Eriwo Ya!!!
In the name of Olodumare, Orunmila and all other Orisa, we greet everybody throughout the globe. We also extend the greetings of Araba Agbaye/Olu-Isese, Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni (the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Araba/Oluwo, the Pillar of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR)) to you all in this season of the World Ifa Festival. With the combined efforts of Board of Ethics and Scripture and the Council of Elders of ICIR, we the members of Publication Committee of the Oke-Itase 2022/2023 Organising Committee set up by the International Council for Ifa Religion are hereby presenting verses of the Ifa of the year recited with inspiration by the priests on the mat in the early hours of Sunday, 5th June, 2022, which stands as the first day of the year in Ifa calendar system. The Odu Ifa that came out for this year is ODI-OFUN (ODI on the right, OFUN on the left). The Odu came with Ibi Iku (Death) and to prevent this, ebo is recommended. Ifa Priests from Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Republic of Togo, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Panama, Britain, Switzerland, Ghana and Sweden made their contributions. The verses of Odi-Ofun recited with their narratives are below:
1. Victory:
Ifa says this year, the rulers and all people should take protection of lives and properties more serious. This year will be full of challenges for communities and individuals. We should make ebo to overcome the challenges. External attackers will stand against communities while enemies will stand against individuals. Ebo must be done by communities and individuals to overcome the attackers and enemies. Ifa says external attackers have buried spiritual works round Yoruba land in particular and all Yoruba global communities in general. Enemies, even unsuspected ones are planning to lay siege. This Ifa verse of Odi Ofun asked our leaders to always be prompt in securing our communities, territories and space against all forms of external aggression. They should always act fast in any security threat to their people. Ebo is needed to overcome this. Ebo to be made for this particular social problem include 1 he-goat, 3 cocks, snails, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
i.
Idi funfun o niran
A difa fun won niwaju ile
Won ni ki won o dide fuu
Ki won o lo bo Egungun ile won
Ki ogun ma baa gba iwaju ile wole won
Fila funfun o sunhan ni eerun
A difa fun won ni eyinkule ile
Won ni ki won o dide fuu
Ki won o lo ree bo Orisa oja
Ki ogun ma baa gba eyinkule wole won
Obirin ti ko sunhan
Ogun ni maa n ko jalu
A difa fun won ni aarin ile
Won ni ki won o dide fuu
Ki won lo ree maa bo olubobotiribo baba ebo
Ki ogun ma baa se pa won run
Are lare ile wa
Ayo layo ile wa
A difa fun Ori Otolu omo ateteniran
Won ni ki Ori o rubo
Ki o ma baa sun loke eepe
Kin ni o pogunpote fun wa?
Eranko apeedi!
Ifa ni oo pogunpote fun wa
Eranko apeedi!
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Ifa revelation to the people in front of the house
They were advised to take swift action
And appease ancestors of their father’s house
For war not to consume them from the front
White cap is not good during the harmattan period
Ifa revelation to the people at the back of the house
They were advised to take swift action
And appease ancestors of their mother’s house
For war not to consume them from the back
A bad behaved woman
Always brings wars to her people
Ifa revelation to the people at the centre of the house
They were advised to take swift action
And appease mouths of people
For them not to be totally annihilated by war
This drama is our household heritage
This joy is our household tradition
Ifa revelation to Ori Otolu omo Ateteniran
Ori was advised to make sacrifice
For Ori not to die
What is it that will destroy both war and conspiracy for us?
The animal that neutralizes hypnotism!
It is Ifa that will destroy both war and conspiracy for us
The animal that neutralizes hypnotism!
ii.
