Ifa Dida Volume 1 Meji Popoola

i'l
a.
An Invitation to lfa givination
lf Dtd
Volume ONE
www.Alawgye.com
Copyright @ 2008 by : A5fn Media LLp
Cover designed by: Fknl Oysny & Kori lflj
Publicist Alawoye Productions
circulation coordinator: Apfn Media LLp eMail : publisher@asefin.net
Notice of Right
All rights reserved, no part of this book may be reproduced or duplicated in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, scanning and recording or by any digital information storge or retrival system without the prior written permission from the copyright holder(s), the authr(s) or the publisher, is considered unlawful.
Contact Agfn Media LLP for more information eMail: admin@asefin.net
,"-f:
.
|SBN: 978-0-981001 3-L:9.; .'
First Edition
preparation The autho(s) and publisher have made every effort in the of this book to ensure its utmost accuracy of the quality and . . book information present here within. However, the information in this the is sotd without warranty, either expressed or implied by any of s nor the publishers or its Jartes s caused or alleged to be caused l"ntt, will be lly by the information in this directly, book.
mention I inciden
and their The opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the author(s) informants, and are not necessarily those of the publisher(s)'
human imPact on our Plant Earth' all future Asefin A portion of all sales t tnr compiete 17 volume collection and plant Holy green space' preserve tropical lrO" publications will be donated to Palm trees & other sacred trees of lfa' Ekofa lNC, Asefin Media, LLP - Publications Division, working in conjunction with grassroots traditional to Europ" & US based non-profit organization, dedicated " nuitont"ntal projects globally & pieserving Nature for which we depend'
Preface
Mine is a story of gratitude. For more than 11 years, Darkness work' They saw no reason whv and arf his agents were activefy at be fight in the rife of
strue
:li::L, :l?,ilit.li::1
jte4
thei;rdil ;H neo ; irrey ni.r, series
Mine is trufy a story of gratitude. My story wirf be Srrgte$ in prover!. proverb, they say, is the horse that sentence rides; in the rr. vein, sentene is the horse that proverb rides' If any sentence gets los! *u proverb to search for t. My proverb comes from the Hory scripture in otura offmu (otura IretQ). In this stanza, rfa
,..
i,
DlfilnAbgrq
A b fin Obe
Kf bj+_beje ma be j nf$ K.y." _Ia tun ge Uq t,qitn
--
Aw
tor"'lili,"'iil"##*i:?::
Translation
This was lf,s message forAbQrS, And also for Qbg, tne fnfe
We shaf l continue to mend
Let the Spoilers continue to spoil things in
.,b,
rrr-dil;
t,"
front
lji"
w31e bgth fishtins for supremacy They were advised to oergog
*n":.!l?
when Abgrg, the Needre, had not exhibited his potentiars, he was foved bv ail. one day, te rnire,,..il"Jir .no assefted thar werf Qb, Abgrg was too smaff, ro_o and too rrafto ltay in the same ry*perienced, prace, move in the same group wth or him. "what ir-*,e m"aning of this? we had been movins tose[her *iil.'ri proorem]t;;';; ume. why rhis now?,, Abfr queried' Qo* rnr*"ru4Iirt *r;J;:'row, r hate your race. r
;
can no longer bear to have you around me any more. You are worthless and useless!"
AbQr could not believe his indeed. He however made
own talent and potentiats which were quite different from those of Qbq. This only annoyed Qbg the more and he set aside a date that he will exhibit his potentials so as to show AbQrQ that they did not belong to the same
class. On the appointed day, bundles of clothes were rolled out. Qbq set out to cut them into pieces. Before long, he finished. All the clothes were in bits and pieces. After this, those present demanded to know what use the rags, bits and pieces could be put into. Qbq was at a loss on what to do ner,t" He left the scene in a state of confusion. Those present packed all the pieces and dumped them in the refuse site.
