IFA OF THE YEAR 2021/2022 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 (ICIR)) to you all in this season of the World Ifa Festival. With combine efforts of Board of Ethics and Scripture and the Council of Elders of ICIR, we the members of Publication Committee of the Oke-Itase 2021/2022 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, 6th June, 2021, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The Odu Ifa that came out for this year is OSE-OKANRAN (OSE on the right, OKANRAN on the left). The Odu came with Ire Aiku (Longevity) and ebo is recommended. 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 OSEO-KANRAN recited with their narratives are below:
1.
Ifa said this is a year of blessings. Many people who are planning traveling abroad will be successful in their plans this year while people who stay at home will also receive blessings. We need to make ebo to always come across fortunes as we go out every day.
There will be a lot of rain especially in the night this year. Human activities especially blocking of waterways will cause flood disaster. Ifa says we should avoid that.
People should refrain from travelling at night for various dangers. Also, when it rains during the day, it is good for us to allow the rain to touch our body, but not to get soaked. Items of ebo include 8 pigeons, honey, gin, soap, money and Ifa leaves. After making the ebo, akose will be done with soap for the person to bath. On this Ifa says:
i.
Ose dudu awo won nile Alara
Olokanran pupa awo Oke Ijero
Kiku ma pa wa diwoyi amodun, Awo Owanigbajo nile Ido
Bi arugbo ba gbo toko
Inu a bi won bi won
Ojo ogogo eyi o ro lanaa, ee si eni o mo
A fi Olodooyo
A fi Sekelewe
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo ree pade Ireloye ni kutukutu awuro
Kin lope n gbe mi ko?
Eni rere! Ni Ope n gbe mi ko. Eni rere!
Igba ti mo jade mo kore aje
Eni rere! Ni Ope n gbe mi ko. Eni rere!
Igba ti mo jade mo kore gbogbo
Eni rere! Ni Ope n gbe mi ko. Eni rere!
Ose, the black man, the priest in the city of Alara
Olokanran, the light complexioned man, the priest in Ijero
Lets us live to witness next festival, the priest of Owaringbajo in Ido
When an old woman is submissive to the husband
The young co-wives become angry
The amount of rain that fell yesterday night, nobody knows
Except Olodooyo
Except sekelewe
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to meet with Ireloye, early in the morning
What is Ope taking me to meet with?
Good people! Are those Ope taking me to meet with. Good people!
When I went out, I met with wealth
Good people! Are those Ope taking me to meet with. Good people!
When I went out, I came across all good things
Good people! Are those Ope taking me to meet with. Good people!
ii.
Ose teere awo Olukaje
Olokanran lawo Olukode
Awo to ba rin to ba jinna
Ni kode kokun ko jingbinni wale
A difa fun Orunmila
Ifa ji, Ifa ni owo oun ko ba ire
Won ni lonii lojo ire baba
Jiji ti mo ji lonii, mo ko alaje
Eni rere
Ni Ope n gbe mi ko
Eni rere
Ose teere the priest of Olukaje
Olokanran the priest of Olukode
The priests that travels far
Will bring home fortunes
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was longing for fortunes
He was told it was already his time to receive blessing
As I woke up today, I came across people with wealth
Good people
Are the ones that Ope has taken me to meet
Good people
2.
For our community, state or nation, Ebo is recommended for economic development. Ebo and akose are needed for all the markets in the town. Items of ebo include, eggs, banana, pigeons, gin, money and Ifa leaves. After the ebo, akose will be done and bury in the market. On this, Ifa says:
Ose onide la i maa peri
Okanran gude ma ni
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo ree ba won na oja Ejigbomekun
Ero Ipo tofa
E wa bani ni arusegun
N la n bani lese Obarisa
Ose onide la i maa peri
Okanran gude ma ni
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
When goint to Ejigbomekun market
Travellers to Ipo and Ofa
Come and meet us in victory
In such condition we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
3.
Ifa said there is about to be war, but ebo is needed so that there won’t be war. Ifa warns us against looking for war. We should neither depend on arms nor charms but ebo. Items of ebo include eggs, chicken, wooden pegs, money and Ifa leaves. After the ebo, the akose will be buried at the four corners of the community. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila wi ka se oran kan bole
Emi naa ni ki a se oran kan bole baba Agbonniregun
O ni ogun kan ti n ja won nile Alara
O ni ki won ru ebo ki won se oran bole
O ni ki ogun naa ma baa ja won mo
Orunmila wi ka se oran kan bole
Emi naa ni ki a se oran kan bole baba Agbonniregun
O ni ogun kan ti n ja won nile Ajero
O ni ki won ru ebo ki won se oran bole
O ni ki ogun naa ma baa ja won mo
Orunmila wi ka se oran kan bole
Emi naa ni ki a se oran kan bole baba Agbonniregun
O ni ogun kan ti n ja won nile Owarangun
O ni ki won ru ebo ki won se oran bole
O ni ki ogun naa ma baa ja won mo
Orunmila kin ni ohun ebo
O ni awa ni ki a ka ohun ebo
A mu eku wa
O ni kii se oro eku
A mu eja wa
O ni kii se oro eja
O ni ki won ni oromodie lebo
O ni ki won ni eyin adiye lebo
O ni ki won ni ekikan lebo
O ni ki a wa ewe Ifa
A ti wa a de
Eyin adiye ee ni doro
Oke-Igeti ko ju ni gigun fun ogun
Igba ekikan!
A kan yin mole, e le hu
Igba Ekikan!
Orunmila says we should bury a dangerous issue
I repeat that we should bury a dangerous issue
He said, there has been a war in the city of Ara
He said they should make ebo to bury the dangerous issue
So that they would not experience the war again
Orunmila says we should bury a dangerous issue
I repeat that we should bury a dangerous issue
He said, there has been a war in the city of Ijero
He said they should make ebo to bury the dangerous issue
So that they would not experience the war again
Orunmila says we should bury a dangerous issue
I repeat that we should bury a dangerous issue
He said, there has been a war in the city of Owarangun
He said they should make ebo to bury the dangerous issue
So that they would not experience the war again
We asked Orunmila for the items of Ebo
He said we should use our discretion
We brought rat
Ifa said it is not a matter of rat
We brought fish
Ifa said it is not a matter of fish
Orunmila said we should provide egg
We should provide chicken
We should provide wooden pegs
We should provide Ifa leaves
We have provided them
Eggs do not have rope
Oke-Igeti cannot be climbed by war
With two hundred wooden pegs!
We have pegged you down, you cannot rise up again
With two hundred wooden pegs!
4.
To win the wars against our land, ebo is recommended as well as appeasement of Ogun and Ile, the mother earth. Items of ebo include 3 roosters, kola nuts, bitter kola, alligator pepper, snail, tortoise, duck, a goat, pigeon, gin, money, roasted yam, palm wine, beans and palm oil. After the ebo, the dog will be used for Ogun and Ile, the mother earth will be appeased with snail and other necessary things. On this, Ifa says:
Osekanran jikanjikan
Olokanran naa kanran jikanjikan
A difa fun Ogun Onire
Nigba ti n be lagbatemo omo araye
Ogun tintin niwaju
Ogun bababa leyin
Ogun wininwinin legbe otun
Ogunwarawara legbe osi
Ogun yin-inyin-in laarin ilu
Won ni ko rara nile ebo ni ko se
Eyin la a wo
Orita meta la a duro si
A difa fun Ile atepe
Ti yoo joye agbani lowo ogun
N je ogun yoda ogun n wa
Atepe o kare o lanu
O wa lanu o gbe won mi
O wa lanu o gbe won je
Ogun to yo lapa mi otun n ko
Atepe o kare o lanu
O wa lanu o gbe won mi
O wa lanu o gbe won je
Ogun to yo lapa mi osi n ko
Atepe o kare o lanu
O wa lanu o gbe won mi
O wa lanu o gbe won je
Osekanran jikanjikan
Olokanran naa kanran jikanjikan
Cast Ifa for Ogun Onire
When he was amidst wars
War in front
Greater war at the back
Many wars on the right side
Sudden war at the left side
Many wars in the city
He was advised to make ebo
One needs to look back
One needs to stay at the crossroad
Ifa revelation to Ile atepe, the Mother Earth
Who will be rescuing one from war
War is coming with swords
The mother earth I hail, you open your mouth
You open your mouth, you swallow them
You open your mouth you consume them
The war from my right side
The mother earth I hail, you open your mouth
You open your mouth, you swallow them
You open your mouth you consume them
The war from my left side
The mother earth I hail, you open your mouth
You open your mouth, you swallow them
You open your mouth you consume them
5.
We should be careful of strangers. People should not accommodate unknown persons. Landlords/Indigenes are warned to be very vigilant before accepting tenants so that tenants would not bring hardships and dangers to the hosts. They will come with hidden agenda. Ifa says tenants with bad intentions will be exposed and expelled. The landlords must however be security conscious. Items of ebo include, a cutlass, giant rat, palm oil, money and corn meal. On this Ifa says:
Agba orogun la n ri
A kii ri agba iyako
A difa fun Alaka
To n lo ree digba mo Iroko
People do mention senior co-wife
Nobody mentions senior mother-in-law
Ifa revelation to Alaka
Who was going to live with Iroko
6.
We should be our brother’s keeper. When there is problem with anybody, the whole community must be fast at aiding the person or combating the problem so that the problem will not degenerate into affecting the whole community.