Ifa has also promised us victory over challenges and enemies. On this Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Perense lo ni idi oke
Idi lajao ti pagi rori
A difa fun Olahanmi, omo Aleke-aga
Won ni to ba ku irawo kan soju orun
O maa debi ayo re wa
Nje temi la a le o
Temi la a le
Temi la a leke
Ewu nil eke ori
Nje temi la a le o
Temi la a le
Temi la a leke
Gbegbe ni leke orun
Nje temi la a le o
Temi la a le
Temi la a leke
Oko lo n leke epon
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
People sit with the whole body when with money
Ajao bat climb tree from the bottom
Ifa revelation to Olahanmi, omo Aleke-aga
He was told that even when it remains just a star in the sky
He will achieve greatness
So, I will overpower
I will overcome
I will be victorious
It is gray hair that appears on top of the head
So, I will overpower
I will overcome
I will be victorious
It is goiter that appears conspicuous on the neck
So, I will overpower
I will overcome
I will be victorious
It is penis that stays on top of the scrotum
iii.
Ifa revealed that there are a lot of betrayers in our communities. We will also be victorious over these betrayers. Olodumare will surely put the betrayers to shame. On this, Ifa says:
Eni riru nile da
A difa fun Agbo
To n lo ree te Ekun nifa
Towotese lahun wogba
Asebo setutu
E wa bani ni arusegun
N laa bani lese Obarisa
Treachery comes from deception
Cast Ifa for Agbo, the Ram
When he wanted to initiate Ekun, the Leopard into Ifa
The tortoise hides inside shell with both hands and legs
All believers
Come and meet us in victory
In such condition we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
iv.
Parents also need to appease the heads of their children for victory over enemies. The items to use for thus revelation include kola nuts, cocks, gin, money, palm oil and Ifa leaves. After the ebo, the head of the child will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Aala funfun ni aala Orisa
Bi won ba n ti odo bo
Won a funfun gberugberu
A difa fun Oke kan ribiti
Eyi to n rele Igbeti
To n lo ree bi Oye lomo
Oye ma segun
Oke! Oye ma segun
O ni to ba se bi ti omo oun ni
Emi naa ni to ba se bi ti omo mi ni
Owo mi bewe segunsete emeso oko
Se ni maa se won logun
Se ni maa se won lote
Ota mi ti wa deru isu
Okookan nifa o maa sa won pa je
Ota mi ti wa di yanrin
Womuwomu nifa o maa bo won je
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Obatala’s white cloth is always pure
When people are coming from the river
Their skin look ashy
Ifa revelation to Oke kan ribiti, the Hill
When going to Igbeti
And begot Oye, the Harmattan
Oye, the Harmattan is winning
Oke, Hill! Oye, the Harmattan is winning
She said if it is her child
I also said if it is my child
Here I have segunsete leaves
I will surely win them in war
I will surely destroy their conspiracy
My enemies have become slices of yam
Ifa will be consuming them one by one
My enemies have become yanrin vegetable
Ifa will be boiling them and swallow
v.
People should make ebo so that strangers will not take their land. Ebo should be made with Erankun (rope), a he-goat, knife, pepper and ashes. After making the ebo, an akose will be made and buried at the four corners of the community. On this Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Oye ti somo won nile Igbeti
Ta ni gbale baba eni lowo eni?
Igbeti nile Oye
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except persons who don’t expose their buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Oye, the Hatmattan, who is a native of Igbeti
Who is it that can claim one’s father’s house from one?
Igbeti is the home of Oye, the Harmattan
vi.
