Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has responded to the controversy surrounding her viral video where she sang in Yoruba and used the phrase ‘Aboru Aboye,’ which is a traditional greeting among Ifa initiates.
In the video, Alabi referred to herself as ‘ebo,’ which means sacrifice, and sang the words, “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” translating to “I am a sacrifice, that’s my name. I am a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my name.”
These lyrics have sparked various reactions in the media, with her fans and some Christian leaders taking different positions on her choice of words.
In a video, the renowned singer, while ministering in a white garment church, stated that “Aboru Aboye” is simply a pure Yoruba language and not exclusive to traditionalists.
Alabi, supported by biblical references, further clarified that her skillful use of the language is her unique style as a gospel artist.
She said, “It was recorded that David made a sacrifice of faithfulness to God. Why was the word sacrifice not written as the same English word in the Yoruba version of the Bible? It is a Yoruba language. There is no special language for traditionalists. We are all speaking the Yoruba language.
“If some people say they want to use the language in their own style, it is not bad. We have also decided to use it in our own style.”
While reiterating that sacrifices were rendered in the bible, she further queried saying, “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”
In establishing her points with specific reference to a bible passage which is Romans 12:1, she said, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word ‘acceptable’ is the ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”
According to reports, an Ifa priest named Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila suggested that the acclaimed singer undergo an ancestry Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) test to confirm her heritage.
Orunmila, who serves as the chief priest of Iledi Imule Agba in Oyan, Odo Otin North Local Council Development Authority in Osun State, shared in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH that Alabi has frequently used terminology associated with traditional practices.
He pointed out her use of ‘Eledumare’ and various praises typically attributed to Orunmila (the god of wisdom) and Yoruba deities.
Orunmila emphasized that anyone labeling Alabi as an idol worshipper is simply perpetuating public opinion and lacks sufficient knowledge to understand that Ifa only reveals itself to those who seek its guidance due to its secretive nature.
While fielding questions on whether the phrase is a usual lexicon that anybody could use, Orunmila said, “It is not. It is certainly used by the Ifa initiates.
Regarding the origins of the phrase ‘Aboru Aboye’ as a common greeting among Ifa initiates, Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila explained that it is derived from the Odu Ifa called ‘Ogunda meji’ within the Ifa corpus.
This Odu Ifa tells the stories of three women: Aboru, Aboye, and Abosise, who provided significant assistance to Orunmila.
