African theological archministry

Birth of the Founder

Oct 5, 1928

Walter Eugene King is born in Detroit, Michigan. He would later change his name to Oba Adefunmi I and start a movement to bring African traditions back to African Americans.

First Initiation into African Spirituality

Aug 26, 1958

King travels to Cuba, where he becomes the first known African American to be initiated into the Orisa priesthood. This is his first big step toward practicing and spreading African spiritual beliefs.

Creating a Place for Worship

1960

King opens the Sàngó Temple in Harlem, New York. He also starts the African Theological Archministry (ATA) to help teach and spread Yoruba traditions in America.

Building Oyotunji African Village

Mar 1, 1970

King wants a space where people can fully live by African traditions. He starts Oyotunji Village in South Carolina, a small community based on Yoruba culture and religion.

Becoming a Yoruba King

1972

King travels to Nigeria, where he is trained and officially initiated as an Ifá priest. He is given the title “Oba” (king) and changes his name to Oba Adefunmi I, making his leadership more official.

Official Recognition

1980

The African Theological Archministry is recognized as a legal religious group. This makes it easier for the movement to grow and gain more followers.

Passing of the Founder

Feb 11, 2005

Oba Adefunmi I passes away, and his son, Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, becomes the new leader of Oyotunji Village. The movement continues under his guidance.

Honoring Tradition

May 30, 2020

Oyotunji Village hosts a festival to celebrate Yoruba culture, bringing people together to learn about and honor African spiritual traditions. This timeline shows how the African Theological Archministry grew from one man’s vision into a lasting movement.