Ifa says we should not look away from sickness, death or problem of a single person or community lest it degenerate into mass death. Items of ebo include 3 rosters, palm oil, money and corn meal. On this Ifa says:
Seranseran leni ti n jewo fun
A difa fun Etu belenje
Ti se omoye Olu-Igbo
Lojo to n sogboogbo arun
To n nara kaka alailedide
To n yi gbiiri loju ina
Oro kanle kan baale
Bi oro ba di agadangba tan, yoo kan jeje ni mo jokoo mi
A difa fun Erinlojo eranko
Won ni ki won rubo fun etu ki iju eleranko ma baa se tu
Won ko, won ko ru
Ofa a ni “tie kan o gbon-on”
Person who denies committing a crime have at least a confidant he/she confesses to
Cast Ifa for Etu beleje, the slender antelope
Who was a prince of Olu-Igbo
When he was sick
It was unable to stand up
It was always feeling cold and warming itself beside fire
When issues erupt, it affects the family head most
When an issue turns abnormal, it will affect even the person who knows nothing about it
Ifa revelation to 164 animals
They were advised to make ebo to avert death for Etu, the antelope so that they would not all die
They refused to make ebo
The arrow then said “Your own has caught you”
Note: The verse above tells story of Etu, the antelope, who was sick. All animals were told to take care of him and made ebo for him. They all refused. When hunters came to kill them, they all ran away except Etu, the antelope, who was too weak to run. It was killed. Then, the hunter flayed it and later used its hide to make arrow which the hunter later used to kill the other animals
7.
People, especially kings, religious leaders and politicians should refrain from fraudulent activities; Ifa said scammers are too many among religious leaders (Ifa/Orisa priests inclusive), Kings and politicians. Many people are too greedy that they want treasures that are meant for the whole community or nation to be theirs alone, many people after receiving their own shares still go extra mile to claim what belong to others while many in the spiritual/religious vocation claim to be what they are not. Ifa is warning people concerned to refrain from this act to escape the wrath of Olodumare and for the community or nation to be better for it. On this, Ifa says:
Ti ose nijo
Ti olokanran layo
A difa fun Olufidan Okoko
Ti won bi loje
To n jeun oloro kiri
Ose’s lot is dance
Okanran’s lot is joy
Cast Ifa for Olufidan okoko
Who was a priest of Egungun by birth
But was greedily eating through Oro deity
8.
People should refrain from adultery for it will be leading to fights and untimely death. We should also refrain from making jest of people. One needs to control one’s tongue lest he/she brings misfortunes to him/herself through utterances. Ifa says some men are so adulterous and bold that they are having secret affairs with the wives of the fellow landlords in the community, even women in the opposite houses. On this, Ifa says:
i.
Seranseran leni ti jewo fun
A difa fun Okere
To n lo ree gba Sesere obirin Oka
Person who denies committing a crime have at least a confidant he/she confesses to
Ifa revelation to Okere, the Squirrel
When going to snatch Sesere, the wife of Oka, the Cobra
Note:
According to the verse, Okere, the Squirrel snatched a wife of Oka, the Cobra. It did not stop at that; it was making jest of Oka, the Cobra, any where the wife snatcher saw the ex-husband. Oka, the Cobra later killed Okere, the squirrel.
ii.
Seranseran leni ti won jewo fun
A difa fun onile ikoko
Eyi ti yoo maa yo obinrin okankan fe
Person who denies committing a crime have at least a confidant he/she confesses to
Ifa revelation for the hidden landlord
Who was secretly dating a woman in the opposite house
9.
Married women should also refrain from unnecessary familiarity or play with people so that their husbands will not be suspicious of them. Men should also give necessary respect to married women so that their unhealthy play with them will not send them out of their matrimonial home. Adultery issues will be rampant this year. Both men and women should refrain from any kind of immoral sexual activities to guide against diseases and disgrace. All godchildren must be faithful to their godfathers or godmothers. On this, Ifa says:
Odooro lebe Akuo
Adifa fun Ide ti n se obinrin Orisa
Asin awo oludoro
Ikamudu awo oluseka
Eta abiru gbagia awo abe ogan
Awon meteeta ni won petepero
Ni won ko ohun rirun ba Ide
A le Ide nifon
A lede lojo
A ko mo ohun Ide ma fi se Orisa.
Odooro lebe Akuo
Cast Ifa for Ide, the Brass, who was a wife of Orisa
Asin, a bad person
Ikamudu, a wicked one
Eta, one with big tail who lived near termite hill
They were the ones who conspired together
And inflicted Ide, the Brass, with unpleasant odour
Ide, the Brass was sent parking from Ifon
Ide, the Brass was expelled from Ojo
Nobody knows what Ide, the Brass did to Orisa
Note:
The verse above is about Ide, the Brass who was a wife of Obatala. One day, Obatala perceived the odour of Asin, Ikamudu and Eta on Ide, his wife’s body. The wife claimed she was just playing with them while Obatala claimed she has committed adultery with them. He sent Ide (the brass) ,the wife away and Osun later accommodated her.
10.
Polygyny is encouraged against going for divorce or having extra marital affairs. Also, any monogamous man who is experiencing blockage of fortunes should marry more wife(s) and this will destroy the blockage. Also, for the couples who are barren, marrying another wife will lead to fertility for the first wife. In other words, the senior wife will also have child once the junior wife has child. Items of ebo include 8 pigeons, gin, banana, egg and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ti Ose nijo
Ti Olokanran layo
A difa fun oniyawo agbele
Won ni ko fe aya le aya ko le baa ni ire
Igba ti a gbe oge lori oge ni ire wa n de
To dance is the lot of Ose
To rejoice is the lot of Okanran
If revelation to a man who would marry many wives
He was advised to marry many wives for him to be successful
It is when we married more wives that we received blessings of all nature
11.
Men should be responsible at home. They should be responsible financially and in other ways. Women are also advised to refrain from working against or starving their husbands. Also, in the polygamous house, co-wives should not gang up or conspire against the husband. Women should be submissive to their husbands. Any woman who has conspired against her husband needs to appease Ifa with a goat. The breast of the goat will be put on the Ikin. On this, Ifa says:
Amure ji o wewo iteni iteni
Amure ji o wese kasikasi awuro
Para aboju ganhun
A difa fun Ose
To ni oun ko nina oko da
Ariro abaya koto
A difa fun Olokanran
To ni oun ko ni se ase owuro
Orita meta abaya gbaa
A difa fun Esenidewure, ti se omo Onilawo
Iku pa Ose
Iku pa Olokanran
Alade gba amu eran je
Ki o ma pa Esenideure
Amure ji o wewo iteni iteni
Amure ji o wese kasikasi awuro
Para aboju ganhun
Cast Ifa for Ose
Who said she would not cook for her husband
Ariro abaya koto
Cast Ifa for Olokanran
Who said she would not make breakfast for the husband
Orita meta abaya gbaa
Cast Ifa for Esenideure, the daughter of Onilaawo
Death killed Ose
Death killed Olokanran
Alade, take goat’s breast and eat
So that death will not kill Esenideure
Note:
The verse above tells the story of three women of the same husband,who ganged up to punish their husband. They left all their responsibilities. Later, two of them died one after the other, when the third one fell sick, he immediately confessed. She made ebo and appeased Ifa with a goat. They put the breast of the goat on Ifa. She started taking care of her husband and she recovered in a moment.
12.
We should not play with fire. Ebo is needed so that there will not be any kind of inferno. Also, individuals should be careful at home or in the place of work to guide against outbreak of fire. On this, Ifa says:
Ile raninrain Babalawo Oyin
Oun lo difa fun Oyin
Ero ipo tofa
E ko rifa awo ki bo ti n se?
Ile raninrain the Ifa priest of Oyin
Cast Ifa for Oyin, the Bee
All and sundry
Don’t you see how Ifa pronouncement is coming to pass?
13.
There are three leaders of Yoruba race who are fighting with each other. They should make ebo so that the fight would not consume them. If the ebo is not made, two of them will be consumed; only one of them will survive the storm. Items of ebo include giant rats and snails with palm oil, money and cutlass. On this, Ifa says:
Ose onide la i maa peri
Okanran gude ma ni
A difa fun Asin to n se awo ilu Idoro
A bu fun Ikamudu ti se awo Ilu Isika
A difa fun Eta ti n se awo Ijegben
Ebo ni won ni ki won se
Eta nikan lo n be leyin to n sebo
Ose onide la i maa peri
Okanran gude ma ni
Cast Ifa for Asin, the priest in the city of Idoro
Cast Ifa for Ikamudu, the priest in the city of Isika
Cast Ifa for eta, the priest in the city of Ijegbon
They were advised to make ebo
Eta was the only one who made the recommended ebo
14.
