SYNOPSIS

ON
THE READINGS
OF

Irete-Okanran
FOR
(Ifasola Amukinro)

Lagos, Nigeria.
January, 2008

Brief History
Irete-Okanran is a combination Odu comprising one leg of Irete Meji on the right and one leg of
Okanran Meji on the left. It occupies 164th*position in the ranking of all 256 Odus.

Irete-Okanran is imprinted in four rows like this:

II I
II I
II II
I I
 Irete okanran

MESSAGES:

1. Ifa foresees ire of wealth for you. You shall move from poverty to affluence and however, you
will need to offer ebo with one bundle of white cloth and money. A pouch will be made from
the white cloth, it is in this pouch that the ebo will be offered. Consequently, your success
will bloom and thereafter become wealthy. On this, Ifa says;

Gegelete sangele
Dia fun Siji
Ti nlo oko ode
Gegelete sangele
Dia fun Bonna
Bonna nlo oko ode
Eyi ti yoo maa lo seru u Siji
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Bonna nikan lo nbe leyin to nsebo
Beru ba lowo, beru lowo
A soro, a jomo lo

Translation:

Gegelete sangele
He cast Ifa for siji
When going on hunting mission
Gegelete sangele
He cast ifa for Bonna
When going on hunting mission
Who is acting as Siji’s slave
They were advised to offer ebo
Only Bonna complied
Behold, if a slave is wealthy
He would perform better than any freeborn

2. This stanza in Irete-Okanran advises you to always show appreciation and give thanks to Ifa.
By so doing, you will be abundantly rewarded by Ifa. You are however advised to offer ebo
with 2 roosters, 2 hens and money. You also need to propitiate Ifa with one hen. On this,
Ifa says;

Ope agunda nii foju jo agba

Dia fun Okere
Ti yoo maa fohun gbogbo dupe lowo Ifa
Ifa mo dupe o
Ifa se mi loore seseese

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 Irete okanran
Mo dupe

Translation:

A palm tree stump resembles a musical drum

Cast Ifa for Okere, the squirrel
The one who will be giving thanks to Ifa always
Ifa, I thank you
Ifa has blessed me abundantly
I give thanks

3. There is the need for you to offer ebo for victory and longevity. According to this stanza, there
are some negative principalities that may be threatening your life. The major ones are death
(iku) and ailments (arun). In this wise, you are advised to offer ebo with a matured he-
goat, 2 bottles of palm oil, a drum and money. This drum will be made specially, for that
purpose. While the ebo is going on, the drum will be beaten until it tears. After the ebo, the
drum will be used to cover Esu. There and then, all these principalities will flee. On this, Ifa
says;

Atiiri oju agba

Dia fun Cornmeal
Ifa n loo kan’ranye iku se
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
A kan’ranye iku se a o ku mo
Atiiri oju agba

Translation

Atiiri oju agba (alias of an Awo)

He cast Ifa for Orunmila
When going to make a drum in order to drive iku, death away
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
We have used drum to drive away death
And we will die no more
Atiiri oju agba

4. Ifa foresees victory over adversaries and longevity for you, your spouse and your children. To
achieve this, you need to inquire from Ifa what you will need to propitiate Ifa with. Once this
is done, Ifa will take personal responsibility for your protection and your family. On this, Ifa
says;

Sajeje Awo Oritule

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 Irete okanran
Dia fun Oritule
Tii s’obinrin Oke
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Oke o ku
Oritule naa o ku
Ati gbo’ku Awo a doran sikin lorun

Translation

Sajeje is the Awo of Oritule

Cast Ifa for Oritule
The wife of Oke
She was advised to offer ebo
She complied
Behold! Oke did not die untimely
Oritule too did not die prematurely
The death of Awo is a matter of concern to Ikin (Ifa)

5. Ifa advises you to be more enterprising and productive in order to have financial wherewithal
to execute all your plans. Ifa says that without money, there is virtually nothing that one can
influence or have control over. If there is no money, it will be difficult to have full control
over one’s wife and even one’s children. One’s intelligent amount to nothing when there is no
financial wherewithal to translate it into physical action.

