
Today I was informed of my official appointment on October 1, 2015 as the Accredited Ambassador (Representative) of Oduduwa Descendants World Assembly (ODWA) to the Diaspora. The official appointment was made by Heir Prince Emmanuel Adeleye Ashaye, the National Coordinator & Chief Resource Person for ODWA after deliberation and consent with the Board of Patrons and a trusted adviser to the Araba Agbaye of the Yoruba Race. For this honor and trust from the Yoruba Monarchs, former Presidents and Babalowos, I am deeply honored.
The ODWA Board of Patrons consists of Yoruba Monarchs and other distinguished, accomplished individuals. It is expected the new Ooni of ILE-IFE will also grace ODWA with his support. The deceased Ooni of ILE-IFE, Okunade Sijuwade was also a member of the Board of Patrons.
ODWA is a Socio-Cultural Organization located in ILE-IFE, Nigeria. Its primary purpose is the uniting of the Yoruba monarchy throughout Nigeria and around the world. ODWA secondary purpose is the propagation of the Yoruba way of life, cosmology and culture.
My main duties as Ambassador of ODWA to the Diaspora in North America and the Caribbean are as follows:
- To plant formidable branches of ODWA in the Diaspora.
- Nurture and propagate the Yoruba Cultural Traditions, Norms & Language.
- To network Yoruba Monarchs, Arabas, Babalowos and Ifa devotees in North America.
- To support and cross promote each other's efforts in promoting the Yoruba Culture.
In the coming months, watch for updates regarding current and future developments. There is a lot of work to be done. Please be patient regarding broken links on the ODWA website in Nigeria. Upgrades will be made shortly as things are sorted out. The Official Appointment Letter will be posted here once it arrives.
Your support of the Yoruba Culture and way of life in the Diaspora is crucial. Africa America is at a crossroads. A collective embracing of the Diaspora will connect descendants of the Diaspora in America and the Caribbean to their roots and lost past. The Diaspora of our ancestors and their cosmology can provide the practical and spiritual tools needed to survive as a people and as individuals. I welcome your prayers, comments suggestions and support.
- Dr. Christos Kioni
"Since the time Africa was created, Yoruba has been known to possess powerful royalty and Royal Empire. These are sets of people who can truly trace their origin and source to Abraham. They are ancient and modern in their ways of life, knowledgeable, exposed and very peculiar indeed, with successive Golden Age. No wonders they have always been in the midst of world greatest civilization." - Heir Prince Emmanuel Adeleye Ashaye
References
President Jonathan & Others to Grace Oduduwa World Centre Launch
Ooni Donates Land for Oduduwa
Oduduwa World Centre
Rebuilding the House of Oduduwa
Origins of Oduduwa - Wiki