You are on page 1of 28

SYNOPSIS

ON
THE READINGS
OF

Osa-Odi
FOR
AWO Anikinnikun Derrick Lewis

SOLAGBADE POPOOLA
Lagos, Nigeria.
August, 2007

The Names of Babalawo present at the Itenifa:


1. Chief Solagbade Popoola - Oluwo

1
2. Chief Famoriyo - Araba
3. Chief Kusiimo Awolere - Akoda
4. Chief Omoniije Banmore - Asoju Awo of Iseyin
5. Chief Ifatimileyin Rhett Lewis - Ojugbona
6. Chief Fakunle Oyesanya - Erinmi
7. Chief Fagbemi Ojo - Sokinloju
8. Sekinda Awo
9. Amore Awo
10. Jean Popoola - Iyanifa
11. Awolola Familusi - Omo Awo
12. Segun Adeyinka - Omo Awo

The synopsis is presented under the following subtitles:

1. Introduction

2
2. Pre-initiation Divination
3. Post-Initiation Divination
4. Brief History
5. Readings of the message
6. Affiliated Irunmole/Orisa
7. Possible Names
8. Possible Profession
9. Taboos

INTRODUCTION
The information you are about to receive from this reading of you Odu, which was
revealed to during Itenifa (Ifa initiation) is the workings of the dynamic forces within you,

3
which were formed by your emanation and at the point of your existence on this terrestrial
plane. Also it bothers on the cosmic forces that are spiritual and beyond your control.
The dynamic forces are your potentials, natural qualities and strength of your character to
be controlled in order to strengthen your public image and boost your popularity. Whereas
the cosmic forces or components are from Ayanmo, Akunleyan and Akunlegba. These
three components are loosely described as Destiny or Heavenly gift/virtues.
The Ayanmo is interplay to forces, which are usually divine, and in consonant with the
inventive precepts of Olodumare (The Almighty God of creation). Ayanmo of your life
cannot be changed. Once you are created with it, it remains so till the expiration of your
life on this planet earth. Ayanmo includes sex of an individual, race, family, parent,
growth, and other natural rules of which an individual must tow and obey.
Akunleyan are the virtues and values chosen in heaven consequent upon your
actions/activities in your previous evolution or existence. They are actually things chosen
by you and most of the time form your likes and dislikes or taboo.
Akunlegba are the gifts or virtues added by various Irunmole at the presence of Onibode
(celestial sentinel) in heaven or just before you emanate into the world. They are like
spices, additives, preservatives, and vehicles of propagation of Ayanmo and Akunleyan or
things that complement the Akunleyan in order to fulfill your destiny on earth.
The reading of your Odu helps to determine or reveal your talent limitations, assets,
shortcomings, possibilities and probabilities. You should use the appropriate ebo
(sacrifice) which has same polarity and magnetism to your Odu in order to discover love,
fortune health, hope, happiness, fulfillment in life and longevity.

You should also avoid such things, which may hinder your talents, or discoveries by
observing your taboos as explained to you during your Itenifa (Ifa initiation).
Pre-initiation Divination (Àdáwọgbódù)

Pre-initiation divination (Adawogbodu) is usually done before a would-be initiate enters


the Ifa grove. The essence of this divination is to reveal the present situation of things
about the person. It states further and justifies the need or necessity for the initiation.
Sometimes, a clue or hint is revealed about any unforeseen problems that may arise in

4
the course/process of initiation. Sometimes too it gives a guide or direction to be followed
or observed during the initiation.
The appropriate ebo (sacrifice) is done immediately, so that a hitch free initiation is
achieved, and to correct or amend any sad or ugly occurrences that might have beset the
would-be initiate.

Post Initiation Divination (Ìta)


Ita, in simple translation means the post initiation divination usually done on the third day
of Itenifa (Ifa Initiation). The significance of Ita is to reveal the situation of things
surrounding the initiate which may likely happen in the near future. It acts as a support to
the Odu revealed at initiation. Through this divination, a babalawo is told by Ifa if all the

5
rituals and rites of initiation had been divinely endorsed by the Irunmole and ultimately by
God.
Ita, also re-emphasises and re-validates certain messages that are sacrosanct in the
main Odu reveal at initation.
Sacrifices (ebo) are made immediately in order to engender good tidings and possibly
prevent any unhealthy occurrence that may arise in the near future.