However, Ifa advises you to offer ebo and propitiate Aje in order to aid and increase your
success chances. The ebo materials include pigeon, unsalted bean fritters, honey and
money. On this, Ifa says;

Ebi pipa nii banuuje

Inu aidun nii mese e sina
Eni aigbon pa lo po
Eni ogbon pa o to nkan
Dia fun Aje
Nijo Aje ntorun bow aye
Won ni ko rubo
O gb’ebo, o rubo
Nje ti a ba lowo lowo
Omo olomo, aya alaya, ogbon ologbon ni o
Olowo ni Labumo tii bole aye

Translation

Hunger makes one sad

Unhappiness leads one to derail from one’s path
Those who die foolish deaths are in multitude

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 Irete okanran
Those who lost their lives because of their wisdom are few in number
These were Ifa’s declarations to Aje
When coming from heaven to earth
She was advised to offer ebo
She complied
Behold! If we have children, spouse and wisdom
But have no money
The children, spouse and wisdom belong to other people
The rich is the one who influenced and controls the world

6. Ifa says that you are planning to possess certain things, which according to Ifa will be possible.
Ifa advises you to offer ebo in this regard. On the other hand, you also need to offer ebo so
that you are not dispossessed of your possession permanently. The ebo material is a matured
he-goat and money. On this, Ifa says;

Agbe finka Awo Agbefinka

Agbefi ere Awo Agbefiere
Keere-keere-keere
Dia fun Orunmila
Ti nlo ree gba obinrin agbe lagbagbe
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Oko yii, isu yii, ohun ogbin yii ni nba ro tan
Ki n too le b’Awo ja
Keere-keere-keere
Agbe o roju a gbo temi o

Translation

Agbefinka is the Awo of Agbefinka

Agbefiere is the Awo of Agbefiere
Keere-keere-keere
These were Ifa’s declarations to Cornmeal
When going to take the woman of the farmer
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Until I finished these farming activities
I cannot confront the Awo
Keere-keere-keere
The farmer is not favorably disposed to attend to me

7. Ifa reiterates further in this stanza on the need for you to offer ebo against the onslaught
of negative principalities. Ifa says that the ebo must be offered for all important parts of
your house in order to prevent the intrusion of these principalities into your house. These
important parts include pillars, forked prong in the roof and cross bar beams.

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 Irete okanran
For this, you need to offer a matured he-goat and money for the ebo. On this, Ifa says;

Kike owo yowo

Aike owo yowo
Dia fun Olofin
Nitori Opo ilee re
Dia fun Olofin
Nitori Ekute ilee re
Dia fun Olofin
Nitori Egbara ilee re
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Opo se o
Ekutee ye
A ti b’Egbara nibule

Translation

Kike owo yowo

Aike owo yowo
This was the Ifa cast for Olofin
Because of the pillar in his house
Also cast Ifa for Olofin
Because of the forked prong in his house
Same was also cast for Olofin
Because of the cross bar beam of his house
He was advised to offer ebo
Alas! The pillar has broken
The forked prong in the roof has collapsed
We have also found the cross-bar beam lying on the floor.

8. Ifa advocates trust and understanding between you and your wife. Ifa says that you should not
misconstrue the actions of your wife as being promiscuous or infidel. Ifa cautions you against
taking any drastic or irrational action against your spouse based on mere suspicion so that the
action does not boomerang and affect you adversely. According to this stanza, your spouse
has bee faithful to you and does not have any intention of practicing infidelity. On this, Ifa
says;

Ikonkoso tidi bogbe

O leju kokooko soloko
Dia fun Baale Agbeyawo
Eyi to ni Iyawo oun ndoko
Won ni ko waa rubo
Ko rubo
Iworo sope
Eni gbebo nibe ko sebo

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 Irete okanran
Translation

Ikonkoso tidi bogbe

It frowns towards the owner of the farm
Cast Ifa for Baale Agbeyawo
The one that accuses his wife of infidelity
He was advised to offer ebo
He refused
All adherents of Ope
Whoever is advised should comply

9. Ifa advises that ebo should be offered for a particular child already in the womb of its mother.
Ifa says that the pregnant woman is infected with terrible ailments, which can affect the life of
that baby in the womb. Ifa however advises that proper medical attention must be taken at
curing the woman’s ailment for the sake of the baby. Also, there is the need to offer ebo and
special Ifa preparations to be made for such woman. The ebo materials include one she-goat,
one he-goat, Ifa herbs and money. On this, Ifa says;

