Those, who were familiar with his bushy beard, his signature face back then in the 70s, 80s, through 90s and the millenium, may run into identity crisis of the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon. They would expect him to have melted into the old age and begun a march to his departure lounge to the realm of his ancestors. But that imagination is far from truth.
Elebuibon is not only clean shoven and handsome, he is also looking younger, occasionally spotting T-shirt on knickers and bouncing like an athlete just rounding off a strenous training season.
By his workload, by his attention to guests who visit him from far and wide for consultations, mediations, meetings and interviews, he is just begining his life incredibly at age 79.
To prove this more succintly and convincingly, he just built a stunning home, a 21st Century sublime mansion, named Aafin Ogbeyonu, which has redefined the landscape of his Yemi Elebuibon Street, off Ikirun Road, Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
On Saturday July 25, 2026, traditional rulers led by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Ifa priests and devotees, theatre practitioners, culture enthusiasts from the US, Brazil and the UK converge in honour of Elebuibon’s three-in-one historic ceremony.
He commissioned his house, celebrated his 79th birthday and capped it all with awards to notable culture stakeholders whom, he revealed, made remarkable impacts in his journey from obscruity till his days of stardom. The awardees are the German
Professor Ulli Bier, the thespian Duro Ladipo, Gbadamosi Aibuki and Awolade Aremu Ajoriwin.
“All of the them saw in me this future then as early as when I was a young man. Each of them acknowledged it and treated me with respect reserved for an elder. For instance, Oga Duro Ladipo never called me by my first name despite the fact that he was my boss in his theatre group. He would call me Baba as if I was older than him. He prophesised that I would be travelling abroad and also hosting white people. And his prophesy came to pass unfortunately after he had passed away in 1978,” he stated.
The special place of Elebuibon, a writer and poet, in history was not lost in Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke who noted the Ifa Priest’s birthday and sent a congratulatory message to him through a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
The governor described the Araba as a foremost custodian of Yoruba culture, spirituality, and indigenous knowledge whose life’s work has earned global respect and admiration.
Adeleke pointed out Elebuibon’s contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba traditional religion, philosophy, language, and cultural identity, noting that for decades he has remained one of the most authentic voices projecting the richness of Yoruba civilization to the world.
The governor further noted that Elebuibon has consistently served as a bridge between tradition and modern society, promoting mutual respect, religious tolerance, cultural education, and the enduring values that define the Yoruba people.
“Today, I celebrate an icon, a cultural giant, and an exceptional son of Osun State, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, as he marks the remarkable milestone of his 79th birthday.
“Chief Elebuibon’s life has been devoted to the preservation of Yoruba heritage and the spiritual traditions that have shaped our identity as a people. Through his scholarship, and lifelong advocacy, he has become one of the foremost ambassadors of Yoruba culture across the world.
“As the Araba of Osogbo Land, he has continued to provide guidance on matters of culture, tradition, and spirituality while remaining a respected voice for peaceful coexistence and cultural understanding.
“His dedication to preserving our history and indigenous knowledge has enriched not only Osun State and Nigeria but also the global appreciation of Yoruba civilization.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon on this landmark celebration and pray that Almighty God grants him continued good health, and many more years of fulfilment as a custodian of our rich cultural heritage,” he prayed.
Oba Olanipekun also spoke glowingly of Elebuibon whom he described as a blessing to Osogbo for his uprightness and devotion to the town, adding that he was always available when called upon for his spiritual guide.
Founder and Curator of the Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Okundaye was also full of commendation for Elebuibon. She submitted that the priest had impressed her beyond reasonable doubt in his strict adherence to Yoruba culture without any blemish. She congratulated him for being alive to see his glorious ceremony.
“Not many people will have this kind of special grace. I have no doubt in whatever he has achieved; he has worked for them as a trustworthy spiritual leader, and particularly custodian of Ifa,” she affirmed.
Elebuibon recieved a car gift at the occasion which had on the bandstand, Asiwaju Abass Akande who thrilled the guests shortly after the Ifa priest cut his birthday cake supported by his two wives on both sides.
The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola and the Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotola wife of the Olowu of Kuta, Olori Adeola Makama represented her hubby, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama.
Also in attendance included Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onile Ola), Chief Akintunde Ayeni, Chief Amitolu Shittu-Alamu, Yeye Toyin Adegbola, daughter of Ladipo, Mrs Oyinda Duroladipo, who received her father’s award on behalf of the family.
The celebrant expressed his appreciation to all guests in attendance and those who could not make it down to Osogbo.
“I am immensely thankful to all my well wishers all over the world. I thank you so much for your response to our invites; leaving your places at this season means so much to me. Eledumare shall continue to be with you too,” he prayed.
***Published on August 1, 2026
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