Chapter 13 OTURA MEJI i i Hote oe ee CIR SeaChapter Thirteen OTURA MEJI Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall succeed beyond his/her wildest dream. Ifa says that he/she shall be blessed with all the good things of life. Ifa says that when the person for whom this Odo is revealed was coming from heaven, he/she asked for, and was given, all the Ire in life. Not only this, as he/she was asking for each of the Ire, he/she was being prayed for and blessed by all the divinities present at that time. For this reason, Ifa says that he/she shall lack nothing in life. Tfa also says that as a result of the blessing of the divinities, his/her sojourn in life shall be rewarding and interesting, while his/her return to heaven shall be great. and fulfilled. Tfa advises the person for whom this Odu is revealed to offer ebg with two pigeons, two hens, two roosters, two guinea fowls, two ducks and money. He/She is also advised to serve Ifa with two rats, two fish, one hen and one matured she-goat. On these, Otard-Méji says: Ogbologbds Babalawo nt ji, nti Pqwo t’opgn Ifa Ogbologboo Onisegun nti ji, nti fqws te sigidil'aya Ogbolégboo Olocosa nfl ji, ni fowg b'ala si'htin Nii fqws b’alas‘ohan-un Alumo kerebete, Awo ile Agbonniregun Dia fun Orunmila Baba nt'grun bo wa'le Ayé Ebo niwon nike waa se Translation A versatile Babalawo is he who wakes up and imprints on Qpon Ifa, Ifa tray A veteran, Onisegun, herbalist is he who wakes up and presses Sidigi, 878tt tua Mei moulded image (of medicines) in the chest A great Orisa -worshiper is he who wakes up and adorned himself with white dresses Alamo kérebete, the resident Awo of Agbonniregun He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Qranmila When coming from Orun, Heaven to Ayé, Earth He was advised to offer eb. Qronmila had made several trips to earth before this particular trip. He had been present when the world was to be designed in order for it to be a conducive place for the habitation of living beings. Qrdnmila was present and he participated in the design. When living beings were to be created and settled on earth, Qranmila was part of the Trunmolé whom Olodumaré gave the assignment to, When Eniyan (principalities) were to be created and settled on earth, Qranmila was present and he participated in the creation and settlement. When Eniyan were removed on planet earth to be replaced with Eniyan, Human beings, Qronmila was also part of the Iranmolé that Olodamare assigned to perform the task. When the earth began to flourish, Grunmila was also assigned to oversee the program. Part of his duties was to come to earth on a regular basis in order to make a first-hand assessment of the progress therein. Qranmila had performed excellently in all these assignments and Olodumare was highly impressed with him. When Qrunmila planned to visit Ayé, earth on this occasion he went to the group of Awo mentioned above in order to determine how his sojourn on earth would be ‘on that occasion. The Awo assured him that he would succeed in his assignment because he had been excellent in the performance of all the previous assignments given to him by Olodumare. Al he needed to do was to offer ebo as prescribed above. Qranmila complied. After this, he moved to the home of Ajalé-Mopin, the custodian of destiny, in order to choose his destiny. While there, he stated thus; Emi yao l'owol'gwo ni'le aye Kintoowa Translation Iwill be very wealthy on earth Before I return to heaven Assoon as he mentioned this, ail the Divinities present replied; Alamo kerebete Algo re yoo dara Abd 9 re yoo sunwon Alumo kerebéte 879Translation Alumg kerabete, please record it Your going (into the world) shall be successful And your return (to heaven) shall be rewarding Alumo kérebete, please record it Alamo kerébéte was the name of the resident Awo of Oranmila who performed the ebo for him in heaven. The Divinities were calling him as witness so that all these blessings could be recorded for Qranmila. After this, Qrunniila declared again: Emi yool'dya-m‘aya nile aye Kintdo wa Translation Iwill have a good spouse in the world Before I return to heaven Divinities responded thus: Alumo kerebete Alo gre yoo dara Abo gre yoo sunwon Alumo kerebete Transiation Alumo kerebéte, please record this too Your going shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alum kerébéte, please record this too This was how Orunmiila asked for, and received, all the Ire in life, He was also blessed by the Divinities. When he arrived on earth, he was blessed with financial wealth, good Spouse, well-behaved children, comfortable hame, houses, peace of mind, sound health, victory over all seen and unseen adversities, long fife and boundless happiness ‘and contentment. Ifa says that the person for whom this Oda is revealed shall not only be blessed with all the Ire of life; he/she shall also be blessed by the Divinities. All these are not by accident. It is because he/she had worked for these blessings in his/her former life. Ogbologbos Babalawo nit ji, nti fowg t'opgn Ifa Ogbologboo Oniségun nti ji, nfl Fows te sigidl I'aya Ogbolagbes Olcoosa ni ji, nil fqwa b'ala si'htin Nii fowg b‘ala s’ghun-un 880Otura Meji Alumo kerebete, Awo ile Agbonniregun Dia fun Orunmila Baba nt’orun be wa'le Aye Ebo niwon ni ko waa se Ogbebo, orubo Emi yoo Powo I'gwo ni'le aye Kintoowa Alumg kerebete Alo ore yoo dara Abo ore yoo sunwon Alumg kerebete Emi yoo l'aya-m'aya ni'lé ayé Kintoowa Alum kérebeéte Alogre yoo dara Abo ore yoo sunwon Alamo kerebete Emi yoo kole mole ni'‘lé aye Kintoowa Alamo kerebete Alo 9 re yoo dara Abo oreyoo sunwon Alumo kéerebete Emiyoo gbo gbo gbo ni'leayé Kintoowa Alumo kerebete Algo 9 reyoo dara Abooreydosunwon Alumo kerebete Emi yoonire gbogbo nile ayé Kintoowa Alumg kerebete Alo oreyoo dara Abooreyoosunwon Alumé kérebete Translation Aversatile Babalawo is he who wakes up and imprints on Qpon Ifa, Ifa tray A veteran, Oniségan, herbalist is he who wakes up and presses Sidigi, moulded image (of medicines) in the chest A great Orisa -worshiper is he who wakes up and adorned himself with white dresses 881Ia Dida: An invitation to ifs Consultation Alumo kerébete, the resident Awo of Agbonniregan. Alamo keérébete, the resident Awo of Agbonniregun. He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Qrunmila When coming from Orun, Heaven to Ayé, Earth He was advised to offer ebo He complied Twill be very wealthy on earth Before I return to heaven Alum kérébéte, please record this Your going into the world shall be successful And your return to heaven shall be rewarding Alumo kérébéte, please record it Iwill have a good spouse on earth Before [ return Alamo kerebete Your going shall be successful And your return shail be rewarding Alamo kerébete I shall build many houses on earth Before Iretum Alumo kérebete Your going shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alumo kerebete Ishall become old and feeble on earth Before I return Alamo kerebete Your going shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alumo kerébete I shall have all Ire on earth Before I return