For victory, we need to make ebo with 3 cocks, palm oil, giant rat, soap, money and gin. After the ebo, we will make soap with Ifa leaves including segunsete herb. On this, Ifa says:
Funfun niyi eyin
O gun rege niyi orun
Ka rogun ka ma sa niyi Okunrin
Omu kudikudi niyi obirin
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba ji baba n kominu ogun
Owo mi bewe segunsete temi
Ma maa sewon logun
Ma maa se won lote
To be white is the beauty of teeth
To be straight is the beauty of a neck
Not to run away for war is the honour of a hero
Breasts add honour to a woman
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he woke up to have premonition of war
Here is segunsete leaf in my hands
I will conquer them in wars
I will destroy their conspiracies
vii
Ifa advises wives against frustrating their husbands and the husbands against maltreating the wives. This verse of Ifa in Odi Ofun says that there is someone close to one that is doing bad thing to one. Ifa says with proper ebo, the person will be exposed. The items of ebo include a he-goat/3 cocks, 3 brooms, palm oil, 3 giant rat and money. Ifa says we should remove the mat or seat cover in our house or work place and include it as part of ebo items. On this, Ifa says:
Idin fuu la n gbedii
A difa fun Odede ti n je nirogun ota
A difa fun Kanhinkanhin ti i se Obinrin Odede
Nijo ti n gbogun ja oko re
Bi kanhinkanhin ba ta omode
A maa gbedii
Bi kanhinkanhin ba ta agbalagba
A maa gbedii
Asebosetutu, e wa bani ni arusegun
One quickly rises up from sitting position
Ifa revelation to Odede, the Passage, when amidst enemies
Ifa revelation to Kanhinkanhin, the stinging Ant, who was the wife of Odede
When she conspired against her husband
When kanhinkanhin stings a young person
He/she quickly rises up
When kanhinkanhin stings an elderly person
He/she quickly rises up
All believers, come and meet us in victory
viii
Ifa says enemies are doing bad spiritual work to us in Yoruba land for us not to unite. We do not understand one another in Yoruba land, this is the work of our enemies. Ori and Ifa should be appeased with pounded yam, soup, calabash, white cloth and emo rat. On this, Ifa says:
Orunmila wi adibo-o-funbo
Ifa mi adibo-o-funbo Bara Agbonniregun
O ni won n di omo Eku
Omo Eku o le funbo ara won
Orunmila wi adibo-o-funbo
Ifa mi adibo-o-funbo Bara Agbonniregun
O ni won n di omo Eja
Omo Eja o le funbo ara won
Orunmila wi adibo-o-funbo
Ifa mi adibo-o-funbo Bara Agbonniregun
O ni won n di omo Eye
Omo Eye o le funbo ara won
Orunmila wi adibo-o-funbo
Ifa mi adibo-o-funbo Bara Agbonniregun
O ni won n di omo Eran
Omo Eran o le funbo ara won
Won ko ni le di mi pa
Eni kan kii di iyan ko to je e
Won ko ni le di mi pa
Won kii di obe ki won to run un ninu awo
Ifa ni maa mona dandandan
Eewo Orisa
Ori eku emo kii se opo
Orunmila says this is a matter of failure to understand the present situation
I repeat this is a pathetic matter of inability to understand the situation of things
He said, the rats are being hypnotized
So, the rats do not understand one another
Orunmila says this is a matter of failure to understand the present situation
I repeat this is a pathetic matter of inability to understand the situation of things
He said, the fishes are being hypnotized
So, the fishes do not understand one another
Orunmila says this is a matter of failure to understand the present situation
I repeat this is a pathetic matter of inability to understand the situation of things
He said, the birds are being hypnotized
So, the birds do not understand one another
Orunmila says this is a matter of failure to understand the present situation
I repeat this is a pathetic matter of inability to understand the situation of things
He said, the animals are being hypnotized
So, the animals do not understand one another
Enemies won’t hypnotized me to death
Nobody hypnotized pounded yam to eat it
Enemies won’t hypnotized me to death
Nobody hypnotized soup in the plate to eat it
Ifa says I will surely find way out
It has never happened:
Emo rat’s head will never miss road
2. Good Health:
For those who are sick, ebo is needed for holistic healing. The items to sacrifice include 3 cocks, shea butter, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
Ile didi
Ona win-in-in
A difa fun Olu-Ogan
Omo agbaaro modi
Ogan kii le
Ki won ma ba a ni tutu
Tutu la n ba Ogan
Solid house
Road full of people
Ifa revelation to Olu-Ogan, the termite king
He who employed great number of workers to build house
No matter how hard the Termite Anthill is
It will always be cool
Termite Anthill is always cool
3. Messages through Dreams:
Husbands should take serious messages from the dreams by their wives. One should always make divination and recommended ebo any time one dreams or somebody else dreams about one. The ebo to make so that bad dreams will not come to pass include 2 brooms, 3 cocks, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
Idi fun-un fun-un fun
A difa fun Abo Okete
A bu fun Ako Okete
Okeere fefe, ibi di, ibi maa lo
Idi fun-un fun-un fun
Cast Ifa for the female giant rat
Cast Ifa for the male giant rat
Very far place, let disasters pack, let disasters go away
4. Marital related problems such as barrenness:
i.
