Some Nigerian pastors have expressed combined reactions on whether or not the usage of ‘Aboru Aboye’ within the viral tune by fashionable gospel singer, Tope Alabi, is correct in a gospel tune.
While among the pastors who spoke with Punch noticed nothing flawed with Alabi’s selection of lyrics within the viral tune, others disagreed, arguing that the singer mustn’t incorporate conventional terminologies into gospel music.
Alabi made headlines final Friday following the discharge of a tune the place she was heard singing the phrases ‘Aboru Aboye,’ phrases largely utilized by Ifa worshippers when greeting initiates, typically known as ‘Babalawo’.
Alabi, within the viral video, may very well be heard singing the lyrics;
‘Emi ni aboru, aboye… abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” (I am a sacrifice, that’s my identify. I’m a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my identify).
Her lyrical selections have since gotten many tongues wagging on and off social media.
However, reacting to the viral video, Pastor Lanre Kayode, Senior Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church, Shibiri department, Lagos, stated the controversy trailing the video may very well be blamed on the poor understanding of the Yoruba language by a few of her critics.
Pastor Kayode stated,
“It’s a language thing. I see nothing wrong with what she said. She was simply praising God.”
He argued that one other gospel act, Dunsin Oyekan, has a tune the place he used comparable phrases solely sung within the English Language and nobody raised an eyebrow.
Oyekan, within the tune titled ‘More than a Song, sang the words: ”I am more than a song today, I am a sacrifice…” similar words to Alabi’s however conveyed in a unique language.
”Why are folks not complaining about that? Is it as a result of he sang in English?
“Why do people not have issues with this? Is it because Tope sang in Yoruba?” Pastor Kayode requested.
He burdened that there’s nothing flawed with Tope Alabi’s selection of phrases. “It’s simply a language thing. Not many people understand Yoruba that well and that’s why they are criticising the song,” he stated.
Also talking with newsmen, Pastor Tunde Afolabi of the Christ Redemption Church, Ogba, Lagos, kicked in opposition to the criticism of Tope Alabi over the Aboru Aboye tune saying folks most likely misinterpreted Alabi’s stance on the usage of the ‘Aboru Aboye’ and believed it’s and might solely be utilized by traditionists.
He stated, ”People imagine she is referring to Ifa however I really feel she is worshipping her God one of the best ways she is aware of how. We all have the very best methods to worship God.”
Prophet Akinyele Timothy of Celestial Church Of Christ, El morijah Olubukun parish, Ikorodu, additionally backed Alabi’s use of ‘Aboru Aboye’ phrases within the viral video.
Prophet Timothy stated,
”Tope Alabi was merely praising God. Even the Muslims say ‘Oba Ajoke aye, Asake Orun’. They are additionally merely praising God. Tope was merely acknowledging God’s may, she was not in any approach affirming that she is an Ifa worshipper. I don’t see something flawed within the phrases she used.”
However, Pastor (Mrs.) P.S. Otitolaiye of the Mount of Fire Ministries, Ijanikin, was in opposition to Alabi’s use of ‘Aboru Aboye’ in a gospel tune.
She stated Alabi ought to have shunned utilizing conventional phrases in her songs, noting that there isn’t a relationship between mild and darkness.
In her phrases,
”Tope Alabi ought to endeavour not to usher in any conventional phrase into her tune as a result of there isn’t a relationship between mild and darkness.”
Pastor Otitolaiye, nonetheless, added that “the conversation about the intersection of religion and culture in Nigeria is far from over.”
Speaking in the identical vein, Pastor Ifeoluwa Fatoki of Divine Grace Baptist Church Ogbomosho, a graduate of African Traditional Religion and World Religion from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso, argued in opposition to the usage of ‘Aboru Aboye’.
He stated,
”I don’t suppose these phrases are acceptable within the worship of God as a result of they don’t seem to be unique to Christianity they usually have already got roots within the worship of Ifa.
”I believe there are higher phrases that can be utilized. To discuss with the believer as a sacrifice is okay. But these three phrases have completely different connotations. It’s like saying, Eriwo ya… No matter how we paint it, it isn’t acceptable.
”More so, hallelujah, which is the Jewish phrase for ‘praise Yahweh’ as a phrase is understood in Christianity. It’s like saying, Ifa worshippers now additionally say hallelujah of their worship.”
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