ODU: OSA-ODI
ALIAS: OSA ‘DI

Brief History

6
Osa’di is a combination Odu comprising one leg of Osa Meji on the right and one
leg of Odi Meji on the left. It occupies 164th*position in the ranking of all 256 Odus.
Osa Odi is imprinted in four rows like this:

MESSAGES:

1. Ifa says that the person, for whom this Odu is revealed either at Ikosedaye or
Itenifa, needs to beware of the type of friends he associates with. This becomes
necessary in order to avoid being accused wrongly. Ifa says that such friends
do not have enough patience and capability to investigate matters properly
before arriving at a conclusion. Therefore, there is the tendency for them to
make wrong allegation against him.

7
There is the need however for him to offer ebo with a matured he-goat, three
pieces of kolanuts, palm oil and money. He also needs to feed Esu-Odara
as well. On this, Ifa says:

Sadi idiri
Olokuu kii fi oku sile
Dia fun Onisorun ti sale oja
Won ni ko ba won wa iya awon
Ebo ni won ni ko ya muse
Ko pe o, ona o jin
E wa ba ni lajase ogun

Translation
Sadi Idiri
The relation of a corpse will not allow the corpse to lie unattended to
This was the message of Ifa of Onisorun in the downtown
He was accused wrongly of putting into custody his friend’s mother
He was advised to offer ebo
Not too long, soon after
Come and meet us in victorious battle

Ifa says it will not allow the person for whom this Odu is revealed to suffer
underserved punishment and will also protect him from wrong accusations.

2. Ifa foresees the Ire of Wealth for the person for whom this Odu is revealed. Ifa
says that this person needs to be more active in his endeavours and avoid
unnecessary rhetorics. Ifa says that success opportunities abound which had
been provided specially for him by Ifa that are only waiting for him to catch in
on. In this wise, he needs to offer ebo with matured she-goat. This goat must
be used to serve Ifa.

8
Thereafter, success is guaranteed for this person. On this, a stanza is Osa’di
reads thus:

Osa dii awo Ile Alara


Kain-kain womu awo oke Ijero
Oku dubuule awo igbekun ona
Dia fun Orunmila
Baba yoo fi owo otun silekun ola sile
A na’wo osi si Akapo re ko mu ewure wa
Ebo ni won ko se
O gbebo, o rubo
Owindinwindin
Ire aje wa je de eyinkule awo
Owindiwindin

Translation
Osa and Odi, the resident awo of Alara
Kain-kain womu, the resident awo of Ijero land
A lying corpse on the ground has barred people from passing across
These were the awo who cast Ifa for Orunmila
When baba would open the door of wealth with his right hand
And would stretch his left hand towards
Akapo for him to bring a she-goat
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
In abundance
Aje, deity of wealth now flourish in the home of Awo

3. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed needs to offer ebo for his
children in order for them not to die prematurely and to succeed in life. Ifa says

9
that this ebo is important irrespective of the fact that the person has children
now or is yet to have any. Ifa says that the success of these children would be
so great that people will become envious of and which may result to their lives
being put in jeopardy. He however needs to offer ebo with one matured he-
goat, white clothe, red clothes and money. On this, Ifa says:

Osa dii awo ile Ala


Kain-kain womu awo oke Ijero
Dia fun Oniporo
Omo afata werewere modi nitori omo
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Oke fefe ndidi
Irunbi ko maa lo

Translation
Osa and Odi, the resident awo of Alara
Kain-kain womu, the resident awo of Ijero land
They cast Ifa for Oniporo
The one who used plenty of small peppers to make fortress because of his
children
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Up in the air I command
Go ye, all negative forces

4. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed need to uphold Ifa as his
pillar of support and solace at all times.
Ifa says that the Itenifa (Ifa Initiation), which he had done, now attests to the
fact that he is ready to uphold Ifa. Ifa says that this person will be protected
from all evils and will be adequately provided for as long as he upholds Ifa. He

10
also needs to be propitiating Ifa from time to time. The armor of Ifa is always
there to shield him from all attacks. On these, Ifa has this to say:

Sadii sadii
Dia fun Iyere
Ti nlo ree dipo ope mu
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Ope mo di o mu o
Koo ma yin mi nu
Iyere ara igi oko
Kii won danu
Enikan kii sa di orope
Ki iku o pa ni

Translation
Run for solace
This was the Ifa’s declaration to Iyere
When going to uphold the pillar of Ope, Ifa
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Ope, I hold on to you for support
Do not let me off
Iyere does not go off the tree
Nobody runs to Ope, Ifa for solace
For him to be killed prematurely

5. Ifa foresees the Ire of accomplishment for the person for whom this Odu is
revealed. Ifa says that his Egbe in heaven will always be on hand to assist him
in all his undertakings. Ifa says that as soon as his Egbe notices a downward
trend in his life, they shall always be there for him to render their support.

11
However, Ifa advises him to offer ebo, propitiate Egbe and to procure Egbe
icon.
Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall never be in want of
the good things of life including good companions. On this, Ifa says:

Osa didi ndii


Odi dada nda
Ogbele gburugudu kan Orun
Dia fun Borokini Aye
A bu fun t’Ode orun
Won niko rubo
O gbebo, o rubo
Borokini orun kii je ki taye o te
Kaka ki borokinnni aye o te
Egbe re tode orun a gbe e nija
Egbe e ma ma je ki nte o
Eniyan rere kii te boroboro

Translation
Osa didi ndii )
Odi dada nda ) aliases
Ogbele gburugudu kan Orun )
They were the awo who cast Ifa fo Borokin of the earth
And also cast for Borokin of heaven
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Borokini of heaven will not allow the one on the earth to be disgraced
Instead of the Borokini of the earth to be disgraced
The one of the heaven will assist him
My Egbe, do not let me be disgraced
A virtuous person can never be disgraced

12
6. Ifa advises the person for whom this Odu is revealed to always speak out his
problems as failure to do so may affect him adversely. Ifa says that there is a
particular ailment/problem that is affecting this person presently and which he
had kept quiet about. Ifa advises him not to be shy about reporting to those who
are really in charge of taking care of such ailment/problem. There is also the
need however to offer ebo in order to overcome this ailment with one matured
he-goat and money. He needs to feed Ifa with a she-goat and also feed the
elders of the night with four big rats and palm-oil. On these, Osa-di says
O sa dedii awo ile Alara
Kanrinkan womu awo oke Ijero
Aidun ejo nii sun molonku-molonku
Dia fun Adake-jeje ile yii
O nsogbogbo arun
O nnaju ati dide
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Eeyan kii waa dakee ku
Adake-jeje ile yii nkuu lo o

Translation
Osa dedii, the resident awo of Alara
Karinkan womu, the resident awo of Ijero land
These were the awo who cast Ifa for Adake-jeje, he-who-keeps-mute
When he was suffering from ailment
And wish he would be up and about
He was advised to offer ebo
One cannot be silent to the point of death
Adake-jeje of this household is dying

7. Ifa says that there is a particular person who needs to placate the elders of the
night. Ifa says that their dragnet has really captured him without any means of

13
escape. Ifa also advises the person for whom this Odu is revealed to offer ebo
and feed the night in order to avert falling victim of these people of the night or
to avoid a situation whereby he would fall ill and become bedridden so a long
time.
Ifa advises him to offer a ewe, 200 kolanuts, 200 bitter kola, 10 bottles of palm-
oil, big pot and money. This ewe will be sliced open, together with other
ingredients and offered the elders of the night. On these, Ifa says:

O sa dedii awo Eleye


Dia fun Eleye
O ntorun bo waye
Ebo ni won ni o se
Eeyan ni o sehun
Eeyan ni o seeyan
Eeyan o ba ti roju ojo kan
A rubo Eleye o

