Ibule Soro community where birth of albino, whistling are forbidden

Temitope Adedeji, Akure

The South West region of NIgeria is endowed with different cultures and traditions. These cultures and traditions are well respected, adored and held sacrosanct by the people. It is also admitted that anyone who runs foul of such tradition or belief of a certain community would not go unpunished naturally. 

This is the case of Ibule Soro, a community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Ibule is known for its rich culture and tradition. The primary occupation of the people of the community is farming and trading.

But, here in this town, it is a taboo for anyone to give birth to albino. 

Western Post was in the town recently and found out that although, the custom and tradition frowned at albinism, it has nothing to do with killing them. It was gathered that albinos are just not allowed in the town and even, even if an albino baby is given birth to in the middle of the night, the baby must be taken out of the town before the cock crows meaning that, the day must not break before such baby would be taken too far away from the community, else, the baby will die and the parents may not be able to bear the consequence of their actions.

High Chief Oyebode, who spoke in Yoruba language with Western Post, said any albino creature must 
not also step into the community for no just reason. “I am 73 years old. I have not heard it since I was born that albino had once be given birth to in this town,” he said.

High Chief Oyebode stressed further that, his grandfather told him then that, it is a taboo in the town for any woman to put to bed and the baby turns out to be albino.

According to him, even if a pregnant woman gives birth to albino at the government Maternity Centre located in the town, such baby must be removed out immediately before the gods react.

Asogbon of Ibule, High Chief Ogunlade Abiodun, told our correspondent that no albino baby has been given birth to in the town for the over 600 years of its existence.

The traditional chief said a river in the town called “Jooro ” must not smell the presence of albino around it, which he said could lead to the immediate death of such albino, no matter the age or status. 
Jooro river was said to be so powerful that indigenes can’t drink nor fetch its water to bath. 

All efforts made by Western Post to reach the Regent of the town, Princess Moyinoluwa Falowo, proved abortive as she was said to have traveled to Ibadan for personal engagement.

High Chief Ogunlade said Jooro river has another taboo.

According to him, no indigene of the town is allowed to whistle with his mouth within the town. “No Ibule son or daughter will ever turn deaf ears to the tradition of the town because they know that the consequences will not be palatable,” Chief Ogunlade added.