IRETEIKA
IFA OF THE YEAR 2018/2019 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, STATE OF OSUN, NIGERIA.
Eriwo ya!
We greet you all in the name of Olodumare, Orunmila and all other Orisa. We also extend the greetings of Araba Agbaye (the permanent Chairman of the Council of Araba/Oluwo, the pillar of the International Council for Ifa Religion) to you all in this season of the World Ifa Festival. We, the members of Publication Committee of the Oke-Itase 2018/2019 Organising Committee set up by the International Council for Ifa Religion are hereby presenting verses of the Ifa of the year recited with inspiration by the priests on the mat in the early hour of Sunday, 3rd June, 2018, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The Odu Ifa that came out for this year is IRETEIKA (Irete on the right, Ika on the left). The Odu came with Ire Aya/Oko, fortunes of Spouse and ebo is recommended to make it to come to pass. Ifa Priests from Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Republic of Togo, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, United States of America, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Panama, Britain, Switzerland, Ghana and Sweden were all there and made their contributions. The verses of IRETEIKA recited with their narratives are as follows:
1.
Ifa has promised us all fortunes this year. This year, people should have patience and not be in haste to acquire things. Ifa says we should make ebo to have good things. With patience after making the ebo, all fortunes will be acquired. The items of ebo are 4 pigeons, honey, gin, pap, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Eera ni gbedo ile fulefulefule
A difa fun Animo
Omo loroloro
Omo lohunlohun
Aje n wole Animo lo
Ogorogoro
Ire gbogbo n wole Animo lo
Ogorogoro
It is an ant that digs the ground patiently
Ifa revelation to Animo
He whose ancestors have wealth
He whose ancestors have things
Wealth is now going to Animo
In multitude
All good things are now going to Animo
In multitude
2.
Ifa said people will benefit greatly from travelling out of their respective towns or countries this year. Many people will find their fortunes of riches, spouses, children, works and so on outside their towns or Place of birth. Ebo should be made with 4 pigeons, gin, honey and money. On this Ifa says:
Eke ile lo bale se
Eke won o mohun ile
A difa fun Orunmila
Nijo baba n sawo lo si ode Ibadan
Aje ni n oo ni o ni Ibadan lo wa
Ire gbogbo ni Ibadan lo wa
Aya ni n oo fe o ni Ibadan lo wa
Ire gbogbo ni Ibadan lo wa
The rafter lives with the house
But fails to understand the house
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When going to the city of Ibadan
The riches that I will possess is in Ibadan
All fortunes are in Ibadan
The wife I will marry is in Ibadan
All fortunes are in Ibadan
3.
For those who are longing for children, they need to appease Obatala. To remove cases of miscarriage, it is necessary to make ebo against enemies. Also, it is better to stop shouting at pregnant women to prevent shock that might lead to miscarriage. Also that doing the ebo of this verse will make If practitioners victorious in their endeavours this year. Ebo should be made with 4 snails, kola nuts, 3 cocks, a big rat, palm oil and money. After the ebo, Obatala will be appeased with the snails. On this, Ifa says:
Yangi abara palapala
A difa fun Orisanla Oseeremogbo
To n gunna omo
Ti Ire n lo ree ba a je
Nje Ire o gbodo han
Ibi akata ba ba si o
Ire o gbodo han
Ibi awa gbe n bofa o
Ota o gbodo gbin
Yangi abara palapala
Cast Ifa for Orisanla Oseeremogbo
Who would be moulding new child
Which Ire, the cricket would be destroying
Behold, the Cricket dare not talk
Wherever there is a fox
The Cricket dare not murmur
Wherever we appease Ifa
The enemies dare not talk
4.
Ifa says people should be hard working and stop stealing or sabotaging other people’s sweat. Also, those who steal other people’s belongings will be caught. To catch thieves, Ogun should be appeased and three gun shots made during the appeasement. To prevent shame, people should refrain from stealing. The ebo to make here include a dog or 3 roosters, yam, beans, palm oil and palm wine. After the ebo, Ogun will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka awo Onikananranjangbon
A difa fun Onikanranjangbon
To n roko alere lodun
O doko o gbinla
O doko o gbinkan
Bi oloko ti n ka ila
Bee ni ole n ka ila
Bi oloko ti n ka ikan
Bee ni ole n ka ikan
Onikan yii rora
Kananranjangbon!
Iwo ka
Emi ka
Kananranjangbon!
Temi se le depe?
Kananranjangbon!
Epe kan o pa Ahun
Kananranjangbon!
Owo wa ba Alabahun lonii o
Owo oloko ba Alabahun
Ijapa ole!
Owo oloko ba Alabahun
Ateka the priest of Kananranjangbon
Cast Ifa for Onikananranjangbon
When embarking on farming
He planted ila, the okra
He planted ikan, the garden egg
As farmer plucked ila, the okra
So the thief plucked ila, the okra
As the farmer plucked ikan, the garden egg
So the thief plucked ikan, the garden egg
The-garden-egg-farmer, be patient
No cause for harshness!
You harvested
I harvested as well
No cause for harshness!
Why are you cursing me?
No cause for harshness!
No curse can have effect on tortoise
No cause for harshness!
The Tortoise is caught today
The farmer has caught the Tortoise
The tortoise, the thief
The farmer has caught the Tortoise
5.
People should make ebo to fortify their children especially those who have three children. This is to guide against one’s children death. The ebo to make include 3 he-goats/3 roosters, 3 big rats, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka rigidi Babalawo Oka
A difa fun Oka
Ateka rigidi Babalawo Ere
A difa fun Ere
Ateka rigidi Babalawo Okun
A difa fun Okun
Nijo ti won fe joye Olowooriri
Won pa Oka lapadari
Won pa Ere lapalado
Won te Okunrun latewo
Ateka rigidi Ifa priest of Oka, the viper
Cast Ifa for Oka, the viper
Ateka rigidi Ifa priest of Ere, the boa constrictor
Cast Ifa for Ere, the boa constrictor
Ateka rigidi Ifa priest of Okunrun, the centipede
Cast Ifa for Okunrun, the centipede
When they were contesting for the post of Olowooriri
Oka, the viper was killed and beheaded
Ere, the boa constrictor was killed and cut into pieces
Okunrun, the centipede was killed and trampled upon
6.
Ifa has promised that those who are longing for house will achieve it this year. People who are not comfortable with where they are living or those who are pursuing having their own personal home will surely have it this year. The ebo to make to achieve this include 4 snails, 4 tortoise, 4 crabs, 4 pigeons, gin, honey, palm oil, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila wi ojo ro
Ifa mi ojo ro Bara Agbonniregun
Igba ti ojo ro la file ila han ila
Orunmila wi ojo ro
Ifa mi ojo ro Bara Agbonniregun
Igba ti ojo ro la file ikan han ikan
A difa fun Akapo
Ti n sunkun pe oun o ni ibudo
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
Ifa o to gege o je ki mi ni ibudo
Alabahun kii kere ko ma le kole
Ifa o to gege o je ki mi ni ibudo
Alakan kii kere ko ma le kole
Ifa o to gege o je ki mi ni ibudo
Igbin kii kere ko ma kole tire loto
Ifa o to gege o je ki mi ni ibudo
Orunmila said the rain fell
I said the rain surely fell, Bara Agbonniregun
It was when the rain fell that we showed Ila, the okra its house
Orunmila said the rain fell
I said the rain surely fell, Bara Agbonniregun
It was when the rain fell that we showed Ikan, the garden egg its house
Ifa revelation to Akapo
When longing for house
Ifa, it is high time I possesses home
The tortoise possess home no matter how young
Ifa, it is high time I possesses home
The crab possess home no matter how young
Ifa, it is high time I possesses home
No matter how young a snail is, it possesses its own house
Ifa, it is high time I possesses home
7.
People should give due respect to the taboo, law, rules and regulations of the city so that they would not incur the wrath of the ancestors or the super power. More precisely, those who will celebrate Egungun this year should not let any part of the Egungun body exposed. Those who want to travel need to appease Esu so that somebody else will not take their profit. Ifa priests/priestesses should not fight with their clients even when the clients offend, disrespect or are ungrateful. This is to prevent a situation whereby somebody else will harvest what they have worked for. The ebo to make include a he-goat, palm oil, gin and money. Esu will be appeased after the ebo. Also, for anybody who wants his/her organization, city or community greatly populated, he/she should make ebo with 200 rats, 200 fish, 200 tortoise, 200 snails, 200 yam tubers, palm oil, 200 kola nuts, 200 bitter kola, 200 aligator peppers, shear butter and 200 monies. On this, Ifa says:
Ataare reni gba idi re
O n fi ogburo se esin
Bi ogburo ba reni gba idi re
A pon ju ataare lo
A difa fun Ateka
To n sawo lo si ode Ibadan
A difa fun won ni ode Ibadan
Ni kutukutu owuro
Ni ijinji ereni
Won ni won o rubo ki ogun o ma le ja ilu won
Osemeji nko o?
Nibadan lo wa
Awo rere ni Ibadan
Ataare, cultivated alligator pepper which has people to clean its environment
Makes jest of ogburo, a wild alligator pepper
Had ogburo, the wild alligator pepper got somebody to take care of it
It would have yielded better seeds than ataare, the cultivated one
Cast Ifa for Ateka
When going to the city of Ibadan
Cast Ifa for the people of Ibadan
They were warned to make ebo against war
Where has been Osemeji?
He is in Ibadan
A good priest in Ibadan
8.
All the Ifa priests in each town should make ebo for longevity of Araba/Oluwo of their respective towns. This is because, Ifa says the incumbent Araba/Oluwo in towns are people of positive energies whose regime are favourable to their subjects. They need to live long for such favourable period to last long. Also, all the god children should make ebo for long life for their god fathers/god mothers for the demise of a god father/god mother will create vacuum that will be difficult to fill. There is a benefactor here whose beneficiaries have to make ebo and be prayerful so that the latter would not suffer owing to the imminent demise of the former. The items of ebo here are white cloth, a big rat, a he-goat, palm oil, pap, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ateeka aja
A difa fun Onigobi Erupe
O n sogboogbo arun
O n nara kaka alailedide
O n yi gbiiri loju ina
Bonigobi erupe o ba tete ku
Gbogbo wa la oo mama la
Spreading without ever been removed, the case of the roof
Ifa revelation to Onigobi Erupe
When he was sick
He was unable to stand due to debility
He was always beside the fire to cure cold
If Onigobi Erupe does not die untimely
It is all of us that will be wealthy
9.
This year, daily worship should be taken more serious. For followership, we need to appease Obatala. The items are 8 snails, shear butter, white cloth, pounded yam and money. Also, this year, people should be close to Obatala and wear more white cloths. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka
Atedo
Ileke pinpin lese Obarisa
A difa fun Orisanla Oseremogbo
To n torun bo waye
Ebo ko le di eleni ni won ni o wa se
Taa la oo maa sin bojumo ba mo?
