In Yoruba culture, the 𝘼𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙗𝙖 is a deeply revered title bestowed upon a young maiden who serves as a priestess and a symbol of purity and fertility. Chosen by the gods, her primary duty is to carry a sacred calabash containing offerings and prayers, particularly during monumental cultural events like the Osun-Osogbo festival.
Recently, however, the concept of the Arugba has quietly crept into Comradium. This modern inclusion stems from a growing misconception among current members that all traditional African practices should be automatically assimilated into the club’s activities.
To set the record straight, a highly revered Methuselah Chief of the club, Oluseyi Mekuleyi (AB Chief, Ilya Imade, 1982/1983 Keg Year), sat down to clarify the historical bounds of the club’s traditions. According to the Chief, there is absolutely no provision for an “Arugba” within the Supreme Comradium.
Chief Mekuleyi emphasized that while the club passionately promotes universal African cultural and traditional values, it does not adopt the specific, localized religious practices of any single village or city.
The True Meaning of Procession
In Kegite tradition, Procession symbolizes the arrival of the “gods” into the Centre of Gravity during a Gyration—a concept drawing from the ethos that The Gods Are Not to Blame.
During this sacred procession, the Bearer of the Gorge is strictly the Tapper of the Host Ilya. This act symbolizes the arrival of Palm wine—revered in the club as the Basis of African Unity and World Peace—into the Gyration Ground. Until this precise moment, the Palm wine remains entirely “out of sight and out of touch,” only to be unveiled and consumed after the sacred Blessmatua (blessing).
Chief Mekuleyi firmly noted that individual interpretation is not permitted in the club. Members must adhere strictly to the written and unwritten constitutions, as well as the Sealations that govern the Kegites Club.
Furthermore, he clarified that okpekesis (ladies) are never appointed as Tappers. Traditionally, palm wine tapping is an exclusive calling, and it is not in their domain.
Orderliness and Hierarchy
The historical protocol of the procession is a masterclass in order and discipline. Only three specific comrads join the procession line alongside the Chiefisis:
- The Songhitto: Positioned at the lead, striking the Gong and rendering the official Procession Songhis.
- The Tapper: Bearing the sacred Gorge.
- The Chiefisis: Following in a single file according to strict hierarchy (e.g., ABs, XYs, XYZs), with the AB World Chief bringing up the rear.
- The Marshal: Maintaining order and closing the line.
The Rule of Absolute Solemnity
When the procession begins, solemnity reigns supreme. The club enforces the rule of “NO Keke Mus Dun an NO Dun Mus Keke”—meaning absolute silence. All drumming ceases, all movement is frozen, and a total embargo is placed on all sound. The only permitted audio is the voice and gong of the leading Songhitto, with the Comradium echoing only when and where explicitly allowed.
Critique of Modern Deviations
Reflecting on recent gatherings, Chief Mekuleyi expressed dismay at the current state of processions. “The present-day processions I have witnessed are simply not it,” he stated. “The dragging and wobbling, as if possessed, are entirely strange to us. They constitute negative imports into the club’s activities.”
In the authentic tradition, once the Songhitto’s uniquely familiar gong sounds, Kongosis (members) must immediately drop whatever they are doing. Whether they are at decking centers or engaged in okpekerisation abunna, they are expected to “evaporate and condense fast-faster” at the Centre of Gravity, fully regaliated for the Gyration.
There is no waiting for any living or non-living thing. When the gong sounds, it simply becomes a matter of one rule: “Answer your Namoo.”