Alama kerabete, please record this Your going shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alamo kerebete If this Oda is revealed during Itéloda or Ikosedayé, it means that the person has the Potential to be great in life. He/She had already received the blessings of the Divinities together with the splendid destiny he/she had chosen in heaven. With appropriate ebo as stated above, he/she will be able to fulfill his/her dreams in life. He/She needs to be reminded that he/she has all these Ire in life, because he/she had done very well in his/her previous life, and for that reason he/she has been commensurately 882HE tra aaj compensated. Tf this Od0 is revealed during routine consultation, it means that the person for whom this Odu is revealed has done very weil and the Divinities had sent their blessings. He/She needs to continue doing well so that he/she will realize is destiny and enjoy his/her life to the fullest. On the other hand, if this Oda is revealed when someone died and Ifa was cast for the dead person, Ifa says that the dead person is already in Qgba Itero, the Garden of Halcyon, where he/she is being blessed and praised for doing well while on earth. He/She has received a high grade from the Divinities, He/She had done well on earth and he/she is being rewarded with comfort and blessing in heaven. 2. Ifé says that it foresees all Ire of life for the person for whom this Odu is revealed. Ifa says that the Ire that this person will be blessed with will be so astounding that all others around him/her will be using his/her success as reference point. Others will be praying to Ofodumare, Iranmole, Orisa, Egungun, Ord and other Divinities to bless them with the type of the Ire he/she has been blessed with. Ifa adds that the person for whom this Odu is revealed will be the center of ali eyes and attention; consequent upon this he/she cannot afford to misbehave or engage in any form of anti-social behaviour. Ifa advises this person to offer eb with 16 pigeons and money. On this, Ifa says: Akala Ipapo nti f'ese mejeeji gbé-kolo-mi gbé-kolo-mi Dia fan awon ara Ode Ihehuje Ebo Ire gbogbo ni won ni ki won waa se Translation Akaia, the Hoopoe, of Ipapo land is it that uses its two legs ta pick food for consumption This was Ifé's message to the inhabitants of Ihehuje When they were advised to offer ebo for all Ire to be theirs The inhabitants of Ihehuje land were very hardworking and enterprising. They took their business seriously and they trained their children to do the same. The elders made it clear to all inhabitants of this land that without hardwork, there could not be success. Before long, all the inhabitants of Ihehdje accepted this fact and they all worked toward it. One day, they decided to go to Akala Ipap6, a prominent Babalawo of their time in order to determine their success chances in life. Some of them were looking for financial success; some were looking for compatible spouses; some, good and lovely children; some were looking for honour that would be commensurate with their 883Ifa Dids: An invitation to ife Consuttetion contribution to the community's progress; some of them were praying for sound health because they knew that they had toiled and over-stressed themselves in their pursuit of peace, progress and happiness for their society; many of them also prayed for long life in order to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Would they all be able to achieve all what were in their minds which brought them to the home of the Babalawo? During consultation, Otura-Méji was revealed. The Awo assured them that they would achieve all their heart's desires. Not only this, all the other Ire which they did not ask for shail be added onto what they demanded for both individually and collectively. The Awo advised the inhabitants of Ihehyje land to offer ebo for all Ire in life. They were advised to offer 16 pigeon and money as ebo. They complied. Before long, those looking for financial success were able to get it, and in addition, they got goad spouses, lovely children, good homes, and long life in addition. Those looking for good spouses got them and wealth, lovely children, good and comfortable homes and long life were added onto them as bonuses. Those craving for honour got honour while recognition and financial success, good spouses, lovely children, long life, joy and sound health were added for them, this was the way all the inhabitants of Thehujé became blessed will all Ire in life. When al! the neighbouring communities saw the progress made by the inhabitants of Ihehuje land, they began to pray to Olodumare, Egungun, Orisa, Ord, Egbé and all other Divinities to please give them the type of blessings which Thehuje inhabitants were enjoying. Akala Ipapo nii f ese méjeeji gb¢-kolo-mi gbé-kolo-mi Dia fun awon ara Ode Thehuje Ebo Ire gbogbo ni won ni ki won waa se Won gb'ebo, won ru'bo Nol'owol'owg Biara Ode Ihehuje Akala Ipapode Ara Ode Ihehuje Nol'ayarere Bi ara Ode Ihehuje Akala Ipapo dé Ara Ode Ihehuje Nobi'mgrere Biara Ode Yhehuje AkalaIpapode Ara Ode Ihehuje Nokg'lemg'lé Bi ard Ode Thehuje Akala Ipapo de 884HE ture er Ara Ode Ihehuje Noj'ogbo-j‘ato Biara Ode Ihehuje Akala Ipapo de Ara Ode Ihehuje Non'iregbogbo l'aye Biara Ode Ihehuje Akala Ipapo dé Ara Ode Thehuje Translation Akala paps is it who uses its two legs to pick food for consumption This was Ifa's message for the inhabitants of Ihehuje land When they were advised to offer ebo for all Ire in life to be theirs They complied Iwill be blessed with financial success Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Ihehuje land I shall be blessed with good spouse Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Thehaje land I shall be blessed with lovely children Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Thehuje land I shall be blessed with comfortable home Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Ihehuje land T shall be blessed will longevity Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Ihehuje land I shall be blessed will ail Ire in life Like the inhabitants of Ihehuje land Here comes Akala Ipapo the great The inhabitant of Ihehuje land Ifa assures the person for whom this Odu Is revealed that he/she will lack nothing in life. He/She however needs to remember that to which much is given much is expected. He/She must be of exemplary character at all times. He/She must be a shining example 885Ife Dida: An invtation to fe Consuitation to all others he/she must be hardworking, straight forward, forward-looking, progressive and accommodating, he/she must have the fear of Olodumare, Irdnmole, Orisa, Egungun, Ore, Egbé and all other Divinities at the back of his/her mind at all times. He/she must think no evil; speak no evil and do no evil at all times. Doing this, all the Ire in life which he /she never asked for shall be given onto him/her as bonus. Remember, the bonus of Olodumaré and all other Divinities is sweeter, cooler and more rewarding than all other benefits of life. Consequently, it is the responsibility of all OturaMefi children to seek and work for the bonus of Olodumaré and the Divinities. 