Freedom of Religion: An African Traditionalist Perspective by Awise Olakunle Oligbide

Religion ought to signpost tranquility and harmony because it hinges on “a belief or acceptance of the existence of God (Olodumare) with the emotion and morality connected therewith; rites or worship and system of such belief or worship…’’ Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary.

The core values of these religions are to inspire love not only to its members; but also between their members and those of other religions. The philosophical doctrine is captured in ‘The Golden Rule’ that ‘you do unto others, what you wish them do unto you’.

            This doctrine is encapsulated in the Ifa Corpus Obara ‘Ka thus:-

‘’Bi mo se fee ri…’’

‘’What I wish myself / is what I wish for my neighbor/

Sacred message revealed for Obara/

When desirous to assist Ika to prosperity/

When Obara heled Ika to glory/

We all breathed a blissful air/

But Obara is not the architect /Ifa is the pathfinder.’’