Celebrated Ifa Priest Honoured for Cultural Preservation and Global Promotion of Yoruba Tradition
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
There was widespread jubilation in Iporo, under the Sodeke area of Abeokuta City, as Chief Solanke Adekunle Abiodun was formally installed as the Akínsíkú of Iporo, a revered chieftaincy title bestowed on him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Yoruba culture and traditional religion under the leadership of Chief Suarau Bankole Oluwo ilu Iporo, The Apena Egbaland on the 13th of December 2025.
The colourful installation ceremony attracted elders, traditional worshippers, cultural enthusiasts and well-wishers from within and outside Ogun State, all gathered to celebrate a man widely regarded as one of the most influential Ifa priests of his generation.
Chief Solanke Adekunle Abiodun is a prominent Ifa priest (Babalawo) in Abeokuta City, a sacred calling he inherited from his late father, Awodele Akanji Solanke, who was himself a respected custodian of Ifa knowledge before his passing some years ago. Since assuming the mantle of his father, Abiodun Solanke has distinguished himself through dedication, discipline and deep spiritual insight.
Popularly known as “Global Standard Babalawo (GSB)”, Chief Solanke earned the nickname through years of notable service to humanity, particularly for his reputed ability in Ifa divination to guide individuals toward rediscovering their lost paths, goals and destinies. His consultations and spiritual interventions have reportedly transformed lives across Nigeria and beyond.
The chieftaincy title was conferred on him by respected elders of the Ifa group, who described the honour as well-deserved. According to them, the decision was based on his unrelenting efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and traditional values, not only in Abeokuta but wherever he travels around the world. They praised his commitment to preserving ancestral heritage in an era of rapid modernisation.
Chief Solanke Adekunle Abiodun stands out among contemporary Babalawo for successfully bridging education and tradition. A learned man and a graduate with distinction, he consciously chose Ifa as a lifelong career, driven by a desire to provide spiritual solutions to human challenges and to restore dignity to the practice of traditional religion.
Speaking at the event, well-wishers described the new Akinsiku of Iporo as a symbol of pride to the Ifa community, noting that his intellectual background has helped project the profession in a positive light and attract respect from younger generations.
With his installation as Akinsiku of Iporo, many believe Chief Solanke Adekunle Abiodun will further strengthen cultural identity, promote peaceful coexistence and continue to serve as a worthy ambassador of Yoruba tradition at home and abroad.
