Celebrating Erelu Lola Ayorinde(Erelu Tunwase)

This is a celebration of a lovely woman who is doing so well on behalf of the Yorubas all over the world. She is the Convener of the Online virtual programme Agba Koni Tan Nile Oodua.

She is involved in promoting Yoruba issues.

Recently Citypeople Publisher Seyekehinde spoke to her about her initiatives and she happily revealed a lot about her life and efforts. Below are excerpts of the chat.

You are at the forefront of the fight for the sovereignty of the Yoruba people .Why is this so ?

Yes, it is a much cherished privilege to be considered an appropriate person to continue a journey started by my Ancient Ancestors, who were prominent leaders in their lifetime.

I am a direct biological descendant of the Sango of Oyo, a junior brother of Ajaka, both were sons of Ooni Oranmiyan of Ile Ife.

On another side, I am likewise maternally, biologically Oshodi Tapa of Lagos, ancient ancestral home in Bida.

It's a  Spiritual calling which dates back to 1979, became more pronounced  after I was traditionally installed as Erelu Tunwase of Ode by His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Oba Sunday Funsho Adeolu, Sataloye II, The Alaye Ode-Remo  in 1992.

My Kabiyesi, Oba Funsho Adeolu, was affectionately known as  Eleyinmi, of  the popular TV series, the Village Head master)

The Ceremony via which I was conferred the title included consultation with Ifa, all rites very similar to an Oba. As an orthodox traditional Erelu of an ancient town, it is also a devolved down responsibility.

The ancestral Homeland for Yoruba people was established as a Sovereign nation under the leadership of Oodua, the Progenitor.

It's ancestral legacy to be passed on to future generations, so that Yoruba doesn't become a lost tribe.

Tell us a bit about you Erelu and what you do?

I was born into a family of those who were at the forefront of Transatlantic Slave Trade between Oyo Royals and the Portuguese, consequently I have ancestral traceable history in Brazil,Ijebu,Oyo, Lagos, Aja, and Fon Ewe.

Accurate representation of history is a top item on my agenda.

My political career both in UK ( particularly England), Yorubaland of Nigeria, reflects my determination to ensure mankind Seek a life of doing the Right thing, the right way and at the right time.

I am an ardent campaigner on the accurate practice of ancestral traditions.

An Ifa Priestess, an Orisa Medium who holistically devotes her life to assist individuals, businesses, international non government and government organisations to understand their roles and strategically fulfil the purpose of existence

I am a Cross Cultural Relationship Stress Consultant, with a legal  background extensive experience in social work practices and a successful track record in British Politics.

Why did you convene today's meeting?

Recognising that Yoruba Nation was  established by Ancient Ancestors of Ife Oodua, There is an urgent need to bring the past into present, in order to create a future for  Unity, Peace, Progress & Prosperity.

The initiative is called

"Agba Konitan Nile Oodua"

It's a vehicle to convene series of focused meetings.

The theme is   " Managing our Present. Conflicts, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Unity, Peace & Progress.

The goal is to continue to bring together Yoruba Elders, age 80 and above, to engage the Opinion Leaders, Younger generation age 30 to 79years.

I am exceedingly grateful for the ongoing support from Elders such as Pa Ayo Adebanjo ( Afenifere Chieftain), Pa Professor Adebanji Akintoye ( Yoruba World Congress, Worldwide), Pa Dr. Amos Akingba, formerly of Yoruba Educational Trust  & now Yoruba World Congress ( Worldwide), Mama Professor   ADETOWUN OGUNSHEYE, Yoruba Council of Elders Worldwide,

Dr. Kunle Olajide, Yoruba Council of Elders, Pa Justice Bakre, Yoruba Council of Elders Worldwide , Otunba Arc. Mobolaji Falase, Custodian General YCE Europe & America, Otunba Wale Sadare YCE ( Europe & America), Hon, Wale Oshun, Afenifere Renewal Group / Dawn Commission,  Aare (Dr) Kunle Oshodi

Aare Agbekoya Reformed Society Iba Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Deji Osibogun, Yoruba Koya Leadership Foundation, Simisade KUKU Onayemi ( Akoni Obinrin Oodua, /    Dr. David Adenekan,  Alagba Taiwo Odumosu ( Oodua Action Movement) Elder Taiye Ayorinde, Yoruba World Congress, Comrade Victor Taiwo, Architect George Akinola,  Afenifere leaders of UK, Yoruba Leaders of United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, Mauritania, Senegal, Qatar, Trinidad & Tobago, etc

Privileged opportunity to have secured support of the Academic represented by

 Moyosore Okediji, Ph.D.;  Professor of African Culture, University of Texas, Austin who Keynote Speech

Titled

 "Ìmọ Tara Ẹni: Self Consciousness."

With the Presiding Guest / Distinguished Moderator

Professor Olutayo C. Adesina, Professor of History, University of Ibadan.

Likewise, the invaluable support of His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and ancestral blessings facilitated by Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.

Hon. ( Alderman) Erelu Ajiun ' Lola Ayonrinde ( Conservative UK)

Erelu Tunwase of Ode-Remo ( Ogun State)