Appeasement of Ifa with a goat is recommended for economic development of individuals. On this, Ifa says:
Ose ni ose onide
Olokanran ni olokanran ajero
A difa fun Ka-roju-ka-sinfa
A difa fun Ka-gbiyanju-ka-sinfa
A difa fun O-koni-kola-dede-Ire-ku-Omo-Agbonniregun
E je ka roju ka sinfa ooo
Orisa to le gbeni ni
E je ka gbiyanju ka sinfa ooo
Orisa to le gbeni ni
Bi a ba roju bi a ba sinfa
Oro itan nib o dola
Bi a ba gbiyanju bi a ba sinfa
Oro itan ni bo dola
Ose ni ose onide
Olokanran ni olokanran ajero
Cast Ifa for Ka-roju-ka-sinfa
Cast Ifa for Ka-gbiyanju-ka-sinfa
Cast Ifa for O-koni-kola-dede-Ire-ku-Omo-Agbonniregun
Let us persevere to serve Ifa
Ifa is an Orisa that can support one
Let us try to serve Ifa
Ifa is an Orisa that can bless one
If we persevere to serve Ifa
It will not be forgotten by posterity
If we try to serve Ifa
It will never be forgotten by posterity
15.
The barrens should make ebo and appease Ifa. With recommended ebo, Ifa said many barrens will become parents this year. Items of ebo include 4 rats, 4 fish, 4 hens, 4 bats, 4 kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila wi ase kan
Ifa mi ase kan baba Agbonniregun
O ni ase kan wa ni idi omo eku
O ni oyun lo maa fi ni
Omo lo maa fi bi
Orunmila wi ase kan
Ifa mi ase kan baba Agbonniregun
O ni ase kan wa ni idi omo eran
O ni oyun lo maa fi ni
Omo lo maa fi bi
Nje Orunmila, bob a wa se ti omo eni nko?
O ni afi ki a ni agbebo adiye
Ki a ni eku eda
Ki a ni eye adan
A ti wa a
A ti ri i
Bi oyele ba ti n se koko
Omo ni oyele n sunkun pe
Abimolemo ni teku eda
Atoletole ni ti adan
Orunmila said menstruation
Ifa, I repeat by saying menstruation, bara Agbonniregun
He said “a rat is menstruating at present”
He said it will become pregnant
It will give birth to child
……….
Orunmila said menstruation
Ifa, I repeat by saying menstruation, bara Agbonniregun
He said “an animal is menstruating at present”
He said it will become pregnant
It will give birth to child
Orunmila, what of if it is a human?
He said we should provide a hen
We should provide eda rat
We should provide a bat
We have looked for it
We have provided it
Whenever a hen is sounding “kooko”
It is the chicks that the hen is calling
Eda rat always have children after children
Adan, the bat, is always with foetus
16.
Some leaders and kings are agents of foreigners who are working towards destruction of Yoruba tradition and culture. Ifa said such kings will be destroyed instead. Ifa said practitioners of Yoruba Indigenous Religion should not be afraid for nobody can destroy the religion. Ifa said this religion will continue to survive and grow and those agents of destruction will surely be put to shame. Those leaders and kings are advised to turn a new leaf for them not to witness the wrath of Olodumare. On this, Ifa says:
Ti Ose nijo
Ayo ni ti Okanran
A difa fun Orunmila
Lojo ti won ni aye Ifa yoo parun
Iro ni won n pa
Ifa o le parun
Eke ni won n se
Ifa o le parun
Atelewo la ba ila
A ko mo eni to ko o
Iro ni won n pa
Ifa o le parun
To Ose belongs dance
To Olokanran belongs joy
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When enemies said they would annihilate his life
Haters are just lying
Ifa cannot be destroyed
Enemies are just deceiving themselves
Ifa can never be destroyed
We met the marks on the palm
Nobody knows who made it
Despisers are only lying
Ifa can never be destroyed
17.
We should see everybody as our friends and not enemies. Ifa said, when we are generous to everybody in the community, the enemies will be overpowered. There are enemies who are seriously against Ifa/Orisa priests in our communities. Ifa said all Ifa and Orisa priests and priestesses should be nice and generous in their various communities. They must be generous to everybody. Ifa said, by being generous to people, the enemies will harm themselves. Ifa advises that we should always have kola nuts, wine and other edible items at home for entertainment of visitors. On this, Ifa says:
Odidere bale
O fese bale tegetegetege
A difa fun Onaaledi
Lojo to n ba Orunmila sota
E je a kobi fun Osika
Ko wa fenu ara re wure
Osika wa rele ree ku more
The parrot perched on the ground
He walked gently
Cast Ifa for Onailedi
When he was fighting with Orunmila
Let us be generous to the enemy
So that he/she uses his/her mouth to pray
The wicked has gone home to die
ORISA/ADIMU
Ogun
Obatala
Ile/Edan
Ifa
Osun
Aje
TABOOS
We should not make jest of people
Both men and women should refrain from adultery
Spiritual leaders should not be stingy
We should refrain from travelling at night
We should not play with fire
Wives should not leave their responsibility out of anger against the husbands
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Oluwo (Dr.) Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Chief (Dr.) Abiodun Fafolarin Agboola (Secretary, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR)
Chief Fakayode Olanipekun
Òtúnba Ifá Kéhìndé Ìdòwú-Fágbohùn
Chief Fatunbi Adeniji
Oluwo Fasola Faniyi Babatunde
Mrs. Ifakemi Onifade-Owolabi
Awogbile Kehinde Aloyinlohun
Aboru, Aboye, Abosise.
Tag Archives: Olodumare
IFA OF THE YEAR 2019/2020 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, STATE OF OSUN, NIGERIA
IFA OF THE YEAR 2019/2020 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. With combine efforts of Board of Ethics and Scripture and the Council of Elders of ICIR, we the members of Publication Committee of the Oke-Itase 2019/2020 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, 2nd June, 2019, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The Odu Ifa that came out for this year is OTURAMEJI (Otura on the right, Otura on the left). The Odu advises us to guide against imminent fight (fight between people, groups, communities, tribes and nations) and ebo is recommended to avert it. 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 OTURAMEJI recited with their narratives are below:
1.
Ifa sees fortunes for all believers this year. People will prosper over their businesses. Those who are planning to travel out of their place of birth will prosper there. For manifestation of this prophesy, people need to make ebo with two tortoises, 2 cocks, 2 hens, 2 pigeons, money and two cutlasses. After making the ebo, the two tortoises or one will be given back to the person. In other words, if at all tortoise would be killed for the ebo, it should be one. Also, the parents of anybody who is sick should make sacrifice with the above items except cutlasses. On this, Ifa says:
Pere n ko to oni se
A difa fun Otu
Lojo to n sunkun ire gbogbo lo si ode Ipapo
Igba Otua rahun meji
Lo la yebeyebe bi Oba Ereke
Pere n ko to oni se
Cast Ifa for Otu
When longing for all good things while going to the city of Ipapo
It was when Otu sacrificed two tortoises
That he became as rich as the king of Ereke town
The above verse talked about a man known at Otu. He went for divination when he was poor and was planning to change environment to Ipapo town. He was advised to make ebo whose items included two cutlasses and two tortoises. On getting to Ipapo, he went into farming with the two cutlasses. When he was working in the farm one day, he found a pot of hidden money. He came home and returned to his home town in Ife. He didn’t leave the tortoise behind. One day, the child of olofin was sick and the ebo recommended was two tortoises. They were looking for the tortoise but couldn’t find until somebody informed them there were two in the house of Otu. They went there and Otu demended for a lot of things. Olofin provided him all those things and collected the tortoises. They made ebo for the child of Olofin and he was healed. Another verse of Oturameji that supports that people will profit over their businesses is below:
Olobonhunbonhun ni fapa mejeeji da gbedu
A difa fun Aluke
Ti i somo Olodumare
Aluke mama de omo Olodumare
Eyin o mo pare aje la n sa kiri?
It is a beetle that uses its two wings to make sounds like gbedu drum
Ifa revelation to Aluke
Who was a beloved child of Olodumare
Here is Aluke, the child of Olodumare
Don’t you know we are all running after money?
2.
People are warned against adultery or even harbouring it in mind. Men should be careful for married women. This is because, what is considered to be secret will be exposed. In this verse, Ifa tells us the story of Orunmila who went to Ipapo with his wife. When Orunmila got there, some men were eyeing his wife. He sent the wife to present gin, 8 kola nuts and palmwine to the people. Then, they were disgraced. On this, Ifa says:
Oti loti ejo
Obi lobi imoran
Emu ta o ri ri ni emu arajonjo
A difa fun kekere Ipapo
A bu fun agba Ipapo
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n sawo lo si ode Ipapo
Kekere Ipapo won kii ti ejo
Ifa mo ba won ro, mo segun won
Agba Ipapo won kii ti ejo
Ifa mo ba won ro, mo segun won
The wine is the wine of litigation
The kolanut is the kolanut of wisdom
The strange palm wine is the palm wine of Arajonjo
Cast Ifa for young men of Ipapo city
Cast Ifa for old men of Ipapo city
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to the city of Ipapo
The young men of Ipapo were never found guilty
Ifa, I have litigation with them
I surely win them.
The old men of Ipapo were never found guilty
Ifa, I have litigation with them
I surely win them.
3.
Women energies are needed for positive changes and peace in the world. Proper recognition must be accorded women at all levels. We need to appease the Iyami Aje so that they will make our endeavours successful. Ifa says men who are not in accord with their wives should make peace with the wives for accomplishments. Many men are suffering owing to the conflicts with women. Ifa says mutual understanding and cooperation with women will make men successful. At home and in the places of work, men should try to win the cooperation of women. If not, there would be conflicts and it will not lead to favourable situation. There should be ebo with 4 big rats, 4 plates, kola nuts, palm oil and money. The ebo will be made inside 4 plates. On this, Ifa says:
Akiyesi ni odin abere
A difa fun Orunmila
Won ni ebo aseni ni ko maa se
Baba si gbebo nibe lo ba ru ebo
Mo mo yin adese!