Bikun n wadi, emi o nii jo

B’Irete n Kanran, emi o nii mi
Dia fun Olofin
Eyi omo abapo arun nikun
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O ko, ko rubo
Ero Ipo, ero Ofa
Eyin o ri apo arun tin be nikun
Ti n pomo je

Translation

If the squirrel is burrowing a wall, I will not dance

If Irete is digging a large ditch, I will not be bothered
These were Ifa’s messages for Olofin
The offspring of she-with-the sack of ailment in her womb
He was advised to offer ebo
He refused
Travelers to Ipo and Ofa town
Did you not see the sack of ailments that caused the death of the baby?

10. Ifa advises you not to take the issue of propitiating your Ori with levity in order for your Ori
not to work against you. Ifa says that there is a particular short and tight fitted dress
that is on the hanger in your house, the dress resembles a waist-coat (chaleco). This
dress will be added to the ebo materials. You also need to propitiate your Ori with
whatever Ifa dictates for you. On this, Ifa says;

Aso penpe, o wa leekan

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 Irete okanran
Dia fun Bori-ni-nse-won
Won a leeyan ni nsawon
Bori ban se won
Won a leeyan ni, eeyan
Bedaa ban se won o
Won a ni eeyan ni nsawon
Eeeyan o

Translation

A short dress is on the hanger

This was the cast for Bori-ni-nse-won (if their Ori is working against them)
They will accuse fellow humans for their misfortune
If their Ori is working at cross purposes with their destiny
The accusing fingers will be pointed to other humans
Yes, human beings.

11. Ifa says that there are certain opportunities around you that can lead to huge success and
prosperity for you. Ifa says there is somewhere you intend to go and planning to do
something/business there. Ifa says that you shall succeed abundantly.

Ifa advises you to seize this opportunity and make the best out of it, in the end, you shall
be prosperous and well established here on earth. Ifa advises you to offer ebo with a lot of
money. On this, Ifa says;

Ona to taara maya

Dia fun igba irungbin
Won n torun bo wale aye
Won n lo ree tunle aye se
Ebo ni won ni ki won se
Won gb’ebo, won rubo
Nje igba irungbin to ntorun bo wale aye
Owo, owo ni gbogbo won

Translation

A straight and unbending road (Alias of an Awo)

Cast Fiat for 200 seedlings
When coming from heaven to earth
They were going to make better
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
The 200 seedlings that were coming from heaven to earth
Money, yes money they all become

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 Irete okanran
12. Ifa says that there is a particular person who is in a highly influential position and is also
wealthy that you are dealing with. Ifa says that as influential as he is, he still respects
your opinion that he has found useful and indispensable. However, Ifa advises you to
offer ebo so that through this person, you shall become prosperous. You also need to
propitiate Ifa as well, so that ifa can assist you in making everything work in your favour.
The ebo materials include 4 rats, 4 fish, 2 hens and money. On this, Ifa says;
Ikan o so
Afeemojo o wa’ran
Igba ti ikan o so
Ti Afeemojo o wa’ran
Ilepa dodo se daarin igbe
Dia fun Titilare
Tii sawo Oba lalade Oyo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Oba o ri Titilare, Oba o s’aye
Ase ba o ri Titilare, Awo Oba

Translation

Termites did not mould its hill

Afeemojo (a kind of rat) did not burrow
When termites did not mould its hill
And Afeemojo did not burrow
How come a dug-up soil is noticed in the forest?
These were Ifa’s declarations to Titilare
The Awo of the King of Oyo town
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
When the King does not see Titilare
The King cannot rule successfully
So if we cannot see Titilare around, the Awo of the King

13. Ifa foresees ire of longevity for you. Irete-Okanran says that Ifa will protect you from the
hands of death. However, there is the need for you to offer ebo and propitiate Ifa in
order to protect you against any form of incident that may impair your life. The ebo
materials include one he-goat, 3 roosters and money. You also need to inquire from
Ifa what you will use to propitiate Ifa. On this, Ifa says;

Iji ti mo ji, mo gbo poro agogo lojude iporo

Mo gbo kegekege aran lojude Ikengan
Dia fun Orunmila
Ti n loo gba Bankegan lowo iku
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo

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 Irete okanran
Nje talo to nii gba ti n gbani
Afede-feyo, Ifa lo to nii gba ti n gba’ni

Translation

When I woke up, I heard the sound of gong in the frontage of Iporo
I also heard the beating of Aran drum in the frontage of Ikengan
These were the messages of Ifa for Orunmila
When going to remove Bankegan from the hands of death
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Who is it that worthy of protecting one
Afede-feyo, ifa is the only one worthy of protecting people from the hands of
death

14. Ifa foresees ire of follower-ship for you. Ifa says that people will love and move close to
you. As a result, you will have a lot of followers who will always treat you with respect.