3. Ifa says that it foresees the Ire of financial success for the person for whom this Odv is revealed. ifa says that he/she shall be very wealthy in life, Not only this, his/her wealth shall make him/her very popular and his/her popularity shail spread far and wide. Ifa advises this person to offer ebg with twa tortoises and money. By so doing, Ifa assures him/her that his/her financial success shall have no bound. On this, Ifa says: Perenioto'niise Dia fun Otu Ebo ola ni won ni ko waa se Translation Pere nidto'nitsé He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Ota Who was advised to offer Ebo of prosperity Otu was an inhabitant of Ipapo town, He was very hardworking. He was also dedicated tohis duties. One day, Otd went to the home of Pére ni 6 to mii sé, a prominent Babalawo in Ipapo land at that time. He wanted te know how prosperous he would be in life. Would he be very rich? Would peopie respect him as a result of his prosperity? Would he be given honour and recognition? These and many more were the questions Otd asked when he went for Ifa consultation in the home of the Babaléwo. The Babalawo assured him that he would not only be prosperous but he would have respect, recognition and honour. Peapie would also love him if he was humble with his wealth, he was assured. He was advised to offer ebg with two tortoise and money. He complied. Before ‘ong, his business boomed. He was having more sales in his cloth-selling business. People were looking for him from far and near to come and sell for them. 8864 1 otra Maj Because he was very jovial with all the people, he was loved and respected; people were surprised that with all his wealth, he was never proud or arrogant to anyone. His reputation and popularity spread like wild fire. Many who had never set their eyes on him knew so much about him. Those who did not know would ask those who knew; ‘who is this Otu that everyone was talking about’? And they would be told that; it was the Otu who offered two tortoises as ebo who became very wealthy’ before tong, everyone knew him as 'Otd to r’'ahun mei’. This became a pun on the word ‘Otura- Mej'. Péreni oto'niise Dia fun Otu Tiyoo r'ahun méji Tiyoo la yebeyebe bi oba eréke Ebo ni won niko waase Ogb'ebo, oru'bo Otu wole nt pere Oty to rahun méji Tola yebeyebe bi gba ereke Ero Ipo, Ero $fa Ewa baat nf jebutu ajé sunrusu Jebutu ajé sunrusulere ope nife Translation Pére ni oto'niise He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Ota Who shall offer two tortoises as ebo And who shall be as successful as the Oba of prosperity himself Which Otd are you referring to? The same Otu who offered two tortoises as ebo Who became as successful as the Oba of prosperity himself? Travelers to Ipo and Ofa towns Join us in the midst of prosperity Prosperity is the gain given to Ifa adherent by Ifa. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall be very wealthy. He/she shal! be honoured and recognized. He/she shall be loved by alll, if he/she is humble and respectful to others. 4 Ifa says that the person for whom this Odo is revealed is a favourite of Olodumaré. He/She had done well before and he/she shall be compensated with financial success. He/She shall not toil too hard before attaining financial success. Ifa says that as long as he/she shows humility, love for self and others, 887fe Dida: An invitation to te Consuitation hard work, respect for and fear of Olédumaré and other Divinities, his/her Success is guaranteed. Ifa advises him/her to offer eb with two sheep and money. On this Ifa says: Qlobonhan-bonhon nil fapa mejeeji da gbedu grun Dia fun Alake, omg Olodumare Ebo aje ni won niko waa se Translation Qlobenhun-bonhun, the beetle is it that uses its two arms to produce sound like gbédu drums This was the Ifa's message for Aluké bird, the child of Olodumaré. She was advised to offer ebo Aluke bird was considered the child of Olodumaré because of the lave that Olodumaré had for the bird. Aloké on the other hand had the fear and respect for Olodamaré and other Divinities on her mind. She worked hard without ever complaining. She struggled to succeed at all times. ‘One day, she went to the home of the Babalawo mentioned above for Ifa consultation: Would she be blessed with financial success in her life? That was the major question cccupying her mind. The Awo assured her that she would succeed in her life. She was told that she would be blessed with financial success beyond her dreams. She was told to continue to work hard and have the fear of Olodumare in her mind. She was also told to respect and love others as she would wish to be loved and respected. The Awo then advised her to offer eb9 as prescribed above. With all these recommendations, Aluké complied. Before tong, Alaké attained financial success. She was hailed by everyone, She was very happy. She lived the rest of her life in opulence and splendour. Qlgbonhun-bgnhun nif fapa mejeejl da gbedu orun Dia fun Aluke, om9 Olddumare Fbo Aje ni won ni ko waa se Ogb'¢bo, o rub Aluke ma ma dé o, Qmg Olodumare Eyino mo péeare Aje lan sa kiri? Transtation Qlgbonhan-benhan is it that uses Its two arms to produce sound like gbedu drums 8884 Ht ture ej This was the Ifa's message for Aluke, the child of Oiodumaré She was advised to offer ebo She complied, Here comes Alaké, the child of Olddumaré Don't you know that all our struggles are for us to attain financial success? Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall attain financial success even beyond his/her dreams. This success will make him/her happy and contented. 5. Ifa says that this person would be blessed with many followers. He/She shall be made a leader and all his/her followers shall honour and respect him/her. Those following him/her shall even speak well of him/her behind his/her back. In the home of the person for whom this Odi is revealed, there must be food and drinks at all times. Anytime people visit his/her home, there must be food to eat and drinks to consume. By so doing, he/she will be loved and respected by ail his/her supporters. The action will also bring him/her more followers. He/she also needs to be generous with other gifts. He/she must assist these followers financially, spiritually, socially and even administratively. Anytime they approach him/her for their genuine need, he/she also needs to help within his/her capability. If@ advises the person for whom this Odu Is revealed to offer Ebo with two Pigeons, two guinea fowls, two hens, two roosters, two ducks and money. There must also be food and drinks for consumption. On ail these, a stanza in Otura Méfji says: Tiesinbaji Esin a m'awo Ona kotd-kote-kote Dia fun Osubudo, gma Taho Ebo Opo entyan ni won ni ko waa se Translation When the horse wakes up Its hooves will make imprints on the ground everywhere it goes This was Ifa's message for Osiibudo the child of Taho He was advised to offer ebo for him to be blessed with many Followers Osabadd was one of the children of Taho. On the other hand, Taho was a prominent personality in