Eyin aseni o! Mo mo yin adese! Eyin aseni!
Olasubulohun
Eyin aseni o! Mo mo yin adese! Eyin aseni!
Ote arinnijoojo
Eyin aseni o! Mo mo yin adese! Eyin aseni!
Eleyinju otingini
Eyin aseni o! Mo mo yin adese! Eyin aseni!
Apaparoro niya yin je
Eyin aseni o! Mo mo yin adese! Eyin aseni!
Carefulness is what needle requires
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
He was told to make ebo because of the adversaries
He complied|
I know you people
Oh you adversaries! I know you people! Oh you
Olasubulohun
Oh you adversaries! I know you people! Oh you
Ote a rin nijoojo
Oh you adversaries! I know you people! Oh you
Eleyinju otinginni
Oh you adversaries! I know you people! Oh you
Apapanroro niya yin je
Oh you adversaries! I know you people! Oh you
4.
Ifa recommends good hygiene for sound health. People should make clean the environment to guide against diseases. Also, people need to always put on clean cloth throughout the year. On this, Ifa says:
Guule-guule awo Kukumo
A difa fun Kukumo
Irin gbere awo Ewu
A difa fun Ewu
Alaafia lau awo Aso
A difa fun Aso
Aso a loun sebo Alaafia
Guule-guule the priest of kukumo
Cast Ifa for Kukumo
Irin gbere the priest of Ewu
Cast Ifa for Ewu
Alaafia lau the priest of Aso
Cast Ifa for Aso
Aso always says it has made ebo to be healthy
5.
This year, people will regain their lost glories. Ebo should be made with 4 pigeons, gin, honey, kola nuts, money, cooked beans and egbo (a kind of cooked corn). On this, Ifa says:
Egbo egbo ewa ewa
Ewa ewa naa egbo egbo
A difa fun won lode Erupe
Nijo ire ile won si lo
Ire gbogbo to si lo pe
O to se de
Egbo egbo ewa ewa
Ewa ewa naa egbo egbo
Egbo egbo ewa ewa
Ewa ewa naa egbo egbo
Cast Ifa for the people in the city of Erupe
When their fortunes deserted them
All fortunes that deserted long time ago
It is high time you returned
Egbo egbo ewa ewa
Ewa ewa egbo egbo
6.
Ifa says here that all chief priests/priestesses should make ebo for long life. All leaders of Ifa/Orisa groups should also make the ebo. The items of the ebo are a he-goat or 3 cocks, palm oil, a big rat, mone, pap and kola nuts. On this, Ifa says:
Osiki awo Imoran
A difa fun Olori Abore lotu Ife
Won ni won o rubo
O gbebo o rubo
Osiki ma de o awo Imoran
A kii mama fe Olori Abore ku
Osiki the priest of Imoran
Cast Ifa for the head Priest of the city of Ife
He was told to make ebo
He complied
Here comes Osiki, the priest of Imoran
We don’t miss the head priest
7.
Ifa advises all to always talk positive about Olodumare, the Imole, the Orisa and our leaders as well as our individual spiritual parents. Saying good things about them in their absence will always bring healing to us. There will always be blessings of all natures and misfortunes will be sent away from us by broadcasting good things about Olodumare, Imole, Orisa, our leaders and godparents. Besides the spiritual implication of saying bad things about them, anything we say about them will be revealed to them by people we think we confide in. Also, all spiritual parents should always pray for their spiritual children. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila lo di iyannda
Ifa mo lo di iyannfon
Ifa ni ta ni n da
Ifa ni ta ni n fon
Won ni Agbe ni n dajo Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Olodumare ni e so fun Agbe
To n dajo oun Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
E pe ko maa se aso re ni aro
Orunmila lo di iyannda
Ifa mo lo di iyannfon
Ifa ni ta ni n da
Ifa ni ta ni n fon
Won ni Aluko dododo ni n dajo Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Olodumare ni e so fun Aluko dododo
To n dajo oun Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
E pe ko maa se aso re ni osun
Orunmila lo di iyannda
Ifa mo lo di iyannfon
Ifa ni ta ni n da
Ifa ni ta ni n fon
Won ni Odidere mofe, omo odo Oba ni n dajo Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Olodumare ni e so fun Odidere mofe, omo odo Oba
To n dajo oun Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
E pe ko maa ti ire idi re bo inu epo
Orunmila lo di iyannda
Ifa mo lo di iyannfon
Ifa ni ta ni n da
Ifa ni ta ni n fon
Won ni Akuko otangalaja ni n dajo Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Olodumare ni e so fun Akuko otangalaja
To n dajo oun Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
E pe ko maa da aso egberegbe bora
Orunmila lo di iyannda
Ifa mo lo di iyannfon
Ifa ni ta ni n da
Ifa ni ta ni n fon
Won ni Okunrun ibule ni n dajo Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Olodumare ni e so fun Okunrun ibule
To n dajo oun Olodumare Oba si rere si rere
Ko dide
Eeru ogale! Ko dide!
Nijo ewure bimo tire ni dide
Ko dide
Eeru ogale! Ko dide!
Nijo agutan bimo tire ni dide
Ko dide
Eeru ogale! Ko dide!
Nijo adiye bimo tire ni dide
Ko dide
Eeru ogale! Ko dide!
Orunmila said the situation demands silence
Ifa, said the situation demands trumpeting
Ifa said who was keeping mute
Ifa said who was blowing trumpet
They said it was Agbe that was talking good about Olodumare
Olodumare said they should tell Agbe
For talking good about me, Olodumare
Tell him/her to die his/her cloth back
Orunmila said the situation demands silence
Ifa, said the situation demands trumpeting
Ifa said who was keeping mute
Ifa said who was blowing trumpet
They said it was Aluko that was talking good about Olodumare
Olodumare said they should tell Aluko
For talking good about me, Olodumare
Tell him/her to die his/her cloth purple
Orunmila said the situation demands silence
Ifa, said the situation demands trumpeting
Ifa said who was keeping mute
Ifa said who was blowing trumpet
They said it was Odidere mofe, the parrot, from Oba River, that was talking good about Olodumare
Olodumare said they should tell Odidere mofe, the parrot, from Oba River
For talking good about me, Olodumare
Tell him/her to dip his/her buttock feathers into palm oil
Orunmila said the situation demands silence
Ifa, said the situation demands trumpeting
Ifa said who was keeping mute
Ifa said who was blowing trumpet
They said it was Akuko Otangalaja, big rooster, that was talking good about Olodumare
Olodumare said they should tell Akuko Otangalaja, the big rooster
For talking good about me, Olodumare
Tell him to cover his body with beautiful cloth
Orunmila said the situation demands silence
Ifa, said the situation demands trumpeting
Ifa said who was keeping mute
Ifa said who was blowing trumpet
They said it was Okunrun ibule, the sick, that was talking good about Olodumare
Olodumare said they should tell Okunrun ibule, the sick
For talking good about me, Olodumare
Tell him/her to get healed
Eeru ogale! Get up!
It is on the day a goat gives birth that the kid gets up
Let him/her get healed
Eeru ogale! Get up!
It is on the day of birth that the lamb gets up
Let him/her get healed
Eeru ogale! Get up!
It is the day a chick is hatched that it gets up
Let him/her get healed
Eeru ogale! Get up!
8.
Those who have legal issues, even if they have genuine evidence that can vindicate them, should make ebo so that they will not lose the case. Such people should not be intoxicated by their social status, age, influence or affluence to the extent of looking down on anybody. Ebo must be maid with a he-goat, money, a big rat, pap and palm oil. On this, Ifa says:
Oti loti ejo
Obi lobi imoran
Emu lemu arajonjo
Ikunle ni fimoran we idi
A difa fun Kekere Ipapo
A bu fun Agba Ipapo
Nijo won n lo ree kunle ejo
Ebo ni won ni won o se
Kekere Ipapo nikan ni n be leyin to n sebo
Mo ba won ro mo segun won
Kekere Ipapo won kii ti ejo ni wiwi
Mo ba won ro mo segun won
The wine is the wine of litigation
The kolanut is the kolanut of wisdom
This palm wine is the palm wine of Arajonjo
Cast Ifa for a small boy of Ipapo city
Cast Ifa for an old man of Ipapo city
When they took legal action against each other
They were told to make ebo
Only the small boy of Ipapo city made the recommended ebo
Ifa, I have case with them
I surely win them
The small boy of Ipapo was never found guilty
Ifa, I have litigation with them
I surely win them.
9.
This year, Ifa advises women against divorce. Women, who are thinking of divorcing their husbands, especially wives of priests, should have a rethink. This is because, after leaving the husband, such a woman will be exposed to a lot of dangers which would have been averted had she remained with the husband. Men should also not maltreat their wives. They should not frustrate their wives to the extent of making her see divorce as option. If divorce takes place, the men will be accused of or took responsible for any danger the women are exposed to.
On this, Ifa says:
Otura kan soso ni kii se eewo
Bo ba di meji a di otito
Bo ba di meji a di ododo gbakogbako
A difa fun Odidere
Ti i se aya Orunmila
Nijo to ni oun o ni ba Ifa se mo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Ipin aisebo, egba aiteru
Odidere ni “Orunmila oro!