Orisa Igbo! N la oo maa sin bojumo ba mo
Taa la oo maa sin borun ba pe?
Orisa Igbo! N la oo maa sin borun ba pe
Taa la oo maa sin bisan ba pe?
Orisa Igbo! N la oo maa sin bisan ba pe
Taa la oo maa sin bi odun ba pe?
Orisa Igbo! N la oo maa sin bodun ba pe
Ateka
Atedo
Beads steadily fixed to the ankle of the king among the Orisa
Ifa revelation to Orisanla Oseeremagbo
When descended from Heaven
He was told to make ebo to have followers
Who shall we serve every morning?
Orisa Igbo! Is the one we will serve every morning
Who shall we serve every week?
Orisa Igbo! Is the one we will serve every week
Who shall we serve fortnightly?
Orisa Igbo! Is the one we will serve fortnightly
Who shall we serve every year?
Orisa Igbo! Is the one we will serve every year
10.
Siblings who are four should make ebo so that three of them would not be killed or overpowered by enemies. The items of sacrifice here include, a he-goat/3 roasters, 200 needles, palm oil, a big rat and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka Babalawo Ila
A difa fun Ila
Ateka Babala Ikan
A difa fun Ikan
Ateka Babalawo Ata
A difa fun Ata
Ateka Babalawo Bobo Awodi
A difa fun Bobo Awodi
Ika ti e ka Ila
Ika ti e ka Ikan
Ika ti e ka ata
Ki eni mase ka Bobo Awodi bee
Ateka the Ifa priest of Ila, the okro
Cast Ifa for Ila, the okro
Ateka the Ifa priest of Ikan, the garden egg
Cast Ifa for Ikan, the garden egg
Ateka the Ifa priest of Ata, the pepper
Cast Ifa for Ata, the pepper
Ateka the Ifa priest of Bobo-awodi, the Spinners
Cast Ifa for Bobo-awodi
The way you pluck Ila, the okra
The way you pluck Ikan, the garden egg
The way you pluck Ata, the pepper
Let no one try to pluck Bobo Awodi , the Spinners, the same way
11.
Those priests/priestesses who are mischievous should turn new leave. The ancestors will destroy fraudsters in the Ifa/Orisa community. People should be ready to face the consequences of their actions. The wrath of the ancestors will descend on the fraudsters and the good priests/priestesses will be vindicated. Some people are trying to tarnish the images of the Araba/Oluwo of some towns. They are trying to paint them black before the kings of their respective towns. Generally, there are some priests/priestesses here who people have reported to the head of the community or kings. People alleged them of improper rituals. They need to make ebo and appease Egungun. If truly they are innocent of the allegations, they will be vindicated. The items of ebo are a big rat, a he-goat, olele, akara, palm oil, kola nuts, gin and money. As they were making the sacrifice and appeasement, they will be beating the ground. On this, Ifa says:
Pete n bole
Ebole n pete
Olukirikiri n biti
Ka su olele disa eku
Ka su oleke disa eja
Ka su olele disa eera keekeeke
A difa fun Olaminu ni Ipapo
Omo a-gun-poroporo foso ile mu
Nijo won ni n boogun oba lekee
Nijo won ni n boosa odi f`Ooni
O ni bi mo ba boogun oba leekee
O ni bi mo ba boosa odi fooni
Ase dowo ile dandan
Omode o loogun
Alale! La oo maa sa. Alale!
Gbogbo alaworo isope
E sare wa ke wa wobi ti mo so.
To dress the floor smoothly
For it to shine attractively
Let us use olele to cover the rat hole
Let us use olele to cover the fish hole
Let us use olele to cover the ant hole
Ifa revelation to Olaminu in the city of Ipapo
He who pound things for the household wizards to drink
When he was accused of appeasing King’s Egungun with deceit
When they accused him of wrongly appeasing Orisa for Ooni
He said if he is appeasing King’s Egungun with deceit
He said if he is wrongly appeasing Orisa for Ooni
Let the mother earth be my judge
Young ones have no medicinal power
The ancestors! They are to call upon. The ancestors!
All priests of Ope
Come and see the kola nuts I throw
12.
This year, Ifa says all our lost followers and honours will return or be regained. Most of the run-away followers will be here next year. Also, those who are longing for children here will become parents. The names of the children that they will bring next year should be named Olaside. Ifa however advises us against immoral sexual act this year. This is because, many families will be destroyed through this. On this, Ifa says:
Pepeye o sago
Aatan ni boji agan to ni ikanra
Esu ooro ti mudi batan je
A difa fun Olanulo
Omo onire igba iwase
Ola to ti nu lo
Ola si de
Olaside lomo Ireteka n je
The duck does not fornicate
Dumping ground is the grave for a peevish barren
Sex in standing position has destroyed families
Ifa revelation to Olanulo, the honour has got lost
The child of the ancient wealthy people
The honour that has got lost
The honour has returned back
Olaside, the-honour-has-returned-back is the name of the child of Ireteika
13.
Ifa advises that people should not fight over position or chieftaincy title within the family or town. People should see position or title as part of destiny. Therefore, there should not be envy when someone younger is made chief over the people who are older than him. Siblings or half-brothers should bear in mind that whoever will be chosen as the king, chief or title holder among them has been predestined and cannot be changed. In the community, politics should not be seen as a do or die affair. People should learn to accept political fate and stop fighting over position. Also, the elderly ones should not look down on the younger ones. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka abisawo jingbinni
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba oo bi Erin lomo
Baba oo bi Efon lomo
Baba oo bi Ojola rogbodo ti somo ikeyin won lenjelenje
Osumare ego, iwo ma lomo
Osumare ego, iwo ma leniyan
Bi a ko ba ri Ojola rogbodo
Ta la oo fi ledu ile baba
Ateka abisawo jingbinni
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
He gave birth to Erin, the elephant
He gave birth to Efon, the buffalo
He gave birth to the boa constrictor, the youngest of them all
You Rainbow, you are the best child
You Rainbow, you are the most useful child
If we do not see you the boa constrictor
Who shall we install as the chief in the household
14.
Ifa says people whose children die young should look elsewhere for the causes. Their thought about the causes of the deaths is wrong. Therefore, they need to make ebo for them to know the cause of the death. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka awo Olubadan
A difa fun Olubadan
Nijo ti ko mo ohun to n pa a lomo je
Nje Ibadan o go mo
Ibadan ti mesi
Ibadan ti mes i ti n pa won lomo je
Ibadan o go mo
Ateka the priest of Olubadan
Cast Ifa for Olubadan
When he did not know what was killing his children
Behold, Ibadan people are no more stupid
Ibadan people have known the Boar
Ibadan people have known the Boar killing their children
Ibadan people are no more stupid
15.
Ifa warns against any act of wickedness. People should not prepare poison or any other wicked charm to kill or destroy lives. The secret of anybody who plan to take life of his/her fellow human being will be revealed and he/she will be caught and brought to book. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka babalawo Igun
A difa fun Igun
Ateka babalawo Tentere
A difa fun Tentere
Ateka babalawo Awoko
A difa fun Awoko
Nijo won n sawo rele Olofin
Igunnugun! Awo ni ooo
Tentere! Awo ni ooo
Igba ti eyin n sewo
Emi mo o
Ateka the Ifa priest of Igun, the vulture
Cast Ifa for Igun, the culture
Ateka the Ifa priest of Tentere
Cast Ifa for Tentere
Ateka the Ifa priest of Awoko
Cast Ifa for Awoko
When they were going to the house of Olofin, the king
Igunnugun (the vulture)! You are a priest
Tentere! You are a priest
When you were preparing the poison
I was aware
16.
Ifa advises Ifa/Orisa devotees this year to always repair or amend things. They should not get involved in destruction of relationship. They should always redeem, repair or amend things. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka awo Abere
A difa fun Abere
Lojo to n torun bo waye
Bi Abere ba wokun
Abere a si tun aso se
Ateka the priest of Abere, the needle
Cast Ifa for Abere, the needle
When he was coming from heaven
Whenever the needle put on thread
The needle will repair cloth
17.
Ifa warns all priests/priestesses from directly or indirectly forcing their clients to pledge gift of money or material after efficacy of their work. This year, priests/priestesses who impose any act of vow or pledge on their clients will not be favoured by Olodumare. This does not mean that we cannot take heartedly given gift from the client. We can do, if he/she does it willingly as an act of appreciation. In fact, it is good if priests/priestesses can treat sick clients free of charge this year. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka feregede Babalawo Ina
A difa fun Ina
Omo awokunrun ma gbeje
Iworo isope
E wa bani larinrin ire
Ateka feeregede the Ifa priest of Ina
Cast Ifa for Ina
He who heals the sick without demanding honorarium
All followers of Ope
Come and meet us amidst fortunes
18.
There are people who are unable to achieve anything in life owing to evil forces. This year, Ifa has promised them victory. And for those whose arch enemies are using the power of the Iyami to hunt, they have to make ebo with a big rat, a he-goat, palm oil, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Yeye rugbo aboju wosowoso
O loun o ni jela o niwo
Yeye rugbo aboju wosowoso
O loun o ni jekan o wewu eje
Okansoorokan awo Ila lo difa funla
Okansoorokan awo Ikan difa funkan
Ila niwo
Ikan wewu eje
Okansoorokan Babalawo ni.
An old woman with ugly face
She said she would prevent Ila, the okro, from having children
An old woman with ugly face
She said she would prevent Ikan, the garden egg, from living to the ripe age
Okansoorokan the priest of Ila, the okro, cast Ifa for Ila, the okro
Okansoorokan the priest of Ikan, the garden egg, cast Ifa for Ikan, the garden egg
Ila, the okro has children
Ikan, the garden egg lived long
Okansoorokan is a competent Babalawo
19.
This year, for multiple fortunes, the following ebo is recommended. The items of ebo are 2 rats, 2 fish, 2 pigeons, 2 hens, 2 cocks, 2 snails, 2 goats, 2 cola nuts, 2 bottles of gin, 2 paps, 2 bottles of palm oil and two highest denomination of money. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka awo Olubadan
A difa fun Onigobi Erupe
Won ni o rubo odunni-in lodun ola ire re pe
Ateka de Awo olubadan
Onigobi nikan lo sebo ola meji
Ateka the priest of Olubadan
Cast Ifa for Onigobi Erupe
He was advised to make ebo for his fortune was near in the year
Here comes Ateka, the priest of Olubadan
It was only Onigobi who made ebo for two fortunes
20.