However, you need to offer ebo with all edible fruits (fruta comestible), 4 pigeons, 4
guinea fowls and money. On this, Ifa says;

Otootoo too
Orooroo ro
Otooto laa j’epa
Otooto laa je imumu
Lotoloto laa s’olu etutu senu
Dia fun igba irugbin
Won ntorun bo wale aye
Ebo ni won ni ki won waa se
Won gb’ebo, won ru’bo
Oroo won wa bere sii dun
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba wa ni jebutu ire

Translation

Otootoo too
Orooroo ro
Separately we consume ground nut
Separately we consume monkey nuts
And differently do we put mushroom in our mouths
These were the ifa cast for 200 seeds
When coming from heaven to earth
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Their undertakings became successful and they were happy thereafter

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 Irete okanran
Not too long, soon after
Come and meet us in the midst of abundant ire

15. Ifa foresees ire for you and your spouse. Ifa says that you belong to a particular
association/group that is different from Ifa. Ifa advises you to introduce your spouse and
even your children to such group. Ifa says that you shall both be dignified and respected.
In this wise, you need to offer ebo with a matured he-goat and money. On this, Ifa says;

Lakanlaka too robo-toorobo

Dia fun Orunmila
Baba nlo ree wo leedi loganjo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Nje ile ti a jo nwo
Awogbo ma ni o
Ile ti a jo nwo
Awoto ma ni o

Translation

Lakanlaka too robo-toorobo (alias of an Awo)

He cast Ifa for Orunmila
When he was going to enter Iledi (Ogboni grove) in the midnight
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
The house that we enter together
It is for longevity
The house that we enter together
It is for vitality

16. Ifa says that all your tribulations and sorrow that you might have experienced soon will be a
thing of the past. What you need to do is to offer a she-goat and 3 bottles of palm oil as
ebo. According to this stanza, the presiding Babalawo must not slaughter the she-goat
during the sacrifice. The she-goat will be taken home by the Babalawo.

Ifa also advises you to offer ebo so that your child will not die prematurely. Ifa says
that once the ebo is offered, all evil, sorrow and tribulations being experienced will
be wiped out by Olodumare himself. And you shall no longer experience tribulations
anymore. On this, Ifa says;

Eji woowo, ori woowo

Dia fun Akalamagbo
Ti yoo rojo nile aye
Ti yoo jare orun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo

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 Irete okanran
Ero Ipo, ero Ofa
E wa ba ni laruuse ogun

Translation

Eji woowo, ori woowo (name of an Awo)

Cast Ifa for Akalamagbo
The one that narrate his side of the story on earth
And would be vindicated by the heavens
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Travelers to Ipo and Ofa towns
Come and meet us in a successful offering for all-round success

17. Ifa advises you to offer ebo against the onslaught (ataque violento) of the negative forces,
especially the Elders of the night. Ifa also advises you against taking any action that
may lead to confrontation with the Elders of the night. In order to avert their onslaught,
there is the need for you to offer ebo with three roosters, three hens, three bottles of
palm-oil, and money. You also need to offer ipese for the Elders of the night with two
big rats, 20 kolanuts, 20 bitter kola and palm oil. On this, Ifa says:

Irete kanlu Awo ile Onifeeji

Dia fun won nile e Liki
Nijo ajogun eleye ka won mole pitipiti
Ebo ni won ni ki won se
Won gb’ebo, won ru’bo
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba ni laruuse ogun

Translation

Irete kanlu, the resident Awo of Onifeeji household

He cast Ifa for the inhabitants of Liki land
When they were attacked by the negative forces
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Not too long, soon after
Come and meet us in triumphant offering