O ra oun leegun itan woo woo woo!”
Appearance of one otura is not impossible
When it becomes two, it becomes truth
When it becomes two, it becomes a meaningful sign
Ifa revelation to Odidere, the parrot
Who was a wife of Orunmila
When she said she would not have anything to do with Ifa again
She was advised to make ebo
She refused to make the recommended ebo
Odidere, the parrot said “Orunmila, the extraordinary being!
He broke my thigh bone with the sound ‘woo, woo, woo’”
10.
Kings and leaders need to make ebo so that they will prosper more and the subjects and followers be ready to follow them. Each person, especially kings and leaders must appease their Egbe Orun, the celestial comrades. And leaders should not be stingy especially about the type of meet to serve the followers during occasions. Frog should not be eaten or cooked to serve people throughout this year. For the leaders and head of temples and kings, a cow is recommended to appease the Egbe Orun. The items of ebo are honey, sugar cane, all sweet edible things, gin, wine, beer, money and a cow. After the ebo, the cow will be used to appease the Egbe Orun and people will eat and drink. On this, Ifa says:
Bata meta
Bata mefa
A difa fun Olofin
O se konko, awa ko e
Olofin se konko fun awa je
O se konko, awa ko e
O se gbangba, a gba e
Olofin se ohun gbangba fun awa je
O se gbangba, a gba e
Three bata drums
Six pieces of shoes
Ifa revelation to Olofin
You cooked frog, we reject you
You Olofin, you cooked frog for us
You cooked frog, we reject you
You cooked big meat, we accept you
You Olofin, you cooked big meat for you
You cooked big meat, we accept you
11.
Ifa priests and priestesses will be put to test this year. Kings and other important personalities in the community will need the services of the priests and priestesses. Ebo is needed because of people who are close to such personalities and who will be discouraging them against inviting the priests or priestesses. Also, the kings and important personalities should be warned to be careful of the people who will be advising them against consulting Ifa and making ebo. Ifa priests and priestesses should all make ebo and appease the Egbe Orun, celestial comrades and Ibeji. The items of ebo include sugar cane, honey, banana, aadun (parched corn, ground and mixed with oil or honey), gin, ground nuts, kola nuts, beans, beanscake, corn, pap and palm oil. In this verse, Ifa tells the story of Orunmila who was invited by Olofin. When Orunmila got to the house of Olofin, Ajibowu, a friend of Olofin who did not want things to get better for Olofin, told Olofin that Orunmila could not help him. He told Olofin to put Orunmila to test to know his spiritual capability. At night, they mixes sand with benniseads and gave to Orunmila to seprate from each other before the day breaks. Orunmila entered his room and was thinking of solution to the problem when his celestial comrades just appeared and did it for him. In the morning, he gave sand and benniseeds separately to Olofin. They could not believe. At night again, Ajibowu, the friend of Olofin again advised that before Olofin could rely on Orunmila, the former should ask the latter to climb the coconut tree in front of the palace and pluck all the seeds and cut all the leaves. This was a very difficult task because, the coconut tree was too tall for anybody’s climbing. The ultimatum was for Orunmila to do before the day breaks. As Orunmila was thinking standing beside the tree in the midnight, some monkeys came from nowhere, climbed the coconut tree, removed all the leaves and threw down all the seeds. Orunmila was as happy as a king. The king was surprised in the morning when Orunmila presented him the seeds. Ajibowu told Olofin to confirm before they could believe because, Orunmila could get the seeds from somewhere else. Then, they went out to look at the coconut tree in front of the palace and found out that the task was done. After this, Ajibowu was trying to advise Olofin against making divination but the Olofin did not listen again. When Orunmila eventually made divination to Olofin, it was Ajibowu that Ifa saw as an archenemy of Olofin. It was then clear to Olofin that Ajibowu was advising him against divination in other to cover his misdeed. On this, Ifa says:
Okanjuwa kii mu eje eniyan
Eje ara won ni won n mu
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo si Otu Ife
Baba n lo ba won tun Otu Ife se
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gbebo o rubo
Asebo setutu
E wa bani ni aruse ogun
N laa bani lese Obarisa
The greedy does not drink another person’s blood
He/she drinks his/her own blood
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to redeem Otu-Ife
He was told to make ebo
He complied
All you believers
Come and meet us in victory
In such condition we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
12.
People whose things are being destroyed need to make ebo and appease Orisa Ibeji. Those who have Ibeji, twins, as husband, wife or children should treat them with love. The items are aadun, honey, sugar cane, banana, palm oil, kola nuts and money. On this, Ifa says:
Aarun waara
A difa fun won lode Ipapo
Nibi Alakedun ti n fi iru ba iwa won je
Aarun waara
Cast Ifa for them in the city of Ipapo
When the monkey had been destroying their fortunes with its tail
13.
Those who want to marry divorced women need to make ebo. This is because, after the marriage, the ex husbands will wage war against the new husbands. The items of sacrifice are shea butter, pap, money and palm oil. On this, Ifa says:
Agbe koya koya
Agbe kota kota
Agbe rora sure dako
Agbe rora ma ko iroko
Ki iroko ma baa wo
Oba igi ni se
A difa fun rapata Ose
To n lo ree gba Kudese obinrin Arira
Won ni ebo ni ko wa se
Ogbebo, o rubo
Arira wonu Ose
Awogbe! Awogbe aye!
Arira wonu Ose
The farmer who burns iya tree
The farmer who burns ita tree
Let the farmer be cautious while cultivating the farm
Let the farmer be cautious lest he burns Iroko tree
Lest Iroko fall down
It is a king among the tree
Ifa revelation to the big Ose
When going to snatch Kudese, the wife of Arira
He was advised to make ebo
He complied
Arira, the thunder struck Ose tree
Without any harm! Without and effect!
Arira, the thunder struck Ose tree
14.
Ifa says for total solution for the imminent fight or war, we should find the source, the causes and leaders and solve the problem from the source. Also, we should make sure we get to the buttom of the matter for permanent solution. On this Ifa says:
Orunmila lo di ajawarikan
Emi naa lo di ajawarikan baba mi Agbonniregun
Ifa ni bi Ogun ba pa eran
Bi o ba ti i ri ori re
Oju a maa yan an
Orunmila lo di ajawarikan
Emi naa lo di ajawarikan baba mi Agbonniregun
Ifa ni bi Ija ba pa eran
Bi o ba ti i ri ori re
Oju a maa yan an
Orunmila lo di ajawarikan
Emi naa lo di ajawarikan baba mi Agbonniregun
Ifa ni Obalufon makin are
Bo ba peran bi o bat ii ri ori re
Oju a maa yan an
Ajagba lu kere
A sekun lori re o
Ajagba lu keere
A ja gbori eku
Ajagba lu kere
A sekun lori re o
Ajagba lu keere
Aja gbori eja
Ajagba lu kere
A sekun lori re o
Ajagba lu keere
Aja gbori eye
Ajagba lu kere
A sekun lori re o
Ajagba lu keere
Aja gbori eran
Ajagba lu kere
A sekun lori re o
Ajagba lu keere
Orunmila said the right thing is to grab its head
I repeat the proper thing is to grab its head, Bara Agbonniregun
Ifa said whenever Ogun kills an animal
If he has not got its head
He would not be pleased
Orunmila said the right thing is to grab its head
I repeat the proper thing is to grab its head, Bara Agbonniregun
Ifa said whenever Ija kills an animal
If he has not got its head
He would not be pleased
Orunmila said the right thing is to grab its head
I repeat the proper thing is to grab its head, Bara Agbonniregun
Ifa said whenever Obalufon-makin-are kills an animal
If he has not got its head
He would not be pleased
We are rejoicing
We are happy over its head
We are rejoicing
We fought and got the head of rat
We are rejoicing
We are happy over its head
We are rejoicing
We fought and got the head of fish
We are rejoicing
We are happy over its head
We are rejoicing
We fought and got the head of bird
We are rejoicing
We are happy over its head
We are rejoicing
We fought and got the head of animal
We are rejoicing
We are happy over its head
We are rejoicing
15.
Business men and women should make ebo in order to have good profit. People will profit over business this year. The items of ebo include 4 pigeons, gin, honey, pap and money. On this, Ifa says:
Woroko woroko mo le sin iyun
Worokoworoko mo le sin segi
A difa fun Oba Ipara
To n lo re e ra Ina leru
Ero ipo
Ero Ofa
Eyin o mo p e Ina ti Ifa fowo ra
Lo je ki ara ro awo
With stress I can string iyun, coral beads
With difficulty I can string segi beads
Ifa revelation to the king of Ipara
When going to buy Ina
Travelers to Ipo
Travelers to Ofa
Do not you realise that it was Ina bought by Awo
That made life comfortable for Awo
16.
This year, Ifa/Orisa/Isese religion will witness influx of people. People from other religions will revert to Yoruba Traditional Religion. Even, among these people would be people who have castigated followers and blasphemed against Ifa/Orisa in the past. Ebo should be made with 8 pigeons, honey, gin, edible things and money. On this, Ifa says:
E je ki bunibuni o maa buni
E je ki peganpegan o maa pegan
E je ki ganniganni o maa ganni niso na
Ewure ile won abeenu gbongbo
Agutan ile won abenu bokua
Awon Abenu boruku boke bi igbado yomo tire leku
A sefa fun Orunmila
Nijo won lawon o nib a se mo
Asebosetutu
E bani laruse ogun
N laa bani lese Obarisa
Let the abuser continue abusing one
Let the despiser continue despising one
Let the derider continue deriding one
The goat in their house with small mouth
The seep in their house with wide mouth
People with sharp mouth like the young maize
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
The day they said they would not relate with him
All performers of ebo
Come and meet us in victory
In such condition we meet people at the feet of Obarisa
17.
