The Fire Behind The Fire...Chief Obalumi
The Alagba, Ojubona Awo of Ile Ife, Chief
Obalumi Fagbamila Ogunseye has been a pivotal force in my own life and walk
with Orisa. Chief is actually the FIYAH behind my FIYAH. In his very fiery
and giant footsteps, I stand today. Tearfully, I say, all that I am, all
that I ever aspire to BE in this religion is due, in large part to this
wonderful man. Chief is the founder of the Traditional African Culture (TAC)
in McAlpine, Florida. The Ojubona Awo is a noted and respected Priest of Ifa
and 36-year OniSango.
Chief Obalumi was among the earlier initiates in Orisa in the 1960s in New York City. He was part of the Yoruba Temple community in Harlem that was established by the first African-American Orisa priest to be initiated into the mysteries of Orisa. As a Black Nationalist, the Alagba, Ojubona Awo, was right in there swinging for the rights of our people during the Civil Rights Movement in Harlem. Subsequent to his introduction into Orisa worship, he was the first African-American priest to establish an Orisa Center of worship in the city of Philadelphia, PA, in 1964. He was instrumental in encouraging future generations of Orisa worshipers to embrace their sacred African traditions and religious rites of passage. He was one of the catalysts that inspired people to embrace the annual celebration of Odunde in 1975.
Kinkan ma'se Chief Baba! Oba Koso!