By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo
In a revelation set to ignite international controversy and problem long-held historic assumptions, Nigeria’s foremost human rights lawyer and present Lawyer Common of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, has made a groundbreaking declare: the haunting melody of the world-famous hymn Superb Grace originates not from the Western world—however from the Akoko folks of Nigeria.
In an evocative article titled “Superb Grace & The Akoko Melodious Roots,” Dr. Ajulo writes,
> “I really feel compelled to disclose a profound fact: the melody of Superb Grace is deeply rooted within the wealthy cultural heritage of Akoko, Nigeria.”
Together with his in depth travels and analysis throughout continents—tracing routes from Igarra to Lisbon, Ifira-Akoko to London, Akungba to Atlanta—Dr. Ajulo says he has discovered compelling melodic and cultural connections pointing to the Akoko area because the true cradle of the hymn’s iconic tune. He notes that whereas the lyrics of Superb Grace are credited to British abolitionist and former slave dealer John Newton, the composer of its timeless melody remains to be listed as “Unknown” within the huge archives of the U.S. Library of Congress.
> “Whereas, essentially the most outstanding facet of this iconic hymn is its melody and cultural heritage, which I say with out equivocation traces again to the fertile soil of Akoko in South West Nigeria,” Ajulo declared.
The Lawyer Common, himself a descendant of Akoko ancestry, went additional to acknowledge that a few of his ancestors had been concerned within the slave commerce—an uncomfortable however important facet of this melodic journey. But, quite than disgrace, he urges reflection, therapeutic, and celebration of cultural resilience:
> “Regardless of the trials and tribulations they confronted, they managed to craft one thing really extraordinary—a melody that has turn into a beacon of hope and redemption for generations.”
Already, cultural historians and musicologists are weighing in, with reactions starting from intrigued to outraged. If confirmed or substantiated additional, Dr. Ajulo’s declare might rewrite the worldwide narrative of probably the most beloved hymns in historical past.
Is the world prepared to simply accept that the soul of Superb Grace is likely to be African—particularly Akoko Nigerian?
Dr Ajulo added,
“In 2010, with my conviction of this assertion, I deliberate to pursue a doctorate in Non secular and African Research at SOAS College of London. Nonetheless, underneath the sensible counsel of late Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, OFR, I selected to give attention to my discipline of regulation and Company Social Accountability. His steering formed my path, and now, I’m excited to make a grant out there in SOAS to conduct analysis on the very topic I as soon as put aside.”
He nevertheless provides,
” that is my private endeavor and never related to the federal government or my official place.”
One factor is definite: the dialog has solely simply begun.
By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo ( The Storyteller)
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