Ifa reveals that there are fights in the home, temples, clubs, societies and organisations. Ifa says that the busybodies are the ones creating unnecessary quarrels in the places. Ifa said the busybodies should stop the bad acts. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila lo di atoto perepere
Emi naa lo di atoto perepere
O ni Atoto perepere to n be nile Ogun
E kilo fun un ko ma bale Ogun je
Orunmila lo di atoto perepere
Emi naa lo di atoto perepere
O ni Atoto perepere to n be nile Ija
E kilo fun un ko ma bale Ija je
Orunmila lo di atoto perepere
Emi naa lo di atoto perepere
O ni Atoto perepere to n be nile oun Orunmila
E kilo fun un ko ma bale oun je
Orunmila said this is a mere gossip
I repeat this is a mere gossip
He said the busybody in the house of Ogun
Should be warned not to destroy Ogun’s house
Orunmila said this is a mere gossip
I repeat this is a mere gossip
He said the busybody in the house of Ija
Should be warned not to destroy Ija’s house
Orunmila said this is a mere gossip
I repeat this is a mere gossip
He said the busybody in his (Orunmila’s) own house
Should be warned not to destroy his (Orunmila’s) house
18.
Ebo should be made by parents to prevent misfortunes for their children. Parents, especially mothers, should monitor the movement of their children who are in schools or place of works. Also, parents should be advised against using their children to hawk commodities and taking commodities to the market on behalf of the parents. They should know the actual time that their wards return from school and should call the ward or the school when it is time and they have not returned. Also, people who kiil or kidnap should stop the devilish act. Kidnappers and killers will be caught. Also, people who have only three female children need to make ebo lest the children got kidnapped and killed. The items of ebo include 3 cocks, 3 big rats, 3 knives, 3 cutlasses, money, 3 small gourds, palm oil and pap. On this, Ifa says:
Akuko to ko lanaa iko rere lo ko
A difa fun Iki to n rele Ado
Akuko to ko lanaa iko rere lo ko
A difa fun Gbodogi to n rode Ijesa
Akoko to ko lanaa iko rere lo ko
A difa fun Otutu ti se aya Orunmila
O n sunkun airibi
O n gbaawe airipon
Ebo lawo ni ko se
O gbebo, o rubo
O bi Wuruku-mo-jinde
O bi Woroko-bi-osu-le
O bi Odere-ki-i-se-oso
O bi gbogbo won labolabo
Awon meteeta dagba tan
Osin oba Ijaye loun a fekan ninu won
Bee ni won ko gba
Won wa lo ree naja ni Ijaye
Won to de bee ni won ko de
Otutu gbera, o mori le ode Ijaye
Ero ona e ba oun ri omo oun bi? Ijaye!
Oruko omo re tii je o? Ijaye!
Okan Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
Okan Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
Okan Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si agbala. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si Mogun. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si ekule. Ijaye!
O ni aye ra lonii o
O na ado mole
Gbogbo ero ona ku beerebe
Ero oja e ba oun ri omo oun bi? Ijaye!
Oruko omo re tii je o? Ijaye!
Okan Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
Okan Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
Okan Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si agbala. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si Mogun. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si ekule. Ijaye!
O ni aye ra lonii o
O na ado mole
Gbogbo ero oja ku beerebe
Osin, Oba Ijae, o ba oun ri omo oun bi? Ijaye!
Oruko omo re tii je o? Ijaye!
Okan Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
Okan Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
Okan Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si agbala. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si Mogun. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si ekule. Ijaye!
O ni aye ra lonii o
O na ado mole
Osin, Oba Ijaye ba ku
Iya Osin, o ba oun ri omo oun bi? Ijaye!
Oruko omo re tii je o? Ijaye!
Okan Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
Okan Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
Okan Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si agbala. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si Mogun. Ijaye!
Osin pakan si ekule. Ijaye!
O ni aye ra lonii o
O na ado mole
Otutu ati Iya Osin ba woya ija
Won ja titi eni kan o da eni kan
Bee ni eni kan ko la won
Otutu ati Iya Osin we po
Won ba di aagba inu igbo
The cock that crowed yesterday was timely
Cast Ifa for Iki when going to the city of Ado
The cock that crowed yesterday was timely
Cast Ifa for Gbodogi when going to the land of Ijesa
The cock that crowed yesterday was timely
Cast Ifa for Otutu the wife of Orunmila
She was wailing over her barrenness
She was starving herself for inability to conceive
She was advised to make ebo
She complied
She gave birth to Wuruku-mo-jinde
She gave birth to Woroko-bi-osu-le
She gave birth to Odere-ki-i-se-oso
The were all female
When the three children grew up
Osin, the king of Ijae wanted to marry one of them
None of them agreed
They went to Ijae market with commodities
It was time for them to return but they had not
Otutu, their mother stood up and headed for Ijaye town
Returnees from Ijaye, did you see my children please? Ijaye!
What is the name of your child? Ijaye!
One is Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
One is Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
One is Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in his palace premises. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in the shrine of Ogun. Ijaye!
Osin killed one at his backyard. Ijaye!
She said the world is destroyed today
She threw down a small gourd and broke it
All the returnees died
Market people, did you see my children please? Ijaye!
What is the name of your child? Ijaye!
One is Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
One is Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
One is Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in his palace premises. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in the shrine of Ogun. Ijaye!
Osin killed one at his backyard. Ijaye!
She said the world is destroyed today
She threw down a small gourd and broke it
All the market people died
Osin, the king of Ijaye, did you see my children please? Ijaye!
What is the name of your child? Ijaye!
One is Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
One is Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
One is Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in his palace premises. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in the shrine of Ogun. Ijaye!
Osin killed one at his backyard. Ijaye!
She said the world is destroyed today
She threw down a small gourd and broke it
Osin, the king of Ijaye died
The king’s mother, did you see my children please? Ijaye!
What is the name of your child? Ijaye!
One is Wuruku-mo-jinde. Ijaye!
One is Woroko-bi-osu-le. Ijaye!
One is Odere-ki-i-soso. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in his palace premises. Ijaye!
Osin killed one in the shrine of Ogun. Ijaye!
Osin killed one at his backyard. Ijaye!
She said the world is destroyed today
She threw down a small gourd and broke it
Otutu and the king’s mother started fighting
They fought for long without victor from anyone
And there was nobody for intervention
Otutu and king’s mother twisted together
They then became aagba rope in the forest
19.
People are advised not to get panic over rumours. We should have evidence of issues before taking it serious. This is because, there will be a lot of false rumours circulating around this year. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila ni o di atutupere
Emi naa ni o di atutupere
Orunmila ni oro ti o n ba Aworo Ogun leru
Ti Aworo Ogun n beere lowo Ogun
Orunmila ni atutupere ni
Orunmila ni o di atutupere
Emi naa ni o di atutupere
Orunmila ni oro ti o n ba Aworo Ija leru
Ti Aworo Ija n beere lowo Ija
Orunmila ni atutupere ni
Orunmila ni o di atutupere
Emi naa ni o di atutupere
Orunmila ni oro ti n ba Akapo oun leru
Ti Akapo oun n beere lowo oun
Orunmila ni atutupere ni
Orunmila o se n fo bi Egun?
Orunmila o se n fo bi Eyo?
Orunmila iwo lara iwaju
Awa lero eyin
Orunmila a jewo obun
Orunmila ni atutupere ni oro ti ko to nnkan
Orunmila said this is gossip
I repeat this is gossip
Orunmila said that matter that Ogun priest is panic of
That Ogun priest is making enquir from Ogun
Is nothing but mere gossip
Orunmila said this isgossip
I repeat this is gossip
Orunmila said that matter that Ija priest is panic of
That Ija priest is making enquir from Ija
Is nothing but mere gossip
Orunmila said this isgossip
I repeat this is gossip
Orunmila said that matter that his priest is panic of
That his priest is making enquir from him (Orunmila)
Is nothing but mere gossip
Orunmila, why are you speaking a strange language of Egun?
Orunmila, why are you speaking a strange language of Eyo?
Orunmila, you are the leader
We are your follower
Orunmila, we confess our inability to comprehend your statement
Orunmila said it means an immaterial issue
20.
There will be breakthrough for people who were cursed. Those who have been moving around with curses on their heads will be relieved of the curses. They need to make ebo with, beans, corn, 2 cocks, 2 pigeons, kola nuts, palm oil, coco nuts, honey and money. On this, Ifa says:
Berebere okunkun
Berebere osupa
A difa fun Orunmila
Lojo ti won n gbe Baba sepe
Bi won n gbe mi sepe
Ma maa laje maje
Mo rubo ewa
Mo rubo egbo
Bi won n gbe mi sepe
Ma maa laya maya
Mo rubo ewa
Mo rubo egbo
Bi won n gbe mi sepe
Ma maa bimo lemo
Mo rubo ewa
Mo rubo egbo
Bi won n gbe mi sepe
Ma maa nire gbogbo more gbogbo
Mo rubo ewa
Mo rubo egbo
Ko si eni to mo bi omi se denu agbon
Ganniganni!
