By Divine Sam
At the just-concluded Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) 2025 Conference, held from August 15th to 16th at Jogor event center in Ibadan Oyo state capital, Otunba Princess Barrister Sangosanya representing the Olori Iya Abiye delivered a passionate address advocating for the protection and elevation of women’s constitutional roles within the fraternity.
Addressing the conference presided over by Grandmaster Olori Francis Meshioye, OFR, and attended by other senior officials including the Oluwo, Apena, Adele Apena, Iyabiye, and members of the Supreme Council and elders from Region
Barrister Sangosanya emphasized the vital constitutional and spiritual functions of the Iya Abiye.
She warned against a growing trend of marginalization, noting that in many Iledis, the Iya Abiye’s role is being eroded by male leadership figures such as the Apenas and Oluwos contrary to both constitutional provisions and sacred tradition.
“This undermining of our authority has created discord and eroded the spiritual harmony that should exist among the three sacred pillars of the Iledi the Oluwo, the Apena, and the Iya Abiye,” she said.
Barrister Sangosanya’s presentation covered several critical aspects of the Iya Abiye’s constitutional mandate:
Food Procurement and Banqueting Authority
While the Baala may serve food at ROF events, she reaffirmed that only the Iya Abiye has authority over procurement and preparation, which holds spiritual significance. She expressed appreciation for leadership’s support on this point but warned of deviations in several Iledis.
She called for the mandatory inclusion of the Iya Abiye in setting dates and planning for the annual Iwure Odun. The Iya Abiye, she noted, prepares sacred condiments and spiritual meals essential for the ceremony.
Itagbe Weaving and Erelu Decorations
The address also proposed formal processes to ensure the Iya Abiye’s exclusive control over Itagbe materials and active involvement in nominating and decorating Erelus:
Purchases of Itagbe must be handled through the Iya Abiye.
A structured four-step documentation process was submitted, involving the Asoju and Regional Scribe.
Protection and Safety of Women
Sangosanya urged that Apenas strictly observe closure times for ceremonies, citing growing national insecurity and the risk of late-night travel for female members.
“Our call is not one of rebellion, but of restoration,” she stated. “We seek unity, clarity, and harmony. May peace and wisdom continue to reign in our noble fraternity. Ase!”
Exclusive oversight of food procurement and preparation by the Iya Abiye.
Formal inclusion in budgeting and date-setting for key events like Iwure Odun.
Authority in weaving and distribution of Itagbe.
Mandatory involvement in Erelu nominations and decorations.
Event closure policies to prioritize women’s safety and dignity.
Clear escalation procedures involving the Asoju and Regional Scribe in cases of conflict.
Speaking with NewsieEvents after the conference, Barrister Sangosanya stressed the importance of implementing all resolutions raised. She expressed both hope and firm expectation that ROF leadership will act decisively.
“Our leaders must take our concerns seriously and ensure that our voices are conveyed to the Iledi, to all the Olori, and to the Apena. It is time they recognize and respect the pivotal roles women play within the fraternity,” she said.
She further decried the ongoing marginalization of women, calling for an end to practices that infringe upon their constitutional rights.
“We are no longer asking we are asserting our rightful place,” she declared. “The fraternity must evolve and uphold the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all its members, regardless of gender.”
As the ROF navigates its future, the voice of the Olori Iya Abiye amplified by her representative rings loud and clear: it is time to restore spiritual balance, uphold constitutional order, and ensure that women are not symbolic figures but central, respected pillars of the fraternity.
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