Tope Alabi, a well-known gospel performer in Nigeria, has responded to the controversy that has surrounded her viral video in which she can be heard singing in Yoruba using the word “Aboru Aboye,” a greeting used by Ifa initiates.
In the popular video, Alabi sang the lyrics “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen” and referred to herself as “ebo,” which is a word that literally means sacrifice. I am a sacrifice; my name is Mo de bo, Mo ru, Mo ye. My name means “I am a sacrifice accepted by God”).
Since then, the lyrics have sparked a flurry of responses in the media as her supporters and some Christian leaders take sides over her wording.
The award-winning singer, who was seen preaching in a white robe church, claimed in a video that “Aboru Aboye” is a true Yoruba language and not just the domain of traditionalists.
Alabi, who clarified with a reference to the bible, also said that her skillful use of language was still unique to her as a gospel performer.
She remarked, “It was written that David offered a sacrifice of loyalty to God. Why was the word “sacrifice” not written in the Yoruba translation of the Bible as the same English word? It is spoken in Yoruba. There is no particular dialect used by traditionalists. Yoruba is the language we all speak.
“It’s okay if some people claim they want to use the language in their own way. Additionally, we have chosen to apply it in a unique manner.
She repeated that sacrifices were made in the Bible but questioned whether Abraham’s sacrifice was accepted or not. Was Isaac not treated the same way?
She used the verse Romans 12:1 to support her arguments, saying, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living, holy sacrifice, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word for “acceptable” is “Aboru,” and the word for “living sacrifice” is “Aboye.”
According to The PUNCH, an Ifa-priest named Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila advised the Grammy-winning singer to get a DNA test to determine her ancestry.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Orunmila, the chief priest of Iledi Imule Agba in Oyan, Odo Otin North Local Council Development Authority in Osun State, noted that Alabi has always been ingrained in the language of traditionalists.
He brought up the singer’s use of “Eledumare” and several other compliments that are typically reserved for Yoruba and Orunmila (the god of wisdom).
He insisted that anyone who has accused Alabi of worshiping idols is only stoking public opinion and is especially ignorant of the fact that Ifa only identifies people who want to be identified because it values secrecy.
When asked if the phrase was common vocabulary that anyone could use, Orunmila responded, “It is not. The Ifa initiates undoubtedly use it.
He explained that Odu Ifa’s “Ogunda meji” in the Ifa corpus gave birth to the tales of three women, Aboru, Aboye, and Abosise, who provided special assistance to Orunmila, explaining how the phrase came to be used as a greeting among Ifa initiates.
