Reformed Ogboni Fraternity
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The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, also known as the R.O.F, is an international fraternal organization. It is commonly described by initiates as a syncretic blend of the Ogboni system of Yorubaland.
Early history
The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity was founded on the 18th of December, 1914. It was started as an alternative of the Aborigine Ogboni fraternity for practitioners of Christianity, and its founder was the Anglican cleric T.A.J. Ogunbiyi.
Founding members that joined him in starting the fraternity included Prince Orisadipe Obasa, his wife Princess Charlotte Blaize Obasa of the R.B. Blaize family, and Prince M. Akinsemoyin of the Akinsemoyin royal family. Prince Obasa was recognized by the founders as the first Oluwo, or master, in the same year.[1]
Later history
By the 1930s, the R.O.F. had become a powerful entity. When the merchant prince Akomolafe Dada Eso joined, it was said that he
signified his point of arrival on the social scene at Ilesa in about 1936 when he joined the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (R.O.F.). This attempt by an Anglican pastor to reform the traditional Ogboni institution and make it acceptable to Christians and the educated elite quickly spread in many large urban areas and became one way in which the emergent elite tried to show themselves as modernizers. The R.O.F. was a kind of intercultural organization, based on a traditional secret society, "purged" of its pagan practices and echoing European freemasonry.[2]
Although the fraternity was founded by and for Christians, it has since grown in scope, and its current membership is composed of members of different faiths.
Notable members
Notable members of the fraternity have included:[3][4][5]
- Sir Adeyemo Alakija (who served as Olori Oluwo, or grandmaster, of the fraternity)
- Chief Ladoke Akintola
- Sir Adetokunbo Ademola (who also served as Olori Oluwo)
- King Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife
- Sir Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Egbaland
- King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the Dominions
References
- ^ Akintola, Akinbowale (1992), The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (R.O.F.): The Origins and Interpretation of Its Doctrines and Symbolism, pp. 9 and 10
- ^ J.F. Ade.Ajayi and Yemi Akinseye-George (2002), Kayode Eso: The Making of a Judge, pp. 19 and 20
- ^ "Nothing Secret, Sinister about us - Ogboni fraternity". Guardian.ng. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
- ^ Akintola 1992.
- ^ Anyebe 1999.