18. Ifa advises you to offer ebo for victory. Ifa says that you are about to embark upon a task or
journey which may prove difficult to achieve. Ifa advises you to offer ebo in order to
be able to accomplish such task/journey. There is also the need for you to propitiate
Ogun with a dog and he-goat. The ebo materials include 3 roosters, 3 hens and money.
On this, Ifa says:

Irete kanlu Awo ile Onifeeji

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 Irete okanran
Dia fun Ogun onija oole
Ejemu oluwonran
Otele girigiri rebi ija
Igbati n gbogun lo ilu Ejigbomekun
Eseji
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Ko si Orisa to le pe t’Ogun o si
Ogun koo b’owo fun mi l’oko l’odo

Translation

Irete kanlu, the resident Awo of Onifeeji

He cast Ifa for Ogun onija oole
Ejemu olumonran
The one that marches forcefully to the battle front
When he was waging war against the
Land of Ejigbomekun Esegi
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
There is no divinity that can ignore Ogun
Ogun, please spread your armor of protection over me at the farm and the stream

19. Ifa says that there is a particular woman very close to you who is longing for the fruit of the
womb. Ifa advises such a woman to offer ebo and propitiate Osun in order to receive the
blessing of the fruit of the womb. The materials for ebo include 2 adie agada (the hen
with its wings and legs tied), 2 pigeons, fried bean cake, yanrin vegetable, tete
vegetable, prawn, ebolo vegetable, roasted meat and money. On this, ifa says:

Kike owo n o yowo

Aike owo n o yowo
Dia fun Iworo Orisa
Ti n tori omo ree da’de
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
E ki yeye e mi o, afide re’mo
Yeye e mi o, afide re’mo

Translation

Kike owo n o yowo names of Awo

Aike owo n o yowo
They cast Ifa for Orisa high priest
Who went to feed the brass ornaments of
Osun because of child bearing
She was advised to offer ebo

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She complied
Let’s praise my mother, the one who uses
Brass ornaments to placate her children.

20. Ifa assures you of its support and assistance in attaining your heart’s desires, more so
that you have undergone Itenifa. Ifa advocates your total commitment and devotion
to the service of Ifa and humanity. Ifa will in turn provide you with divine blessing,
which will bring forth success and prosperity to you. You are however advised to offer
ebo for Ifa’s support and blessings and always propitiate Ifa at all times. The ebo
materials include 4 roosters, 4 hens, native white chalk, camwood, hoe (azadon),
cutlass (daga o machete o espada curva) and money. On this, Ifa says:

Irete kanlu Awo, ile Onifeeji

Ojumo mo, mo gb’owo o temi
Dia fun Orunmila
Yoo f’owo irukere le gbogbo
Omo re lowo
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Owo irukere l’awa nse e la nile e wa

Translation

Irete kanlu (okanran), the resident Awo of Onifeeji household

The day has dawned for me to embark upon my business
This was the Ifa cast for Orunmila
When he handed over the business
Of irukere (Ifa spiritual job) to all his children
He was advised to offer ebo
Ifa spiritual job is what we engage in our household that makes us prosperous

21. Ifa advises you to always show appreciation for any good deed or kindness shown towards
you. Ifa warns you against any show of ingratitude to those who have at one time or the
other rendered help to you in order not to suffer unpleasant consequences. On the other
hand, Ifa says that those who conspire against you in a bid to repay your good deed with
evil will meet their waterloo. Ifa says that any act of ingratitude either on your part or on
the part of your detractors will not go unpunished. The only alternative is for one to desist
from such act and offer the following materials for ebo: three roasters, three he goats
and money. On this, Ifa says:

Adegbo o sa’gi
Atona sa yepe
Dia fun Atiro,
Ti nsawo lo s’ode Ogele
Ebo ni won ni o waa se
Nje Ogele, ka sai kun kan odo,
Ogele,

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Ogele, kasai tu kan’ do, ogele

Translation

To enter the forest and use the cutlass to strike the tree for one to be noticed
To gather the sand on the road in order to imprint Odu Ifa
These were Ifa’s declarations to Atiro
When going on spiritual expedition to the land of Ogele
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied

22. Ifa foresees ire of longevity for you. Ifa says that attempts are being made on your life by
those whom you thought are your friends, but unfortunately, they are enemies. Ifa
however warns you to beware of your movements, especially when it comes to changing
your place of abode. Ifa says that all the evil plans of the enemies shall come to naught
and your life shall be spared. You are however advised to offer ebo with a matured he
goat and money. On this:

