Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon Inaugurates N200 Million Traditional Temple in Osun State
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, a prominent traditionalist, has inaugurated a N200 million temple dedicated to traditional religion worshippers in Osun State. During the ceremony on Tuesday, he urged the federal government to recognize and support traditional religions, highlighting their potential to generate substantial tourism revenue.
The temple, established under the auspices of Ile Ijuba Idin Ileke, was unveiled in Osogbo. Elebuibon emphasized that the facility will serve not only as a religious center but also as a venue for cultural events, offering an opportunity for people to engage with and learn about African cultural heritage.
“This temple is the first of its kind in Nigeria and represents our effort to enhance and preserve our traditional heritage,” Elebuibon remarked.
He called on the federal government to officially acknowledge African Traditional Religion as a key component of the nation’s cultural identity. According to Elebuibon, proper recognition and support of the religion could unlock billions of dollars in revenue for the country.
Chief Ifagbenusola Atanda, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, also spoke at the event. He underscored the importance of the temple, stating, “This project is crucial. With such a place of worship, we can retain our members and prevent them from drifting to Western religions. It is vital to have a space dedicated to the worship of Olodumare, fostering unity among our followers.”
Ogundeji Elebuibon, a member of the building committee, provided details about the project’s funding and construction. “We invested approximately N200 million in this temple, completing it in 22 months. The funds were raised through donations from traditional religion adherents locally and globally, with support from our godchildren worldwide,” he explained.
