Ooni of Ife Oba Ogunwusi says Ifa oracle is precursor of Google and other Internet search engines

OONI of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has revealed the Internet search engine Google originated in Ile-Ife as the Ifa oracle starting off as a form divination was all about sourcing for information and knowledge through traditional consultation.

Speaking during a tour of the tourist sites within the ancient city of Ile-Ife ahead of the Tourism Innovation and Development Innovation Conference slated for April 24, Oba Ogunwusi said that the Google could be regarded as the modern way of sourcing for past information and what was likely to happen in the future too. He added that Ifa originated several thousands of years ago and is seen as the voice of the almighty God referred to as Orisa Oke, which is supreme to other lesser gods.

Oba Ogunwusi said: “Without Ifa, there could never have been the Google, so the Google is the modern day version of Ifa. Whenever you search the Google for information or knowledge, you are consulting Ifa and without Ifa there would not have been the Google.

"Ifa is all about information, getting knowledge from the almighty God. Ifa is still relevant in contemporary times as that is why people are still consulting the oracle for information and solutions to their problems."

The Ooni, who is the custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition called on Nigerians to embrace traditional worship peculiar to their communities. He said that should not stop them from practising other modern religions.