On Thursday, June 15, the Tiradentes Palace, the historic seat of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ), hosted a significant solemn session to welcome King Timi of Ede, the sovereign of the Kingdom of Ede Osun, in Nigeria. The meeting, marked by cultural and diplomatic symbolism, aimed to strengthen the ancestral ties between Brazil and Nigeria, paving the way for new avenues of economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. This initiative was promoted by Deputy Renata Souza.
"Welcoming the King of the Kingdom of Ede Osun to ALERJ is an affirmation of our African ancestry, an essential step toward reconnecting with our roots and building bridges between Africa and the diaspora. The cultural resistance present in Rio de Janeiro's samba schools and carnival groups is a living reflection of this legacy."
Declared Renata Souza in her opening speech. During the ceremony, Renata emphasized the importance of this historic moment, noting that approximately 57% of Rio de Janeiro's population self-identifies as Black.
Honor Table: Afro-Brazilian Religious Leaders
The honor table was composed of highly significant figures in the Afro-Brazilian religious landscape, such as Mãe Maria de Shango (Ase Oloroke Pantanal), Mãe Margareth d'Osun (Ilê Axé Omi Bain), Mãe Flávia Pinto (Afro-Indigenous Terreiro Community Casa do Perdão), and Carolina Omidele Morais, historian and co-founder of The African Pride. The ceremony also featured Ayodeji Lukman Wahab, Secretary and Special Advisor to the Governor of Osun on Cultural Affairs, who reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening cultural connections with Brazil.
The speeches of the Mães de Santo present at the table also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, while Secretary Ayodeji Lukman Wahab presented a video that reinforced the State of Osun's commitment to maintaining these ties.
A musical tribute to Afro-religious traditions
The national anthems of Brazil and Nigeria were sung, followed by an emotional performance by the group Alabê Funfun, which highlighted African musical traditions with a tribute to Xangô.
The ceremony continued with speeches from key figures in the Afro-religious and cultural community, such as Babá Elias de Oxum and Babá Mauro de Oxossi. Additionally, Commendations and Praise were awarded to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, and to King Timi of Ede, in recognition of their contributions to strengthening the relationship between Brazil and Nigeria.
Speeches of resistance and tradition
Ayodeji Lukman Wahab, Secretary and Special Advisor to the Governor of Osun, emphasized the need to share Nigeria's rich culture with Brazil. "We are ready to connect culturally, as we are brothers. We need your help to develop our land. The governor is committed to joining efforts and investing, bringing Nigerian festivals to enrich our shared culture," he stated.
Carolina Omidele Morais strengthens ties between Brazil and Africa with her ongoing work
The brilliant Carolina Omidele Morais, CEO of The African Pride project, emphasized the importance of these visits as a first step in building cultural bridges. Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 2017, The African Pride acts as a bridge between the two countries, promoting cultural, business, academic, and communication exchanges.
“This is the beginning of a journey aimed at building cultural, economic, and educational bridges between our peoples. The African Pride was founded to promote these dialogues, and we are excited about the possibilities that are opening up from this meeting,” she stated.
Carnival and Ancestry: Unidos da Tijuca Makes Its Presence Known
Among the distinguished guests at the solemn session were representatives from the Unidos da Tijuca Samba School, accompanied by their renowned carnival designer Edson Pereira. The event featured a performance by the flag bearer Lucinha Nobre. The school, which will present a theme dedicated to the orixá Logun Edé at the Marquês de Sapucaí next year, highlighted the connection between Rio de Janeiro's carnival and African roots, reaffirming its commitment to valuing and celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture.
Solemn Closing: Message from King Timi of Ede
In his closing speech, King Timi of Ede expressed his desire to strengthen cultural and religious ties with Brazil, highlighting the importance of joint projects.
"We are here to build something in common because what is yours is also ours. Brazil has never given up on its African culture, and we want to expand this connection. When we return to Nigeria, we will work to facilitate the issuance of documents and visas, promoting an even closer relationship between our peoples."
The event concluded with a procession led by the group Alabê Funfun, who, to the sound of drums, guided participants to the Noble Hall, where a reception organized by Cheirinho de Dendê, a brand by Rosa Perdigão, was held to celebrate this historic occasion.
The importance of this meeting
As a visual artist and Afrodocumentarist, witnessing this meeting is a reminder that the history of our ancestors is alive. We live in a country where, for centuries, Afro-religious traditions were persecuted and relegated to the margins of society. Each drumbeat that echoed in the Tiradentes Palace, each chant sung, was an act of resistance, a reclaiming of the pride and dignity that had been denied to us for so long. This event reaffirms the importance of occupying spaces that were once hostile to us. The union between Afro-Brazilian culture and Nigerian traditions represents a bridge for strengthening our collective identity. The recognition of leaders such as King Timi of Ede and the honors bestowed reinforce the idea that our roots are deep and our culture is a treasure to be preserved. This meeting is a reminder that the struggle for preserving our traditions is ongoing, and each step toward reconciliation and respect is a significant advance for the entire Afro-descendant community. From this event, it is clear that cultural resistance is not only a necessity but a sacred duty for all of us who carry the legacy of our ancestors.
Rômulo Corleone
Visual Artist, Photographer, and Afrodocumentary Journalist.
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