Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Entrance to the Ògbóni Shrine

Built in the late 1960’s and early 1970s on the site of an abandoned school, Ilédì Oǹtótóo is the assembly point for the Ògbóni, Yorùbá traditionalists associated with the Earth deity. This remarkable structure is composed of three enormous roofs which rise against the sky like giant lizards, representing the forces of the earth before mankind. It is one of the most complex and sensitive architectural creations.
The centrepiece of Iledi Ontotoo are the powerfully sculpted high-posts that support the roof which symbolically protect the inner sanctum of the Shrine.
The exterior walls are elaborately sculpted in cement with “rapturously emotional scenes” to use Susanne Wenger’s words, depicting interactions with the deities. The entry to the Shrine is underneath the middle roof and the door is in the shape of a giant paw print, referencing the connection of the Ògbóni Society to the earth.