Translation
Osa and Odi, the awo of eleye, the night
Cast Ifa for Eleye
When coming from heaven to earth
They were advised to offer ebo
Human beings are not grateful
Human beings are the wicked
Human beings would have endured at least for a day
In order to offer ebo for the night

8. Ifa foresees victory for the person for whom this Odu is revealed. Ifa advises
this person to offer ebo in order to avert a situation of being in detention for
sometime. Ifa also advises him to beware of conduct or situation, which may

14
lead him into trouble or litigation and which may also result to being detained
and stripped off of his freedom.
Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed will be blessed with free
gift, but needs to offer ebo in order not to miss the opportunity. Ifa however
advises this person to offer ebo with a matured he-goat, a basket and
money. On these, Ifa says:
Erin sadii, erin gba asa
Efon sadii, efon fese hu poolo
Oko kan seere
Balogun Asa lo kifa fun Asa
Olumodi, akogun eye
Igbati nlo ogun alemu
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba ni laruusegun
Asa o peko bawonyi ri o
Ona lo jin

Translation
The elephant ran for solace, yet was attacked
The buffalo ran for solace, yet it fell into trap with its legs
A stone that hits its target, the chief warrior of Asa, the hawk
Cast Ifa for Asa, the hawk
The one who was the Olumodi and war general of the birds
When he was going to the war and being held captive
He was advised to offer ebo
Not too long, soon after
Come and meet us with an offering of victory
Asa does not usually stay too long in the farm
Perhaps, he has traveled far

15
In this Odu above, Asa, hawk wanted to go out for his usual hunting expedition.
He was so sure that he never went for hunting without coming back with a prey.
Due to his swiftness and accuracy in snatching his prey, he was made the
Akogun, the general in the bird kingdom. This time around, a thought just
occurred to him to go for Ifa consultation in order to find out the outcome of his
hunting expedition. Would he be able to catch his prey as usual? Would he be
able to come back home to enjoy his catch? Would he not also fall prey to other
predators? These were the questions that obsessed his mind during Ifa
consultation.

The Awo assured him that he would be able to catch his prey as usual but he
needed to offer ebo with a basket in order not to fall into detention and
subsequently not becoming a prey to other predators. Asa decided within his
mind that since Ifa had said he would catch his prey as usual that because of
his swiftness in movement and flight that nobody can catch up with him. As a
result, he refused to offer the ebo.
On the other hand, there was this particular farmer who had been advised by
Ifa to offer ebo that a free gift will soon come his way. This farmer also refused
to comply.
On the day that Asa went for hunting, he saw a beautiful and robust chicken in
the farmer’s farm. As he was about to land and pick the chicken, his wing had
tapped the basket placed on top a table beside the place where the chicken
was. Suddenly, the basket turned and covered him without any way of escape.
Seeing this, the wife of the farmer quickly rushed in and placed a big stone on
the basket. To her, this free gift will be good for supper.
Worried about the inability of Asa to return home since morning, his parent
quickly went for Ifa consultation and was told that Asa was presently in
detention. The Awo advised them to act fast and offer ebo in order to aid his
release. They complied immediately.

16
Later in the day, Onyagbe, the farmer was feeling thirsty and was looking for a
cup to drink water. He searched everywhere but could not find any. Suddenly,
he saw a covered basket and then decided to check under it; perhaps the cup
might be there. As he opened the basket, Asa swiftly flew away! The farmer
regretted that Asa escaped. Asa got home in the evening and asked people to
rejoice with him that he had just escaped danger. He narrated his experience to
them and they all rejoiced together.

9. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed will overcome his
enemies. Ifa says that the enemy of this person is the one who is close to him.
He needs not look far. In fact, the enemy is lurking behind his door and who
always spies on him and his activities. Ifa says that with appropriate ebo, the
owner of this Odu will surely overcome this enemy.
Ifa advises him to offer plenty of gin/liquor, two machetes, two roosters and
money. The gin will be offered to Ifa, and all the awo present will also take part
in the drinking of the liquor. Ifa says that the enemy will eventually be put to
shame and ridicule. On this, Ifa says:
Idi sa mi ladaa
Ada sa mi nidii
Awaja-nwaja
Dia fun Orunmila
Tifa o muti p’ota re run
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Alado Ewi nmuti o
Awaja nwaja nmuti o
Awaja nwaja

Translation

Odi has cut me with a cutlass


A cutlass has cut me in the buttocks

17
Awaja-nwaja
This was the Ifa cast for Orunmila
When he would use liquor to exterminate his enemy
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Alado of Ewi land is drinking liquor
Awaja nwaja, I’m filled with liquor
Awaja nwaja

Ifa says that the enemy of the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall meet
with untimely death and this person shall be victorious in the end.

10. Ifa foresees ire of longevity for the person for whom this Odu is revealed. Ifa is
his major Deity and will always protect him accordingly. This person, according
to this Odu emerged from the chamber of Ifa proper. Therefore, there is the
need to be close to Ifa at all times. He is also advised to offer ebo with three
roosters and money, and to propitiate Ifa with one hen. On this, Ifa says:
Ogun palaka gun yekete
Dia fun Anikin-nikin
Tii somo bibi inu Agbonniregun
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Ogun palaka gun yekete
Erigi Alo
Ifa o nii fi anikin-nikin omo re fun Iku pa

Translation
He who climbs the tree branches and feels comfortable (alias)
He cast Ifa for Anikin-nikun
The offspring of Agbonniregun (Orunmila)
He was advised to offer ebo

18
He complied
He who climbs the tree branches and feels comfortable
Erigi Alo (another alias of Orunmila)
Ifa will never allow its child to be prone to the attack of death

11. Ifa foresees ire of childbearing for a particular pregnant woman. The relatives of
this pregnant woman have become too apprehensive over the safe delivery of the
woman. Ifa says that they need not fret about this, that the woman will put to bed
without any difficulty. There is the need however to offer ebo with four rats, four
fish, two hens, her regular dress during pregnancy and money. This dress
must be burnt to ashes immediately after the ebo and the ashes to be put on Esu.
On this, Ifa says:
Osa di mokun ma weyin
Dia fun aboyun Ile-Ife
Ti yoo bi tibi-tire
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Nje oni hin-in in mi de
Oojo ti a rosu la se hin-in
Translation
Osa di mokun ma weyin (alias of Awo)
He cast Ifa for the pregnant woman of Ile-Ife
The one who would deliver without any difficulty
She was advised to offer ebo
She complied
Here comes the authority for me to have a safe delivery
The day the moon appears overhead is the day I am blessed with safe
delivery

12. Ifa says that there are certain things agitating the mind of the person for whom this
Odu is revealed. This person, according to Ifa wants quick resolution to his

19
problems. Ifa advises him to be patient that it will take three months or thereabout
to begin to have those problems solved. Some of these problems include financial
success, accomplishment, victory, business elevation, spiritual fulfillment, etc.
Ifa says that this itenifa he had done will surely be rewarding for him. However, he
is advised to offer ebo with shea butter, rooster and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ajagbajugbu isa lomode kekere nfi toju-timu de
Dia fun Igbin
Ti n lo ogun ajabo eerun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gbebo, o rubo
Nje togun ba buru
ki e ma mu iyin je
Ogun ajabo eerun kii pa igbin

Translation:
A large hole is it that a child investigate with both eyes and noses in search of
animals
This was the Ifa cast for Igbin, the Snail
When she fell into the ditch of Ants
She was advised to offer ebo
She complied
When the war is over
Do not forget to give thanks to Ifa
The threat of the presence of the ants
Will never kill the snail.

13. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall not experience
untimely death and shall always be protected by Ogun against accidents. Ifa says
that his type of profession is fraught with risk/danger but Ifa says he will overcome
it. He however needs to offer ebo and feed Ogun so that the armor of Ogun shall
continue to cover him against any mishap that may either claim or impair his life.

