Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (R.O.F.)
The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, commonly known as R.O.F., is an international fraternal organization with a syncretic tradition rooted in the Ogboni system of Yorubaland, merged with external spiritual and cultural elements.
History
The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity was founded on 18 December 1914 as a Christian-compatible alternative to the traditional Ogboni society. It was spearheaded by Anglican cleric T.A.J. Ogunbiyi.
Founding Members
- Prince Orisadipe Obasa (recognized as the first Oluwo, or master)
- Princess Charlotte Blaize Obasa (of the R.B. Blaize family)
- Prince M. Akinsemoyin (of the Akinsemoyin royal family)
Though originally established for the Christian elite, R.O.F. has since expanded to include members of diverse religious backgrounds.
Influences
- Early Nigerian Christian movements (e.g., the Keswick Convention)
- English Freemasonry
Membership
- Men: Eligible from age 21 and above
- Women: Eligible from age 40 and above
- All members must embrace a "non-idolatrous faith in God."
Chapters (Lledis or Conclaves)
As of May 2010, the fraternity had:
- 940 chapters in Nigeria
- 1 in Cameroon
- 5 in London
- 5 in Italy
- 1 in Belgium
Notable Members
- Adetokunbo Ademola – Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olori Oluwo
- Ladapo Ademola – Alake of Egbaland
- Adeyemo Alakija – Nigerian Legislative Council member, Olori Oluwo
- Ladoke Akintola – Premier of Western Nigeria
- Nnamdi Azikiwe – First President of Nigeria
- Ahmadu Bello – Premier of Northern Nigeria
- George VI – King of the United Kingdom
- Francis Meshioye – Current Olori Oluwo, esotericist
- Olubuse II – 50th Ooni of Ife
- Olusegun Obasanjo – Former President of Nigeria
Controversies
Allegations
- Accused of being a secret cult involved in human sacrifices
- Referenced in Occult Grandmaster Now in Christ (1993) by Iyke Nathan Uzorma, which alleged the practice of "Rajo witchcraft" — a term left undefined
Denial
On December 19, 2019, Francis Meshioye, the current Olori Oluwo, publicly denied all allegations, stating the fraternity is neither secret nor sinister.
See Also
References & Further Reading
- Akintola, Akinbowale (1992). The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (R.O.F.): The Origins And Interpretation Of Its Doctrines And Symbolism
- Official website: www.reformedogboni.com(http://www.reformedogboni.com)
- Vanguard Nigeria – "Nothing secret, sinister about us—Ogboni Fraternity"