Adefunmi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oba Adefunmi |
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| Oba of Oyotunji | |
| Reign | 1970–2005 |
| Predecessor | Position Established |
| Successor | Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II |
| Born | Walter Eugene King October 5, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2005 (aged 76) |
| Religion | Yoruba religion |
Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi (born Walter Eugene King, October 5, 1928 – February 11, 2005) was an important African-American leader. He was the first African-American to become a priest in the Yoruba religion. Later, he became the first African-American to be crowned Oba (King) of the Yoruba people in North America. This crowning happened in Ile Ife, Nigeria.
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Who Was Oba Adefunmi?
Walter Eugene King was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1928. When he was 12, he left the Baptist faith. He became very interested in African culture and began studying it at age 16.
His Journey to African Traditions
At 20, King traveled to Haiti to learn about Haitian culture. He also studied Haitian Vodou there. In 1959, he visited the Matanzas region of Cuba. There, he became the first documented African-American to be initiated into the Yoruba priesthood. This means he became a priest in the Yoruba religion.
He was given the name "Efuntola Oseijeman Adefunmi."
- Efuntola means "the whiteness (of Obatala, a Yoruba deity) is as good as wealth."
- Adefunmi means "the crown has given me this child."
Founding New Communities
After returning to the United States, Oba Adefunmi started several groups. First, he founded the Order of the Damballah Hwedo in Harlem, New York. Then, he created the Shango Temple. Later, he established the African Theological Archministry, which became known as the Yoruba Temple.
In 1970, Oba Adefunmi and other followers created the Oyotunji village. This special village is located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built to practice and preserve Yoruba traditions in America.
Connecting with Yorubaland
Oba Adefunmi believed strongly in keeping the Yoruba religion pure. He felt some practices in Cuban Santería (a religion with Yoruba roots) were not traditional. Because of this, he decided to learn directly from the source.
He traveled to Yorubaland in Africa. There, he was welcomed and initiated as a babalawo. A babalawo is a high priest in the Yoruba religion, known for their wisdom and knowledge of divination.
Oba Adefunmi's brother, Henri “Umbaji” King, was also involved in promoting African culture. He helped organize FESTAC 77. This was the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. It took place in Lagos, Nigeria.