Women who are having marital challenges should appease Ifa for comfort in their marital homes. Also, barrens will become parents. Items of sacrifice are 2 rats, 2 fish, 2 hens, palm oil and money. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Ayajomabo
To n rele oko aaro
Igba iyawo bimo sile lomo n ke win-in
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except persons who don’t expose their buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Ayajomabo
Who was going to her matrimonial home
When the wife was delivered of a baby, the baby started crying
II.
For barrens, ebo is recommended. And they should refrain from using red beads. Ebo should be made with 2 rats, 2 fish, 2 hens, palm oil, corn meal, money and gin. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi agbalagba ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Anseke-kokoro
Nigba to n moju ekun sogbere omo
O romo leyin adiye o bu sekun
O leye oko se bimo juni lo
Won ni ko kara nile ebo ni ko maa se
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Ko pe ko jinna
E wa bani ni wowo omo
Wowo omo laa bani lese Obarisa
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except the elder who doesn’t expose his/her buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Anseke-Kokoro
When she was longing for children
She saw a hen with chicks and started crying
She was wondering how a bird would have children while human being doesn’t
She was advised to make ebo
She complied
Before long time
Come and meet us amidst a lot of children
It is amidst many children we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
5. Long life revelation:
Ebo is needed to avert untimely death. Ebo should be made with log of wood, 3 cocks and money. After making the ebo, there is need to appease Egbe Orun with edible things. On this, ifa says:
Akindin ni ifun
Orun fi irawo sowe
A gba a lojaa ororo
A difa fun Orunmila
Lojo ti won n pe baba lorun osan gangan
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Egbe, iti igi ni ki e gbe o
Ki e mama gbe eniyan
Akindin ni ifun
The sky makes stars its soldiers
Dressed with conspicuous sash
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was been invited to die prematurely
He was advised to make ebo
Egbe, it is the log of wood you should carry away
Do not carry human being
6. Honesty and Loyalty:
Ifa warns priests to desist from lying. Whoever wants to practice as a professional Babalawo should seek knowledge so he/she will be competent. This verse encourages Babalawo not to be afraid of saying whatever Ifa says and always stand by Ifa message. Also, Ifa priests should not be too silent about the situations of things in the community and the way forward. On this, Ifa says:
Erupe lawo ile Onitagi
Erinmi lawo ode Owo
Ope-o-so-bi-oru ni somo Oba Ado
Awon meteeta ni somo ikofa owo Agbonniregun
Ifa ko won ni dida owo won mo da
O ko won ni oote ale won mo te
O ko won ni ipade okara ebo won mo ha
Won da Ifa won ni ki Oba fi ewure bo Ifa
Won ni lojo meje oni ni ola o wolu
A kii somo Irunmole ka dake lenu
Awa o le se isowo Ope ka menu kuro lara Ikin
Erupe is the priest in the house of Onitagi
Erinmi is the priest in the city of Owo
Ope-o-so-bi-oru is the child of Oba Ado (King of Benin)
All the three were trainees of Agbonniregun
Ifa taught them how to cast ifa and they understood
He taught them how to imprint Ifa and they understood
He taught them how to make ebo and they understood
They cast Ifa and told the king to appease Ifa with a goat
They said the town would be full of wealth in seven days time
We can’t be children of Irunmole and keep mute
We can’t be Ifa priests and stop passing Ifa’s messages
7. Generosity:
Ifa says people should be generous. We must always be hospitable to people. Generosity will yield fortunes for people this year. Whoever is planning any party should plan it with enough food and drinks so that everybody will eat, drink and be happy. We need to appease Ifa with 2 rats, 2 fishes, 2 hens, two goats and 2 kola nuts. On this, Ifa says:
Ka dide fuu ka bo Eegun ile
Ka dide fuu ka bo Orisa oja
Ka dide fuu ka bo olobobotiribo baba ebo
A difa fun won nife Ooyelagbo moro
Lojo ti won n se ohun gbogbo ti okankan o lori
Won ni won o kara nile ebo ni won o maa se
Ki la n bo nife ka to rire?
