Ògúnwán̄dé “Wán̄dé” Abím̄bọ́lá (born 24 December 1932) is a renowned Nigerian scholar, professor of Yoruba language and literature, and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He also served as the Majority Leader in the Nigerian Senate and is the Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé (Spokesperson for Ifá worldwide).
WANDE ABIMBOLA PROFILE
| Name | Wán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá |
| Real Name | Ògúnwán̄dé “Wán̄dé” Abím̄bọ́lá |
| Date Of Birth | 24 December 1932 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| State Of Origin | Oyo State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Ifa Priest and Academia |
| Religion | Traditionalist |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1-3million |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
WANDE ABIMBOLA BIOGRAPHY
Born on 24 December 1932 in Oyo, Nigeria, into a family deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions. His father, Abím̄bọ́lá Iròkò, was a respected hunter and World War I veteran, while his mother, Sangodayo Ifagbemisola Awele, was a high priestess of the Sàngó deity.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from University College Ibadan (then affiliated with the University of London) in 1963. He went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Northwestern University in the United States in 1966, and later achieved a Ph.D. in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos in 1970.
CAREER
Abím̄bọ́lá’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan and later the University of Lagos, before he joined the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he became a full Professor of African Languages and Literatures in 1976. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the university from 1982 to 1989. Throughout his academic career, he held visiting professorships at renowned institutions including Harvard University, Boston University, Indiana University, and others.
In 1992, he entered politics, serving as the Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate during the short-lived Third Republic. From 2003 to 2005, he also served as Special Adviser on Cultural and Traditional Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
A significant spiritual milestone in his life occurred in 1981, when he was installed as Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé (World Spokesperson for Ifá) by the Ooni of Ife, a recognition by the highest traditional authorities of Yoruba land.
He later founded the Ifá Heritage Institute in Oyo, an educational and spiritual institution recognized by UNESCO for its role in preserving Yoruba heritage.
CONTROVERSIES
His strong advocacy for traditional Yoruba religion and Ifá spirituality has occasionally drawn criticism from conservative religious groups and modern secular institutions. Despite this, he remains a highly regarded cultural ambassador and scholar.
WANDE ABIMBOLA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
https://www.facebook.com/p/Professor-Wande-Abimbola-Awise-Agbaye-100063575477037
PERSONAL LIFE
Chief Abím̄bọ́lá is married and has children. He is also a practicing Babaláwo (priest of Ifá), continuing to perform traditional duties alongside his academic and cultural work. He splits his time between Nigeria and the United States, where he continues to teach and consult on Yoruba religion and culture.
WANDE ABIMBOLA NET WORTH
Wándé Abím̄bọ́lá’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $3 million.