Egan ko pe ki oyin ma dun
Ganniganni!
Berebere okunkun
Berebere osupa
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
When they were raining curse on him
Whenever they are cursing me
I will be having riches upon riches
I have sacrificed beans
I have sacrificed cooked corn
Whenever they are cursing me
I will be having wives upon wives
I have sacrificed beans
I have sacrificed cooked corn
Whenever they are cursing me
I will be having children upon children
I have sacrificed beans
I have sacrificed cooked corn
Whenever they are cursing me
I will be having fortunes upon fortunes
I have sacrificed beans
I have sacrificed cooked corn
Nobody knows how water got inside the coconut
Oh you despisers!
Derision can never remove sweetness from honey
Oh you despisers!
21.
To overcome enemies, a ram is recommended as one of the items of ebo. Other items are kola nuts, palm oil, pap, gin and money. On this, Ifa says:
Mo dafa dafa, Ikin mi lu
Mo dibo dibo, Ikin mi la
Agbo gboro ija, o ke ruru ke ruru
A difa fun Orunmila
Nijo ti won n dite mo Baba
Agbo kuru mo on
Ma beru ija
I cast Ifa to the extent that my Ikin got perforated
I made use of the determinants to the extent that my Ikin got broken
A ram hears about fight, he starts boasting
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When people conspired against him
Ram, instigate the fight
Do not be afraid of fighting
22.
Ifa has said that grown up children should take good care of their parents. Ifa said the children are in the best position to make their parents have sound health and live long. Children should not be far from the parents to know what is going on with the parents and take the necessary actions. For the health of the parents and wellbeings of the whole household, children from each household need to make ebo so that misfortunes will not befall the household. The items of ebo include 3 cocks or a he-goat, a big rat, pap, palm oil, money and kola nuts. After making the ebo, an akose will be done which will be hanged at the entrance of the house. On this, Ifa says:
Iku dudu ni kosun dudu
Iku pupa ni kosun pupa
Aimookun ni kun ilepa orun dododo
A difa fun Omoseebi
Omoseebi ni somo Aro
A difa fun Omoseewo
Omoseewo ni somo Odofin
Iku ti ko ba pa Aro
Omoseebi omo Aro ni ko je
Arun ti ko ba se Odofin
Omoseewo omo Odofin ni ko je
Iku ki o ma yale yii wa
Ero ona, kii yale alakan mumi
Arun ki o ma yale yii wa
Ero ona, kii yale alakan mumi
Gbogbo ibi ki o ma yale yii wa
Ero ona, kii yale alakan mumi
Black death painted itself black camwood
Red death painted itself red camwood
The one that didn’t know what to use painted itself with clay
Ifa revelation to Omoseebi
Omoseebi is the child of Aro
Ifa revelation to Omoseewo
Omoseewo is the child of Odofin
The death that would have killed Aro
It was Omoseebi, the child of Aro, who repelled it
The disease that would have afflicted Odofin
It was Omoseewo, the child of Odofin, who prevented it
Death, do not enter this house
No passerby enters the crab’s house to drink water
Disease, do not enter this house
No passerby enters the crab’s house to drink water
All misfortune, do not enter this house
No passerby enters the crab’s house to drink water
23.
Priests and priestesses should be ready to always build their godchildren. This is because, they will surely reap the profit of the good seeds. They should not think of the bad things the godchildren do but the good ones. Godchildren should always be available to their spiritual parents. They should not think of the bad that might be done by the spiritual parents but the good. With this, they will receive blessings. Both spiritual parents and spiritual children should have mutual understanding and appreciate each other as well as forgive each other of bad acts. Additionally, Ifa advises that anybody who is due for initiation should do so without delay. On this, Ifa says:
Oti loti ejo
Obi lobi imoran
Emu ta o mu ri lemu arajonjo
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba oo te enlojo Igi nifa
Baba oo te Ogo keyin won
Won lebo ni ko se
Ogo de omo Elewuji ooo
Eni kan ni mo pe
Igba eni ko maa je mi
The wine is the wine of litigation
The kolanut is the kolanut of wisdom
The strange palm wine is the palm wine of Arajonjo
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
He would initiate one hundred and sixty four trees
He would initiate Ogo last
He was asked to make ebo
Here is Ogo, the child of Elewuji
I call just one person
Two hundred people are responding
24.
This year, there will be many wicked people using charms and incantations with strange languages. People should just depend on Ifa to overpower those people. On this, Ifa says:
Apala mo fio
Afio mo pala
Oro bale so woyowoyo
A difa fun Orunmila
Lojo ti Elewu n tori re ke
Ti Oloogun n tori re sa
Won lebo ni ko se
Belewu n ke
Boloogun n sa
Bi owo mi ba ti te Ikin
Maa sete
Apala mo fio
Afio ma pala
Issues lead to uproar
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
The day people with strange-language-incantation were reciting because of him
The day charm-men were doing because of him
He was asked to make ebo
If people with strange-language-incantation are reciting
If the charm-men are doing their evil works
Once I have my Ikin
I will overcome
25.
Ifa says the enemies will be put to shame because, the bad things they are expecting will not come to pass. All the chief priests of Ifa (Araba/Oluwo) in each town should make ebo because of the people who are after their downfalls. On this, Ifa says:
Araba ni baba
Araba ni baba
Eni a ba laba ni baba
Eni ti a ba niwaju to baba se funni
A difa fun Araba Pataki
Nijo ti n be nirogun ota
Kowokowo! Araba o wo mo
Oju ti Iroko
Araba is father
Araba is father
The person that got to a place first is the father
The senior one is enough to be the father
Ifa revelation to the prestigious Araba
When he was amidst enemies
It will soon fall! The Araba tree does not fall
Iroko tree is put to shame
26.
This year, there will be a lot of envy among siblings, friends and groups. This envy might turn to destruction of properties. The rich should be careful not to make the poor angry. Wherever one is, one should not make his/her siblings or half brothers/sisters feel that one does not recognize them. In this verse, Ifa tells the story of orunmila who was richer than others. Later, they were angry with him out of envy. He consulted Ifa and he was advised to tell the people that all that he possessed belong not to him alone but to all of them. He told them they have equal right to the properties. It was then they became happy. On this, Ifa says:
Yangi abori kugu
A difa fun Ebo
Ti n moju ekun sogbere omo
Igba ti yoo bi, o bi Esu Odara
Igba ti yoo bi, o bi Sanponna
Igba to yoo bi, o bi Iyami Aje
Igba ti yoo bi, o bi Orunmila
Baba ba baba Esu Odara
Owo ti mo ni yii o teyin ni
Baba ba baba Esu Odara
Iya mi yami Osoronga
Owo ti mo ni yii o teyin ni
Iya mi yami Osoronga
Baba ba baba Baba-Ode
Owo ti mo ni yii o teyin ni
Baba ba baba Baba-ode
Yangi abori kugu
Cast Ifa for Ebo
When longing for children
When it wanted to give birth, it bore Esu Odara
When it wanted to give birth, it bore Sanponna
When it wanted to give birth, it bore Iyami Aje
When it wanted to give birth, it bore Orunmila
Esu Odara, my father
The riches I possess is yours
Esu Odara, my father
Osoronga, my mother
The riches I possesse is yours
Osoronga, my mother
Baba-Ode, my father
The riches I possess is yours
Baba-Ode my father
27.
People who are longing for fortunes need to make ebo. After making the ebo, Sanponna, Ogun, Esu and Obatala must be appeased. This verse tells us the story of Orunmila. When he wanted to come to earth, he appeased Ogun, Esu and Sanponna before he went to Obatala for calabash of fortunes. The tradition was that when one chooses something as part of his/her destiny, Obatala would put ase on it and the person cannot choose any other thing. When Orunmila got there, Esu, Ogun and Obaluaye were playing with Obatala. Orunmila chose all fortunes and carried the whole calabash of fortunes before Obatala could realise. People who came after were told to go to Orunmila to choose from the calabash of fortune which was already with Orunmila. This is why till today, people go to Orunmila for fortunes. Full Ifa initiation is also needed for people who are longing for fortunes. On this, Ifa says:
Ajenjeniregun
E gboro oni de
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n torun bo wa sile aye
N oo lowo lowo ki n to wa
E gboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Egboro oni de
N oo laya laya ki n to wa
E gboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Egboro oni de
N oo bimo bimo ki n to wa
E gboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Egboro oni de
N oo nire gbogbo ki n to wa
E gboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Egboro oni de
N oo gbo gbo gbo ki n to wa
E gboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Egboro oni de
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was coming to earth
I will be very rich before I return
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
I will have wives before I return
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
I will have children before I return
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
I will have all good things before I return
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
I will live very long before I return
Let today’s utterances come to pass
Ajenjeniregun
Let today’s utterances come to pass
28.
