Don urges revival of Ifá for Africa’s growth in digital age By Dally Iyamu
Don urges revival of Ifá for Africa’s growth in digital age
By Dally Iyamu
A professor of Theatre and Media Arts, Biátife Olufemi Adeseye, has called for the revival, preservation and modernisation of African traditional knowledge systems, particularly Ifá, as a pathway to societal development in the digital age.
Adeseye made the call while delivering the 22nd inaugural lecture of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) last weekend.
Speaking on the theme, “Ifá in the Drama of Life: Ancient Wisdom for the Digital Age,” the scholar said Africa must begin to appreciate and harness its indigenous intellectual heritage instead of neglecting it in pursuit of foreign models.
He argued that traditional systems such as Ifá contain rich philosophical, moral and practical values capable of contributing to modern governance, innovation, education and cultural identity.
The don noted that states like Ekiti possess enormous cultural and tourism potential that could be transformed into economic prosperity through the development of indigenous festivals, shrines and cultural heritage sites.
He added that live drama embedded in local festivals could attract visitors, promote tourism and generate sustainable revenue for communities and governments.
“I submit, therefore, Mr Vice-Chancellor, that Ekiti, as a paradigm of most states in Nigeria, has no business being poor if the government and people embrace the live drama inherent in our indigenous festivals and expand them to promote tourism and generate revenue from visitors,” he said.
Adeseye warned that Africa’s continued dependence on foreign systems without adapting them to local realities would hinder genuine development, stressing that meaningful progress would remain elusive if Africans ignore their ancestral wisdom and imitate former colonial powers.
The lecture attracted principal officers, academics, students and traditional enthusiasts, including Ayorinde Olori Faboro, the Olujudo of Ido-Faboro, who commended the thought-provoking discourse.
Earlier, a book launch and birthday celebration were held in honour of the inaugural lecturer at the Faculty of Arts Hall, where family, friends, staff and students showered him with encomiums.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, commended Adeseye for his dedication, describing the lecture as impactful and intellectually enriching.
A native of Oke-Irun Akoko, Ondo State, Adeseye obtained his Master’s degree in Theatre and Media Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1991 and rose to the rank of professor in 2024.
Dignitaries at the event included former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu; founder of Achievers University, Bode Ayorinde; and Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Rasaki Ojo Bakare, among others.
