NOVEMBER 9 SPOT REPORT

Thursday, November 9, 2023 has been an exceptional day. My Lead City University colleagues Dr. Sophia Adeyeye, Head of Department of Information Management, Dr. Esther Aderinto, Economics Department, Dr. ‘Gbenga Falase Sociology Department and Mr. Deji Adebiyi, Logistics Department and a 2-member Security Detail visited the ancient city of Ile Ife.  Indeed, according to Yoruba cosmology, Ile Ife is the Source.  You may ask the Source of what?  But ordinary Nigerians, scholars and mystics know that Ile Ife is where our Universe unfolded.  In 2006 while serving in Nigeria, I was installed as the Yeye Araba  of Ile Ife; I am a Chief. Thus, it would be poor form to visit the Southwest Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria and fail to visit Ile Ife.  Today, we paid courtesy calls on the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja, II.

The Lead City University Delegation enjoyed a private audience with the Oba, the Yoruba term for King.  We explained the purpose of the Fulbright Specialist Program; he was delighted to learn of our activities. Under his leadership, the Palace is developing an Ife Studies Institute where scholars, many based at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) conduct intensive research concerning Ife’s history and culture. The King shares our concern for developing Africa’s youth.  He urged me to visit Ile Ife regularly and expressed his desire to host a celebration honoring me upon my return to Nigeria in 2024 to complete Phase II of my Fulbright Program.

Next, the Lead City University Delegation paid a brief yet fruitful courtesy call on the Araba of Ile Ife at his office adjacent to the Temple.  The Araba is the Chief Diviner to the King. In explaining the office of the Araba to members of the LCU Delegation, Dr. Agboola explained that for Ifa practitioners around the world, the Araba is likened to the Pope, the Supreme Spiritual leader of an international body of practitioners.  The Araba was most gracious in receiving us as he had just returned from a trip abroad.  He also encouraged Dr. G to spend more time in Ile Ife.

We completed our whirlwind visit to Ile Ife, the Cradle of Yoruba Culture, at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) meeting, inter alia, the Vice Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire, Deputy Vice Chancellor  (Academic) Professor Olubola Babalola and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).  They expressed a profound interest in reengaging with Fulbright and Dr. G encouraged them to explore opportunities to serve as a Host Institution under the Fulbright Specialist Program.  She promised to brief Dr. Agboola on available literature and program resources, urging OAU to act with dispatch.

The journey was simply splendid as we were able to touch base with three of the principal institutions of the community, the palace, the Temple and the Academy.  We returned to Ibadan safely, without incident before dark.