By Gbenga Sodeinde
In an exclusive interview, Bàbálòrìṣà Ifáṣolá (Wilian Fernando Silveira Brito ), founder of Ilé Ìrẹ̀tę Òsà Temple in Brazil, has publicly refuted rumors spreading in Ọ̀yọ́, Nigeria, that described him as a satanist after his recent spiritual initiations.
“I venerate Òrìṣà, not witchcraft,” he stated firmly. “On social media, I use the name ‘Bruxo Malagueta’, which translates to ‘Witch Malagueta’ in Portuguese — but it’s just an artistic name, not a spiritual practice. I was surprised to learn that some people in Ọ̀yọ́ misunderstood it, spreading false claims that hinder my devotion to the Òrìṣàs.”
The respected spiritual leader, who commands a large following across Brazil and beyond, recently visited Ọ̀yọ́, the sacred city of Ṣàngó, for Ọya and Ifá initiations.
“My journey to Nigeria was to reconnect with the ancestral soil of the Òrìṣàs,” he explained. “I am deeply grateful to Olórì Ọya Ọ̀yọ́, Oyabusola, who initiated me into Ọya. I was truly moved when she called me her son — it was a spiritual blessing I will never forget.”
Expressing admiration for the ancient city, he added:
“Ọ̀yọ́ is a great home. I thank the people for their warmth and hospitality. My eternal respect goes to His Imperial Majesty, the Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́, Kabiyesi Ọwọ̀adé, and to all the devoted Olórìṣàs of Ọ̀yọ́. I look forward to returning soon.”
Addressing the broader misunderstanding, Bàbálòrìṣà Ifẹ́sọ́lá explained that the Afro-Brazilian religious landscape differs from the traditional Yorùbá context:
“In Brazil, religions like Umbanda, Quimbanda, Caboclo, and Jurema mix various spiritual entities. Many of us who began our paths in Candomblé or other traditions still maintain those connections. This diversity sometimes leads to confusion about our roles as Yorùbá priests,” he clarified.
“In Brazil, do we say those who venerate Pombagira, the Èṣù of cemeteries — which is not in the Yorùbá religion — are Satanists, witches, or wizards? Most Brazilians combine Ifá, Òrìṣà, Candomblé, and Umbanda. Many Candomblé priests and priestesses are also initiated into Ifá. We are improving in Brazil, moving forward in the right direction, but we need support from our ancestral land,” the Bàbálòrìṣà insisted.
“It is surprising to see how my initiation into Ọya has been misinterpreted and questioned on social media across Brazil. Some even doubted its authenticity, despite it being conducted by such a highly respected Ọya priestess. I am deeply grateful to Ìyá Oyabusola herself for publicly clearing those doubts. I am proud to have been initiated by her, and I will forever honor and carry the name she bestowed upon me with pride and devotion. I also take this opportunity to express my respect and readiness to honor all Olórìṣà in Ọ̀yọ́ whenever I am called upon. Ọ̀yọ́ ò bájẹ́ ó!”
“I have initiations in Èṣù, Ọya, Ifá, Ẹ̀gbé , Ajé, Ègúngún, Ògbóni, and I lead a multi-organized temple in southern Brazil with hundreds of thousands of followers. My life’s mission is to promote Yorùbá culture and spirituality in Brazil. The name ‘Bruxo Malagueta’ is an artistic expression, not to be mistaken for any Western or occult notion of witchcraft. It has nothing to do with the European concept of magic or figures like Abramović — it cannot be compared to the sacred mysteries of Ìyáàmi Òṣòròngà in Yorùbá cosmology.”
The traditionalist, who vows to spread Yorùbá spirituality in Brazil, insists he is not keen on titles. He explained that the issue that might have ignited these rumors is the òyé (chieftaincy) title he received from his Oluwo in Ọ̀yọ́.
“The title has nothing to do with my Ọya initiation — it is a temple title. The òyé was never my intention; my true purpose is to improve in ancestral practice and help others. I am very proud to have been initiated by the highest Ọya devotee in Ọ̀yọ́ — Oyabusola. I am eternally grateful to her.”
With calm confidence, the Bàbálòrìṣà concluded:
“I run one of the largest Òrìṣà temples in the South of Brazil. Within our temple, there is a sanctuary for every Òrìṣà — each space dedicated with love, respect, and Àṣẹ. I have reached this height only through the blessings and guidance of the Òrìṣàs. Everything I am, and everything I will become, is thanks to their divine power and the ancestral light that continues to guide my path. I intend to return to Ọ̀yọ́ with my team soon. It is our irit of Ifá and the Òrìṣàs.”