"#AfroFuturism: Of #Obatala and #Oduduwa's Peace Archetype for the World" - by @SMBofAfrica
Time, space and historical events are often encumbered in determinism. That George Floyd's scenario is historical and a re-enactment of past experiences of the Blacks is not elusive...
Time, space and historical events are often encumbered in determinism. That George Floyd's scenario is historical and a re-enactment of past experiences of the Blacks is not elusive...
Before the amplification and proliferation of the Trans Atlantic Slaves Trade, the rupture of world's peace had started out. Racialization coded and systemized in slavery in the US, though contested but not defeated by the events of the US Civil War under Abraham Lincoln
Rosa Parks and the 20th century's Blacks were unable to bring down racism, instead the monster renew it's energies in all ramifications in the 21st century. Now, George Floyd's ghost is reenacting the same eventualities of the 19th & 20th centuries. Time, space, events looping.
Amidst cacophony of Yoruba myths of origin, it is tenable to say that Obatala as the ruler of the autochthonous groups in Ile-Ife was conquered by Oduduwa. Obatala and Oduduwa were both cut up in the battles of supremacy;
nevertheless, for the common good of the people and the society, they gave room for political tolerance and integrated governance
The resulting truce reaffirmed the kingship of Oduduwa and recognized Obatala as the custodian of the spiritual sacredness of the town. This was on a dialectical-cum-consociational paradigm.
Oduduwa-Obatala legend established peace in Ile-Ife despite it's heterogeneity. Instead, of being entrapped in the fight for supremacy; they allowed conflict resolution and peace building to prevail.
Contextualising this episode of history as a historical lesson for contemporary societies, it is apt to say that there is a great need to romanticise this pre-colonial African concept or prototype.
Oduduwa's monolithic paradigm and Obatala’s pluralism fused into a synthesis to produce a lasting legacy now acknowledges as the Yoruba civilisation that is not limited to Ile-Ife but now globalised across the Atlantic (Cuba, Haiti, Brazil, etc).
Although Oduduwa's image and achievements seem to eclipse Obatala's role in history, yet, Obatala has persisted as a deity – even beyond the shore of the Yorubaland. Obatala had been appropriated in Yoruba pantheon as a symbol of peace.
Even though Obatala was a Black man, he was not a racist. He adopted the white colour as his official colour with the tapestries of purity and righteousness. He Envisaged when his figurine will also transcend the Black continent and condescend into the totality of humanity.
Obatala approximates WHITE as LIGHT of consciousness not as a symbol of supremacy. A consciousness for the collective good of humanity. His spiritism, ideation and sociation are epitome of humanity.. devoid of racialization and genderization. He embraces all races and genders.
As relics & memories of slavery & racialized orientations are being ruptured across the globe, the world is thrusting for peace of mind for humanity. Obatala's Afrofuturistic disquisition had long ago clamoured for inclusion and light of consciousness that accommodate all races.
