The Late Chief Araba Oso
The Àràbà Iwaro Oka Àkókó
Chief Adewale Oso was born to Oso family, Adigun lineage, in Okela quarters, Iwaro Oka Àkókó, Ondo State, Nigeria, held the esteemed position of Araba Iwaro Oka and Oluwo to His Royal Majesty, Oba Akande Omiyejola, the Asin of Oka land. He provided spiritual guidance and support, oversaw traditional rites and ceremonies. His leadership extended to his role as President of the Assembly of Traditional Religious Worshippers in Ondo State, Nigeria where he lead in advocating for the interest and ensuring the continuity of indigenous practices.
Chief Àràbà Oso was also a trustee member of the International Council for Ifá Religion(ICIR). He was also a special adviser to Àràbà Àgbáyé and Ajo Alaraba and Oluwo on legal, inter-religion and peace mediation matters. Between 2001 to 2026, Chief Àràbà Oso served as the Chairman and Secretary on the Organizing Committee for the Annual World Ifá Festival. He played a crucial part in the coordination of significant events which celebrated and promoted Ifá culture and tradition on a global scale. Chief Àràbà Oso was the Oluwo of the Ogbe Alara Temple located in Iwaro Oka, Àkókó, Ondo State, Nigeria. He held the significant title of Oluwo Apapo Odú for Ondo State, encompassing all the Odú Ifá. Chief Oso was also honored as Pelelua OrisaNLA Obatala of Ile Ife, Osun State, a title which signified his kind and gentle character at the shrine.
Moreover, his global reach and dedication extended beyond Nigeria. He also served as the Oluwo of Ile Ijosin Ifá Otito Ile Aye Temple in New York City alongside Chief Èrèlú Awo, where his expertise and authority in Ifá helped lead the community in spiritual matters and traditional practices. He was the Oluwo, Ile Ijosin Otura Meji Awon Osun (Otura Meji Temple of Osun) and ile Ijuba Gbogbo Orisa Mimo Ofun Osa in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies where he ensured the knowledge and preservation of Ifá was maintained in the United States and the Caribbean region. In addition to preserving Yorùbá culture and tradition, Chief Oso held a BSC in Accounting, MBA in Financial Management and LLB in Law. He also held a post as a Tax Officer at Federal Inland Revenue Service in Nigeria
Blessed and married with children, Chief Àràbà Adewale Ile Ijosin Ifá Otito Ile Aye Temple's numerous titles and responsibilities highlighted his extensive contributions to the preservation, promotion, and practice of the Ifá religion and Yorùbá traditions. His leadership roles within both local and international communities demonstrated his commitment to maintaining the cultural heritage and spiritual practices of the Yorùbá people.