23/06/2026
THE MAN WHO UNFORTUNATELY,INTRODUCED OGBONI..SECRET CULT INTO CHRISTIANITY!
Rev. Thomas Adesina Jacobson Ogunbiyi, wearing elaborate robes and cap, standing in a doorway.
Circa:1950s
Photo Credit: Duckworth, E. H., 1894-1972 (Collector)/ Herskovits Library of African Studies
Thomas Adesina Jacobson Ogunbiyi was born in Lagos in 1866. As the first officially posted Teacher to the area later known as Ondo Province, he resumed at St Stephen's Ang. Primary School, Oke Aluko, Ondo (the first Primary school in Ondo- Province) on February 20,1890.
He became the Archdeacon of Lagos in 1921 and member of the Legislative Council in 1936.
T.A.J. Ogunbiyi founded the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) on December 18, 1914. It was formerly known as Ogboni Onigbagbo (Ogbni Fraternity of the Christians). The name was changed to ROF due to the realization that it was not meant for Christians alone. It is seen as a cultural heritage which must not be restricted to religion. It eventually accommodated people from different religious learning, races and political affiliations.
Among ROF earliest members were Omooba Dr Orisadipe Obasa - the first Oluwo (Master), Ven T.A.J. Ogunbiyi - first Olori Apena, Princess Chalotte Blaize Obasa - first Iya Abiye, Sir Adeyemo Alakija - first Olori Oluwo (grandmaster), Prince M. Adesemoyin, Bishop Leslie Vining (first Archbishop of the Church of the province of West Africa, Sir Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola - Olri Oluwo ( grandmaster), King George VI, Ooni Olubuse II of Ife, Alake Ladapo Ademola of Egbaland, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Sir Ahmadu Bello etc.
He died in 1957
Ref: Nigerian Tribune interview with Olori Ogboni Francis Oluwagbenro Meshinoye, Supreme Leader; Akintola 1992; African Spirituality and Christian Theology; Nothing secret sinister about us, Ogboni Fraternity- Guardian Nigeria Oct 28, 2020
Source asirimagazine