ears. The development made him very sad it clear to Qbg that Oldmare gave him his
When Abr saw altthese rags, bits and pieces, he was strongly convinced that those materials cannot and must not be left to waste. He knew that they could still be made useful. He looked for thread and began to knit the rags together. He made Dalki, shifts, trousers, agbd, bb, kerbe, frla, dandg etc for men. He also made 9l, head-gear,Ir, wrappel bb, scarf, blouse, underwear, stockings, etc for women. What had hithefto been considered a waste was turned into useful commodities. What was thought to be useless was made to be valuable by Abre. When people saw this, they concluded unanimously that AbQrQ was by far superiorto Qbe. They saY:
Ab$r$ o w d o' QgbQn Qbe B'Qmgd kker b gbQ'F
Ad'grfgbe
Abereo,QgbQn Obq
Translation
Here comes AbQrE, the Elder brother of Qbq If a Youth is well versed in Ifa He will be dreaded and respected by Elders All hail AbQrQ, the Elder brother of Qbe
As from that moment hencefofth, the potentials of AbQrQ, the Needle,

became well known to all.
Mine is a story of gratitude.
The potential exhibited by Abqrq became a big threat to the other Elders. They felt that he must be stopped at all costs and by all means. He must not be allowed to exhibit all these potentials. Darkness must envelop his life, they concluded. They forgot however that as small and as frail as AbQrQ was, he could not be swallowed by any fowl. As a matter of fact, even an elephant could not swallow AbQrQ! The plans began. AbrQ must be stopped and run aground. He must be made to suffer untold hardship. The Chief Cutlass summoned an extraordinary meeting of other Chief Blades. The meeting of the 16 Chief Blades centered primarily on how to urgently find something decisive to do in order to stop Abr. After much deliberations, it was decided that AbQrQ must be summoned to hear the verdict of the 16 Chief Blades, even though none of them cared to give him the chance to defend himself or even hear his own side.
The 16 Chief Blades handed down the following verdicts; one, AbQrQ's mother, who was a daughter of $ng and If, and whose name means
$ang adds to honour must never be called his mother again, he must never communicate with her againi two, he must never exhibit his talent anywhere again; and three, anything he knew or did must be in the name of the Chief Cutlass or any of the other Chief Blades. After delivering these
verdicts, AbQrQ was summarily dismissed.
Knowing thatAbQrQ was a strong willed person they knewthatthey needed to do more than that in order to stop him. As soon as AbQrQ left, they sent telephonic and telepathic missiles to him. They also forgot that uprisings could affect an innocent person and make him suffe1 but curses could have no effect on an innocent person.
Mine is truly a story of gratitude.
When Abqrq left, he was overwhelmed with grief and pains. These were the same Elders he had all along given their due honour and respect throughout his life. He had worked for, and assisted them in his own little ways. Why should they be the same people planning his downfall. He searched his conscience to see whether he had offended them in any way before that time. He was totally convinced that he never did anything against them, or even against anyone else for that matter. He however remembered this stanza in Qgqlmulg (QSeIwrl) where If says:
Qq nl S lrrjo-ljo Iwrl nl ngq lojo-lonjo
NjeIfwoni moqe
Dl fin Qmgknrin pupa ror OkAp Eyl tl wqn b ro'jQ ikrl le s'lede qrun Fbg ni wQn nl kw 9e
Tl mo fi gb'odl i wgn o Emi pe k'lw ll-Ife m m nl If wo ni mo ge Tl mo fi gb'odl i wgn o Emi O p k'laya ll-Ife m m fQ
Ifwoni mose
Tl mo fi gb'odl i wgn o Emi o p k'boyn ll-Ifq m m bl
If wonimose Tl mo fi gb'odl i wgn o Emi O p k'nfl ll-Ife m m kQ Ifwoni mose Tl mofi gb'odl i wgn o fnlkanosQrQfiln mi Kl n rel lqq wl If wo ni mo ge Tl mo fi gb'odl i wgn o If nl lll nf klnnl-klnnl gmgd Lll nllrdQgbahgb FsQ-esE loun fi ggun eni tl nperf oun o
Fso-esq
Translation
Qgq dangles precariously without fa lling
Andlwfl swings sideways without
breaking
Letter from the Publisher

team of traditional lf A5fn Media LLP wishes to thank the collaborative in compiling this magnificent work' researchers and scholars, for their efforts vast body of knowledge we call lf' tf Did,furthers the understanding of the
ever been written on the subject of lfa' Until now, nothing of this magnitude has ei tn(ffi poetic stanzas) for the first 16 major vet this work most toi"tions (called Olodu), which according to Iflo the first 16 major estimates contain ppio"ttef 1,800 Ese combinations.
