By Yusuf Bakare
The newly announced ARUGBA, priest of Oya shrine, Miss Zainab Ayomide Olarewaju has describes her experience since she was taken in a trance and announced as new ARUGBA of Oya shrine in Ira, Ilemona LGA of Kwara state.
According to Zainab, the deity Oya, visits her in the dream, talks to her and gives her instructions on what to do and what not to do.
In her words “I see this elderly beautiful woman with fire coming out of her mouth whenever she speaks to me. I also see a man around him wearing red cloth with cowries that adorn his hairstyle.
“Oya tells me what to do, what I should not do and also tells me of things that would happen in future.
“She told me that my being anointed as ARUGBA is a privilege by my destiny”
The 16 year old ARUGBA said she is facing challenges from her Muslim parents who insists she won’t be allowed to serve what they call pagan goddess.
Asked what is her view on this matter, Zainab who is also name Oyafunmbi by priests of Oya said that being anointed as Arugba wasn’t her choice but it all happen by the force of destiny. She said that since the encounter with Oya, it has been one level of happiness to another and all coming as pleasant surprises.
She however expressed reservations about her parent’s attitude towards her call by Oya as Arugba, stressing that they oppose to her inclination.
She added that her father, a devoted Muslim is hell bent on not allowing her to perform the spiritual task of Arugba and that he would rather die than allow his daughter engage in such idolatry practice.
However, a devout priest of Isese who was asked of the implication of such rejection, Orisafunke