There are 3 people here who enemies are pursuing. The three people can be siblings, half-brothers/half-sisters or friends. They need to make ebo to overcome the enemies. The items of ebo for each person are a big rat, a he-goat/3 cocks, many needles, palm oil, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka awo Ila
A difa funla
Ateka awo Ikan
A difa funkan
Ateka awo Bobo-awodi
A difa fun Bobo-awodi
Ti somo ikanyin won
Won lebo aye ni won o se
Bobo-awodi nikan ni n be leyin ti sebo
Won n bela lori
Won n lakan laya
Bobo nikan lo sebo ejoore
Bobo nikan lo sebo ejoore, e je o maa lo
Ika ti e kai la
Ika ti e ka ikan
Ki enikeni mase ka Bobo Awodi bee
Eni ti ba n peri awa ni ibi
Opinpin! Abere Ifa o bo won lara.
Ateka the Ifa priest of Ila, the okro
Cast Ifa for Ila, the okro
Ateka the Ifa priest o f Ikan, the garden egg
Cast Ifa for Ikan, the garden egg
Ateka the Ifa priest of Bobo-awodi, the Spinners
Cast Ifa for Bobo-awodi
Who was the youngest of them
They were told to make ebo against enemies
It was only Bobo-awodi who made the ebo
The way you pluck Ila, the okra
The way you pluck Ikan, the garden egg
Let no one try to pluck Bobo Awodi , the Spinners, the same way
Whoever is sending evil to us
Painfully! The needle of Ifa will be pricking them
21.
Ifa says friends will do wonderful things in the lives of one another this year. Friends should not hide their problems, challenges or ailments from each other. Ifa says those who keep secret of their ailment from their friends will die while those who let their friends know their ailments will get healed. Ebo to make here include a big rat, a cock/a he-goat, a knife, palm oil, a snail, a pigeon and money. On this, Ifa says:
Asanwewe awo Olubadan
A difa fun Olubadan
To n sogboogbo arun
To n nara kaka alailedide
To n yi gbiiri loju ina
Asanwewe de! Awo Olubadan
Arun ti ba n se ore
E je ka fi lo ore wo
Asanwewe the priest of Olubadan
Cast Ifa for Olubadan
When he was sick
He was unable to stand
He was always beside the fire as a result of cold
Here comes Asanwewe! The priest of Olubadan
Any ailment suffering by a person
Let him/her never hid it from his/her friend
22.
Ifa says that people should respect their superiors. Subjects should not be arrogant to the king, god children should not be arrogant to their god parents and servant should not be arrogant to the boss. This is necessary so that the former will not get destroyed. On this, Ifa says:
Ateka winniwinni awo Onire
A difa fun Onire ni perepere odo
To n lo ree ra ila leru
Ila ki i ga ko ju Onire lo
Bila ba ga ju Onire lo
Onire a te e ka
Ateka winniwinni the priest of Onire
Cast Ifa for Onire at the riverine area
When going to buy Okra as a slave
No Okra can ever be taller than the Onire
If okra is taller than Onire
Onire will bend the okra down and cut it
23.
Ifa says couples should not make divorce the solution to their challenges. This year, many divorced couples will remarry. It will happen when either of them has challenges and the only way out will be for him/her to beg the wife/husband. Also, people should not run away from their home or organization lest they have challenges. If it is already committed, the best solution is to go back to the home or to the organization. On this, Ifa says:
Ifa said we should make ebo
Ate kakaka Babalawo Ile
A difa fun Ile
Eke Ile to loun o bale se
Digbadigba!
Ni won o maa ru won wa o
Digbadigba!
Opo Ile to loun o bale se
Digbadigba!
Ni won o maa ru won wa o
Digbadigba!
Okun Ile to loun o bale se
Digbadigba
Ni won o maa ru won wa o
Digbadigba!
Ata Ile to loun o bale se
Digbadigba!
Ni won o maa ru won wa o
Digbadigba!
Ateka the Babalawo of Ile, the house
Cast Ifa for Ile, the House
The rafter that said he would not stay with the house again
While experiencing difficulties!
They will carry him back to the house
The pole that said he would not stay with the house again
While experiencing difficulties!
They will carry him back to the house
The rope that said he would not stay with the house again
While experiencing difficulties!
They will carry him back to the house
The ridge that said he would not stay with the house again
While experiencing difficulties!
They will carry him back to the house
24.
The children of the rich need to work harder so that they will not become wretched after the death of the parents. Ifa says people should not depend on inheritance, instead, they should work to acquire their own wealth. This will make it easy to maintain the inherited property. The ebo to make here are 8 pigeons, gin, honey and money. On this, Ifa says:
A mura kaka a begi
A begi tan igi wo
Osan ja orun dopa
Akatanpo jakun leyin o dogo
Ohun to ba baje laye
Eni lasan kan o le tun un se mo
A difa fun Agbojulogun
Ti yoo fira re fosi ta
Won ni ko kara nile ebo ni ko se
O koti ogbonhin sebo
Iworo isope
Eniyan to gbebo nibe ko rubo
We struggled to cut the tree
After cutting the tree, the tree fell down
When the string cuts, the bow becomes an ordinary stick
When the catapult string cuts, it becomes a club
Whatever is desrtyoyed in the world
No ordinary person can repair it
Ifa revelation to Agbojulogun, he who depends on inheritance
Who would expose himself/herself to wretchedness
He was advised to make ebo
He refused to comply
All and sundary
Let anybody advised to make ebo heed to it
25.
This year, many men will marry princesses or daughters of the rich. Ifa advises that man should not feel inferior to any woman he loves no matter how affluent or influential the woman is. The ebo to make here include 4 pigeons, 4 hens, gin, honey, banana, egg, and money. On this, Ifa says:
Asara igi
Asara igi
Asarasara orun ope
A difa fun Orunmila
To n lo ree gbe Abigele-etu-heherihe omo Oba lode Oyo wole
Mo gbe de o
O ri henhe
Mo gbomo Oba lalede Oyo wole
Asara igi
Asara igi
Asarasara orun ope
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
When going to marry Abigele-etu-heherihe, the daughter of the king of Oyo
I have brought her
She is very pretty
I have brought in the daughter of the king of Oyo
26.
All Ifa priests/priestesses are advised to learn more this year. Ifa says Orunmila is not happy for people are not pursuing more knowledge, instead, they depend on little knowledge they have to make money. Therefore, all Ifa/Orisa practitioners are advised to learn more Ifa and other disciplines relevant to their religion and carrier. On this, Ifa says:
Ateeka eni
Atoopin ona
Rinnarinna o debi ile gbe pekun
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba ni ki Awo o kapo o kalo
Iworo isope
E wa bani ni wowo ire
The mat spread without removal
The road trodden without end
No traveler can get to the end of the earth
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he enjoined his followers to continue learning
All followers of Ope
Come and meet us amidst fortunes
27.
Ifa confirms that population of unmarried women out numbers that of the unmarried men. Esu is the one presiding over marriage from the spiritual realm. Any concern women should appease Esu to get husband. Also, Ifa advises that men who believe in polygamy and are capable should feel free to marry more than a wife. Also, women who believe in polygamy and can cope should not hesitate to do so. Additionally, women who are in polygamous home should live with understanding. This is necessary so that many women will not remain unmarried. The ebo to make here include, a he-goat, 4 pigeons, gin, honey, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
A mura kaka a begi
A begi tan igi wo
Osan ja orun dopa
Akatanpo jakun leyin o dogo
Ohun to ba baje laye
Eniyan lasan kan o le tun un se mo
A difa fun Esu Odara
To n lo ree wose Aye
Esu Odara maa wose won
Obo ree! Oloko da?
Esu Odara maa wose won
We struggled to cut the tree
After cutting the tree, the tree fell down
When the string cuts, the bow becomes an ordinary stick
When the catapult string cuts, it becomes a club
Whatever is destroyed in the world
No ordinary person can repair it
Ifa revelation to Esu Odara
Who would be observing the people of the earth
Esu Odara, continue observing them
Here are women! Where are men!
Esu Odara, continue observing them
AFFILIATED ORISA
Obatala
Orunmila
Egbe Orun
Ogun
Esu
Iyami Aje
TABOOS
Stealing
Exposing body while inside the costume/mantle of Egungun
Any form of immoral sexual acts
Arrogance to one’s superior
Wearing of torn cloth
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Oluwo Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Onifade Ifakemi (Secretary)
Windare Falabi Ajedunni Ojoawo
Babaawo Fayemi Abidemi
Oloye Fatunbi Adeniji
Awogbile Kehinde Alóyinlohùn
Araba Otan Ayegbaju, Adebisi Ajala
Ojebode Falola
Chief (Dr) Fafolarin Abiodun Agboola (President, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR).
Aboru! Aboye! Abosise!
Note: We are aware that some people have published some verses of the odu on the internet. We are not saying the verses they published are incorrect, the ones presented here are the ones recited on the festival day when divination process was going on with inspiration from Olodumare. What we mean is that there can be one thousand verses of Ireteika, but inspiration is what is needed to recite the useful ones at the time of divination; it is inspiration that directs a priest towards the verse(s) he recites on the mat. Therefore, the verses recited on the mat when the divination is going on are spiritually most important. We hereby present to you the most spiritually potent verses of Ireteika for the year 2018/2019.
Tag Archives: Odun Ifa Agbaye
OGUNDAIWORI IFA OF THE YEAR 2017/2018 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, STATE OF OSUN, NIGERIA
OGUNDAIWORI
IFA OF THE YEAR 2017/2018 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, STATE OF OSUN, NIGERIA.
Eriwo ya!
We greet you all in the name of Olodumare, Orunmila and all other Orisa. We also extend the greetings of Araba Agbaye to you all in this season of the World Ifa Festival. We, the members of Publication Committee of the Oke-Itase 2017/2018 Organising Committee set up by the Council of Araba/Oluwo, the pillar of the International Council for Ifa Religion, are hereby presenting verses of the Ifa of the year recited with inspiration by the priests on the mat in the early hour of Sunday, 4th June, 2017, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The odu Ifa that came out for this year is OGUNDAIWORI. The odu came with Ire gbogbo, all fortunes and ebo is recommended to acquire it. Ifa Priests from Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, United States of America, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Panama, Britain, Switzerland, Ghana and Sweden were all there and made their contributions. The verses of OGUNDAIWORI recited with their narratives are as follows:
1.