has;ii'i
Nonetheless,thisisahistoricmasterpieceandVo|11e''oneofaful|
collection' comprehensive encyclopedic seventeen-volume
tf Dd is the first with its detailed explanation of the full ]f literary corpus, practitioner' the novice'
book
to tne if of its kind to bring lf's deeper understnding as a multi-volume collection' pcraged and to the scholar of African pninsoprrs, collection' and to be an Asfn Media is pleased to publish this multi-volume of the coded messages within the integral part of prototig'n"* unoistanding ancient lf tradition. gnd cherished by we trust that lf Dd -Volume one, will become a masterpiecg persons alike' If Did is one great lf devotees, researchers and interested body of knowledge we call lf' contribution toward comprehendng the nol"t. V9lyme One of a Congratulations, once again for completing-this ;6ne colleciion - a tiue encyclopedia of Ese- lf'
Publisher
Asfn Mdia
u-P
eMail : oublisher@asefin.net UK Office: 020-8144-5005 www.Asefin-Media.com
t
I
Dedication
be grateful.
To Maria-Elena Montiel for standing firm against, and saying NO to Darkness and its agents, on that day when ail semed lost. I shallforever
Contents
Dedication Contents Preface Chapter 1- Eji Ogbe Chapter 2- Oyeku Meji Chapter 3- Iwori Meji Chapter 4- Odi Meji Chapter 5- Irosun Meji Chapter 6- Owonrin Meji Chapter 7- Obara Meji Chapter 8- Okanran Meji Chapter 9- Ogunda Meji Chapter 1O- Osa Meji Chapter 11- Ika Meji Chapter L2- Oturupon Meji Chapter 13- Otura Meji Chapter t4- Irete Meji Chapter 15- Ose Meji Chapter 16- Ofun Meji
Glossary
Page
I,23
r97
257
32r 37!
437
507 567 661
739
819 877 947 1025 1087 1185
Index
These were lf's messages to the light-complexioned youth 0 ke -A pa land Who was being accused with the intention of eliminating him completely He was advised to offer gbg He complied
of
Alas, If what have I done To deserue their malice?
f never stopped the wealthy from progressing If whatwas myoffence To warrant their enmity? f neverstopped anyonefrom enjoying hisspouse
Ifwhatsindid Icommit
To deserue their hatred?
I never prevented a pregnant woman from having a safe delivery If what ill had I done To make them hate me so? f neverstopped anyonefrom completing his propefi If what was my crime To deserue this odium? Nobody had ever kept any secret with me For meto expose itto others If whatwas my inadequacy To bring aboutthis hatred? If declares that since I harbour no malice against any youth And shows no hatred againstanyelder Gradually, should I overcome all those who are against me Systematically, this shall manifest! Wth this assurance from If, AbQrQ took his solace. AbQrQ was totally convinced that the whole world may change, what If says will never change.
Mine is a story of gratitude. Up till today, Darkness and all his agents are stll at work. Somehow, Light contnues to penetrate and displace Darkness. For this, I am eternally grateful to Oldmar, O, InlnmglQ,OFiga, ImglQ, Egrtngtln, Or and true
friends. But these Elders who had vowed never to stop their nefarious activities,
what can one do about them? Come to think of it, not all Elders are against this AbSrQ. Some of the Elders are still using AbQrS to knit dresses of all designs. If the sun insists that we should not look at its face, we might as well lookatthe moon. Of course!
To those who do evil everyday, what can we do? All we need do is to follow what If says inlka-Funfun (Ika Ofun). In this stanza, If says:
Kl k m pa gni t T d'n l'r Tl a bil
jl
jl
jgma rl'raawa K'Arn m pa gnit Trtgb'erolka

K
Tlabjl
jq ma rl'raawa B'rl b yl nllQ b b p Y pada w d'orf ire ni ....
K
Translation
May Death spare those who wake uP And inflict pain on others Wheneverwewakewake up Let us continue to see each other MayAffliction spare those who wake up And plan evil againstothers When we wake up Letus continueto see each other If one suffers for long Such person willsucceed in the end ....