Enu eniyan!
La n bo nife ka to rire
Let us swift to action and appease our paternal ancestors
Let us swift to action and appease our maternal ancestors
Let us swift to action and appease peoples’ mouths
Ifa revelation to the people of Ife ooyelagbo Moro
When they were doing all without success
They were advised to make ebo
What do we appease in Ife to receive fortunes?
Peoples’ mouths!
Is what we appease in Ife to receive blessings
8. Promotion of Ancestral Heritage:
Ifa says people should appease Egungun. Also, people should refrain from promoting other race’s ancestors at the expense of their own ancestral way of life. One should promote one’s heritage and religion. Ifa advises people to be serious with Isese (Yoruba Traditional Religion) for the nation to witness peace and development of all natures. Egungun must be appeased with a he-goat, gin and kola nuts. This year’s Egungun festival must be taken serious by all Yoruba especially the rulers. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Abiala
To fi ago tire sile
To n ru ago alago kiri
Eropotofa, e bani ni wowo ire
Wowo ire la n bani lese Obarisa
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except persons who don’t expose their buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Abiala
Who left his own Egungun mantle (Ancestral Worship)
And continue wearing another person’s Egungun mantle (Ancestral Worship)
All and sundry, come and meet us in affluence
It is in affluence we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
9. Protection of Aged People:
Children should not allow their aged parents to suffer maltreatment. People should be ready to defend their home, town, nation, parents and rulers against any attack either physical or verbal. Ebo should be made with pepper, knife and a he-goat. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Aala funfun ni aala Orisa
Bi won ba n ti odo bo
Won a funfun gberugberu
A difa fun Oye
Lojo to n jagun ajati
Ija Abeni loye n gbe
Loye n pa gbogbo araye ku lo
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Obatala’s white cloth is always pure
When people are coming from the river
Their skin look ashy
Ifa revelation to Oye, the Harmattan
When he was fighting unsuccessfully
It was Abeni that Oye, the Harmattan, was fighting for
And Oye, the Harmattan, is about to kill everybody
10. Respect and Obedience to people in the position of authority:
Our traditional rulers should be respected and we must not go against any order from them. Some of our rulers need to maintain good integrity so that they will not lose respect. Whoever goes against the real good ones will have him/herself to blame. People should be careful not to do things that will bring shame to them and this tradition. Ifa says we should always be positive in our utterances. People in the position of authority, especially the traditional rulers have to appease Obatala with 10 snails. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Orisanla Oseeremagbo
Omo asohun-gbogbo-tase-tase
Kee pe
Bee ni ko jinna
E wa bani ni aruse ogun
Aruse ogun la n bani lese Obarisa
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except the person who doesn’t expose his/her buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Orisanla Oseeremagbo
He-who-does-everything-with-authority
Before long time
It is not far at all
Come and meet us in victory
It is in victory we meet one at the feet of Obarisa
11. Good cultural training to our children for the heritage sustainability:
Ifa says our children should be given necessary useful education and be trained in a way to embrace our cultural heritage and religion. It is by embracing our culture, tradition and religion that our children will be useful to themselves, the parents and the whole world. Ifa advises that we should love our children and bring them closer to us. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
A fi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Fakolade
Eleyii ti somo Orunmila
Ifa mama kola de o
