The Council of Orisha Elders of Trinidad and Tobago has welcomed the Honorary Alderman Erelu Lola Ajiun Ayonrinde (Erelu Túnwáṣẹ of Ode Remo), a former Mayor in London, who is an internationally recognised messenger of Olodumare, Orthodox Yoruba Orisha Medium, who follows in the footsteps of her ancestors with history of succession as Iyalorisha and Babalorisa.
Appointed by His Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Hon. Alderman Ayonrinde arrived at Piarco International Airport from the UK on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
She will engage in meaningful discussions with key individuals, governmental and non-governmental organisations representing the interests of Yoruba descendants in Trinidad and Tobago. It is not the first time the Orisha Community of Trinidad and Tobago has welcomed someone of Yoruba prominence from Nigeria.
To mark Trinidad and Tobago’s 150th Anniversary of Emancipation in 1988, the state welcomed the Orisha spiritual head, the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olobuse II, C.F.R.
“As such, Erelu Túnwáṣẹ’s journey is not merely a physical visit but a spiritual pilgrimage guided by the wisdom and calling of our ancestors, but one which duty-bounds her to assess the impact of the late Ooni’s visit on T&T’s Orisha’s legacy from when he visited almost 36 years ago,” said the secretary of the Council or Orisha Elders of Trinidad and Tobago Baba Neal ‘Alasegun, Alashrie’ Ryan Rawlings, in a statement.
He said: “Further, as a distinguished custodian of Yoruba traditions and values, Erelu has a rich heritage and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the legacy of our ancestors. Her connections have significantly influenced her involvement in the fight for Yoruba sovereignty.”
During her stay, Erelu Túnwáṣẹ will meet members of the Orisha Community.
“Her title, Erelu Túnwáṣẹ of Ode Remo, traces back to the ruling families of both Ode Remo and Ijebu Ode. Her installation rites are equivalent to those of a King, and her ancestral connections have significantly influenced her involvement in the fight for Yoruba sovereignty, guiding her visit to our country. As a direct biological descendant of Sango of Oyo and Oshodi Tapa of Lagos, Erelu has a deep-rooted connection to the history and heritage of the Yoruba people. This lineage ties her to the ancient rulers and traditions of the Yoruba nation, instilling in her a sense of responsibility to preserve and promote the cultural identity and sovereignty of the Yoruba people.”
As a past Mayor, Conservative Councillor, Magistrate, Erelu is a highly sought-after trainer on Diversity Management and Lifestyle. She has extensive experience as both an employee and employer within British governmental and non-governmental institutions.
In an interview, Erelu is quoted as saying “I was born into a family of those who were at the forefront of the Transatlantic Slave Trade between Oyo Royals and the Portuguese. Consequently, I have traceable ancestral history in Brazil, Ijebu, Oyo, Lagos, Aja, and Fon Ewe. Accurate representation of history is a top item on my agenda. My political career in the UK and Yorubaland of Nigeria reflects my determination to ensure mankind seeks a life of doing the right thing, the right way, and at the right time.” According to her now in 2024 “I know now is the right time to visit Trinidad and Tobago and I look forward to setting foot on both islands, as the ancestors have led me on a path of reconciliation, truth and justice”
As the Council prepares to welcome Hon. Alderman Erelu Lola Ajiun Ayonrinde, the Council of Orisha Elders, has invited the people of Trinidad and Tobago to join with hearts and minds, the Orisha Community for this special visit.
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