If the saga is brought about by the usage of traditional understanding and interpretation of the expression “aboru, aboye” by traditional Yoruba worshipers, then the end to the saga should be closer by comparing Dunsi Oyekan’s song with that of TOPE ALABI’s.
Please consider the chorus below from Dunsi Oyekan’s song:
“I have more than a song
Today I brought myself
I am the sacrifice
I have more than a song
Today I brought myself
I am Your worship”
“Jesus we offer ourselves to You
As a living sacrifice
Pure and holy
Acceptable say receive”
“I come before the Throne
And I empty myself
I offer You willingly
I offer You acceptably
Accept Jesus receive the sacrifice I am”
“I am Your worship I am Your sacrifice
I am Your sacrifice I am Your worship
I am Your worship I lift my eyes to You
I am Your sacrifice I lift my heart to You
I am Your worship I lift my voice to You
I am Your sacrifice I give it to You willingly
I am Your worship I give it to You willingly
I am Your sacrifice I am Your worship
I am Your worship I am Your sacrifice
I am Your sacrifice say receive”
Recommended
The use of “acceptable sacrifice” is similar to the usage of “aboru, aboye” in traditional Yoruba religion context.
The bone of contention is that the Orunmila (Orunmila is the Yoruba deity of wisdom, knowledge, and omniscience who is also known by several cognomens that further highlight his nature and role in the Yoruba pantheon) introduced the usage of the expression.
While Orunmila can be credited as the inventor of the expression, the connotative or indicative meaning of the expression cannot be limited to the occultic acquiescence, compliance or acceptance as presumed by the disparagers.
I am not a fan of Tope Alabi, but I am glad that gospel musicians are beginning to enlighten their fans and listeners about the shift in focus of worship. More than what you give to your church or community in return for what God has done to you, you yourself should be the object of sacrifice for worship.
You offer to God yourself as a living sacrifice or acceptable sacrifice or as “aboru, aboye”, as the case is in this saga, when you have a close and personal relationship and fellowship with God. Living a holy life is becoming an acceptable sacrifice (which may be interpreted as aboru aboye in Tope Alabi’s saga).
Moreover, it is contained in the Bible that:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV).
Dunsin Oyekan has explained it all in his song. Please let’s pick the meaning and focus on God. Only God knows who serves Him in spirit and in truth.
Written by: Femi-Cephas Elugbadebo
