‘Aboru Aboye’ Purely Yoruba Language, Not For Ifa Priests – Tope Alabi

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has reacted to the controversy trailing her viral video where she was heard singing in Yoruba language using the words ‘Aboru Aboye’, which is a form of greeting among Ifa initiates.

In the video, Alabi called herself ‘ebo’, which means sacrifice, while also singing the words, “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” (I am a sacrifice, that’s my name. I am a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my name).

The lyrics had since triggered a flurry of reactions in the media as her fans and some Christian leaders took sides over her choice of words.

In a video, the gospel singer who was seen ministering in a white garment church said, “Aboru Aboye” is a pure Yoruba language and not an exclusive language for traditionalists.

She further explained with bible reference while clarifying that her use of the language remained her peculiar style as a gospel artiste.

She said, “It was recorded that David made a sacrifice of faithfulness to God.  Why was the word sacrifice not written as the same English word in the Yoruba version of the Bible? It is a Yoruba language. There is no special language for traditionalists. We are all speaking the Yoruba language.

“If some people say they want to use the language in their own style, it is not bad. We have also decided to use it in our own style.”

She added, “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”