed in all-white spiritual traditional attire, chanting incantations while performing rituals.

Indigenes of Ile-Ife pride themselves as the true custodians of Yoruba culture and traditions and are known to settle their differences with the employment of their revered charms.

Watch Video here:

The Yorubas of Nigeria believe their civilization began in Ile-Ife where the gods descended to earth, thus the name, Ile-Ife, which literally means “place of dispersion.”

According to Yoruba tradition and mythology, Ife was founded by the deities Oduduwa and Obatala when they created the world. Obatala was said to have fashioned the first humans out of clay while Oduduwa became the first divine king of the Yoruba people.

The first traditional ruler, the Oòni of Ife, was said to be a direct descendant of Oduduwa, which was the 401st Orisha.

Ife is home to many traditional worshippers of deities and is where they are routinely celebrated through festivals.

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Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

7 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

Culture

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’