Oral History of Ile Ori: Iya Ayorinde Awojobi

Описание: In this powerful oral history interview, John Washington sits down with Iya Ayorinde Ajewumi Awojobi (Rochelle Reed) of Ile Ori to explore her spiritual journey, ancestral calling, and decades-long dedication to the Isese/Ifa-Orisa tradition in the United States.

Recorded on June 30, 2024, this conversation documents the early growth of Yoruba spiritual practice in Atlanta, the evolution of Ile Ori, and the deep ancestral threads that guide practitioners back to their spiritual homelands.


Biography of Ayorinde Awojobi
Iyanifa Ayorinde Awojobi is a 29-year practitioner of the West African Ifa-Orisa spiritual tradition and a spiritual advisor, teacher, and mentor. She is a senior member of Ile Ori Ifa Temple and African Cultural Center in Atlanta, Georgia and among the pioneering organizers of the Yoruba Isese practice in Atlanta. Iya Ayorinde lectures on indigenous philosophy, Yoruba culture, self-healing, and sacred rites.

Iya Ayorinde began traveling to Nigeria in 1997 and has visited many cities in Yorubaland to study the rich culture, beliefs, ancient wisdom, and sacred rituals. She was initiated to the Ifa priesthood in 2001 and was later initiated into the Osun and Egbe priesthoods. These spiritual elevations were led by her Oluwo/godfather Oloye Fakayode Faniyi, the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo and Baale Apowe of Oodualand, Oloye Osundara Oyawale Okunsewa, the Iya Oya and Asiwaju Olokun Agbaye, and Apetebii Iyalode Egbefunmi Faniyi at the Agesin Jawe Ifa Herbal Medicine & Spiritual Centre in Nigeria. In 2017, Iya Ayorinde was invited by her Oluwo to chant Oriki Ifa at the Isese Festival in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Iya Ayorinde is a native of Atlanta and was raised in a deeply spiritual family. Prior to her Ifa work and studies, she began studying metaphysics at a tender age. She also completed post-graduate degrees in legal studies and library and information science. She is a librarian and teaches legal research to graduate students.

As a leader at Ile Ori Ifa Temple & African Cultural Center, Iya Ayorinde has served as Ile Ori’s chief priestess facilitating lectures, song classes, sacred ceremonies, and other community gatherings since 2007. She was also the Chief Ritualist for annual Odun Ifa rites, Itadogun, and other healing ceremonies from 2007 – 2023. She co-led the transition from in-person to online community services during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to serve on the Ile’s technology team. Iya Ayorinde has coordinated rites of passage for girls and women’s spiritual development, as well as cultural, ritual, and educational programs. She is a curator of Ile Ori’s archives and community shrines.

Iyanifa Ayorinde cherishes the ancient traditions of her ancestors. She is a promoter of Yoruba ethics and a lifelong learner.