History
Onipa Abusia is an Akan religious organization that was established to promote African religious and cultural practices. Based on the founding philosophy of the late Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu I, Onipa Abusia is dedicated to continuing the cultural traditions and religious concepts that Nana established for the Akans of America. To accomplish this end, Onipa Abusia is led by Okomfohene Nana Esi-Ayisi Dinizulu and Okomfohene Nana Adzua Dinizulu Opare. Both Akomfohene were part of Nana's shrine family and assisted Nana in his work, and were among the founders of the Bosum Dzemawodzi. Okomfo Baakan Dente and Okomfo Akosua Nyo Dinizulu, the first two African-Americans to be put in to training for priesthood when Nana Yao Opare Dinizulu brought Nana Akua Oparebea to the United States for the first time in 1971, are among the members of the Onipa Abusia Mpanyinfo or the Council of Elders.
Specialties
Onipa Abusia incorporates all aspects of the Akan customs and culture such as the Edin Toa - Naming Ceremony, the Aweregye -Marriage Ceremony, the Ye Gore Bra - Puberty Rites, the Ayie - Funeral Rites, Akom - religious service, as well as the celebrating of the 42 day Akwasiadae for the Nsamanfo and annual festivals celebrating the Abosum.