Wisdom From The Crown "Get up, get out and build our villages".

WISDOM FROM THE CROWN.
"Get up, get out and build our villages"

It's been an amazing journey as we reflect on the past 9 years of sitting on the throne of Adefunmi. Part of this amazement stems from working with a small but elite group of elders and young people who are passionate about the forward progression of our land and movement worldwide. Those who have contributed are vast in numbers and we thank each and every one of you, male or female. The work has been daunting, however there are a small few whose shoulders remain at the wheel. This innovative coalition rely on relevant input and contributions from you but nevertheless are still willing to stay the course indefinitely. We have built roads, built public restrooms, constructed a new Oyo Horseman, bed and breakfast and kitchen for the comfort of our visitors and guests. Also during this 9 years of service we have re-created the Great Benin Films studios which produces countless videos pertaining to Oyotunji and the cultural movement at large (see YouTube/Oyotunji) so that the world can tune in and be a part of the development in the oldest African town in North America. As we near the completion of the first decade of our reign, we have given immense focus and priority to various initiatives as it pertains to farming, eco building, and recycling. Sadly the last three mentioned above did not sell to well with our community. We believe that we are not ready to fully accept the Earth as the pinnacle of our religion and culture.

Coming from the original ancient indigenous people, we have a duty to clean the earth and live in cohesion with the environment. Our religion is our land and natural resources. This is why we have been pushing this movement towards the earth and it's care. If you pollute the lakes, rivers, streams, ocean, forest, and air you have disrespected Orisa.

While we highlight the successes and the shortcomings of the King’s reign and community, we must at the same time note the areas where we have not yet reached our full potential.

As the king works, the Crown needs the strong support of all egbes. The egbes have been lacking terribly in their duties and responsibilities to the community as well as to the Crown. The egbes are almost non existent. Ifa reminds us daily that the egbes are the King’s chiefs; men and women that work closely with the King to keep things running smoothly. To ensure that the school, temples, farm and safety of the local, state and national community, Egbe’s apply their knowledge of Orisa or discipline towards the peaceful evolution of the world. As we see it, we must continually re dedicate ourselves to the institution of Egbe, ancient African societies .

The ancient African proverb says, “It is our deeds that enter us into heaven , not our words”. The verbiage pandemic has become an epidemic in our community. More to the point, the King should never be left to walk alone. We challenge all omo oduduwa to live up to the King’s example as to longevity and innovation in creating spaces where you are and allow those who are seeing enlightenment to receive abundantly the wisdom of the ancients. The Village has a new spirit that revolves around it and that did not just happen by coincidence. There has been countless hours and programs that contributed to the up serge in attention.

A major area that we are still striving to reach our full potential in is the mentor, shadow, apprentice training programs between the elders and the youth. The elders are still working in their respective positions with no relief in sight. As they age, so does their approach to the innovation of the emerging leadership.  Any African village in which the youth do not take up the jobs of the elders will not be as healthy as it can be. New ideas come with fresh and seasoned minds alike.

The King deeply values the advice, input and full participation of the leadership of cultural communities across the country in building solidarity toward a more sustainable future. Building the unity in our community not only keeps “hope” alive, it deters the King from becoming “weary in the well-doing”. It is the Yoruba people’s blessing to respectfully support the Crown, demonstrate their loyalty, dedication, and longevity to the ancestors.

While the majority of our people deal in street politics or the internet court of opinions, the King continues to seek those that affect and implement change from a position of title. Failure to do this renders one view or “opinions” on any given situation null and void. Opinions are not needed, however we do value/reverence science and facts. The future of social design depends upon it.

The Crown and the Kingdom are best served and supported as Egbes are faithful to their oaths, actions and tributes that are paid to the King from every initiation into Orisa and Egungun. Those in good standing with all levels of cultural leadership are the faithful, loyal and true. Loyalty such as this always has the ear of the Crown and bring their advice from a deeper place then opinion. Failure to send tributes to the King/dom in honor of the Source from which the ase received, flows… makes obvious persons that do not have the sustainability of the Kingdom in heart or pocket. Such individuals should be known as spiritual bandits who never give back to the source. If a river forgets it's source it dries up. We have given every night and day working for Kingdom and community, loving the Legacy that we inherited. Many times we have neglected visitation with family and children to see to it that duties are carried out .

Work for the Kingdom as the King does.

The King is a:
Avid Gardner
Filmmaker
Daily builder
Road maintainer
Plumber
Public speaker
Teacher
Contractor
Musician

These hats we wear interchangeably between the hours of sunrise and sunset daily. The entire community needs to examine its self, redefining self determination as the means by which our individual and ancestral gifts/talents are shared with the whole. We as a community must re dedicate ourselves to the land and move back to the land. The land needs it's people. Too many black families move away from the land to the bustle of the cities only to find later that the land has been lost or in terrible disrepair when they return. As we witness the over growth of our ancestral lands we know that it's people have abandoned her.

Recently, there have been “wolves moving among us in sheep’s wool”, women that expose their cultural ignorance at every turn and opportunity. The authority of the elders and chiefs by their oath to the Crown has been grossly disrespected or outright ignored. The sacred laws, customs and traditions shall not be polluted by those that seek to abuse a false sense of power. If ever the foreign police are called into the Kingdom’s perimeter our national and personal ancestors are grieved and embarrassed. We have our own methods of conflict resolution and relevant codes of conduct. We call on our elders to resolve conflict because the foreign authorities have no compassion nor care for our cultural laws. Our sovereignty should be protected and not molested when we feel egoist enough to summon the European masters to solve our conflicts we render ourselves to the plantation once again.

In conclusion, we as the OBA are the brother to the Orisa. We are approachable and will always be among the people we serve. At your service 24/7. (Phone#843 846 8900/info@oyotunji.org)

We beg that you uphold and modernize tradition in this turbulent time. Utilize the wisdom of the ancients and apply it to a modern time. Become a student of the Earth, apply its lessons and laws relevantly to social design.


Ese pupo

Odua a gbe wa oooo

HRM Oba Adefunmi II