Kagba-kagba karan-karan
Dia fun Olofin
Ti won nf’ojo iku re da ireni piiti
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba ni laruuse ogun

Translation

Kagba-kagba karan-karan
He cast Ifa for Olofin
The one whose days on earth are being numbered
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Soon after
Come and join us where we triumph with the aid of ebo

23. Ifa says that there is a particular pregnant woman who has been blessed for safe delivery. Ifa
says that the child in her womb is destined to be counted among the movers and shakers
of the society. Therefore, the woman is advised to offer an all-encompassing ebo (ebo
para todo o que abarque todo). On this, Ifa says:

Ikun o so
Afe o w’aran
Ilepa dodo se daarin igbe
Dia fun Kobi
Ti nlo ile Oyo loo s’aremo f’oba

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Ebo ni won ni o waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Riru ebo nii gbe’ni
Airu kii gbeniyan
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba ni ni jebutu ire

Translation

The squirrel does not burrow the soil

Afe (a kind of rat) does not dig the ground
How come that fresh soil is noticed in the forest?
This was the declaration of Ifa to Kobi
When going to Oyo town to become the crown Prince
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Compliance to the advice is supportive
Non-compliance is not
Not too long and soon after
Come and meet us in abundant ire

24. Ifa says that you need to beware of a situation where your belongings (pertenencias) will be
subjected to incessant pilfering (robos constantes). In this wise, you are advised to offer
ebo against such an incident with 3 roosters and money. On this, Ifa says:

Ona to taara ma ya
Dia fun Igba Esinsin
Eyi ti o ni ri igba egbo loju
Ebo ni won ni o se
O gbebo, o rubo

Translation

A straight and unbending road (alias of an Awo)

Cast Ifa for 200 houseflies
That cannot sight a sore without perching on it
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied

25. Ifa says that it foresees ire of all good things of life for you. This ire, according to this Odu
lies at the feet of Obatala. Therefore, there is the need for you to be more devoted to
Obatala, propitiate him with 16 snails and make a light for Obatala for seven days. By
so doing, all the great things of life shall be yours and your life shall be blissful. On this,
Ifa says:

Ka ba ninu igbo bii wipe enikan

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Ko ri ni
Ka lugbin meji-meji f’Oosa
Nitori ko baa le dun
Nitori ko baa le yon ‘ni
Ka m’agogo meji-meji ka fi b’abe aso
To ba kan’ra won
A maa ro kangogo-kangogo
Dia fun Adimu
Omo atanna ire f’Oosa riwa
Ebo ni won ni o waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Adimu ntanna sile
Adimu n tanna sona
Ina rere l’Adimu-n tan

Translation

To crouch in the forest in a way that looks like we are out of sight
To beat Igbin drum twice for Orisa in a way to make it sound pleasantly
And to give us satisfaction
To conceal two gongs under the garment
If they touch each other
They will make a rhythmic sound
These were Ifa’s declarations to Adimu
The one that would kindle a light for Obatala in order to actualize his destiny
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Adimu has kindled light inside
And has kindled light on the road
It is the light of success that Adimu has kindled.

26. Ifa foresees ire of childbearing for you. What this means in essence is that you will be blessed
with a child (boy) who will grow up to be strong and courageous. Ifa says that such child,
when grown up, will be prominent and well respected in the society. Ifa says that if you
already have a son, you can inquire from Ifa if he is the one Ifa is referring to. However,
there is the need for you to offer ebo with four pigeons, four hens, four roosters, plenty
bitter kola and money. You also need to propitiate Sango. On this, ifa says:

Igi nlanla subu, ilepa a ree too

Dia fun omo-lile (Sango)
Ti ntorun bo waye
Ebo ni won ni o waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Ko pe, ko jinna,
E wa ba ni ni jebutu ire

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 Irete okanran
Translation

A big tree falls and the red sand under its root accompanied it (alias of Awo)
He cast Ifa for Omo-lile (Sango)
When coming from heaven to earth
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Not too long, soon after
Come and join us in abundant ire