Ifa says there will be great fortunes for travellers this year. Whoever is travelling out of his town should be make ebo to return with fortunes. Also, abortion should be refrained from. This is because, the products of unwanted pregnancy this year will be successful in life. Anybody who impregnates should not be afraid of facing the challenges and should be bold to persuade the woman and her parents to allow the child to come to earth. Also, whatever seems like legal issue concerning impregnating will be solved amicably. The ebo to be made include items like a he-goat, 3 roosters, 2 knives, palm oil, a big rat, corn meal and money. After making the ebo, one of the knives will be given to the person. He should always put it in his pocket and go around with it. Ifa also says that this year, he will heal infants who are unable to talk. Additionally, Ifa will heal long wound on people’s legs. On this, Ifa says:
Ko kole bee ni ko sun ori igi
Ko roko bee ni ko je erupe ile
Ko ba won gbogbun ree gbun
Ko toro sukusuku eja je lowo won
Ko toro okasa lowo gbondogbondo
Awon agba kan o kofa
Won lawon o robi ire je
A difa fun Ajaolele
To n sawo rode Oro
Aja olele, Ifa ti mo da roro se
He has no house of his but he does not sleep on the tree
He does not farm but he does not eat sand
He does not follow people to fishing
He has never begged them for fish
He has never begged for fish from fishermen
The elders who did not learn Ifa properly
Complains of having no profits of kola nuts
Ifa revelation to Ajaolele
When going to the city of Oro
I, Ajaolele, the revelation of Ifa when I was going to the city of Oro has come to pass
2.
This year, we should always respect women and seek their support. Ifa says, women are the ones capable of rescuing us from war of any nature. It is mandatory that we appease Osun. Also, Ifa advises that we should be patient and plan very well to face the adversaries. Ifa says he has seen enemies fighting against his children, he will surely fight back when it is time to do so. Ebo to be made include 2 guinea fowls, honey, beans, sugar cane, ground nuts, Ilako (A kind of snail for Osun), yanrin vegetable, kola nuts, wine, corn meal, palm oil and money. After the ebo, Osun should be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Ofa kan soso iwori lo n sapo riyoriyo
A difa fun won lalede Ido
A bu fun Yemese ile Ido
Iyan ile Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
Oka ile Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
Eko ile Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
Se bogun ile Ido ba de
Se Yemese ile Ido a dogun ja
O loun a rinu gbosan
O loun a reyin gbofa
Oun a fi gbogbo ara pagun run
Ko pe ko jinna ogun ile Ido de
Won ko won lode Ido
Ogun n ko won lo
Won ni Yemese ile Ido
Iyan de Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
Oka ile Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
Eko ile Ido de, Yemese ile Ido lo fi je
A ni bogun ile Ido ba de, se Yemese ile Ido a dogun ja
O lo maa fi inu gbosan
O loo maa feyin gbofa
O lo maa fi gbogbo ara pagun run
Ogun ile Ido ti wa de
Ogun ma n ko wa lo
O ni a ko ti debi ewe werewere ori igi
Ogun tun n ko won lo
O ni a ko ti i debi eruku ale iyomu iyomu
Ogun tun n kowon lo
O ni a ko ti debi agbara eje ti n mumo lorun sin sin sin
Ogun tun n ko won lo
Won wa de ibi ewe werewere ori igi
Won wa debi eruku ale iyomu iyomu
Won wa debi agbara eje ti n mu won lorun sin sin sin
Yemese ile Ido wa de,
O finu gbosan
O feyin gbofa
O fi gbogbo ara pagun run
O pagun ra tabi o pagun ra?
Osun Opara pagun ra loni
O pagun ra
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
The only one arrow possessed by Iwori moves up and down in the quiver
Ifa revelation to the people of Ido town
Ifa revelation also to Yemese in the city of Ido
When the pounded yam was ready in the city of Ido, Yemese of Ido ate it all
When the yam flour meal was ready in the city of Ido, Yemese of Ido ate it all
When the corn meal was ready in the city of Ido, Yemese of Ido ate it all
They then asked her if the war came, would she face the war alone
She said her stomach alone could face the cudgel
She said her back alone could receive all the arrows
She said she would fight the war with all her body
Very soon, there was war in the city of Ido
The people of Ido were held hostage
They were being taken away
They called upon Yemese of Ido
They said when there was pounded yam in the city of Ido, Yemese ate it alone
They said when there was yam flour meal in the city of Ido, Yemese ate it alone
They said when there was corn meal in the city of Ido, Yemese ate it alone
We asked you if the war came, would you face the war alone
You said your stomach alone could face the cudgel
You said your back alone could receive all the arrows
You said you would fight the war with all your body
Now, there is war
We are being consumed by war
She said be calm, you have not got to a place where there are tiny leaves on the tree
They were being taken away
She said be calm, you have not got to a place where a lot of sand prevents one from running
They were being taken away
She said be calm, you have not got to a place where pool of blood can cover ones neck
They were being taken away
They then got to a place where there are tiny leaves on the tree
They then got to a place where a lot of sand prevents one from running
They then got to a place where pool of blood can cover ones neck
Yemese of Ido then appeared
She used her stomach alone to face the cudgel
She used her back alone to receive the arrows
She fought the war with all her body
Has she won the war or not?
Osun Opara has won the war for us today
She has won the war
3.
Barrens will become parents this year. Let them make ebo and appease Osun, Ifa, Esu and Ogun. Also, Ifa advises couples to always have intercourse after fight or argument. This is because, it is a good medicine to settle rifts between couples. Also, Ifa says sexual intercourse after fight or argument this year will always lead to pregnancy. More so, age should not be seen as a barrier to marriage. In other words, men should not see anything bad in marrying women who are older than tem. The items of ebo here include okra, cob of corn, a guinea fowl, a hen, two roosters, palm oil, gin and money. On this, Ifa says:
Pepeye doko o sunkun
Eekan soso lakuko die do obirin mo fai
A difa fun Ogunda
To n lo do Oluwori loja Ejigbomekun
The duck wails while having intercourse
The intercourse between a rooster and a hen is swift
Ifa revelation to Ogunda
Who would have sexual intercourse with Iwori at Ejigbomekun market
4.
Ifa says for prosperity this year, it is imperative to appease the Ogun in one’s father’s house or one’s Oluwo’s house. The items to use are a male dog, palm oil, palm wine, popcorn, roasted yam, kola nuts, salt, roasted beans and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Okan soso ofa lo n sapo rijorijo
A difa fun Kosoru
Won ni Ogun ile baba re ni ko bo
Nitori ire gbogbo
Kosoru wa bogun
Ire gbogo wole de
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
The only one arrow possessed by Iwori moves up and down in the quiver
Cast Ifa for Kusoru
He was asked to appease the Ogun in his father’s household
For him to have all fortunes
Kusoru appeased the Ogun
All fortunes came to him
5.
For the sick, a he-goat or she-goat is needed to be used for sacrifice. A he-goat is to be used for a man and she-goat for a woman. After the sacrifice, the head, heart and eyes of the goat will be used as ipese inside different dish. That means there will be three plates/dishes. In adition to the goat are items like palm oil, 3 big rats, corn meal and money. Also, the Babalawo who will help the sick make ebo has to make ebo for himself as well for success in his works and for prosperity. Ifa says this year, many sick people will be healed and many Priests will be enriched by their clients who will show gratitude with many things. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Ofa kan soso iwori lo n sapo riyoriyo
A difa fun Deseri to n sawo rele Oniko
Awon jorijori ile oniko o je ki Oniko o mi
Awon jokanjokan Ile oniko o je ki Oniko o sinmi
Awon jojujoju ile Oniko ko je ki Oniko o riran raye re mo
A ba petepero ka mu ohun ti jorijori ko jorijori
Ki won le je ki Oniko mi
A ba petepero ka mu ohun ti jokanjokan ko jokanjokan
Ki won le je ki Oniko sinmi
A ba petepero ka mu ohun ti jojujoju ko jojujoju
Ki won le je ki Oniko riran raye re
Oniko nisinmi nigba yii o
Deseri wa dolola
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
The only one arrow possessed by Iwori moves up and down in the quiver
Cast Ifa for Deseri when going to the house of Oniko
The head consumer in the house of Oniko did not allow Oniko to breath
The heart consumer in the house of Oniko did not allow Oniko to rest
The eyes consumer in the house of Oniko blindfolded Oniko entirely
Let us plan well and give what the head consumer wants to him
So that Oniko can breath
Let us plan well and give what the heart consumer wants to him
So that Oniko can rest
Let us plan well and give what the eyes consumer wants to him
So that Oniko can see
Oniko now has rest of mind
Deseri now become a wealthy person
6.
This year, as we appease Osun for protection so we need to appease Egbe Orun for blessings. Ifa also says those who practice sedentary works should always be available at home or in their office lest they miss their fortunes. Also, younger/junior ones should be ready to assist their elder/senior siblings, relatives or friends. This is because, the assistance from the junior one will make the senior one successfully. Those whose business centre or shop were established for them by their younger brothers or sisters should give proper attention and monitoring to the business, lest they record loss. The ebo to make here include 8 pigeons, wine, honey, all edible things, 2 stools, palm oil, kola nuts, corn meal and money. After the making of the ebo, Egbe Orun will be appeased. Also, an akose will be made with black soap for the person to bath. On this, Ifa says:
Ko kole bee ni o sun ori igi
Ko roko bee ni ko je erupe ile
Ko ba won gbogbun ree gbun
Ko toro sukusuku eja je lowo won
Ko toro okasa lowo gbondogbondo
A difa fun Ogunda
To n lo ree fidi Iwori joko
Igba Ogunda fidi Iwori joko la ni aje
Awo rere ni Ogunda to fidi Iwori jokoo
Igba Ogunda fidi Iwori joko la ni ire gbogbo
Awo rere ni Ogunda to fidi Iwori jokoo
Egbe orun e bo mi
Agba ni bogbo
Egbe orun e bo mi
Eruwa ni bo odan
Eniyan rere kii te boroboro
He has no house of his but he does not sleep on the tree
He does not farm but he does not eat sand
He does not follow people to fishing
He has never begged them for fish
He has never begged for fish from fishermen
Cast Ifa for Ogunda
Who was going to sit down Iwori
It was when Ogunda sat down Iwori that we have wealth
Ogunda who sat down Iwori is a good priest
It was when Ogunda sat down Iwori that we have all fortunes
Ogunda who sat down Iwori is a good priest
My heavenly comrades, come and cover me
It is aagba leaves that cover the forest
My heavenly comrades, come and cover me
It is eruwa leaves that cover the savannah
7.
Those who are embarking on business trip need to make ebo for protection against enemies and armed robbers. The ebo to make include a he-goat, a big rat, a rope, palm oil, corn meal and money. After making the ebo, akose will be prepared for protection. On this, Ifa says:
Boju ile ba buru
Ona eburu ni won ba wogbe
A difa fun Alapo-Ekun
To n lo apa okun ila meji osa
O ni Alapo ekun n lo
Won ni e ma je kalapo ekun o lo
O ni bi oru bi oru ni se alaso dudu
O ni seju fekafeka ni roro re se lo
O niseju onila nila fi ko
O niseju onikan ni Ikan fi wewu eje
O ni bi dandabiri ba lugi, a fe ku
When there is danger at the entrance
It is the escape route that one takes
Cast Ifa for Alapo-Ekun, one-with-a-bag-made-of-leopard-skin
When travelling to a far place
He said Alapo-Ekun is going
They said people should not allow Alapo-Ekun to go
He said the person who wears black cloth is not easily visible
He said the dirt escapes in the presence of the person who blows away the dirt from guinea corn
He said in the presence of the okro seller, it becomes hard and uneatable
He said in the presence of the garden egg seller, it becomes red and uneatable
He said whenever dandanbiri lizard touches a tree, it becomes invisible
8.
