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The Story of Oyotunji: A Yoruba Nation in America

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The transatlantic slave trade scattered millions of Africans across the Americas, many of whom carried their cultural and religious heritage with them into bondage. Among these groups were the Yoruba people, who preserved and passed down their language, traditions, and spiritual practices through generations—even in foreign lands where such identities were systematically suppressed.

One of the most remarkable legacies of this cultural preservation is Oyotunji African Village, located near Sheldon, in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Oyotunji, meaning “Oyo returns” or “Oyo resurrects”, is considered North America’s oldest authentic African village. The community was founded in 1970 by His Royal Highness Oba (King) Waja, Ofuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I, a Black American who sought to revive Yoruba culture and spiritual practices in the diaspora.

The Founder: Oba Adefunmi I

Born Walter Eugene King on October 5, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Oba Adefunmi was raised in an environment that encouraged cultural exploration. After graduating from Cass Technical High School, he joined the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe, which led to exposure to African and Caribbean spiritual traditions. His travels to Haiti deepened his knowledge and interest in Yoruba spirituality.

In 1959, he became the first African-American to be fully initiated into the Orisha-Vodun African priesthood by Afro-Cuban priests in Matanzas, Cuba. Following this initiation, Adefunmi founded the Sango Temple in Harlem, New York, which later became the Yoruba Temple. He also incorporated the African Theological Arch Ministry in 1960 to promote Yoruba religious practices.

The Founding of Oyotunji Village

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In 1970, Adefunmi established Oyotunji African Village, laying the foundation for a community rooted in traditional Yoruba customs, governance, and spiritual systems. The village spans 27 acres and was structured based on the sociopolitical and religious traditions of the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa. The aim was to build an autonomous African-centered society within the U.S., free from Western cultural domination.

To deepen his cultural legitimacy and religious authority, Adefunmi traveled to Abeokuta, Nigeria, in 1972, where he was initiated into the Ifa priesthood by the Oluwo of Ijeun. Later that same year, he was crowned Alase (Oba or King) of the Yoruba of North America at Oyotunji.

Leadership Legacy

Oba Adefunmi I led Oyotunji until his passing on February 10, 2005. Since then, leadership has been passed on to his son, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, who now reigns as the Oloyotunji of Oyotunji. Under his leadership, the village continues to serve as a hub for African spiritual revival and cultural education in the diaspora.

Significance

Oyotunji stands as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and identity preservation. It is more than just a geographical space—it is a statement of cultural autonomy, spiritual revival, and reconnection with African roots. Today, Oyotunji remains a living embodiment of Yoruba heritage in the heart of America.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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8 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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12 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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12 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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