Ola rele wa ree joko
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except the person who doesn’t expose his/her buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Fakolade
Who was a child of Orunmila
Ifa has brought honour
Honour has made our home its abode
12. Prevention of child lost or kidnapping:
Ifa says people need to make ebo to prevent death or lost of child. People should be more vigilant and take safety and security of their children serious. Ifa says we should monitor the movement of our children and the kind of people they relate with. Ebo is needed to curb the menace of child kidnapping. We should not trust strangers. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Fila funfun o sunhan leerun
A difa fun Orunmila
To n sawo lo sibi atokedoke
E pe mi n oo ya
Ifa rere lemi gbe dani
A difa fun Ijoye kan nibe
Won ni o rubo ko ma baa padanu omo
O feti otun gbebo
O fi tosi da a nu
Igba ti omo re wa nu lo tan
Orin lo mu bonu
Idi funfun o niran ooo
Fila funfun o sunhan leerun
Idi funfun o niran
E dakun e saanu mi ooo
Ina omo o ni jo gbogbo wa
E dakun e saanu mi
Okeere fefe ibi di ibi maa lo
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
White cap is not good during the dry season
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When going on spiritual assignment
Call upon me and I will surely attend to you
My assignment is to assist you spiritually
Ifa revelation to a Chief
He was told to make ebo so that he would not lose his child
He heard the recommended ebo
He refused to make the ebo
After his child got lost
He started singing
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
White cap is not good during the dry season
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Please, kindly assist me with whatever you have
We will not lose our children
Kindly give me whatever you can afford
To a very far place, let misfortune go away
13. Excessive alcohol drinking:
People should minimize taking alcohol. Palm wine is a taboo for all throughout the year. Also, any Obatala devotee who takes palm wine should stop doing that to avoid calamity. On this, Ifa says:
Idi -funfun o gbodo mu emu
A difa fun Akala ti somo Orisa Igbowuji
Lojo ti won ni ko gbodo mu emu
Idi-funfun must not drink palm wine
Ifa revelation to Akala, a child of Orisa Igbowuji
When he was told never to drink palm wine
14. Abundant Economic Blessings:
This year, people need to make ebo to be successful in their works. Aje should be appeased with 4 piegeons, eggs and honey. On this, Ifa says:
i.
Idi funfun ko ni iran
Aloku obinrin ko gbaita loja
A difa fun Aje
Ebo won ni ko wa se
O gbebo nibe orubo
O gberu o teru
Atewe, atagba
Are Aje la n sa kiri
Atewe, atagba
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
A once married woman will always have people chasing her
Ifa revelation to Aje
She was advised to make ebo
She made the recommended ebo
She made the necessary ritual
Both young and old
It is Aje, wealth, that we are struggling to get
Both young and old
ii.
Also, Ebo should be made with a he-goat, 3 cocks, palm oil, gin, money and pap. After the ebo, Esu Odara must be appeased with the he-goat for fortunes. After the ebo and appeasement, an akose with soap will be made. On this, Ifa says:
Idi n se mi fuufuu
Idi n se mi fulefule
Ojo oru ma gba tiitii
A difa fun Esu Odara
To n ba Orunmila gbero lojo ti baba o lenikan mo
A difa fun Orunmila
To n ba Esu Odara sore
Esu Odara je ki n la ki n doba, esu Odara!
Kankan lewe ina jomo
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Warawara lomode took esisi bo
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Ile won o gbowo owo won, odo mi lo gba a ni sewe araagba
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Nijo omode ba wa oloyin aye ni foju ba eje ara re
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Ara gbogbo ni sefunfun fi sefun aje
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Ire o loruko meji, ire nire je
Esu Odara, je ki n la ki n doba, Esu Odara!
Ta ni oo kore ode ilu fawo?