We must always pray before Ifa/Orisa every morning throughout this year. Most important of the prayer is that we must always use our head to touch the ground in front of our Orisa. This is for protection and long life. On this, Ifa says:
Oko nla ni pa alangba ponhun
A difa fun Gborigbori
To n torun bo waye
E wi fun Gborigbori , ko ma gbori awa o
Ori ti a mu bale, niwaju Ifa
A big stone kills a lizard instantly
Ifa revelation to Gborigbori, the head cutter
When coming to the Earth
Tell Gborigbori, never to take our head
The head that we use to touch the ground, in front of Ifa
9.
Ifa says we should appease Iyami Aje and Esu to guide against ineffectiveness of our spiritual works this year. Also, those who depend on charms need to make ebo so that the charm will not fail them. Ifa also says that whoever has any Ifa preparation that is not effective should make ebo, appease Esu and the Iyami Aje. The items to use are 3 roosters, 3 big rats, 3 emo rats, palm oil, 3 plates, kola nuts, gin, 3 corn meal and money. After the ebo, the big rats will be used to appease the Iyami Aje and the emo rats will be used to appease Esu. On this, Ifa says:
Ojo sigi legbee
Ojo bagi legbee
A dia fun Alagotun omo alagba woroworo soro
Eyi to loun o soka dowo
Jijo ile han mi o
Eye o! Eye o! Agbese
The rain cuts tree from the side
The rain hits tree from the side
Cast Ifa for Alagotun, he who beats big drum for rituals
Who said he would turn guinea corn to money
Dance for me the way you do at home
You bird! You bird! Who makes things manifest
10.
Ifa says wives should not be hostile to people so that people would not run away from their husbands. Also, any man who is planning to marry a wife this year should make sure that she is not a hot tempered one the same thing for any woman who is planning to marry. This is because, it will make the relatives of the husband to run away from them. Those men whose wives are not friendly with the husband’s friends and family should talk to her to see reason why she should be friendly and vise versa. Furthermore, the head of the family or any community should not be too harsh on his subjects so that they will not stay away from him. The ebo to make here to guide against such include banana, snails, honey, 8 pigeons, gin, palm oil, a lot of cold water, kola nuts and money. After the ebo, Obatala will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda woriwori
Iwori woriwori
A dia fun Orisaala Oseremogbo
O n lo ba won roro wale
Ma roro
Agba to roro kii koniyan jo
Ma roro
Ogunda woriwori (sound of Oro)
Iwori woriwori (sound of Oro)
Ifa revelation for Orisaala Oseremagbo
When going to marry Oro as a wife
Do not use your money to marry Oro
An elderly person who marry Oro as a wife does not have followers
Do not use your money to marry Oro
11.
Ebo should be made to guide against blockage in the body system. The ebo include, a goat (he-goat for a male and she-goat for a female). Also, people should take good care of their body to guide against body disease that might lead to blockage of any tube, pipe, vein or hole in the body. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda ni ko ni apo
Iwori ni ko ni ofa
Okan soso ofa ni se apo yoroyoro
Won ni bi e o mu te efon
Emu te efon
Bi e o mu te efon
E mu ofa kuro loju orun
A difa fun Olofin
Won ni koru ebo kii horohoro ara re mo ba se di
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
The only one arrow possessed by Iwori moves up and down in the quiver
They said if you want to use it to kill a buffalo
Use it to kill the buffalo
If you are not ready to use it to kill the buffalo
Remove the arrow from the bow
Ifa revelation to Olofin
He was told to make ebo so that the holes in his body would not be blocked
12.
Ifa says, people who have been trying in vain to get their fortunes should make ebo with a plucker, 4 pigeons, a big rat, kola nuts, palm oil, money and honey. After the ebo, an akose will be made for them to make incisions round their wrists. On this, Ifa says:
Anawooto ni n jagba niya
A difa fun Gagalo
To n sawo rode Oro
Ebo ni won ni o se
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Nje aje lowo mi o to o
Ma fi gogo fa a
Fa a! Fa a! Fa a!
Ma fi gogo fa a
To attempt in vain to use ones hand to pick something makes an elderly person suffer
Ifa revelation to Gagalo
When going to the city of Oro
He was asked to make ebo
He complied
Behold, if it is wealth that it is too far for my hand to pull
I will use plucker to draw it to myself
Pulling! Pulling! Pulling!
I will use plucker to draw it to myself
13.
Barrens need to be close to Ifa and make ebo with 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens, a she-goat, palm oil, kola nuts, corn meal and money. After the ebo, Ifa will be appeased. It is also advisable for the barren to get initiated to Ifa or marry an Ifa priest. On this, Ifa says:
Erin ni kegbe wogbo
Aroni ni kapo oogun woja
A difa fun Tentere
Eleyi omo ere la, o ju akika lo
Agan lo ya ni o romo bi
O romo leyin adiye
O tu puru sekun
Tentere iwo lo loyin
Tentere iwo lo lado
Orunmila Ajana, o ba sure wa o wa bun wa lomo
Aibi awo o sunhan
The elephants enter forest in group
Aroni, a charm-person goes to the market with bag of charms
Ifa revelation to Tentere
Eleyi omo ere la, o ju akika lo
When she was barren
She saw a hen with chicks
She burst into tears
Tentere, you provided honey
Tentere, you provided sweet things
Orunmila, chief Ajana, come instantly to give blessings of children to us
Barrenness of a believer is not ridicullous
14.
People should refrain from fighting over inheritance. Ifa says people who have many properties should always prepare their will so that the children would not be killing one another over the inheritance. Also, those whose father did not prepare any will before the death should not be too greedy; they should allow proper sharing to prevent war. The ebo to make here are 3 roosters, a knive, a cutlass, kola nuts, palm oil, corn meal and money. After the ebo, Ogun will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Ofa kan ofa kan lo n sapo rajaraja
Ofa kan ofa kan lo n sapo rojorojo
A difa fun Agbonrin igboro
Ti somo oye ogun
Nijo to n be lagbaatemo ogun aye
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
An arrow moves up and down in the quiver with anger
An arrow moves up and down in the quiver feeling lonely
Ifa revelation to Agbonrin igboro, the Deer in the forest,
Who was from a family fighting over property
When he was being waged war against
15.
Women should keep away from divorce this year, especially women who marry priests. Any woman who is planning such should make ebo and beg Ifa for forgiveness. Also, priests should not contemplate conversion to another faith. Any priest who is planning that should apologise before Ifa, asked for forgiveness and appease Ifa. Moreover, Ifa says he will forgive those who abandoned him or planning to abandon him if they come back or change their mind. The ebo to make here are 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens and a goat. It also include kola nuts, wine, palm oil, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda lawo alagba
Iwori lawo alupese
Ogun ta lu agba si
Ogun ta lu ipese si
Ogun naa ti kuro logun ayoja
O ti dogun oba
A difa fun Wemimo
Eleyi ti saya Agbonniregun
Eyi to kosin ope to loun o fefa mo
Ifa wa ti wa gbape
E je a dari jo kan sin Edu o
Ifa wa ti wa gbape
Ogunda is the priest who beats agba drum
Iwori is the priest who beats ipese drum
The war that we use agba drum to announce
The war that we have announced with ipese drum
The war is no more an ordinary war
It has become a royal war
Ifa revelation to Wemimo
Who was a wife of Agbonniregun
Who renounced Ope and decided to discard Ifa
Our Ifa has accepted the apology
Let us all join together to worship Edu
Our Ifa has accepted apology
16.
This year, Ifa warns us against keeping our belongings in place where it is not safe. Also, we must always be fast in making ebo. Nothing should be allowed to delay our instant making of ebo. In fact, Ifa advises us to make our ebo the same day of divination. Furthermore, if anybody needs a gift, item or favour from us, we must not delay giving it to the person immediately we get the thing or if we are in the position to do it. The ebo to make here includes an emo rat, 3 roosters, gin, palm oil, kola nuts and money. After the ebo, Esu will be given the emo rat. This is to guide against our fortunes being snatched by another person. Also, those who are close to the people at the helms of affairs should always diligently carry out the tasks or assignments given to them. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Eni ba mofa
Ko ma se ba won bu oja Ede mo
A difa fun Onyagbe to n roko ailero lodun
A difa fun Ode to n roko ailero lodun
Onyagbe lo n be leyin to n rubo
Ase onyagbe ni o kere ode je
Bode naa ba rubo ni iba la
Onyagbe ni oo kere ode je
Awa awo la oo kere won je
Bawon naa ba rubo won o ba la
Awa awo la oo kere won je
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
Whoever knows the city of Ofa
Should desist from deriding the market of Ede
Ifa revelation to Onyagbe, the farmer, who was going to the farm
Ifa revelation to Ode, the hunter, who was going to the farm
It was Onyagbe, the farmer, who made the ebo
Behold, it is the farmer who will claim all the fortunes of the hunter
Had the hunter made the sacrifice, he would have been fortunate
It is the farmer who will claim all the fortunes of the hunter
Behold, it is the believers who will claim all the fortunes of the unbelievers
Had the unbelievers made the sacrifice, they would have been fortunate
It is the believers who will claim all the fortunes of the unbelievers
17.
We also need to make ebo for our friends, brothers, sisters and relatives. This is because, problem of one will affect the other. Also, one should make ebo for one’s benefactor. The ebo to make here include a rooster, a big rat, palm oil, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Eni ba mofa
Ko mase ba won bu oja Ede mo
A difa fun Orunkun ti solotan Idi
Eyin o gbomo
Eyin o moran
Bi Orunkun o ba se o
Idi o ni ye
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
Whoever knows the city of Ofa
Should desist from deriding the market of Ede
Cast Ifa for Orunkun, the knee, who is a relative of Idi, the buttocks
You are not wise
You are not knowledgeable
If the knee does not have dislocation
The buttocks will not become imbalance
18.
Ifa says we should not allow anybody to tempt us to do evil. We need to be firm and adamant to temptation. On this, Ifa says:
Ope nla sori riworiwo
A difa fun Orunmila
Ti won o maa towo re bonu irunbi
Ero isope
E ma towo mi bonu Irunbi
Ero isope
Big palm tree with plenty fronds
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When people attempted to tempt him to do evil
Oh you followers of Ope
Do not tempt me to do evil
Oh you followers of Ope
19.
