Tope Alabi argued that the term “Aboru Aboye” is Yoruba language and not words exclusively for Ifa priests

By Kehinde Okeowo

Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has finally reacted to the controversy trailing a viral video, where she used the term “Aboru Aboye”, a form of greeting generally associated with Ifa initiates.

In the video, Alabi labelled herself ‘ebo’ literally meaning sacrifice, while she was also heard saying, “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)

After the clip surfaced online, it generated mixed reactions among her fans and some Christian leaders, who were divided over her choice of words. 

While some argued that the terms were not biblical and associated with non-Christians, others believe she had a reason for choosing to use the words in her song.   

However, defending herself via a video that made the rounds on social media recently, while ministering in a white garment church, Tope Alabi stated that “Aboru Aboye” is a pure Yoruba language and not an exclusive preserve of traditionalists.

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The “Hallelujah” crooner went further to clarify using bible quotes that her deft use of the Nigerian 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.”

While reiterating that sacrifices were rendered in the bible, she asked: “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”

Alabi also referenced a bible passage (Romans 12:1), which read, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” before concluding that, ” The word ‘acceptable’ is the ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”