Ooni, Alaafin Lead Nigeria–Brazil Cultural Alliance for Global Orisha Congress
The Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I have joined forces under a landmark cultural initiative as Nigeria and Brazil seal a partnership to host the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), a global gathering aimed at reconnecting people of African descent to their roots.
The congress is expected to attract participants from across Africa and the diaspora, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for cultural revival and heritage diplomacy.
The development followed a high-level meeting between the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Biodun Ajiboye, and the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja.
Discussions focused on logistics, international participation, and strengthening collaboration, particularly given Brazil’s large Afro-descendant population and its deep cultural ties to Yoruba heritage.
Ajiboye noted that the initiative is rooted in the historical significance of the Orisha tradition, which originated from Yorubaland in South-West Nigeria. He explained that the project envisions the creation of a dedicated “WOOCON City” to host recurring global gatherings two or three times annually.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the long-standing desire among Afro-descendant communities, especially in Brazil, to reconnect with their African origins.
The Orisha Congress is designed as a recurring global platform bringing together practitioners, scholars, and cultural leaders to celebrate and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orisha tradition.
A Board of Trustees will oversee the project, with the Ooni of Ife serving as chairman and the Alaafin of Oyo as co-chairman, while Ajiboye will act as secretary.
Prominent figures, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and renowned scholar Wande Abimbola, have been listed among the patrons, alongside several traditional rulers.
As part of efforts to advance the initiative, the Ooni of Ife is expected to lead a delegation to meet Bola Ahmed Tinubu to push forward discussions on the WOOCON agenda.
Envisioned as a major annual cultural event, WOOCON is set to promote cultural exchange, strengthen ties between Africa and the diaspora, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural influence. Read More