Ipapd town. He was very popular everywhere in Ipapo and its environment. Osdbudo took after his father, He was also popular. He was jovial and very lively. He loved all, irrespective of the person's social or economic status. He was 889fe Did: An invitation to fa Consultation also very humble. One day Osabado went for Ifa consuttation: Would he have as many followers as his father? Would he command the type of influence and respect that his father had? Would he be loved and adored as his father was? All these and many more were the questions which Osdbuds tried to seek answers to. During consultation, Otura Meji was revealed. The Awo assured him that his influence, love, respect, followership and adoration would be greater than those of his father. He was advised to be generous to all. He was also told never to allow his home to be without food and drink for people to consume. The Awo encouraged him to ensure that everywhere he went; he tried to leave a mark for people to remember, He told him that anytime a horse woke up, it hooves would leave its imprints on the ground for people who were very observant to see that the horse had passed through that path recently. The Awo also encouraged Osubud6 to offer bo as prescribed above. After the Ebg, he was advised to feast everyone around him with food and drink. He complied with all the advices of the Awo. Soon after this, all the inhabitants of Ipapo knew that there was no time anyone would visit Osubudo without getting something to eat and drink. They began to praise him for this. They said that if you went to Osabodo the son of Taha in tears, he would wipe off your tears and replace them with smiles. As he was doing this, Oloddmare and the Irdnmolé were blessings him with more. He regained all what he gave out in several folds. The people's love, respect, adoration, and acceptance, for him also increase in several folds. He soon became the man of the people, the personality of the moment. Osubudo lived and died a happy, contented man. Thesin ba ji Esin a m‘awo ona koto-kote-koto Dia fan Osubude, gma Taho Ebo 9po entyan ni won ni ké wad se Koa maa toju alejodaadaa © gb'ebo, ora’bo Rjé oto le tan ni'lé Osubudo, Omg Taho Ogubude 0 dé o, omg Taho Transtation When the horse wakes up His hooves will make imprints on the ground everywhere it goes 890Hf ture Me This was Ifa's message to Osabddo, the son of Taho He was advised to offer ebg for him to be blessed with many followers And for him to treat visitors and strangers well and with courtesy He complied Behold, there can never be scarcity of drink in the home of Osdbado, the child of Taho Here comes Osubudo, the influential child of Taho Ifa says that the influence, honour, adoration, love and respect which people have for the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall never diminish. He/She only needs to be humble, respectful, jovial, generous, hardworking and God-fearing. He/She also needs to wipe off the tears of those who genuinely cry to him/her. If he/she gives out one thing to those who genuinely need it, Oloddmare will replace it with 10. If he/she assists those who genuinely need his/her assistance, Olodumare will stabilize his/her life and home. If he/she makes people happy, Olddamare will make him/her contented and happy. That is the message of Ifa's for the person for whom Otura-Mefi is revealed. 6. Ifa says that it foresees the Ire for a good loving and lovely spouse for the person for whom this Odv is revealed. If a man, he will be blessed with a good, and loving and lovely woman. If a woman, she will be blessed with a good, loving and responsible man. Ifa advises the man to offer ebo with two hens, two rats, two fish and money, for a woman, Ifa advises her to offer ebo with two roosters, two rats, two fish and money. On this Ifa says: Sun kere Gbakere Dia fun Sdlubata Tinsl99 gbe ese n'iyawo Ebg niwon niko waa se Translation To drag the legs gently And move the legs majestically This was Ifa's message to Salubata, the Sandal When going to take Ese the foot as his wife He was advised to offer ebo Salabata, the Sandal, was convinced that something was missing in his life. He knew that he could not exhibit his full potential in life without a partner, He therefore wanted a partner very badly. One day, he met Ese the Foot and nobody told him before he knew that they were both meant for each other. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that Ese was meant for him and him for Ese. He made up his 891{fa Dida: An invitation to te Consultation mind to tell her that he was in love with her. Before doing so however, he decided to consult {fa in order to find out what the future had in stock for them. On the other hand, Ese, the Foot knew that she could not continue living alone all her life. She wanted someone who would treat her well and take proper care of her. The day that she met Saldbata, she was convinced that she had found her future partner. She dreamt of Salubata alf night and she prayed for him to come and talk to her about Marriage. She knew she could not cali him by herself as it would be very indecorous for her to do so. She prayed everyday for Salabata to core into her life. One day, Salubata went to the Babaléwo mentioned above far Ifa consultation: Would he be the right person for Fse? Would he be able to take good care of her? Wauld the two of them be together for the rest of their lives? As he was in love with her, was she also in love with him? Would she reciprocate all his love, care and attention? Above all, were they really meant for each other physically, socially, and even spiritually? These were the question occupying his mind when he went for Ifa consultation. During consultation, Otura-Méji was revealed. The Awo assured Saldbata that the answers to his entire question were in the affirmative. He was urged to go ahead with the process as he would be happy and fulfilled in the end. He was also advised to offer ebg as stated above. He complied. When he got home, he informed his peopte that he had found a woman of his dream. The family employed the services of Alarena and it was found out that Ese came from a good lineage. They made formal praposition for the hand of Ese in marriage. Her family responded favourably and the wedding date was fixed. It was a grand occasion. Ever since the day of marriage one cannot find Ese without Salubata and vice versa. They stayed together all the time. Saldbata protected his woman to the end of his life. Theirs was a happy, fruitful and rewarding relationship. Sunkere Gba kere Dia fun Salubata Tinilg ree gbe Ese n'lyawo Ebo ni won ni ko waa se Ogb'eboaru'bo Ko pé ko jinna Ewa ba ni b‘ayo, ewad wo'reo 892Ofure Mall Translation To drag the legs gently And move the legs majestically This was Ifa's message to Salabata When going to take Esé as his wife He was advised to offer Eb. He complied Before long not too far Come and join us in the midst of marital bliss. Tfa's says that the couple who are about to get married are compatible and they will live happily for the rest of their lives. Ifa encourage the couple to think beyond casual relationship as they are meant for each other. 