Esu Odara ni oo kore ode ilu fawo
Esu Odara!
My buttocks is itching me
My buttocks is making my uncomfortable
The rain at midnight with heavy flood
Ifa revelation to Esu Odara
When he was the only person remained when all others had left Orunmila
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was making friends with esu Odara
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
Ina leaves sting instantly
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
A child returns home immediately he/she comes in contact with esisi leaves
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
Their house is not good for their money but my house is the case of araagba leaves
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
It is the day a child goes to fetch oloyin leaves that he/she sets eyes on his/her blood
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
It is with the whole body that sefunsefun leaves have wealth of chalk
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
Ire (fortune) leaf has no any other name but ire (fortune)
Esu Odara let me be wealthy and become a king, Esu Odara!
Who will bring blessings of the town to Awo?
It is Esu Odara thaqt will bring blessings of the town to Awo
It is Esu Odara!
iii.
For people to be successful and not lose fortunes, ebo is needed with 10 Esu knives, 10 cocks, palm oil and money. On this Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Afi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Ekun lojo to n roko iwaje
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O si gbebo nibe o rubo
Ikin mi Erigi-alo
Ma je n ba won sowo amubo laye ti mo wa o
Ikin mi Erigi-alo
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except the person who doesn’t expose his/her buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Ekun, the Leopard, when going on game expedition
He was advised to make ebo
He complied
My Ikin, Erigi Alo
Never let me lose again whatever I have gained
My Ikin, erigi Alo
iv.
Also, those who want to be popular need to make ebo for popularity. Items include 4 pigeons, White cloth, gin, honey and money. Ifa says in this verse that we should be more in white this year. On this, Ifa says:
Idi funfun o niran
Afi eniyan ti ko ba fi tire gbole
A difa fun Aso funfun
Lojo to n torun bo waye
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O si gbebo nibe o rubo
Bi e ba bo mi emi oo han
Aso funfun!
Bi e ba bo mi emi o han
Having buttocks skin turn ashy is not peculiar to a particular race
Except the person who doesn’t expose his/her buttocks to the soil
Ifa revelation to Aso funfun, the White Cloth
When coming to the planet earth
It was advised to make ebo
No matter how you cover me, I will be conspicuous
Aso Funfun (White cloth)!
No matter how you cover me, I will be conspicuous
15. Spiritual cleansing of Orisa paraphernalia:
We need to wash our Ikin and other Orisa paraphernalia with ewuro (bitter leaves) for effective supplications. On this, Ifa says:
Eku ni gbohun eku
Eja ni gbohun eja
Opolo a maa gbohun konko lodo
Oro ti akere ba so lodo, ni Olueri n gbo
A difa fun Orunmila
Lojo ti Ikin barapetu o gbohun Barapetu mo
Aruwe de o, Irunmole lodo
Eni ba ti mo aruwe, Irunmole lo mo
Rats understand rats
Fishes understand fishes
Toads understand frogs in the river
All that frogs say in the river are clear to Olueri, the king of the river
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When his Ikin didn’t understand him anymore
Here comes aruwe leaves(bitter leaves), a deity in the river
Whoever knows aruwe leaves (bitter leaves) has known a deity
ORISA OF THE YEAR
Oke
Obatala
Egungun
Egbe Orun
Esu Odara
Aje
Ori
TABOOS FOR THE YEAR
Do not drink Palm wine
Do not eat Eran ogbo (a type of Cat)
Do not disrespect your Oluwo and elders
Do not commit adultery
Do not drink to the point of getting intoxicated
Do not starve yourself and guests
Do not procrastinate
Verses recorded, transcribed and translated by:
Oluwo Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, Ph.D (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Chief (Dr.) Abiodun Fafolarin Agboola (Secretary, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR)
Otunba Kehinde Idowu Fagbohun
Babalawo Ojoawo Windare
Babalawo Fasayo Agboola
Miss Fabukola Abike Fakayode
Aboru, Aboye, Abosise.