Esu needs to be appeased to repel evil forces from the enemies. The items to appease Esu are a he-goat/3 roosters, palm oil, kola nuts, gin, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Sansa lori yangi
A difa fun Onise oroke
Ti won ni won maa se
Ko seni maa se Esu
Afeni Esu maa se
The tiny being on the laterite stone
Cast Ifa for Onise oroke,
When people said they would inflict harm on him
Nobody can harm Esu
Except the people who Esu would harm
20.
This year, we must not be too stingy to take medical care of ourselves. Ifa says money can be used to prevent and cure sickness and diseases. So far sickness and diseases lead to death, the message of Ifa is that money can be used to avert death or elongate one’s life. Therefore, we must always be ready to spend our money on ebo and medical treatment to avoid untimely death. On this, Ifa says:
Sariri Okunkun
Okunkun sariri
A difa fun Onilero
Omo arowo yejo iku
Kin lawa fi yejo iku niran awa
Sariri okunkun
Okunkun sariri
Owo lawa fi yejo iku niran awa
Sariri Okunkun
Okunkun sariri
Sariri Okunkun
Okunkun sariri
Cast Ifa for the king of Ilero
He who has money to avert death to live long
What do we use to change the date of death in our family
Sariri Okunkun
Okunkun sariri
It is money that we use to change the date of death in our family
Sariri Okunkun
Okunkun sariri
21.
Ifa says we will increase in population. We need to make ebo with a lot of pigeons, a lot of hens, honey, wine, all edible things, palm oil, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Idesuku awo Ede
A difa fun Ede
Won ni o rubo ko le dolopo ero
O gbebo o rubo
Bi Ede bigba omo laaro
Ede a bigba omo lale
Ero Ipo atofa
E w aba wa nijebutu ire
Idesuku the Ifa priest of Ede, the craw fish
Cast Ifa for Ede, the craw fish
He was asked to make ebo to have uncountable people
He complied
If Ede gives birth to two hundred and one children in the morning
Ede will also give birth to two hundred and one children in the morning
All and sundry
Come and meet us amidst fortunes
22.
Ifa says people should refrain from being wicked or taking vengeance this year. This is because, when one is wicked or takes vengeance, the reaction that will be received will be fiercer. On this, Ifa says:
Egunda kan o lapo
Iwori won o lofa
A difa fun Esisi
Won ni o ma faro yaro
Esisi mama doro
Oro ana o to toni
Esisi mama doro
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
Ifa revelation to Esisi, an itching leaf
It was told never to revenge
Esisi, do not revenge
Bad action you take cannot be as harsh as the reaction from people
Esisi, do not revenge
23.
Anybody who has only one child should make ebo for the child to prevent misfortune or any calamity. The child should also be advised to stay away from the river. The ebo to make here includes a he-goat, palm oil, a big rat, corn meal, kola nuts, gin and money. After the ebo, Esu will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda la iwori lagan
A difa fun Ologunnakan
Won ni ko rubo fun omo re
Won ni ko ma sere leti omi
O gbebo nibe orubo
Ko ni je kogun o ja wa tomotomo
Esu odara
Ko ni je kogun o ja wa tomotomo
Ogunda made Iwori a parent of children
Ifa revelation to Ologun-unna kan, he-who-has-one-live-charcoal) one child)
He was asked to make ebo for his child
He was told to tell the child to stay aloof from river
He complied
He will never allow bad thing to happen to us and our children
Esu Odara
He will never allow bad thing to happen to us and our children
24.
The people who have received chieftaincy titles should make ebo for the success of their children so that they will also be successful and be made chiefs. Also, anybody whose father is a chief in the community and he himself is not successful in life should make ebo to be successful. And whenever they propose any chieftaincy title to him, he should not turn it down. The ebo to make are many pigeons, honey, gin, edible things, palm oil and money. After the ebo, his Egbe Orun will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ko kole ko gori Igi
Koroko koje Erupe Ile
Ko bawon gbogbun re gbun
Ko toro sukusuku eja je lowo won
Ko toro Okasa lowo gbondogbondo
Awon agba ti o ba kofa taratara
Won o ni jeru taratara
A difa fun Ajaolele
To n sawo rode Oro
Ajanlele! Baba n joye omo n je
He has no house of his but he does not sleep on the tree
He does not farm but he does not eat sand
He does not follow people to fishing
He has never begged them for fish
He has never begged for fish from fishermen
The elders who did not learn Ifa properly
Will not have much gain from Ifa works
Ifa revelation to Ajaolele
When he was going to the city of Oro
Ajaolele! The father was installed as a chief and the child also became a chief
25.
Those who head associations, organisations, clubs or congregations or who send many people or group of people on errand should make ebo so that any of their subjects or followers would not die. The ebo to make are 3 roosters, a he-goat/3 big rats, palm oil, kola nuts, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda paa
Iwori waara
A difa fun Apara
To n da omo yoyo ka ko
Won lebo aye ni ko wa se
Okere fefe ibi di ibi maa lo
Ogunda paa
Iwori waara
Cast Ifa for Apara
Who sends many children on errand in the forest
He was told to make ebo against enemies
To an unknown place, let bad thing go away
26.
Ebo should be made for one’s mentor or benefactor. The items of the ebo are a knife, a big rat, a rooster, kola nuts, palm oil, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Enu nifa fi n sa won bi agada bi agada
A difa fun Osan
O bu owo kan fun Orun
Nje Osan ja
Orun ti wa di Opa
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
It is the mouth that Ifa uses to cut them like cutlass
Ifa revelation to Osan, the bowstring
Ifa revelation to Orun, the bow
Alas! The bowstring has cut
The bow has become ordinary stick
27.
People who are recording loss in their business or who always lose their items or belongings should make ebo to prevent that. The ebo to make are a big rat, 3 roosters, palm oil, gin, corn meal and money. After making the ebo, they should follow the taboo never to use a bag who has hole or a cloth whose pocket is turn or has hole. On this, Ifa says:
Egunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Ofa kan soso iwori ni senu apo yoroyoro
Babalawo Apo lo difa fun Apo
Won ni ko rubo kire re ma baa jo danu
Okere fefe ibi di ibi maa lo
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
The only one arrow possessed by Iwori moves up and down in the quiver
The Ifa priest of Apo, the bag, cast Ifa for Apo, the bag
He was told to make ebo so that he would not lose his belongings
To an unknown place, let bad thing go away
28.
Ifa says we should not depend on arms or be over confident in our power. What we need to do to always is ebo so that we can accomplish our mission, overcome the enemies and successful carry our assignments. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda o lapo
Iwori o lofa
Enu nifa fi n sa won bi agada bi agada
A dia fun Onikoyi
To n lo ree tagun lofa
Nje onikoyi e je a rubo
Ko sofa ta o tagun
Ti oo pagun
Onikoyi e je a rubo
Ogunda has no quiver
Iwori has no arrow
It is the mouth that Ifa uses to cut them like cutlass
Ifa revelation to Onikoyi
Who was going to shoot arrow against Igun, the vulture
Behold, Onikoyi, you had better made sacrifice
There is no arrow that can be shot against Igun, the vulture
That would kill Igun, the vulture
Behold, Onikoyi, you had better made sacrifice
29.
Ifa says there are too many enemies but we will surely conquer the enemies. Ebo should be made to overcome the enemies. The items of the ebo are 3 cocks, itufu (torch made of dry grass), palm oil, corn meal and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ogunda wii wii
A difa fun Ina
Ina n lo sete Eerun
Won ni ko sebo kole ba segun
O gbebo o rubo
Igba Eerun to fe gbogun ja ina
Ina lo maa sete won
Ogunda wii wii
Ifa revelation to Ina, the fire
When he was going to conquer many emmets (a group of giant ants)
He was told to make ebo to be victorious
He complied
Many giant ants who want to wage war against Ina, the fire
It is Ina, the fire, that will conquer them
AFFILIATED ORISA:
Ifa
Egbe Orun
Esu
Iyami Aje
Ogun
Obatala
Osun
TABOOS:
Not to use a bag that has hole or wear a cloth who pocket as hole
Not to abort pregnancy
Not to do evil works
Not to fight over inheritance
Not to be hostile to one’s in-laws
The cloth sellers should not sell on credit
Not to revenge
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Oluwo Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Miss Onifade Ifakemi (Secretary)
Chief (Dr.) Abiodun Agboola
Bolorunduro Ifamakinde Abiodun
Babaawo Windare Falabi Ajedunni Ojoawo
Otunba Kehinde Idowu-Fagbohun
Fayemi Abidemi
Awo Tosin Olomowewe
Aboru Aboye Abosise!
Note: We are aware that some people have published some verses of the odu on the internet. We are not saying the verses they published are incorrect, the ones presented here are the ones recited on the festival day when divination process was going on with inspiration from Olodumare. What we mean is that there can be one thousand verses of Ogundaiwori, but inspiration is what is needed to recite the useful ones at the time of divination; it is inspiration that directs a priest towards the verse(s) he recites on the mat. Therefore, those verses recited on the mat when the divination is going on are spiritually most important.
IFA OF THE YEAR 2016/2017 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
OBARAIRETE
IFA OF THE YEAR 2016/2017 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Eriwo ya!
We greet you all in the name of Olodumare, Orunmila and all other Orisa. We also extend the greetings of Araba Agbaye to you all in this season of the World Ifa Festival. We, the members of Ethics and Scripture Committee of the International Council for Ifa Religion, are hereby presenting verses of the Ifa of the year recited with inspiration by the priests on the mat in the early hour os Sunday, 5th June, 2016, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The odu Ifa that came out for this year is OBARAIRETE. The odu came with Ire Aiku, long life and ebo is recommended to acquire it. Ifa Priests from Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, United States of America, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba were all there and made their contributions. The verses of OBARAIRETE recited with their narratives are as follows:
1.
Ifa says everybody should take good care of his or her child\children or family (spiritual/biological) before considering teddy or toys. This is because, this year, one’s relation to human being will yield profits than ones relations with teddy or toys. It is said that the future will be determined by the quality of the human beings/resources. To make the future promising for one’s children or relatives, Ifa has recommended ebo with 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens, kola nuts, pap, palm oil, gin and money. After the ebo, Ifa will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Benu ni won pe oka
Benu n laa pe ere
A difa fun Alaso dudu janjan oke apa
To fomo tie sile laipon
To n pon molubi oni molubi kiri
Awogingi o se gbaragada ka fi rina damodun
Omo eni ni dingi eni
Benu is the name we call cobra
Benu is the name we call python
Ifa revelation to the owner of black cloth on the hill of Apa
Who left her child uncared for
And was caring for another person’s child
Mirror cannot be large for one to see the future
One’s child is one’s mirror for the future
2.