2 Ifa says that a lot of goodness is awaiting the person for whom this Odu is revealed outside his/her community. Ifa assures this person that this Ire will be greater than anything he/she had ever seen or had before throughout his/her lifetime. Ifa however warn him/her not to advertise himself/herself when this Ire arrives, Ifa says that if he/she announces him/herself too much on this all his/her adversaries will gang up to run him/her down and bring him/her to the ground level. Ifa says that the Ire is coming from the very business that this person is doing presently. He/She must not change his/her line of business because that is where the Ire that Ifa refers to is coming from. Ifé advises the person for whom this Odo is revealed to offer ebg with two pigeons, two roosters and money. On this Ifa says Opeere a biieu aya Awo Gbolu lo dia fun Gbolu Gbolu nl s‘oko alero I'¢dun Ebg niwon niko wad se Translation Opéere a bi lea l'aya He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Gbola When going for the annual pianting season He was advised to offer ebo 893Gbola was a farmer. His crops the previous year was a total failure. He could not explain why, but all the crops he planted the previous year did not do well. He lost heavily. Out of frustration and disappointment he was contemplating going into other lines of business. Asa result of bad harvest the previous year, he owed many people a lot of money. This was why he went to his Awo to find out if he needed to continue farming or to change into other line of business. He felt that farming was a very risky business. He had concluded within himself that he was going to follow whatever Ifa asked him to do. When Ifa was consulted, Otura-Meji was revealed. Ifa assured Gbold that he would succeed on a ground scale that year. He was told not to change his business and that the success was coming from the business he was doing, The Awo told him that farming would benefit him that year. He was advised to concentrate on yam planting. He was also told not to sell his yam at all. He was asked to turn everything into Elabd, Yam-flour and keep it. The Awo told him that it was through the sale of the yam flour that his success would come. Gbdld was however warned never to advertise himself when this success comes. Gbdld was advised to offer ebo with two pigeons, two cocks and money. He was also told to feed Esu Odara with one big cock and palm-oil. Gbdld complied with all the recommendations of the Babalawo, That year, Gbdla had a very bountiful harvest. He refused to sell his yams. He and his family were busy drying the yams and converting them into yam flour, Elubé, when all other farmers were selling theirs. Soon after this, rain stopped to fall. There was famine. The farms went dry; the remaining crops in the farms were destroyed. There was shortage of food. People rushed to Gbdlu to sell Elubo to them. Gbolu was notina hurry to do so. The people came back begging, Gbolu was not ready, and they Multiplied the price on their own, just for them to have food in their homes. Gbola was. not read. By the time he agreed to sell, the price of his Elubo had been increased in several folds. Gbdld became an instant successful man. People envied his foresight. There was nothing he wanted that he could not get. One day, Gbola looked at his environment and realized that there was nobody in the community whose success was near his own. He decided to sing in appreciation of what Olodumaré had done for him. He concluded that this miracle in his life must be appreciated and the only way to do this was to let the world know that he was not an Ungrateful person. He therefore began to sing thus: Baba ad'eéda, Ifa gba wa00 Baba ad'édao 894H cotura sei Asanwewe, Awoal'atioro Baba ad’eda, Ifa gba wa o! Translation Father of miracles, Ifa please come to my aid Father of miracles Asanweéwe, who adds beautiful plumes to the body of Atioro bird Father of miracles, please come to my aid! Gbolu was singing and dancing about in true appreciation of what Olodumaré had done for him. He said that Atioro, bird had four different colours in the plumes of Its body. But for these gifts from Olodumaré, this bird would have been just like any other ordinary bird. He compared himself with this bird because it was Olodumaré who gave him good harvest and foresight and that if not so, he too would have been struggling for food like all other citizens, When all those who envied his success heard this however, they considered Gbolu to be proud and arrogant. They said that he was making jest of them because of their misfortune. All of them ganged up and vowed to teach him a lesson he would not forget ina hurry. Part of the plan was to set his home ablaze, to ruin his farm and beat him and his family up severely. If any or all of them died in the process, they concluded, it would serve themright. They fixed the time to execute their plan for five days time. As soon as these conspirators concluded their plan, Esu Odara approached Gbolu and rebuked him for failing to listen to the advice given him by his Awo. He informed Gbolu that his song had put him in danger because all his enemies were planning to ruin him. Esu advised him to change the song forthwith. Esa taught him another song that he should begin to sing immediately. Esa made it clear to Gbolu that because Gbola gave him a cock when he offered ebo, he Esu could not allow Gbolu's enemies to ruin him because the gesture of Gbold had made Gbdld his friend. Esu promised to be by Gbola tothe end. Gbolu thanked him and began to sing the new song thus: Omo-sanda, Ifa gha wa00 Omosanda Biiku ba ri sa'ke T'aron n ho'kunl'ode Omo sanda, Ifa gba wao Translation The protector, Ifa please comes to our rescue The protector Ifdeath plans to eliminate us 895Ya Did: An Invitation tol Consuitation And Ailment vows to inflict us The protector, Ifa please comes to our rescue He sang and danced to all the corners of the community. The conspirators heard him loud and clear. None of them could make any sense of this new song. Esu Odara went to meet the conspirators where they were deliberating on their next line of action, He told them that Gbola had been informed of their plan by one of them and that Gbolu had gone to report them at the appropriate quarters. If they should do anything bad to Gbold, Esa warned them, all of them would be apprehended because all their names had been mentioned by the traitor. When they heard this, mutual suspicions crept in. They could no longer trust each other. They scattered in utter confusion. Gbolu and his family lived to enjoy their wealth and new status for the rest of their lives. Opeere a bilen l'aya Awo Gbdlut Io did fun Gbolu Gbold nig s'oko alero I'odun Eb9 ni won ni ko waa se Ogb'¢bo, or'bo Nie Baba ad'éda, Ifa gba wa 00 Babaad'edao Asanwéwe, Awoal'atioro Baba ad'eda, Ifa gba wa o! Omo-sanda, Ifa gba waoo Qmo sanda Biiku basi sa’ké Tarunnho'kan!'ode Omo sanda, Ifa gba wa 0 Translation Opeere a bi lea 'aya The Awo