27. Ifa says that there is a particular woman who is looking on to God for the fruit of the womb.
He says that this woman had already lost hope of having a child that would succeed her
and of whom she will bequeath her belonging to whenever she dies. Ifa assures her not to
despair, she should be hopeful that her prayers shall be answered. However, there is the
need for her to offer ebo with a mother hen, eight snails and money. She also needs to
propitiate Ifa and Obatala with snails. On this, Ifa says:

Okanran o kagba
Dia fun Bamgbala, omo Orisa
Igba to nmomi oju sungbere omo
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Nje tani yoo bami gb’alaa temi
Omo eni, kasai ba ni gb’ala

Translation

Okanran o kagba (Name of Awo)

He cast ifa for Bamgbala, the child of Orisa
When she was lamenting her inability to bear a child
She was advised to offer ebo
She complied
Who will help carry on my legacy
One’s child will surely carry on one’s legacy

28. Ifa advises you to offer ebo against ailment of the stomach and internal organs. Ifa says
that this ailment is such that may lead to the swelling of the stomach and may cause
discomfort. However, you are advised to offer ebo in order to avert this ailment with a
matured he goat and money. All the internal organs of the he-goat will be offered to the
Elders of the Night. On this, Ifa says:

Irete ni nlaran lodo

Enikan o gbo
Dia fun Afiyede
Won ni ko rubo nitori arun inu
Bi irete ba nyaran bi ko yaran

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 Irete okanran
E wo inu Afiyede bo se wu tutu

Translation

Irete beats aran drum at the stream

But it is to nobody’s hearing
This was the ifa’s message for Afiyede
She was advised to offer ebo against internal organs ailment
If irete beats aran drum or not
Let’s behold the swollen stomach of Afiyede

29. Ifa advises you to be more devoted to Obatala so that he can assist you in shaping your
life for the better. Ifa says that Obatala is one of your principal affiliated Irunmole that
you need to be propitiating at all times. By so doing, Obatala will open the door of
opportunities for you to achieve your heart’s desires. However, you need to inquire from
ifa what will be needed to propitiate Obatala. On this, Ifa says:

Irete nkagba
Irete n karan
Dia fun Oosanla Oseeremagbo
Eyi to nlo ree daja omo werere
Ebo ni won ni o waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Nje eru wa ni o, atakoriko yeepa
Baba igbo, yeepa baba Igbo
Ewo ohun t’Obalala bun mi
Nkan rigisa

Translation

Irete nkagba Names of

Irete nkaran Awo
They cast ifa for Oosanla Oseeremagbo
When going to create child bearing opportunities
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Your subjects pay homage
Baba igbo (Obatala)
Come and behold what Obatala has given to me as gift
Something big and special

30. Ifa says that you need to be more concerned in skill acquisition and knowledge and be
more dedicated to ifa. Ifa says that you will be elevated to exalted position and all
your adversities shall be a thing of past. Ifa however advises you to offer ebo with two
rats, two fish, she-goat. There is also the need to propitiate ifa as well. On this, Ifa says:

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 Irete okanran
Ajangila awo ikogbusi
Dia fun Eleju lese idoko
Omo ode tii to awo
Nijo ti n be laarin iponju
Won ni o rubo
Odun yii l’odun ola re pe
B’eru ba kofa
A soro, a si domo
B’omo ba kofa
A joye, a si doba

Translation

Ajangila, the Awo of ikogbusi cast ifa for Eleju lese idoko
The offspring of a hunter who wraps leather on himself
When he was in the midst of adversities
He was advised to offer ebo
That year is his year of prosperity
He complied
When a slave learns and become knowledgeable in ifa,
He becomes recognized and well respected among the freeborn
When a freeborn learns ifa
He will be bestowed with a title and become a king

31. Ifa advises you to offer ebo in order to avert illness that may render you to become bedridden
(contra enfermedad que te tenga en cama y que todolo que hayas hecho no haya dado
resultado). Ifa says that you should always take cognizance of the maintenance of sound
health. Ifa advises you to offer ebo with one matured he-goat, your dress, a drum and
money. Ifa says that the drum will be beaten during the process of offering the ebo until
the drum tears (haga pedazos o se rasgue). Ifa says that you will enjoy sound health. On
this, Ifa says:

