Many women actively promote Yoruba culture and traditions in the United States, emphasizing the richness of its heritage, arts, language, spirituality, and social values. These individuals often play significant roles as cultural ambassadors, educators, artists, and spiritual leaders.
Osuntinbu Akinsegun a.k.a (Jade Wright) is a Yoruba American raised in Oyotunji African Village, She has made significant contributions to promoting of Yoruba culture and tradition in the United States. As a spiritual leader, she founded Egbe Tiwalade, an organization that uses both spiritually and Yoruba cultural tools to assist those in need of spiritual services.
Her cultural promotion through Art and performance, which include music, dance, and theatre in the U.S., incorporates elements like bata drumming, storytelling, and Oriki (praise poetry).Fashion and Craft are also inclusive and often showcase Yoruba traditional attire like aso oke, ankara, and beadwork, emphasising their cultural significance.
In this interview with Dotolive News Magazine, Osuntinbu recounts her memories with the Late Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi (Oloyotunji of Oyotunji kingdom), her passion for Yoruba culture and traditions and the implementation of “Ifa Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Below are excerpts:
Please tell us a brief about yourself and your organization?
My name is Osuntinbu Akinsegun a.k.a (Jade Wright). I have an organisation in Atlanta called Egbe Tiwalade . This organization stems from my being raised on Oyotunji. An organization that uses both spirituality and Yoruba cultural tools to reach those in need of our services.
We are an African centered spiritual group led by individuals who help by serving. We believe that rites of passage programs can, and will improve and empower the lives of young inner city youth. Our rites of passage program includes, but is not limited to, African drum and dance, cloth weaving, and dyeing. Our program also includes gardening, building, wood carving, drum and small instrument making. we offer naming ceremonies, consultations, counselling, and classes on the Ifa/Orisha tradition and Yoruba culture.
We also offer services to those in need within the greater community. Our aim is to provide services that we developed and implemented by using the “Ifa Code of Conduct and Ethics”. Ifa teaches us that we are our neighbour’s keeper. We feed the hungry using our outreach team members. We clothe the needy by gathering gently used clothing articles and transporting them to those in need. We gather and distribute information concerning aid for displaced individuals. We strongly encourage all of our youth members to be involved in these endeavors for this is a way of building good character. Our model is building communities using integrity, patience, and good character.
Losing a loved one can be one of the most profound and painful experiences. It often brings a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. Can you tell us how you got the news of the demise of late Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II and what was your reaction?
I am from the village, and I was down there visiting when he transitioned. I have known Late Kabiyesi Adejuyigbe Adefunmi all his life. I’m am so saddened and angry on an extremely personal level I feel the loss. we spoke via text on the Internet several times a week. I also attended most of the festivals in the village
After receiving the shocking news which is heartbreaking, is there a lesson you learnt the hard way that you would want us to know about life, at the moment and for the future?
It was different. I received the news at the hospital. Life is so fragile. We never know. He was so very happy he had reconnected with one of the founding members of the village and gave her the title Oludasile or Obabirin at the kings day festival. He reconnected with his family from Tampa Florida. He was very happy.
Kindly share some of your fondest memories with the late. Oba Adefunmi Adejuyigbe and your last moment before his demise?
My fondest memory of Oba was witnessing him transform from a young man into a king. I also have a memory when I realised how smart he was when I took the kids to a museum in the class I taught in the village. Our tour guide was taking too long and Oba took us on the tour explaining to us about all the artifacts he was a historian.
Oyotunji life is quite different from the American way of life, what advice would you give us for navigating life’s challenges?
I don’t know how to answer this I was raised in this culture; I don’t know what American culture has .I am a Yoruba American
What traditions did you learn and cherish, and which ones would you want to continue to uphold his legacy?
I will continue to uphold the culture and traditions about my ancestors. Continue to be a Yoruba American
Can you tell us what he discussed with you about his legacies and developmental projects, and are you ready to be part of the continuity?
He was very optimistic; he looked forward to rebuilding and refurbishing the village. He was very happy about reconnecting with his family in Tampa. He also wanted us chiefs to continue with the work of the village. He had a great sense of humour. He was so full of ideas and care for the entire Yoruba nation throughout the diaspora. We discussed the last festival, which was the Sango festival and it was phenomenal
What was your proudest moment in life?
Several different moments were too many to think about, one was at all of my children’s graduations. Another was when I got into nursing school. I was educated only in private African-centred schools. I graduated from the Yoruba Royal Academy in the village
What dreams did you have that you are still pursuing?
I am very hopeful in the legacy of Oyotunji continuing and flourishing. Oyotunji is not only in one place but it’s all throughout the diaspora as we continue to spread the culture and traditions of our ancestors
Thanks for sharing with Dotolive News Magazine.
Thank you for the opportunity.
DNM2024 #Oyotunji #AdefunmiLegacies #Tribute