who cast Ifé for Gbalu When going for the annual planting season He was advised to offer ebo He complied ‘Now, father of miracles, Ifa please come to my aid Father of miracles Asanweéwe, who adds beautiful plumes to the body of Atioro bird Father of miracles, please come to my aid The protector, Ifa please come to our rescue The protector Jf Oeath plans to eliminate us And Ailment vows to inflict us 896The protector, please come to our rescue Ifa says that the person for whom this Oda is revealed shall enjoy the fruit of his/her labour. Even though he/she is being trailed by conspirators, he/she will nonetheless be able to overcome them. There is the need for him/her to be reticent however, Ifa says that one of the major weaknesses of the person for whom this Odo is revealed is that he/she is too flippant. Ifa says that he/she usually find it difficult to keep his/her mouth shut on many issues. Ifa however advises this person to cultivate the habit of being reticent as failure to do so will bring terrible misfortune to him/her. Ifa says that if this person achieved anything in life, there is the need for him/her to keep quiet and enjoy his/her achievement quietly so that envious people will not plan against him/her and destroy all what he/she had achieved. Ifa advises the person for whom this Odu is revealed to offer ebo with one he- goat and money. He/she also needs to feed the Elders of the Night with all the internal organ of that he-goat. On this, a stanza in Otura-Meji says: Ayoorg enu Ayooro enu Ebttienu niot'ase Dia fun Orofo Tl yoo bi'mo meji Ti yoo ni'le shun ti kun sdsq Ebo ni won ni ko waa se Translation Flippant talks Unguarded speeches There is nobody that the trap set by the mouth cannot catch These were Ifa's declarations to Orofo Who gave birth to two children And declared that her home was filled to the brim She was advised to offer ebg Orofo was very sad woman. All her contemporaries had become proud mothers. Orofo had no child of her own. She wept everyday. Did it mean that she would live and die a barren woman? What would she do to have her own children? That was the reason why she went for Ifa consultation. During this session, Oturd-Méji was revealed. 897fa Did: An imstation to ife Consultation The Awo assured Orof6 that she would beget her own children whether or not she offered ebo. She was however advised to offer ebo against broadcasting the babies to ‘the world in order to avoid a situation where these babies would be exposed to danger as aresult of her flippant talks. When Orofo heard this, she was very angry with the Babalawo. She believed that the Awo was just looking for ways of taking her materials and money. She was convinced that if she was able to have babies she would surely know how to take proper care of them, So, of what use would the ebo be? She queried, consequently, Orofd refused to offer ebo as prescribed. Soon after this, Orofo laid two eggs and hatch the two. She became a proud mother of two babies. She was very happy. Anytime she was invited to any event, she would make sure that she arrived there late. If she was asked why she was late, she would respond that she was taking care of the two babies. She would make it clear to them how difficult it was to nurse a baby, talk less of two at the same time. She would conclude her explanation by saying that her home was filled up to the brim as a result of the arrival of these babies. At a stage, Orofo formed a mautra for herself. All day long, she would be chanting ‘fle kun sosq’ (my homes filled to the brim) repeatedly. One day, people called each other together. They said that there was the need for them to go to Orofé house and capture her and all her children who filled her home to the brim. for food. They said that how could they be feeling hungry when Orofo's home was over populated. They set a date to go and do this work. On the appointed day, they went to Qrofo's home very early in the morning. They killed Orofé and her twa children for food, When they discovered that only three of them were in the home, they said that, had they known that they were only three living together, they would not have bothered ‘themselves coming for Orofo and her children in the first place. That was how Orofo used her mouth to set trap for herself and she fell into the trap by herself. Ayoorg enu Ayoord eny Ebitienuniot'ase Dia fun Orofo Ti yoo bi'mo meji Thyss ni'lé ohun ti kun s6s0 Ebo ni won ni ko waa se Oko'tl ogbonyin se'bo Enu Orofo nit porofo Enu Orofo nil porofo ransiation Flippant talks 898Unguarded speeches There is nobody that the trap set by the mouth cannot catch These were Ifa's declarations to Orofo Who gave birth to two children And declared that her home was filled to the brim She was advised to offer ebo She refused to comply The Flippant talker had killed herself Unguarded talker had dug grave for herself Ifa says that he will not allow the flippant talk of the woman for whom this Oda is revealed to kill herself. All she needs to do is offer ebo and guard her speeches. 9, Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed is presently facing the opposition of those who are his/her blood relations. Ifa says that there are three of them who are planning evil against him/her. They are doing this as a result of envy and frustration. They never knew that he/she could succeed to the level that he/she presently is. They could not match his/her level of success and this made them envious and it also frustrates them. Ifa says that this person must take immediate steps to stop the plan of these envious relatives. Their plans would ruin everything that he/she had achieved throughout his/her life if he/she allows them to be carried out. He/she must not claim his/her rights. He/she must pretend to be a fool even if he/she knows all the evil intentions of these relatives. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed still needs to assist these relatives in all ways within his/her capability. He/she must not avoid them or give them social distance. Ifa says that they will still be of assistance to him/her in future. Ifa advises this person to offer ebo with three cocks, three bottles of palm- oil and money. After this, he/she needs to give the Elders of the Night one oketé, giant rat, feed Esu with one giant rat and appease Qbaluwayé with one giant rat. It is after doing all these that the evil plans of these relatives can be stopped and neutralized. On these, Ifa says: Ara iwaju, won o ba Ero eyin, wono durade Ba o ba ba araiwaju Ero eyin laa dura de Dia fun Obaluwaye Ont’orun bo w'aye Ebo niwon ni ko wad se 899Ifa Dida: An invitstion to lta Consultation Translation The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to wait for If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were Ifa's declarations to Qbaluwayé When coming from heaven to earth He was advised to offer ebo When Qbaldwaye was coming into the world in one of his numerous trips to earth, Olodomaré summoned him to His presence. Oldddmaré told Obaluwayé that He wanted to put Obaluwaye in charge of financial