Awo felefele oju agba

Dia fun Olofin
A s’aran ma dide
Nijo ti nsogboogbo arun
Ti ntara kaka ati dide
Ebo ni won ni o waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Nigba ti irete nsaran
Ara nse Olofin lagbala ni
Igba irete nyaran
Ara Olofin wa le koko

Translation
Awo felefele oju agba (Name of Awo)

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 Irete okanran
He cast ifa for Olofin
The one who makes a drum while in sickness
He was suffering in ailments
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
When Irete was making the drum
Olofin was sick and bedridden
But when Olofin tore the drum
Olofin became hale and hearty

32. Ifa says that you have a high propensity to succeed but there is the need for you to offer
ebo against loss of material possession. You are also advised to be very careful in order to
avoid anything that may lead to fire outbreak, which may cause the loss of your
possession. However, you need to offer a matured he-goat, palm-oil (the left over) and
money. You also need to propitiate Esu with a rooster and to propitiate ifa. On this, Ifa
says:

Ka gbele birikiti ka fi ke ‘fa

O wale koto koto mu se ase
Awo Aayan lo difa fun Aayan
Di a fun Alaamu
Dia fun Ekute
Dia fun Eera-o-dagba tii se omo ikeyin won
Nijo to awon mereerin nsawo lo sile Olofin
Won ni odun yii l’odun ola Olofin pe
Aayan ni ki Olofin fi ade ori re rubo
Alaamu ni ki Olofin fi ileke orun re rubo
Ekute ni ki Olofin fi aso ara re rubo
Eera ni bi Olofin rubo aje bi ko rubo Aje
Yoo l’aje
Sugbon ko rubo ofo
Epo ajeku ile e re lebo
O gbebo, o rubo
Won ni eyin o mo pe Eera o dagba lo kere
Ifa o kere lorun

Translation

Let us sweep the floor clean in order to befit ifa (Alias)

He who digs the ground to start a building foundation (Alias)
They were one Awo who cast ifa for Aayan, the Cockroach
They cast ifa for Alaamu, the Lizard
They cast ifa for Ekute, the Rat
And also cast ifa for Eera o dagba, the Ant
Who was the last of them all
When these four Awo were going on

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 Irete okanran
Spiritual expedition to the palace of Olofin
They told Olofin that this year was his year of prosperity
Aayan advised Olofin to offer ebo with his crown
Alaamu advised Olofin to offer ebo with his royal beads
Ekute advised Olofin to offer ebo with his royal clothes
Eera says that Olofin will be prosperous whether he offers ebo or not
But advised him to offer ebo against loss
That the left over palm-oil in his house is the material for ebo
He complied
They declared that although Eera o dagba is small and insignificant
Ifa is not without its greatness in heaven
Certainty ifa is not insignificant.

In the stanza above, Olofin did not regard Eera-o-dagba’s advice as significant because of what
he advised him to procure for ebo. All the other three Awo requested for greater materials such as
crown, beads and clothes but Eera-o-dagba only requested for left over palm-oil. While the ebo
was going on, a fire outbreak occurred somewhere within Olofin’s palace. It resulted to a terrible
inferno which engulfed even Aayan, Alaamu and Ekute. Olofin was rescued and he survived the
incident. Eera-o-dagba also managed to escape unhurt. When Olofin saw all these, he regretted
ever regarding Eera-o-dagba’s advice as insignificant. He then declared that even though Eera-o-
dagba is small but his knowledge in ifa is great and significant.

Affiliated Orisa/Irunmole of Irete-Okanran

1. Ifa
2. Odu
3. Ori
4. Esu Odara
5. Obatala
6. Ogun
7. Osun
8. Sango
9. Egbe
10. Egungun

Taboos

1. Must avoid going into confrontation with the Elders of the night.
2. Must not engage in any profession that requires soil excavation
3. Must never conspire against others
4. Must not wear red, black and multi-coloured dresses
5. Must never underestimate anyone, no matter how insignificant such person may look
6. Must never pay goodness with evil or ingratitude
7. Must never consume palm wine

Possible Names Of Irete Okanran

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 Irete okanran

1. Fagbamila
2. Bamgbala
3. Fadamilare

The possible professions for Irete-Okanran children are:

1. Priesthood
2. Legal Practitioner
3. Medical
4. Military
5. Public relation
6. Building and construction work

ABORU ABOYE

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