Every June, Ifa priests and practitioners gather together in Ile Ife, Nigeria to receive the wisdom of Ifa for the new Ifa year. Unlike the Gregorian Calendar, the Ifa year starts the first weekend in June. Chief priests from multiple houses come together for divination to give Ifa's instructions to practitioners for the upcoming year. Ritual work is performed to appease the energy of the year and strict perscriptions are given to ensure Ifa followers are in alignment with the will of Ifa.
Following is the Ifa reading for June 2019. This reading will remain in effect until the first weekend of June 2020. It is long, but meaningful. Take your time and read it carefully. Consider all the advice and taboos.
I have created a shirt to commemorate this event. Wear your culture with pride and support me in the process. But please, only purchase from Amazon, search for "Sista Shaman Tees" or use the link. Counterfeiters have stolen my design and are selling them illegally.
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 Scipture 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!
