Dear Sir,

Emancipation from slavery is fake if slaves do not perform African rites and use African names given in African traditional rites.

Some of us have visited Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria to claim our African rites. Some are awarded names at ceremonies with African chiefs. Some obtain titles of office in African chieftaincy and systems to teach African tradition. This gives authority to give names back home. This provides healing from the past and tools to build the future.

Some of us even receive certificates to prove our authority in the African race. This gives African leadership on many issues from African tradition and culture. African chiefs have written many books on African tradition, and they have been sold locally on the island over the years.

Too many people are stuck on European socialism that conflicts with African kingship.

Salutations to Oba Ogunwusi, the new King of the Yoruba race, and all international chiefs. More than 100 million people practise Yoruba tradition worldwide. Fewer than 150 Bermudians have been introduced to African rites; this is not good enough.

Emancipation from slavery is fake without overseas African training or without being trained in African tradition or from someone who has. If people do not claim African tradition, they should be happy about slavery.

BABA OGUNDOKUN