Osun Osogbo: Adesiyan Olayiwola, Iya Osun of Osogboland.
Iya Olosun is one of the central figures in Osun religion. As the high priestess of the Osun deity, she is the de facto leader of all priestesses and female devotees of Osun globally. Adesiyan Olayiwola shot into prominence as Iya Olosun after the death of the Austrian-Nigerian artist, Susanne Wenger (also known as Adunni Olorisha), the guardian and principal sculptor of the Osun Grove. The high priestess resides in the Osun temple located within the vicinity of the Ataoja palace, where she daily administers routine activities at the shrine in the temple, including divination, sacrifice and supplication for adherents seeking guidance and solution. The significance of her role comes into sharp focus during the annual Osun Osogbo festival when she performs major rites, including the oversight on the important affairs of the Arugba, the votary maid.
Size: 2592px × 3872px
Location: Osun State, Nigeria.
Photo credit: © OMONIYI AYEDUN OLUBUNMI / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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