Many of the Elder Cutlasses are still around when this AbQrQ picked the b'tts and pieces of If clothes and knitted this dress. When If says Ys, nobody c? sd}l ho; Mine is truly a story of gratitude.
For over 11 years, it was planned that this AbQrQ shall amount to nothing in life. That was their plan. It was not suppofted by the Divinities. There is nowhere in If that it was said that a devotee shall not face tribulation; what
we have is that true devotees shall always overcome. This is why forever grateful.
In
am
Iwofi-Ww (Iwii-QSe), If says:

IwOrl wow-wow IwOrl wokn-wokn IwOrl wokn tn kl o t wo'dg Dl filn 'Lnlnkn Tl wqn nl elyll O g'gmg o waa d',ylnw Kl gt m'fdu nl Baba o d'e,ylnwa
Translation
Iw who perceives money
AndlwO'lwho perceives okn beads LetlwOrl lookatokn beads before looking at brass Ornaments This was lf's message for Qlffnkn Whom people say shall never amountto anything in life It is in the end Thatyou will knowthat [dr: (If) is the Fatherof all It is surely in the end
This AbQrQ, whom they said shall never be anything n life has now been blessed by If to knit this E)-Ogbe to Ofun-Ue'i together from bits and pieces. Truly, Fdu s the Father of all.
Mine is undoubtedly a story of gratitude. Abgru Abgye,
$. $91gbad PpQl.
Chapter 1
EJI OGBE
\\
tt ll
tl II
Chapter
En
A.
osb
Alias: Efi OnflQ, Ogb Mji

l. -lkgsQdy lf says that for the person for whom this OdD is revealed during
or-tttd to succeed in life, there is the need'to, among other thingS serve his/her Oli with a big live catfish. lf says that if this is done, he/she shall not lack any of the good things of life. He/she shall succeed where others had failed. A stanza in E) Ogb in support of this assertion has this to say:
Ojmg mQ, mo r'ire-r'ire Ktkt ljnf mo rTw-rTw IX fn Akp
WQn nf k feja ArQ bg'ri K t foj kan ire
Translation
When the day dawned, I saw lrein abundance Very early four days ago, my destiny manifested This was the lf cast forth e Akp Who was advised to serve his Oli with a cat fish Before setting his eyes on allthe /re of life
Akp was an lf devotee. He followed the dos and don'ts of lt in all the things he was doing. He studied lf extensively and was very good
in it.
One day, his Baba /f asked him to prepare for his freedom. The ceremony was very solemn but eventful. Shortly after this, he went for
ii ,j,ono" lf consultation in orderto determine his success chances in life. The Awo advised Akp to use a big live catfish to serve his Ofi so that he would have peace of mind and comfort in his life. He was assured that he would really succeed in life, but doing this would also enhance his success chances. He complied. Soon after this, Akp dreamt of success, he was having the feelings that he would surely succeed in life. Four days after having this dream, he received some clients who paid him a huge amount of money with the promise that many more money was coming where that came from. Before long, he became very wealthy. With wealth, he was able to secure a good spouse of his dream. The wife gave brth to many children for him, including sets of twins. He also had several aides who assisted him in his dayto-day activities. He built several mansions and had many horses in his stable. He was indeed very comfortable as the Babalwo had predicted. He was full of joy and gratitude to Oldmar.
OjmQ mQ, mo rf re-r'ire Kt kt tjnf mo rTw-rTw Dt filn Akp WQn nf k fejaArQ bg'ri K t fojrl kan ire Akp feja ArQ bg'ri
Akp fojrt kan're ri're aj ri're aya ri're gmg ri're gbogbo ri're alk, balQ grQ 6 arq, arawrQ w n o, rQ o OjmQ mQ, mo fi're(t're ArQ,ara w rQ w na o,rQ o Ktktljnf mo f'w ri'w ArQ, arawrQ w n o, lrQ o
Transtation
When the dawned I saw lretn abundance
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
Very early, four days ago my good destiny manifested This was the lf cast forAkp Who was advised to serve his Oliwith a live catfish Akp has now offered ArQfish to his Oli And he set his eyes on all /re of life He gotthe /reof wealth And thatofa good spouse And thatof good children Andthatof good houses And thatof long life, the king of all /re NowArQ, we are quite comfortable, ArQ The daydawned and I saw /re in abundance ArQ we are quite comfortabl ArQ, the catfish Very early four days ago, good destiny manifested ArQ, we are quite comfortabl ArQ,the catfish
lf says that the person for whom this OdD is revealed shall be very comfortable in life. All what he/she need to do is to follow the instruction of lf atalltimes.