This year, many barren will become parents. They should not be too conscious of their dressing or beauty. Ifa says the barren should not look at the mirror. Any woman who is longing for a child need to make ebo with 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens, a goat, kola nuts, gin, palm oil, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
E ku ana
E ku oni
Aifeniiki ni e ku ijeta o se kira eni
E ku ana lo dun adunju
A difa fun Adeyokun
To n moju ekun sogbere omo
Awojiiji o se feregede
Ka fi rina amodun
Omo eni ni jingi eni
How was yesterday
How was today
It is in attempt not to greet that we say “how was day before yesterday” is not good to say
However, how was yesterday is better
Ifa revelation to Adeyokun
When longing for children
The mirror cannot be large enough
For one to see the future through it
One’s child is one’s mirror
3.
There is fortune for immigrants this year. People who are planning to travel from one place to the other for work or businesses will prosper. The Ifa/Orisa priests who travel to another city/country to do their work need to make ebo to profit over their spiritual job. Ifa has advised inhabitants of each place to trust the outsiders/foreigners who come to their place. This is because, all that the strangers do for the inhabitants will be effective. Ebo to make by anybody who intends to travel includes 16 pigeons, honey, gin, kola nuts, palm oil and money. A goat will also be sacrificed to Ifa. On this, Ifa says:
Ibinni nile aje
Irada nile omokun
Ibi o gbe sunwon la n boyinde
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n sawo rode Eto Gege
Alade, o de rere! Obararete, abisawo jingbinni
Ibini is the home of wealth
Irada is the home of valuable beads
It is in a comfortable place that we find oyinde beads
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to the City of Eto Gege
Alade, you are welcome! Obararete the successful priest
4.
Still about the travelers, Ifa says they will be successful wherever they go. Also, they will return safely. Ogun should be appeased before embarking on the journey for a safe return which Ifa has promised. The items to sacrifice are a dog, 3 cocks, palm oil, kola nuts, gin, pap and money. Ogun will be appeased with the dog. On this, Ifa says:
Afebo riru boju iku
Afetutu barun mole
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n sawo relu Etomini
Awa yun rere
Awa bo rere
A yin Obara
A yin Irete
He who uses ebo to cover death
He who uses rituals to cover disease
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to the City of Etomini
We have gone well
We have returned well
We praise Obara
We give appreciation to Irete
5.
For those who are longing for wives, Ifa says they should be generous. Those who are generous to people will find good wives while those who are stingy may find it difficult to find good wives, if not find wives at all. Also, single men should always have food at home. Besides home, they should always give food to those who visit them in their places of work. Ebo to be made by anybody who is longing for a wife includes 4 pigeons, honey, eggs, gin, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Yangi abori kugu
A difa fun Olobara
To n lo ree dako si eba ona
Ebo ni won ni o se
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Ero Ipo, ero Ofa
Aya wa wole to wa beerere
Yangi abori kugu
Cast Ifa for Olobara
Who was going to have a farm beside the road
He was advised to make ebo
He complied
All and sundry
Many wives have come to marry us in our house
6.
It is forbidden for any woman who is longing for a child to adorn her buttocks with beads. Ifa says the beads will prevent her from getting pregnant. Any woman in this situation should sacrifice 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens and money. After the ebo, if she has beads on her waist, she will remove it and put it on Esu. On this, Ifa says:
Pankere teere awo inu igbo
Eesun wowo awo egi
A difa fun Olasunmisokun
To n moju ekun sogbere omo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O ko bee ni ko ru
Opolopo ileke ni ko je ki Olasunmisokun o bimo
Pankere teere awo inu igbo
Eesun wowo awo egi
Cast Ifa for Olasunmisokun
When longing for children
She was asked to make ebo
She refused
Too much adornment of beads made Olasunmisokun infertile
7.
Still on the issue of child bearing, the barren need to make ebo with 4 fish, 4 rats, 4 hens and a goat. The goat will be sacrificed to Ifa. Any woman who is longing for a child should always stay or live in a cool place. She should not expose herself to heat or hot weather too much. This is because heat or hot weather can lead to miscarriage. On this, Ifa says:
Eda omo odo ni foju joke
Adifa fun Esin-in
Ti n re isale abata
Ti n lo ree kanrile omo ni bibi
Eropo tofa
E bani ni wowo omo
Eda omo odo ni foju joke
Cast Ifa for Esin-in
Who was going to the swampy area
In order to become the parent of many children
All and sundry
Come and meet us amidst children
8.
Ifa warns married women against adultery. There is danger in involving in extra marital affair because, when the secret is exposed, this may lead to the woman being put out of the marital home. Also, married women should be careful not to play too much with men in a place where they fetch, sell or buy water. This is because; their husband may take it to be something that it is not. On the other hand, men should also cease from playing too much with married women. On this, Ifa says:
Benu ni won pe oka
Benu n laa pe ere
A difa fun Aasemoga mogamoga
Ti saya Agbonmireguin
Aase mogamoga oo seni
Aase mogamoga oo seniyan
Aase mogamoga! Emi lo wodo wa doko se?
Benu is the name we call cobra
Benu is the name we call python
Ifa revelation to Aase mogamoga
Who was a wife of Orunmila
Aase mogamoga you are not good
Aase mogamoga you are not humane
Aase mogamoga! Why have you come to the river to commit adultery?
9.
Obarairete warns married women to be humble and submissive to the husband. If they are not, this may lead to divorce. Also, there might be regret after such divorce and this may lead such woman to living in abject poverty for long. Furthermore, it may be difficult to get any good husband after the divorce. On the other hand, Ifa has promised any woman who is humble and submissive happiness and profits. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila ni bojumo ba ti mo
Keni o maa ki oko eni
Obirin ti oo ba bosi ku
Bo ba ti ji
Wiworoko ni maa woroko oju soko
Obirin ti oo ba boro ku
Bo ba ti ji
Owo pete owo pete ni maa n te soko
A difa fun Birawo aya Orunmila
Eyi to ko Ifa sile to loun o fefa mo
Birawo
Lilo lo n lo
O ko nii ku
O ko nii run
Sugbon o ko nii ribi ire fidi ka
O ko si nii ribi kan a a gbe
Aya fi bo o ba pada to o fefa
Orunmila said when it is morning
Let us greet our husbands
The woman that will die wretched
When she wakes up
She frowned at the husband
The woman that will live and die comfortably
When she wakes up
She greets the husband with humility
Ifa revelation to Birawo, a wife of Orunmila
Who discarded Ifa and said she would never return to Ifa
Birawo!
You are going away
You will not die
You will not fall sick
However, you will not find a comfortable home to settle
You will never find a suitable place to live
Unless you come back to settle with Ifa
10.
This year, there will be a lot of wars against many countries. The army of each country will surely overpower the rebels. Ebo should be made to ensure the victory. The items to sacrifice are 3 he-goats, 3 cocks, palm oil, gin, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ela pinpin
A difa fun enlojo eso
Won n rogun Ojonlo
Ebo lawo ni won o se
Won rubo
Ebo da
Nje awa yun o
Awa bo
A ti segun Ojonlo
Ela pin-in
Cast Ifa for 162 warlords
They were going to the war of Ojonlo
They were advised to make ebo
They made the recommended ebo
Their ebo was accepted
Behold, we have gone
We have returned
We have won the war of Ojonlo
11.
For long life and sickness, ebo needs to be made with 3 cocks, 3 big rats, one’s used cloth, palm oil, a club and money. On this, Ifa says:
Obara reterete
A difa fun Oka, omo elewu pabo
Won ni ko fi ewu re rubo nitori iku
O fi eti otun gbebo
O fi tosi da nu
Igba aitebo
Igba aiteru
E ko rifa awo ki bo ti n se
Obara reterete
Cast Ifa for Oka, one with deadly cloth
He was advised to sacrifice its cloth against death
He heard the recommended ebo with its right ear
It threw away the advice through the left ear
Failure to make ebo
Refusal to make rituals
Don’t you see the manifestation of the Ifa recited by the priest
12.
For safety, business people who travel every day to their place of work or shops, there is a need to sacrifice a he-goat, palm oil, a calabash, a clay plate, a big rat and money. On this, Ifa says:
Paafaa teere
A difa fun Ologbo
Ti n rebi atokedoke
Ebo lawo ni ko se
O rubo ebo re da
Kin lo yo Ologbo ninu ibi?
Igba epo atawo eje
Lo yo Ologbo ninu ibi
Pafaa teere
Cast Ifa for Ologbo, the cat
When travelling around
He was advised to make ebo
He complied and his ebo is accepted
What has rescued Ologbo, the cat, from evil?
A calabash of palm oil and a plate of blood
Are the things which rescued Ologbo, the cat from evil
13.
This odu seriously warns against divorce. It warns especially the wives of Ifa/Orisa priests not to consider divorce this year. On this, Ifa reiterates:
Yangi abori kugu
A difa fun Barawe
Ti saya Orunmila
Eyi to n sagidi osi soko re
Barawe! Bo ba ko Orunmila sile
Boya lo le roko rere fe mo
Yangi abori kugu
Cast Ifa for Barawe
Who was a wife of Orunmila
Who was being stubborn to her husband
Barawe! If you divorce Orunmila
It is uncertain for you to get another husband
14.
Sanponna should be appeased so that there will be no disease. Also, anybody that is travelling should be careful of what he eats or drinks. The hygiene of the place one travels to should also be taken into consideration. The ebo to make here include banana, palm oil, snails, shea butter, paps, boiled corn, pop corn and money. On this, Ifa says:
Obara oo rote
Mo rote n o sa
Mo maro lowo mi otun
Mo mu aaja lowo mi osi
Mo papo o ro janganjangan
Eru o bodo
Eni ti yoo wodo lominu n ko
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n sawo rode Igodo
A difa fun Esu Odara
To n sawo rode Ajahunnagi
Won ni won o rubo
Ki won o ma baa se pade ajunilo
Esu Odara iwo lo seni
Esu Odara iwo lo seniyan
O ko ba ti febo Sanponna sunna
Obara, do not you see conspiracy
I see conspiracy but I do not panic
I hold musical rattle in my right hand
I hold Orisa rattle in my left hand
I combined them to make melodious sound
The river does not panic
Those who want to step into the river are the ones to panic
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to the City of Igodo
Ifa revelation to Esu Odara
When he was going to the city of Ajannagi
They were told to make ebo for them not to meet a mightier force
Esu Odara, you have not acted well
Esu Odara, you have not done good at all
You should not have postponed making the ebo of Sanponna till the next day
15.
