Tope Alabi, a popular gospel singer, has responded to critics regarding a viral video in which she was heard using the Yoruba phrase ‘Aboru Aboye,’ commonly used as a greeting among Ifa initiates.
She faced significant criticism after referring to herself as ‘ebo,’ which literally means sacrifice, in one of her songs. This usage sparked a heated discussion on social media.
In the video, she expressed, “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).”
These lyrics garnered various reactions from social media users. In response to the backlash, the singer, seen ministering in a white garment church in the viral video, stated that “Aboru Aboye” is a pure Yoruba phrase and not exclusively limited to traditionalists.
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.”
Alabi clarified that her adept use of the language has always been her distinctive style as a gospel artist.
“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.
Alluding to Romans 12:1, she said: “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word ‘acceptable’ is ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”