20
On this, Ifa says:
Osa didi
Babalawo Owu lo sefa fun Owu
Owu n lo aye ilainiku
Oun ko le ku boroboro lagbede
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gbebo, o rubo
Omo Owu kii ku sonu lagbede
Omo Owu

Translation:
Osa didi (name of Awo)
Cast Ifa for Owu, hammer
How he would not meet untimely death at the smithery?
He was advised to offer ebo
Owu complied
Hammer does not drop dead easily in blacksmith's shop

14. Ifa advises the person for whom this Odu is revealed to take proper care of his
home. Ifa says that whenever he wants to go on a journey, the only thing that
should be upper most in his mind is the well-being of his family and to ensure that
every thing is put in its proper position. Ifa foresees the tendency for this person to
embark upon certain tasks on behalf of his community or organization and which
will turn out to be successful. He however needs to offer ebo with 16 brown rats, a
matured she-goat and money. On this, Ifa says:
Osa deru kale
O ni k'Odii o wa gbe
Dia fun Eluulu
Ti nloo p'ojo wa nile Olodumare
Ebo ni won ni ko se

21
A se Eluulu to lo f'ojo wa o
Ori ara re ni yoo roo si
A ni omi de tuutuu

Translation
Osa has packed a luggage
And asked Odi to come and carry it
This was the Ifa cast for Eluulu (a kind of bird)
When going to the abode of Olodumare to plead for rainfall
He was advised to offer ebo
So the Eluulu that had gone to plead for rainfall
It is on his head that the rain will fall
He would then lament that water is abound everywhere

In the stanza above, there was drought on the earth, no rainfall for several years. As a
result, famine and pestilence became their lot. In the end, they consulted Ifa, the Awo
advised them to offer ebo and take it to Olodumare in heaven. The ebo was offered but
there was nobody who agreed to take the offering to Olodumare except Eluulu. Prior to
this, Eluulu had consulted Ifa and had been advised to first of all take proper care of his
home before embarking on any journey. Eluulu refused to offer the ebo and did not also
heed the advice of the Awo.

Eluulu then set on the journey with the offering in his hand. On getting to the abode of
Olodumare, he placed the ebo down. He then narrated his mission and the problems they
were facing on earth due to lack of rainfall. Olodumare asked him to go to the backyard
and pluck three fruits that appear cool and uninviting but must not pluck those ones that
are bright and attracting. He complied. Olodumare then instructed him to throw one of the
fruits to the ground as soon as he leaves His abode; when he gets to the midpoint
between heaven and earth, he should throw the second one to the ground; while the third
one should be thrown to the ground when he gets to his house on earth.

22
As soon as Eluulu threw the first fruit to the ground immediately after leaving the abode of
Olodumare, the cloud immediately gathered sending a signal of a heavy down pour about
to be released. When the people of the earth saw this, they became so happy that Eluulu
had actually delivered their message to Olodumare. On getting to the mid point between
heaven and earth, he struck the second one to the ground. The cloud became denser
with some growling in the sky. As soon as Eluulu saw this, he became so anxious erratic
that he threw the third one to the ground just before getting to the earth. Immediately
after, the cloud burst open and a heavy torrential rain follows with strong wind blowing the
tree foliage and branches back and forth.

By the time Eluulu got home, he had been drenched in the rain and to his surprise; the
strong wind had blown off his house. He quickly ran to some of his friends’ houses for
refuge but to his chagrin, he was barred from entering their houses. As a result, he had
no other place to hide but to go and perch on a tree and was lamenting and saying that
water was abound every where.

15. Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed should beware of friends
who may want to lure him into a precarious situation. He needs to consult Ifa
before embarking on a journey with a friend or engaging in any business deals.
Ifa advises him to offer ebo with a matured he-goat and money. Once this is
done, he shall be protected from untimely death. On this, Ifa says:
Erin sasasa
Erin f’ara kasa
O fese eyin bo poolo
Dia fun Itu
To loun yoo sinku Iya oun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gbebo, o rubo

23
Translation
The elephant flee
Yet got itself attacked with bullets
The buffalo flee
Yet got caught up with its hind legs in a dungeon trap
This was the message of Ifa for Itu, he-goat
When he wanted to do his mother’s burial
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied

In the stanza above, Itu, he-goat was worried as to how he would successfully
do the burial ceremony of his late mother. He approached the Awo: would he be
able to give his mother a befitting burial? Would he have enough means to do
this burial? These are parts of the questions agitating his mind during Ifa
consultation. The Awo assured him that all his fears and worries about his
mother’s burial shall be taken care of by Ifa. He was then advised to offer ebo
and he complied.