Kola nuts with two lobes should be used to appease Ifa by individuals. We need to tell Ifa all our desires. This should be done for 16 days with 1 kola nut with two lobes every day. On this, Ifa says:
Ka mu raga kairaga
Ka mu raga kairaga
Afaiseye oko gbomole aworoko n jobi
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo ree fi gooro ro ni rara
Oro aje ti n ko tii ni
Ni mo wa ro fun o Ifa
Gbogbo ohun ti n dunni
N lawa wa fi goro ro
Gbogbo ohun to n dunni
Oro aya ti n ko tii ni
Ni mo wa ro fun o Ifa
Gbogbo ohun ti n dunni
N lawa wa fi goro ro
Gbogbo ohun to n dunni
Oro omo ti n ko tii bi
Ni mo wa ro fun o Ifa
Gbogbo ohun ti n dunni
N lawa wa fi goro ro
Gbogbo ohun to n dunni
Oro ire gbogbo ti n ko tii ni
Ni mo wa ro fun o Ifa
Gbogbo ohun ti n dunni
N lawa wa fi goro ro
Gbogbo ohun to n dunni
Taking raga against raga
Taking raga against raga
He who eats kola nuts and talks in strange language without being a bird
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
When he was going to make supplication with two lobes kola nut
The matter of riches that I am longing for
Is what I have come to express before you, Ifa
All that we are longing for
Are what we have come to make supplication for with two lobes kola nut
All that we are longing for
The matter of wife that I am longing for
Is what I have come to express before you, Ifa
All that we are longing for
Are what we have come to make supplication for with two lobes kola nut
All that we are longing for
The matter of children that I am longing for
Is what I have come to express before you, Ifa
All that we are longing for
Are what we have come to make supplication for with two lobes kola nut
All that we are longing for
The matter of all good things that I am longing for
Is what I have come to express before you, Ifa
All that we are longing for
Are what we have come to make supplication for with two lobes kola nut
All that we are longing for
29.
Those who travel and leave behind women who might be their mothers, wives or daughters should take good care of them. We should not abandon any woman. We should always remember them, talk to them and bring things for them. This is because, when a woman feels abandoned and is angry with a man, things will not be good for the man. Ebo to be done here include a he-goat, a big rat, pap, money and palm oil. On this, Ifa says:
Mo ba won niwaju, mo ki won ki won
Mo ko won lona, mo saalo saalo
Aalo o te ara oko lorun bi afojudi
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n sawo lo egbe to jin gbungbungbun
Yoo si fi awon Iyami Osoronga sile
E mama binu, e ma ja
Iyami Osoronga, e ma ja
Aje ti mo ni teyin ni
Iyami Osoronga, e ma ja
Aya ti mo ni teyin ni
Iyami Osoronga, e ma ja
Omo ti mo bi teyin ni
Iyami Osoronga, e ma ja
Ire gbogbo ti mo ni teyin ni
Iyami Osoronga, e ma ja
When I caught up with them, I greeted them politely
When I met them, I treated them with humility
Humility is never appreciated by the uncultured but they are quick to notice rudeness
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was travelling to a very far place
He would leave behind the Iyami Osoronga, extraordinary women
Do not be angry, do not fight
Iyami Osoronga, the extraordinary women, do not fight
The money I possess is yours
Iyami Osoronga, the extraordinary women, do not fight
The wife I have is yours
Iyami Osoronga, the extraordinary women, do not fight
The children I have is yours
Iyami Osoronga, the extraordinary women, do not fight
All good things I possess is yours
Iyami Osoronga, the extraordinary women, do not fight
30.
Ifa says with ebo, we will not fall for enemies. Ebo needs to be done with a big rat, 3 cocks, palm oil, pap and money in order to overcome
enemies. On this, Ifa says:
Baba dana koya, baba dana koya
Baba dana kota, baba dana kota
Baba dana kooro, baba dana kooro
Baba dana ko Ogungunbere tii se baba ewe
Babalawo Ose lo sefa ojo kan fose
Ti won ni yoo subu laarin ota
Korokorokoro ni ikona wose
Ko si ohun ti won oo fose se
Korokorokoro ni ikona wose
Man burns iya tree, man burns iya tree
Man burns ita tree, man burns ita tree
Man burns ooro tree, man burns ooro tree
Man burns Ogungunbeere, the tree that small kids like
Ifa priest of Ose revealed Ifa messages to Ose, the baobab tree
Who people prophesied would fall for the enemies
Contemptuously, people who burn trees look at Ose, the baobab tree
There is nothing they can do to Ose, the baobab tree
Contemptuously, people who burn trees look at Ose, the baobab tree
31.
This year, when we appease any Orisa with an animal, the head of the animal must be put on the Orisa. We can remove it after some minutes depending on the environment. Also, this year, when such animal is cooked, the head of the animal must be used to feed the Orisa. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila lo di ajanwari
Mi ajanwari lo da Bara Agbonniregun
O ni bi aja ba ti peran tire tan
Ori re lo n ja wa
Orunmila lo di ajanwari
Mi ajanwari lo da Bara Agbonniregun
O ni bi ekun ba ti peran tire tan
Ori re lo n ja wa
Orunmila lo di ajanwari
Mi ajanwari lo da Bara Agbonniregun
O ni bi idi ba ti peran tire tan
Ori re lo n ja wa
Orunmila lo di ajanwari
Mi ajanwari lo da Bara Agbonniregun
O ni bi oun Edu alajogun ba ti peran toun tan
Ori re loun n ja wa
Orunmila said emphasis should be on the head
I repeat that emphasis should be on the head
He said whenever a dog kills an animal
It is the head it struggles to take
Orunmila said emphasis should be on the head
I repeat that emphasis should be on the head
He said whenever a tiger kills an animal
It is the head it struggles to take
Orunmila said emphasis should be on the head
I repeat that emphasis should be on the head
He said whenever an eagle kills an animal
It is the head it struggles to take
Orunmila said emphasis should be on the head
I repeat that emphasis should be on the head
He said whenever he himself kills his own animal
It is the head that he struggles to take
AFFILIATED
Iyami Aje
Egbe Orun
Ibeji
Esu
Sanponna
Obatala
Orunmila
TABOOS
Do not steal
Do not eat frog
Do not commit adultery
Do not divorce
Do not fast
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Oluwo Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Omidan Ifakemi Onifade (Secretary)
Oloye Fatunbi Adeniji
Chief (Dr) Abiodun Fafolarin Agboola (Secretary, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR).
Otunba Kehinde Idowu Fagbohun
Babaawo Ojoawo Windare
Babaawo Fayemi Abidemi Fakayode
Aboru! Aboye! Abosise!
IFA AND ORISA CALENDAR — MAY 2019 OSU EBIBI
Sow Humanness and Honesty Today for a Blissful Tomorrow
It is the big rod that torments the gong
Torrential rains reduce the ant-hill to mud
Osun Ewuji, desirous of eating and drinking
Crawled stealthily into the ocean
Cast IFA for Eyin-Iwa (Thereafter)
Who is the senior of Oni (Today)
You people of Isinpe
It is because of Eyin-Iwa
That we should be benevolent to Oni (Today)
For whatever seed we plant today
We shall reap the fruits tomorrow
Sow humanness and honesty today
For a blissful tomorrow
IRETEIKA — IFA OF THE YEAR 2018/2019 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, STATE OF OSUN, NIGERIA
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.
ITADOGUN READING 4/9/2018
IFA divination will be performed every Itadogun (every 17 days) and information will be posted detailing what offerings should be made following each Itadogun.
ITADOGUN READING 4/9/2018
This Itadogun, IFA warns us against illness. IFA says that we should all be making an offering to OGUN with one blade. On this IFA says the following:
Perseverance is the key to prosperity
IFA’s message for Abaja, tribal marks
Who is companion with the cheek
He was advised to offer Ebo
He complied
No tribulation can befall Abaja
Such that he will disappear from the cheek
May OLODUMARE protect us and provide for us. Ase O
Sincerely,
Apena Fagbemijo Amosun Fakayode
Otun Amufawuni of Ibadan Land
Director of Oyeku Ofun Temple
The Principle of Give and Take Is What Make the World Peaceful and Habitable
Bu fun mi
Ki n bu fun o
Oun nii mayee gun igege–igege
Dia fun Orunmila
Baba n lo s’otu Ife
Yoo loo ko won ni ise ile
Yoo look o won ni’se oko
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Translation:
The principle of give and take
Is what make the world peaceful and habitable
This was Ifa’s message for Orunmila
When he was going to Ile Ife
To teach people home conduct
And to teach farm and work-place conduct
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
That Which We Are After Is Character, Good Character
Sacred and holy ODU IFA EJIOGBE teaches us the following:
If we strike ragba gong against calabash
That which we are after is character
Good character
If we strike ragba against a rope
That which we are after is character
Good character
If we strike ragba gong against a stone
That which we are after is character
Good character
If one is rich without good character
The wealth belongs to someone else
That which we are after is character
Good character
If one is blessed with children but does not have good character
Those children belong to someone else
That which we are after is character
Good character
If one is blessed with property but they do not have good character
The properties belong to someone else
That which we are after is character
Good character
July 2017 OSU AGEMO
July 2017 OSU AGEMO
2 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
3 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun
4 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
5 Sango/Oya
6 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
7 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun
8 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
9 Sango/Oya X
10 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
11 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun ***
12 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
13 Sango/Oya
14 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
15 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun
16 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
17 Sango/Oya
18 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
19 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun
20 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
21 Sango/Oya
22 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
23 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun 0
24 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
25 Sango/Oya
26 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
27 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun ***
28 Ogun/Osoosi/Orisa Oko
29 Sango/Oya
30 Obatala/Egungun/Iyaami/Sanpanna
31 Ifa/Esu/Osun/Aje/Yemoja/Olokun
X = Full Moon
0 = New Moon
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.