The Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Lagos State,  Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was on Saturday installed as Obalefun-Agbaye of Obatala Worshippers Worldwide in Badagry.

The title was conferred on Mr Rhodes-Vivour by a group of traditional religion worshippers (Obatala worshippers), led by Oba Adedokun Ayinla,the Alase Oosa Agbaye Worldwide.

Obatala is one of the revered deities in Yoruba land, depicted as a wise and compassionate god by followers.

Speaking during the installation in Ikoga area of Badagry, Mr Ayinla said leaders of traditional religion worshippers in Yorubaland agreed to confer the title on the politician.

According to him, the Akran of Badagry, Menu Toyi 1, gave his permission to confer Mr Rhodes-Vivour with the title with a crown and staff of office.

Mr Ayinla, however, said  Obalefun Agbaye  only made Mr Rhodes-Vivour a leader among Obatala worshippers and that he could only wear his crown during religious activities and ceremonies.

He noted, “But listen carefully, if you are a religious leader or a chief, you should know that the traditional ruler of the  town is superior to you. He is the custodian of our customs and traditions. You have no power or right to put on your crown and staff of office to meet him in his palace and see him. It is wrong.

“This is just a crown among traditional worshippers. Some of us have many crowns, but we only wear them during religious activities or when we celebrate traditional festivals. This is just a traditional religious crown and must be used on  occasion like this or during religious festivals.”

Mr Ayinla and other religious leaders prayed for Rhodes-Vivour after which they handed him the staff of office.

The excited Labour Party chieftain thereafter danced round the venue of the installation to the admiration of religious leaders and other Obatala worshipers present.

Speaking, Mr Rhodes-Vivour thanked the religious leaders and other worshippers for the title, promising to live up to expectations.

The former governorship candidate  was accompanied to the installation ceremony by his father, wife, friends and some Labour Party members. 

(NAN)