Soon after, Alabahun Ijapa, tortoise approached Itu that he would assist him in
procuring the big meat would be used for the occasion. He asked Itu to provide
him with honey, beads and bean cake. Alabahun Ijapa collected all these and
headed for the forest to meet with Erin, Elephant. On getting to him, Alabahun
Ijapa told him that their king had died and after wide consultation, it was
unanimously decided that Erin, elephant be made the new king. That was why
he had come to take him to ascend the throne.

While Erin was still ruminating over the message, which Alabahun Ijapa had
brought, Alabahun Ijapa dipped his hand into his pocket and bought out some
bean cakes already mixed with honey and gave to Erin. Erin ate the cakes and
wondered how Alabahun Ijapa came across them. He told Erin that that was the
usual delicacy of their king. That more of the bean cakes shall be given to him

24
when he became the king. Eventually, Erin decided to follow him unknowing
fully that he was been lured to go and kill.
On the way, Alabahun Ijapa started to sing thus:
A o merin joba
Ereku ewele

Translation
We shall install Erin as the king
All hail our king

Hearing this song, Erin became so happy and excited about this wonderful
honour about to be given to him. Having noticed that Erin had become carried
away by the song, Alabahun Ijapa would begin to sing another song thus:
Erin niwoyi ola
Alukinrijin
Esinsin ode n ta firi
Alukinrijin
Aaro gbogbo n se yagba
Alukinrijin
Eje re n se bala
Alukinrijin
Erin niwoyi ola

Translation
Erin, by this time tomorrow
Alukinrijin
House flies will fying about
All pots will be busy
Alukinrijin
Your (pronounced silently) blood will be splashing
Alukinrijin

25
Erin, by this time tomorrow

Alabahun Ijapa continued like this until he eventually brought Erin to Itu.
Immediately, everybody in the town was summoned and eventually Erin was
killed.
Ifa says that even though there may be rosy offer towards the person for whom
this Odu is revealed, he should however consult Ifa before taking any step
either to accept or reject the offer.

16. Ifa says that the owner of this Odu needs to offer ebo against adversities
especially about his wife inability to conceive or constant miscarriage. Ifa then
advice the wife of this person not to undertake any strenuous work that may
adversely affect her pregnancy. This according to Ifa may create a lot of
problems for the wife and especially the husband. Therefore, there is the need
to offer ebo with one matured he goat and money. On this, Ifa says:

O sa mo nidii gbura
Kan n kan womu womu
Dia fun Etu
Tii se obinrin ibon
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
Nje ki tinu o ma baje o
Ki tile o ma sofo danu

Translation
O sa’mo nidii gbura
Kan n kan womu-womu
These were the Awos who cast Ifa for Etu, the Gun powder
The wife of the Gun
She was advised to offer ebo
So that the ones inside would not spoil and spill out

26
And the ones on the ground would not go into waste and get lost

Affiliated Irunmole/Orisa
Ifa
Ori
Esu Odara
Egbe
Ogun

Possible Names
1. Anikinnikun
2. Olu

Possible Profession
1. Babalawo
2. Electrical Engineering
3. Metallurgy/Metal work

27
4. Any other job relating to reasoning and intellect

Taboos
1. Not to eat chicken
2. Not to eat snails
3. Not to eat elephant
4. Not to eat buffalo
5. Not keep pigeons as pets
6. Not to take rash decisions
7. Not to embark on a journey without taking care of home
8. Not to jump at any offer no matter how juicy it looks

Aboru Aboye.

28

You might also like