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The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity(ROF) Inc. was founded by a reverend gentleman Archdeacon TAJ Ogunbiyi, CBE, L.Th. Christianity came to Nigeria with British Fraternities hand in hand. The British Fraternity became very fashionable among our people, such that everyone at that time wanted to belong to the Freemasonry or the Lodge. The reality on the ground was how to bled the typical African with Christianity. This was the genesis of the thought to visit the ancient Fraternity of the Ogboni. Ogboni is as old as the Yoruba race.
Venerable Rev T.A.J Ogunbiyi CBE LTh founded the ROF INC on the 18th Dec 1914 at Obun Eko in Lagos Nigeria .The original name of the fraternity was EGBE “OGBONI ONIGBAGBO ” which means in English language “OGBONI FRATERNITY OF THE CHRISTIANS”.As time went on the founder considered it necessary to admit non-Christians, provided such entrants embrace a non-idolatrous belief in God.
WHAT IS ROF?
In attending to this realization, the reverend gentleman took an understudy of all the Fraternities known to man, far and wide, Nigeria, England , Scotland and Egypt. He made a perfect blend with a high recognition of Christianity principle, drawing a corollary between Christian and Islam in terms of origin. This, ROF was patterned along the Ogboni as an institution in Yorubaland. The Ogbonis at that time wherever they operated were in charge of governance, they didn’t tolerate nonsense, they wanted people to believe straight-forwardly, they didn’t condone thuggery, theft and other vices. The Fraternity teaches charity, and chastity. It endeavours to make a good man a better man, a good Christian a better Christian and a good Muslim a better Muslim. All its rules are based on the Golden Rule of “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”..
In attending to this realization, the reverend gentleman took an understudy of all the Fraternities known to man, far and wide, Nigeria, England , Scotland and Egypt. He made a perfect blend with a high recognition of Christianity principle, drawing a corollary between Christian and Islam in terms of origin. This, ROF was patterned along the Ogboni as an institution in Yorubaland. The Ogbonis at that time wherever they operated were in charge of governance, they didn’t tolerate nonsense, they wanted people to believe straight-forwardly, they didn’t condone thuggery, theft and other vices. The Fraternity teaches charity, and chastity. It endeavours to make a good man a better man, a good Christian a better Christian and a good Muslim a better Muslim. All its rules are based on the Golden Rule of “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”..
The pre- and post-independent Nigeria experienced high influence of the membership of the ROF. The ROF, without mincing words, was famous with men and women of high social influence, to the extent that the founder was one of the earliest lawyers, was the first Olori Oluwo. The first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, GCFR, was the second Olori Oluwo. Invariably the ROF became a legal entity, duly registered by laws of the Federation of Nigeria, even during the colonial rule in 1943; with offices widely publicized with sign posts all round Nigeria.
ROF & RELIGION
The Christendom appreciated the ROF to the extent that Bishop Vining, the Archbishop of West Africa was a member, who said publicly that “there was nothing wrong in the practice of the ROF”. Today, the ROF is 100 years old. It has upheld strongly its tenets and philosophies of practising faiths without outright abhorherence to the Native Customs and Symbols. It has taught the simple morality of making man better in the understanding of his faith. For 100 years, the ROF has kept faith with people of Nigeria, appreciating the religious faith while embracing the African culture.
The Christendom appreciated the ROF to the extent that Bishop Vining, the Archbishop of West Africa was a member, who said publicly that “there was nothing wrong in the practice of the ROF”. Today, the ROF is 100 years old. It has upheld strongly its tenets and philosophies of practising faiths without outright abhorherence to the Native Customs and Symbols. It has taught the simple morality of making man better in the understanding of his faith. For 100 years, the ROF has kept faith with people of Nigeria, appreciating the religious faith while embracing the African culture.
For the centenary celebration, the ROF has outlined the activities below:
Anniversary Colloquium & Lecture – 17th December 2014
Centenary Awards & Dinner – 18th December 2014
Venue: Centenary Celebration Arena, Euphoria Event Centre, TAJ Ogunbiyi Close, Ikeja, Lagos
Music & Entertainment: Alh. Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe
Anniversary Colloquium & Lecture – 17th December 2014
Centenary Awards & Dinner – 18th December 2014
Venue: Centenary Celebration Arena, Euphoria Event Centre, TAJ Ogunbiyi Close, Ikeja, Lagos
Music & Entertainment: Alh. Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe
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