Adeyinka Olaiya, Brazil/
The oldest Iyalorisa in Brazil, Mae Stella de Oxossi, who died last December has gained a gigantic sculptural representation in a popular avenue in Salvador in appreciation of her contribution to Yoruba religion in the Latin American country.
The Egba woman who could not have her dream to be buried in Nigeria realized will forever be remembered in the African traditional religion and studies for her immense contribution and dedication to the promotion of the Yoruba culture, tradition and religion in Brazil.
Antony Carlos Magalhães Neto, the Mayor of Salvador and the representative of the fundação Gregório de Mattos said at the inauguration, “She was a blessing to Brazil. We are proud of her.”
The brain behind the magnificent sculpture, Artist Tati Moreno, a Brazilian sculptor, said, “We have immortalized her with this representation and she will live with us forever.”
The work was inaugurated at exactly 9:30 pm on April 9 at Avenida Luiz Viana Filho, Brazil.
The Yoruba woman who was the priestess of the Ile Axé Opo Afonja for over 60 years reportedly wished to be buried in her ancestral home in Egbaland, in Nigeria, but due to the claims by several entities of her importance in Brazil, she was finally buried in Salvador Bahia.
The sculptural piece realized in fibreglass is considered the most gigantic sculpture in the area of Salvador.
