Ogboni is not occult society, but traditional council of elders to oversee administration of communities, says Alani Bankole

The Apena of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole has explained that Ogboni is not an occultic society, as being painted in some quarters, adding that it is a council of elders responsible for governance within the traditional Yoruba administrative system.

Penpushing reports that Bankole made the clarification when the executive of Ogun State Chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), led by the chairman, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, popularly called Ayinla Egba, paid him a visit at his Onikolobo residence in Abeokuta.

The father of former Speaker House of Representatives Rt Hon Dimeji Bankole, said many people have ignorantly demonized the body, stressing that long before the introduction of the British colonial system of government, the Egba people had a well-organised indigenous administrative structure which effectively governed the society.

‘Within this traditional framework, the Ogboni institution served as the assembly of respected elders saddled with the responsibility of guiding community affairs and maintaining order in society’, he stated.

Penpushing further reports that Bankole who is the grand patron of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), explained that the original Ogboni institution had no connection with occultism, stressing that the elders conducted their activities openly within their communities.

‘The Ogboni were simply elders who played advisory and administrative roles in the society. Their activities were not secretive and had nothing to do with occult practices’, Bankole emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that he traced the misconception surrounding the institution to developments that occurred after the return of freed slaves from Sierra Leone, popularly known as the Saros.

The Egba High Chief explained that many of them returned home as Christian converts and attempted to gain influence within the existing governance structure but found it difficult to integrate into the already established traditional administrative system.

Penpushing reports that Bankole stated that, this situation eventually led to the formation of separate fraternities modeled after the traditional Ogboni structure, which later contributed to the widespread misunderstanding of the original institution.

The retired renowned politician popularly called Caterpillar pointed out that Muslims in Egbaland, who had practiced Islam in the region long before the arrival of Christianity, initially avoided participation in the Ogboni council due to the mistaken belief that it was occultic.

Penpushing further reports he said, this, unintentionally left the administration of many communities largely in the hands of Christian leaders, adding that two distinct forms of Ogboni exist today in Yorubaland.

The first, he explained, is the traditional council of elders selected from various communities to serve in the administrative council of the land, adding that the second is the fraternity-based association which operates independently of the traditional governance structure.

Penpushing also reports that he added that both groups could easily be distinguished by their mode of dressing, particularly the placement of the traditional insignia known as the “Saki, explaining that members of the traditional Ogboni council wear the insignia on the right shoulder, while members of the fraternity place theirs on the left shoulder.

The Apena of Egba disclosed that it was only much later that Muslims began to participate in the traditional Ogboni council, noting that he personally broke the long-standing barrier when he accepted the position of Oluwo of Iporo following the demise of Chief Toye Coker, a prominent Christian leader and Baba Ijo.

“If a Baba Ijo could serve as an Oluwo, there should be nothing preventing a Baba Mosalasi from taking such a position. We all have roles to play in the decision-making structures of our towns and communities’, he said.

Penpushing reports that Bankole equally maintained that none of the Ogboni houses in Egbaland conducts secret meetings or engages in occult practices, reiterating that the institution remains an integral part of the Yoruba traditional governance system.

The renowned Egba Chief, however, advised members of broadcasting association to always combine faith with diligence, stressing that while prayer is important, it must be supported by hard work.

Penpushing further reports Bankole, drawing from religious history, noted that Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ) was known to have worked as a fisherman, while Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a herder before gaining prominence as a prophet.

The Chairman of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), earlier in his speech expressed appreciation to Bankole for his consistent fatherly support to the association over the years, particularly during challenging periods.

Penpushing also reports that he acknowledged the elder statesman’s moral and financial contributions to the growth and stability of the organisation and prayed for his continued good health and longevity.

The Secretary of the Association National Transition Committee, Alhaji Gbenga Adebayo-Oladunni, popularly called Imalian Boy, in his remarks commended Bankole for his unwavering support for the association and its members, describing him as a pillar in the continued progress of the body.

Penpushing reports that other members of the delegation present at the visit included Alhaji Kola Popoola, Mrs. Kikelomo Ogunsina-Obabi, the State General Secretary Comrade Moses Okunlola, State Treasurer Comrade Abolanle Oluwatoyin Asakpa, State Publicity Secretary Comrade Olusoji Emmanuel Akindiya, and Comrade Tolulope Ezekiel Obadare (Aboki Ijesha).

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