Sangowale Atanda Ajala

Sangowale Atanda Ajala was born into the Traditional Yoruba Religion of Esin Orisa Ibile, and he was the son of the renowned Batik artist, Sango/Obatala Oloye Babalorisa Sangodare Ajala.

What we now know as Sangowale Ajala began as a baby boy delivered by Apetebi Funmilayo Arinke Ajala, may she rest in peace, one afternoon in Osogbo. It was there that Eledumare blessed her with her firstborn son.

In Yoruba tradition, there's a cryptic proverb, "Ile l'aawo ka to s'omo loruko," which guides the Yoruba people when naming a newborn. Sangowale's name, which means "King of Thunder (Sango) has come home," was given to him because he was born to his parents, Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala and Apetebi Funmilayo Arinke Ajala, who were both from Osogbo, Osun state in Nigeria. His father was a respected Sango and Obatala priest in Osogbo.

As the first son in the family and born into the traditional religion, Sangowale had the privilege of receiving primary, secondary, and some tertiary (Western) education in Osogbo. He graduated from college in Oyo but had been learning about the traditional religion, herbal preparations for various illnesses, and the wisdom of elder herbalists, Babalawo, Bablorisa, Iyalorisa, and Iyanifa within Yorubaland from his father, Priest Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala, since childhood.

Sangowale's knowledge extended to Orisa (deities), which he learned from his father. He even traveled away from home to learn about Erindinlogun and Ifa divination. He became proficient in the worship of the Orisa.

Over 15 years ago, Sangowale Ajala was initiated into IFA and Sango and went on to lead initiations in Yorubaland and the United States.