I am triple excited about being appointed Ambassador to the Diaspora on behalf of the Oduduwa Descendants World Assembly (ODWA) in ILE-IFE, Nigeria. This appointment was in the works for several months. I am deeply honored to be asked and chosen by the leaders of the Diaspora in ILE-IFE.

How is this important to you? If you are a practitioner of the Diaspora spiritual traditions, the roots of that tradition is probably West African. After all the Transatlantic Slave Trade deposited millions of West Africans in America and the Caribbean. Today the Diaspora (Africans in America) are largely disconnected from the homeland, culture and traditions of the ancestors delivered here in chains.

I have always said, we must connect to our roots in order to survive America. The Yoruba spiritual tradition known as Ifa is a cosmic answer to the desperate cries of the ancestors on our behalf. The Yoruba are an ancient race of people tracing they're lineage back to Abraham. The teachings of Ifa present a moral code and spiritual remedies for balanced living. Ifa places emphasis on venerating the egungun (ancestors), and ewa pele (balanced living). Embracing the Yoruba cosmology and way of life is a step in the right direction toward reclaiming our cultural heritage. Like the Catholic Church, Ifa is Universal and accepts people of all ethnic backgrounds around the world.

As I begin this important work I encourage your support and ask your prayers. No man is an island and neither am I. I need your encouragement and prayers. Too many generations of the Diaspora in America have been lost to poverty, gang violence, police brutality, drugs & disease. An entire race of people are perishing because of the lack of knowledge.

The sacred text asks: "If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Centuries of religious misinformation about the spiritual traditions of our ancestors has occluded the minds of the Diaspora in America. Many grasp and hold tightly to a religion that is not theirs. They worship at a foreign altar erected from the planks of the slave ships bearing our ancestors. In the image of those who enslave, they see God; but are they saved? The evidence of the efficacy of such religious fervor can be seen on the streets of the Diaspora in America. This is why I submit it's time for a change.

I look forward to networking with those interested in learning about the Yoruba way of life as practiced by Yoruba Monarchs and Ifa devotees since the dawn of civilization. Thank you. Ase ooo

Reference 
​Ambassador to the Diaspora

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