The spiritual aspect of Bàbá King’s family

His mother Àlàkẹ́ was born into a family of Òrìṣà priests. His maternal grandmother Kẹ́yìndé Ẹnioṣó was a priestess and the founder of the Ọmọlú Burùkú temple in Kénta Okebodè in Abéòkúta. His maternal grandfather was a priest of Ògbóni.

His grandfather on the father's side, Sàlàkọ́ Sàlámì, was a bàbáláwo. The father of the mother on his father’s side was also a priest and an olúwo. Even after 150 years he is still popularly known as Olúwo Imo. He was a strong spiritual leader, and even though almost 200 years have passed since he was born, people still remember him because he used to be responsible for social wellbeing of the community.

The history of the Oduduwa Temple in Brazil

The history of the Oduduwa Temple in Brazil goes back thirty years. When Bàbá King came to Brazil, he was given the opportunity to live in the Western world. He could choose either the UK or the USA, but he was attracted to Brazil because he was told that there are a lot of Òrìṣà devotees and that Yoruba culture in Brazil is very active. So this was what first attracted him to Brazil.

He went there to study and he finished his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business administration management and sociology. He eventually started teaching the Yoruba language and culture at the University to researchers and Òrìṣà enthusiasts. By studying the Yoruba language and culture they were able to learn a great deal about the Òrìṣà philosophy, eventually developing the ability to create Yoruba thought patterns.

Anywhere in Africa, the borderline between culture, religion, and philosophy is invisible because of their way of life that is rooted in virtues and suitable for all human beings. We all drink water, breathe air, we all depend on the earth, the weather conditions, and, ultimately, on each other. The more aware we are of the abstract meaning behind the expressions of nature, the more respectful we can be towards ourselves, towards others, and towards nature. Gratitude and respect together with patience, kindness, perseverance, diligence, and calmness are the greatest virtues. If we live by these virtues, we become a better person and subsequently, a better believer, father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, citizen, etc. This holds true regardless of the colour of one’s skin, regardless of one’s mother tongue, and regardless of any other factor.