This year, Opele should be used often when making ebo especially for the sick. Ifa has confirmed the effectiveness of making ebo with Opele throughout this year. This does not mean we should not use Ikin and Ifa tray to divine or make ebo. But whenever ebo is to be done for a sick person, Opele is advisable. Also, those who are sick should sacrifice a he-goat, a big rat, palm oil, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Iroke o ku mofe
Irukere odo yere
Patako o ku ijokoo laafin oba
Ota inu omi ni o dekun gbedegbede ni ririn
A difa Opele
To n sawo rele Onitagi
Opele awo ile Onitagi
A difa fun Onitagi to n sogboogbo arun
Ti n nara kaka alailedide
Opele ti o niye
A si gbonra sebo
A si fese mejeeji te e
Ifa tapper, I greet you “mofe”
Horse tail I salute you “odo yeere”
Stool, I greet you as you sit in the palace
The stone inside the water does not stop being wet
Ifa revelation to Opele
Who was going to the house of Onitagi
Opele, the priest in the City of Itagi
Cast Ifa for the king of Itagi when he was sick
When he was unable to stand up
Opele, who has no Ifa powder
Just shake its body on the ebo
And place its two feet on the ebo
16.
For long life, we need to make sacrifice with 3 cocks, a chick, palm oil, pap and money. After making the ebo, we will leave the chick in a place where hawk will carry it. On this, Ifa says:
Ajikoro dide
Okunrun eko o tepa
A difa fun Orunmila
Nijo irere n ge gbogbo ori Irunmole kaye
Asa lo gbawo ladiye lo
Gbogbo ajogun ibi
E rokeere fefe e lo ree se si si
Okere fefe ibi fo
To wake up healthy
A sick earth worm employs walking stick to be able to walk
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When Irere, death was beheading all Irunmole
It is hawk that has carried away priest’s fowl
All evil forces
Go to a very far place to fight
Evil forces have flew afar
17.
Ifa has assured all his followers of victory. We need to make ebo with a he-goat, 3 cocks, palm oil, 3 big rats, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Agbo gboro ija ko motakomotako
A difa fun Okanrairai
Ti n wofa Olojo ibon
Omo arapa eran segun
Nijo ti n be lagbatemo ogun aye
Ebo ni won ni o wa se
Awa yun re
Awa bo re
Awa lomo Olobara to sete
The ram hears fighting and it is inclined
Ifa revelation to Okanrairai
Who was the priest in the household of Olojo Ibon
He who conquered enemies with animal arm
When he was amidst enemies
He was advised to make ebo
We have gone well
We have returned well
We are the children of Olobara who is always victorious
18.
Still on victory over enemies, Ifa has assured his followers that no enemy will have power over them. Ebo should be made with 2 hens, 2 guinea fowls, 2 pigeons, kola nuts, honey and money. After the ebo, Osun, Oba, Olokun, Olosa and Yemoja will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Obara reterete awo Omi
A difa fun Omi
lojo ti Omi n be larin ota
Ebo ni won ni o se
O gbebo o rubo
E baa bu u siwa
Ki e bu u seyin
A ki i ri ipa ogbe ana lara omi
Obara reterete the priest of Omi
Cast Ifa for Omi, the water
When it was amidst enemies
It was advised to make ebo
It complied
Whether you fetch water in front
Whether you fetch water from the back
Water will never feel the impact
19.
This year, we should make sure we greet our Ifa/Orisa every morning. And when we are doing this, we need to put our head down to touch the ground. In essence, those who are fond using the hand to touch the ground then touch the head should cease. Therefore, we should always kneel down and use our heads to touch the ground. On this, Ifa says:
Abere ni fi toju timu sise
A difa fun Foribale
Ti somo bibi inu Agbonniregun
Awa fori bale loni awa o ku mo
ObaraIrete! Ori a gbo ke
It is the needle that works with both eyes and nose
Ifa revelation to Foribale,
Who is a true child of Agbonniregun
We have touched the ground with our heads today
ObaraIrete! The head is strong
20.
Anyone rearing animals or keeping live stock should sacrifice one of each of the animals in his possession. Besides the animal(s), he will add a big rat, palm oil, gin and money to the items of ebo. It is advisable to do this to prevent death. On this Ifa says:
Popondo ni so bi adaasa bi adaasa
Amoniloju ara won ni won n se
A difa fun Olohunku
Won ni o sebo saiku ara re
Igba aisebo
Igba aiteru
A je eran yii dun Olohunku
Osomusomu!
A jeyi dun Olohunku
Popondo ni so bi adaasa bi adaasa
Those who glance at us with disdain are but deceiving their selves
Ifa revelation to Olohunku, the-owner-is-dead
He was told to offer ebo against death
Failure to make ebo
Refusal to make the recommended rituals
We ate this animal in the absence of the owner
Very delicious!
We ate this in the absence of the owner
21.
To fortify ourselves against the enemies, we need to sacrifice 3 cocks, 3 big rats, palm oil, yam, corn and beans. When we do the ebo, an akose will be made with soap for the person to bathe. On this, Ifa says:
Okuta la kooro la ma seje
A difa fun Ota-ko-raya-mi-mu, omo Olofin
Lojo to n be laarin ota
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Isu nawo nawo ko le fi mu oloko
Aya mi a pogaara
A sun siwaju kooroko
Agbado nawo nawo ko le fi mu oloko
Aya mi a pogaara
A sun siwaju kooroko
Awuje nawo nawo ko le fi mu oloko
Aya mi a pogaara
A sun siwaju kooroko
Stone cracks without shedding blood
Ifa revelation to Ota-ko-raya-mi-mu, enemy-cannot-reach-me, a child of Olofin
When he was amidst enemies
He was advised to make ebo
Yam stretches its stem but cannot reach the farmer
My chest has moved afar from the reach of evil forces
My chest has gone afar from the enemies
The maize stretches its stem but cannot reach the farmer
My chest has moved afar from the reach of evil forces
My chest has gone afar from the enemies
The beans stretches its stem but cannot reach the farmer
My chest has moved afar from the reach of evil forces
My chest has gone afar from the enemies
22.
This odu says there is conspiracy and wars in the world. Ifa says people are waging war against the authority in the world. This can be the authority in the respective countries. The leader will surely achieve his mission. It is recommended that the leader of each community, state, country or organization should make ebo with a ram, 7 big rats, 7 pigeons, palm oil, pap and money. Each king in Yoruba land should also make this ebo. And the kings should never turn against Yoruba tradition and Ifa/Orisa. Any king who turns against the Orisa, Oduduwa will surely deal with him. On this, Ifa says:
Ayun mi ree, ire ni ki o je
Abo mi ree, ire ni ki o je
Atayun atabo
Mo de mo ba tijotayo nile
A difa fun Oduduwa Atewonro
Yoo ko gbogbo Irunmole wa sode aye
Awa yun o
Awa bo
Omo Olobara kii ku sote
This is my going, may it be successful
This is my coming, may it be successful
Both my going and my return
I arrived and met dance and happiness at home
Ifa revelation to Oduduwa Atewonro
He would bring all the Irunmole to the earth
We have come
We have returned
The child of Olobara will never die in war
23.
Ifa has assured the world that the war from the rebels will surely be suppressed. The leaders need to make ebo. Also, the practitioners of Ifa/Orisa religion are assured of the war against them here and there in the world. The items to sacrifice here are a he-goat, 3 cocks, 3 big rats, pap, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
A bi loro
A pon loro
O burinburin loroloro
A difa fun Orunmila
Ifa n lo ibi atokedoke
Won logun n be lapa otun
Won lote n be lapa osi
Won ni osiiri n be laarin ona kooropongba
Ifa ni ogun apa otun, otun ni ki o gbe
Ifa ni ogun apa osi, osi ni ki o wa
Osiiri to wa laarin, yoo maa ya fomo awo
A oo la won ja
A oo la won bo
Omo isoro kii ku soro
Omo Olobara kii ku si ote
He was born with spiritual endowment
He is bred in spiritual way
He is walking in spiritual path
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When travelling around
He was told there is war at the right side
He was told there is war at the left side
He was told there is war on the path
Ifa says the war at the right side should remain harmless there
Ifa says the war at the left side should remain harmless there
Ifa says the war on the path should give way for the priests
We shall go through them with impunity
We shall return through them with impunity
A priest does not die while carrying out his divine assignment
A child of Olobara does not die in war
24.
This year, Ifa warns those who are chasing another man’s wife. Ifa says anyone who is found in such act will be punished. Those who are suspecting their spouse should make ebo with 3 cocks, 3 big rats, a rope, gin, kola nuts, pap, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
O n bere labe buka
O n ba kubekube
A difa fun Olobara to n lo ji obirin Irete do
Awo mu e loni o, Awo mu e
Olobara to n ji Obirin Irete do
Awo mu e loni o, Awo mu e
He is dodging his head under the shed
He is hiding his face
Ifa revelation to Olobara who was having extra marital affairs with the wife of Irete
The priest has caught you today, the priest has caught you
You, Olobara, who has been having a secret affair with the wife of Irete
The priest has caught you today, the priest has caught you
25.
Ifa says people whose children are dying prematurely should initiate them into Ifa. The age of the child does not matter here. On this, Ifa says:
Gbara odede ni mo ti te
Ori awo gbo kekeke
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba oo te omo ojo keedogbon nifa
Ta ni n be leyin to n sebo
Obarairete! Orunmila lo n be leyin to n sebo
It is in the house corridor I made the initiation
And enjoyment of long life follows
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
Who would initiate a twenty five day old child into Ifa
Who is the person making ebo
Obarairete! Orunmila is the one making ebo
AFFLIATED ORISA
Ogun
Ifa
Sanponna
Osun
Oba
Yemoja
Olokun
Olosa
EEWO (TABOO)
Black cloth
Not to carry another person’s child at the back
Any woman who is longing for child should not look at the mirror
Any woman who is longing for child should not use beads
Do not commit adultery
Do not divorce
Married individuals should not flirt
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Chief Fakayode Olanipekun (Chairman, Ethics and Scripture Committee)
Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Secretary)
Araba Olusoji Oyekale (Kwara State Rep)
Ojesola Windare (Osun State Rep)
Chief Adewale Oso (Ondo State Rep)
Otunba Kehinde Idowu Fagbohun (Oyo State Rep)
Fayemi Abidemi (Oyo State Rep)
Chief Fatunmbi Adeniji (Ogun State Rep)
Fasola Faniyi Babatunde (Ogun State Rep)
Awo Tosin Olomowewe (Lagos State Rep)
Iyanifa Ifakemi Onifade (Women Wing)
Iyanifa Fajemirola Ifetayo Fakayode (USA Rep)
Priest Fatiou Ogoubeyi (Republic of Benin Rep)
Aboru Aboye Abosise!
Note: We are aware that some people have published some verses of the odu on the internet. While we are not saying the verses they published are incorrect, we strongly believe that the ones we presented here are the ones recited with inspiration from Olodumare. What we mean is that there can be one thousand verses of Obarairete, but inspiration is what is needed to recite the useful ones at the time of divination; it is inspiration that directs a priest towards the verse(s) he recites on the mat.