success, Ajé, for human beings. If anyone was looking for money, he/she needed to approach Obalawaye who would then give the person, Qbaluwayé responded that he was not interested in being the custodian of wealth; rather, he would prefer to be given the power to drain the wealth of those who had it if and when the need to do so arose. The request of Obaluwayé was granted. Ara iwaju, won oba Ero eyin, wono dure de. Ba 0 ba ba araiwaju Ero eyin laa duro de Dia fan Esv Odara Tont'grun bow'aye Ebo ni won ni ko waa se Translation The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to wait for Tf one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were Ifa's declarations to Esu Odara When coming from heaven to earth He was advised to offer ebo In the case of Esu Odara, the original intention of Oléddmaré was to make him responsible for giving people compatible spouses. If anyone needed a spouse, the person would simply approach Esa Odara and he/she would be given. When Olodamaré told him this, Esu Odara responded that he was not interested in being saddled with the responsibility of giving people spouses. He said that he would rather prefer to separate the couples who must be separated if and when the need arose. He 900tt ture Mest begged Olodumaré to give him the power to put a wedge between couples if such need arose and not to bring couples together. His wish was granted. Ardiwaju, wonoba Ero eyin, won o durode Ba 0 ba ba ara iwaju Ero eyin laa duro de Dia fun Iya mi Osoronga To rit'orun be w'aye Eboni won niko waa se Translation The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to wait for If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were Ifa's declarations to lya-mi-Osoronga ‘When coming from heaven to earth ‘She was advised to offer ebo Asfor lya-mi-Osoronga, the Witch, Olodumare planned to put her in charge of blessing people with babies. If anyone was looking for the blessing of the fruit of the womb, the person only needed to approach Tya-mi-Osoranga and it would be given to the person. When Olodumareé told her that she would be in charge of giving people children, she responded that she was not interested in doing this. She said that she would rather prefer to snatch away the children from those who already had them if and when the need arose to do so. She begged Olodumaré to give her the power to be able to do so. Her request was granted. Ara iwaju, wono ba Ero eyin, wono duro de Ba 0 ba ba ara iwaja Ero eyin laa duro de Dia fun Oranmila To nt'orun bo w'aye Ebo niwon ni ko wad se Translation The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to wait for Tf one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind 901{fa Dide: An invitation to fe Consultation These were Ifa's declarations to Oranmila When coming from heaven to earth He was advised to offer ebo The original intention of Olodumaré was to put Oranniila in charge of blessing people with longevity. If anyone wished to live long, the person needed to approach Orunmila and he would ensure that the person lived long. When Olddumare told him that he would be put in charge of making people live long, Oranmila responded that the wealth which Qbalawayé rejected; and the spouse which Esu Qdara refused to accept; and the children which Tya-mi-Osoronga did not want; should be given to him in addition to the longevity that Olodumare originally planned to give him. His request was granted by Olodumare. Moments after this, the four of them left heaven to earth. The four of them were living close to each other. When Qbaluwayé, Esu Odara and lya-mi-Osoronga rejected the offer made to them by Olodumaré, they had no idea about how life on earth would be. When they arrived on earth, feeding became a problem for them. They had no partners and they were not blessed with children. On the other hand, Oranmila was blessed with wealth, many wives and children. Before long, envy crept in. The three others became envious of all the achievements of Qrunmila. They were also frustrated that these offers were earlier made to them but they were the ones who rejected them. One day, the three of them gathered together to lament their ordeal on earth. They concluded that they must summon Qrdnmila to their presence and accuse him of insensitivity to their plight. They were convinced that Orunmila had no right to enjoy when they were suffering; he had no right to have several spouses when they had none; and he had no business to give birth to many children when they had none. When they sent for Qrunmila, the day was an Qjo-Awo when no serious Awo was expected to leave home for anywhere. They told him to come and see them on that day. Oranmila sent back to them that, as they were aware, that there was an Ojg-Awo and the next day was Adabd. It was not advisable for him to leave his home on that day. He promised to come and see them after Adabo. As soon as Oranmila's message was relayed to them, they concluded that Oranmila was too fullof himself. They accused him of being arrogant, proud and inconsiderate. For all these, he must be taught a bitter lesson. QObaluwayé vowed that he would drain all the wealth that Oranmila had acquired which was making him arrogant to them. Esa Odara said that he would ensure that ail his wives left him in no time and he would stop being 9024 1 oture Mei Proud to them. lya-mi-Osoronga vowed that she would kill and consume all the children that he had who were making him inconsiderate. They all planned to begin these tasks in three days’ time. Meanwhile, on the same night, Qranmila had a terrible dream. He summoned his Awo for Ifa consultation. During this session, Otura-Méji was revealed. The Awo told Ordnmila that there existed the quarrel and conspiracy of those of the same blood with him. The Awo explained to him that his three siblings were angry with him for all his achievements on earth. Obaldwaye was not happy that Ordnmila was blessed with financial success and not he; Esu Odara was sad that Orunmila was blessed with many spouses and not he; while Iya-mi-Osoronga was unhappy that Orunmila was blessed with many children and not her. The Awo stated further that the three of them planned to ensure that he lost everything that he had ever aquired in his life and that they were going to commence their evil plans in just two days' time. The Awo advised Orunmila to offer ebo with three roosters immediately. Orunmila complied. After this, the Awo told him to fill a basket with money and head for Obalawayeé's house to present it to him as gift. He was not to behave like he knew that. Qbalawayé was planning any evil against him, He was only to mention that he sensed that Qbaluwayé was not happy with him. After this, he was to fill another basket with money, add one of his wives to it and present it to Esu-Qdara as gift. He was to fill a third basket with money, add one of his children to it and present it to Iya-mi-Osoronga as his gift to her. He must never let any of them know that he was already aware of their evil plans against him. The next day, very early in the morning, Oranmilla