..Says I Didnt Pick My Crown On The Street In Osogbo
By Adeyinka Olaiya/Brazil
The Brazilian Yoruba King , His Royal Highness, Oba Mendes Ferreira has reacted to Critics over the authenticity of his Coronation in Nigeria as a traditional king in Brazil.
In an exclusive interview with Adeyinka Olaiya , Oba Mendes’ spiritual daughter and palace spokes person , Chief Mrs Leila Cristina de Oliveira Ogunbunmi said “ the truth is there for all to see and learn , pictures and videos of Oba Mende’s engagements in Nigeria and around the globe are all available for all to see and clarify doubts.
Oba Mendes has been received by several Obas in the Yoruba land , he has also received Nigerian Yoruba high chiefs and Kings in Brazil.
He has done a lot to the benefit of the African traditional religion in Brazil, he is the emblem of the Yoruba traditional religion in Brazil , he is one of the best and the oldest Yoruba traditionalist in Brazil, he has his traditional groove functioning for over 60 years.
He has received several traditionalists and Obas from Nigeria and from the West African countries in his groove, he is firmly recognized by the present Ooni of Ife, he has also sat as a king beside the Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, he is recognized as a king even in the palace of Onirisa in Ile-Ife.
I have travelled with Oba Mendes to Nigéria and several places in Africa , I have hundreds of videos and pictures of his meetings with kings around the world, he has received even Duro Ladipo in his groove, he is a real traditionalist who can boast of the knowledge of Ifa tradition to a higher extent.
“He is said to be from the lineage of Zombi dos palmares the Brazilian Black activist who was killed, this research was concluded with DNA results , he also traced his Yoruba origin to Nigeria were he was later crowned as a king . Ifa was consulted before his coronation was carried out.
Oba Mendes promoted African culture , religion and tradition in Brazil , he is an important pillar that helped take the religion to high esteem today in Brazil . He received Araba Ifa , Baba Elebuibon , the late Duro Ladipo among others.
He has helped several African traditionalist here in Brazil , he has helped many to grow and find a conducive place to live and work . I have seen people from Benin, Ghana, Cuba staying for months in his house.
He is the biggest promoter of Yoruba traditional religion in Brazil , he deserves to be applauded for his contributions . “ she concluded.
The Nigerian spokes person of Oba Mendes, a renowned Yoruba Babalawo in Brazil , Adegboyega Najeem who reaffirmed the authenticity of the king’s coronation in Nigeria, he said “ I was the coordinator of the Oba Mendes Ferreira’s Coronation ceremony in Ido-Osun , Nigeria , I was present with several other notable Obas in Yoruba land.
Oba Mendes did all the necessary rites before ascending the throne as Oba . I am a Babalawo here in Brazil and also in Nigeria, I know what it takes to be honest in the service of our ancestors.
Oba Mendes was crowned as Oba in Ido, Osun , he had earlier received the title of Ladoro in Osogbo as a traditionalist , so the rites he did in Osogbo was the traditional rites for Ladoro chieftaincy title , he was later crowned as Oba Oludo of Brazil In Ido-Osun, Nigeria , by the late Oba of Ido Osun, Oba Adelabu 11.
He is a true Oba with the staff of Office and the crown given to him by the late Oba of Ido Osun as the Adelabu 111, I am a native and a palace chief of Ido- Osun, I was present at the ceremony , the secretary of the national council of Obas was present, the Nigerian council of Obas knew of the Coronation and the council was represented during the coronation.
Oba Mendes Ferreira traced his Yoruba lineage to Ido-Osun where the Royal family in Ido-Osun welcomed him, he was crowned in Ido Osun after completing the necessary rites “ Chief Adegboyega Najeem reaffirmed.
As the Yoruba tradition booms in the diaspora , several Yoruba traditional titles are also emerging in the diaspora . “ If these Yoruba titles in the diaspora are legitimate according to the Yoruba tradition , I can assure you that our ancestors will rejoice and pave more ways for our race “- Prof. Ilesanmi said.