carried a basket filled with money and went to Qbaluwaye’s home. When he got there, he saw Qbaluwayé on a tattered mat looking very dejected. As soon as Qbaluwayé saw him, Orunmila shouted an Tyéré song, saying: Ghbogbo owo timo nio, tire nig Gbogbo owoti mo nio, tire ni Babaol Abi owo ti mo nto lon binu si? Gbogbo ows ti mo nio, tirenio Translation All the money I have belong to you All the money belong to you Baba Olode o! (Another name of Qbaluwayé) Tsit because of my wealth that you are angry All the money belong to you 903fa Dido: An invitation to fe Consultation When Orunmilla entered the house, he prostrated to Obaluwayé. He told him that when he thought about the economic situation in the land, he felt that there was the need for him to assist Obalawayé so as to avoid a situation where Obaluwayé would be stressing himself too hard before he could feed. That was why he had brought the money for him to spend in feeding himself. The money was the biggest Qbalawayé had ever set his eyes upon throughout his stay on earth. Oranmila assured him that the money was for him alone and that many more would be coming on a regular basis as from that time henceforth. When Qbalawayé saw what Orunmila had done, he became confused. How could he drain the money from a brother who had promised to extend part of his wealth to him regularly without prompting him to do so? There and then, Obaluwayé vowed never to have a hand in the destruction of Oranmila, He told Qrunmila that as from that day henceforth, nobody could spoil his things again. Qbaluwayé vowed that anyone who planned to ruin Oranmila had him (Qbaluwaye) to contend with. Oranmila thanked him profusely and returned to his home. Next, he filled another basket with money. He called Agbéru his wife. He explained to Agbeéru that as from that day, she was going to become the wife of Esu Odara. He explained that Eso Odara needed a partner who would take care of him and bear children for him. Since Agbéra had just arrived in Oranmila's home, she had never slept with Oranmila, she had no child for Oranmila, she would be better off as Esa Odara's wife, Oranmila promised her that she would be well taken care of by Esa Odara. After long discussions, Agberu agreed to become the wife of Esu Odara. Her parents were informed accordingly. Qranmila then carried the basket filled with money and he proceeded to Esa Odara's home together with Agbéru. When they got there, Qranmila shouted the lyére song, saying Gbogbo aya ti mo nfo, tirenio Gbogboaya ti mo nio, tire ni Laaluo! Abl aya ti monio lon binu st? Gbogbo aya ti mo nio, tirenio Translation Allthe spouses that I have belong to you Allthe spouses beiong to you Laaia 0! (thatis a praise name for Esu) Isit because of my spouses that you are angry All the spouses belong to you 904Hf otra Mo Oranmila explained to Esu that it would not be a nice thing for people to see Esu going to the market, cooking for himself, washing his clothes, sweeping the house all by himself when all these could be done for him if he had a wife of his own. For this reason, he, Qrunmila had brought Agbero to be Esi's wife. He could send her to the market; she would cook food for him; she would sweep and tidy up the house; she would wash his dirty dresses; and take proper care of him. Not only this, he had also brought money to Esu Odara so that feeding and spending would not be a problem. When Esu Odara saw the basket filled with money, he was delighted. He asked Qrunmila to tell him how many people the money was meant for. He was told that the money belong to him (Esu Qdara) alone. When Qrunmila said this, Esa Odara began to think: how could someone do this and yet. be destroyed? Esv thought that it would be unfair for him to participate in the destruction of Orunmila. He therefore declared to Orunmila that as from that day, nobody would be able to ruin his things in this world. Anybody who planned to do so would have him, Ese Odara to contend with. Ordnmilla thanked him and returned home. Finally, Qranmila went to lyamis home. He filled the third basket with money and took one of his children with him. When he got there, he shouted his lyéré as before saying: Gbogbo omo ti mo nia, tire nio Ghogbo oma ti mo nio, tire ni Tyao! Abi qmoti moni olon bina si? Gbogbo omg ti mo nfo, tire nio Translation Allthe children I have belong to you Allthe children belong to you Tyao! Is it because of my children that you are angry Allthe children belong to you Qrunmila told Iyami that the situation in the land prompted him to bring one of his daughters to her to help her in her daily chores. He said that it would not be proper for her to be doing everything all by herself when he had daughters who could be of help to her. He said that he had brought her money for her to spend on feeding and other necessary things. When lya-mi-Osoronga heard that the money belonged to her alone, she was very happy. She then told Ordnmila that they had earlier planned to discipline him but now that he had remembered her, she would not participate in his downfall. Qranmila thanked her and left for his home. 905As soon as he left, lya-mi-Osoronga began to think. She was convinced that either Esu or Qbalawayé had leaked their secret to Oranmiila. She said that as a woman, she was the one people would be suspecting of leaking their secret and now it was a man who did it. After much deliberation, she concluded that it must be Obaluwayé who revealed their secret to Oranmila. Meanwhile, Qbalawayé was totally convinced that it must be Esu-Qdara who told Oranmita their plans while Esa-Qdara suspected lya-mi-Osoronga of revealing their secrets to Oranmilla. For this reason, ya-mi-Osorohga summoned an urgent meeting. When the three of them arrived at the meeting venue, they accused each other of revealing their secrets. to Orunmila. After much arguments however, they realized that Ifa must have told Oranmmita all their plans against him. They then concluded that it would be wise for them to formalty forgive Oranmila. They then sent a message to Orunmila to come and see them. When Orannmilla arrived, they told him that they had called him in order for them to formally declare to him that they held no grudge against him anymore. For this, he thanked them. They told him to go and procure three Oketé , giant rats, one for each of them. They asked him to put each one in a separate container for each of them and for him to present it to them that day. Qranmila left to go and look for the rats. When he got the rats, he prepared them as he had been instructed. He returned to meet them where they were. When he got there, he faced Qbaluwayé first and he chanted Tyeré, saying: Sonponna gb'oketee Kio ma paa'yanoo Gbogbo ow6 ti mo nio, tire ni Baba Oldde gb'oketeo Kilo ma paa'yan Gbogbo owoti mo nio, tirenio Translation Sonponna , please take Okéte , the big rat Do not take human beings Allmy money belong to you Baba Olde, please take Okete Do not take human life All my money belong to you As soonas he said this, Qbaldwayé accepted the offering and everything was settled. 906