2.
lf says that it foresees all round /RE for the person for whom E)-Ogb is revealed. lf says that it shall replace Death with Wealth, Sadness with Joy, Grief with Celebration, Loss with Longevity and Want with Surplus. lf says that he/she shall live and die a happy person.
Od,lf says that Death shall be converted to Financial Well-being; Affliction to Spouse; Contention to Child-bearing opportunities; and Loss to Longevity. lf says that there is the need for this person to offer qbg known as 'ARXORE or AnXAeQru.lA'. Sacrifice materials include, two pigeons, two cocks, two rats, two fish, four kolanuts, four bitter kola, four alligator peppers, and money. On all these, lf say's
In this
Qtqq-tqe-tqq
QrQQ-rge-rQQ
il Qtqqtq ta kO' QtqqtOq l gb'n u rQ Qgbln t e fff kq'l Kt yi ta fff gb'n u r$ Dl fif n Qrnmll Mq fi Ajogun mgrin k wgn mQ'l l'tu ffq Ti Baba l wgn, l wgn T'i won lo
,'ono"
Translation
Qto0-tqq-tQ
QrQQ-rqg-rQQ
Separately do we erect our homes Separately do we live in the homes The wisdom with which we erect our homes ls not as much as that with which we live in those homes These were the declarations of lf to Qrrlnm)l When fourAjogun invaded the cityof ll-lfQ And he evacuated them without success Theysimply refused to go
The inhabitants of ll-lfQ were ovenruhelmed with the problems being caused byAjogun. TheseAjogun were lk(t (Death), ArDn (Affliction), E"Q (Contention), and fO (Loss). When alltheir efforts to chase these Ajogun away failed, they approached Qrnmll for assistance. Qrnmll went to work. He tried all he knew to no avail. Out of frustration, Qrnmll decided to leave ll-lfQ and neverto return there again. On his way out of ll-lfQ, he met some of his former students. They were Ams and AmQrQ. They inquired from him what was wrong. Qrnm)la explained to them about his inability to chase away the fourAjogun causing problems for the inhabitants of ll-lfe.
Both Ams and AmQrQ persuaded Qrr1nm)la not to give up. They prevailed on him to let them go for lf consultation. He agreed; and togethe they went to the groups of Awo mentioned above for lf
lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consuttation
consultation. These Awo were also QrrJnmlla's ex-students. They

consulted lf and Eji-Ogb was revealed.
The group of Awo assured Qrrlnm)la that the four Ajogun would be chased away, and in their places would be the tRE of Aj (wealth), Aya (spouse), Qmq (children) and ogb (Longevity). Qrnm)r was advised to offer gg as stated above. He complied. After this, he was asked to take four bitter kolas and four alligator pepper to the crossroad where four roads met. He complied. After the sacrifice, Qrrlnmlla took the bitter kolas and alligator peppers to the roadsides with four paths together with Ams and AmQrQ. when they reached the four crossroads, they met lk(t (Death). Ams and AmQrQ advised Qrnm)la to throw one bitter kola and one alligator pepper at Death. He did. lmmediately these seeds hit Death, he began to run away. Ams and AmQr asked QrrJnmll to follow him. The three of them did. Before long, Death fell down. When they reached where he fell, instead of Death, they met a lot of money. rnmlla was surprised. Ams and AmQrQ however told Ornmll that Dea th is the owner of Wealth. They said that anyone looking for money without any other consideration whatsoever is a sure candldate for death. untimely death, forthat matter.
They returned to the crossroad with four parts and they met ArDn (Affliction). Qrnmlla threw the two seeds at him. He began to run away. They followed him. Before long, Affliction fell down. when they reached where he fell, they met Spouse. Ams and AmQr told Qrnmil that Spouse is the owner of Afftiction. They said that if any man has no control in his desire for, and enjoyment of , women, he is a sure candidate forAffliction. On the other hand, if a woman has no
forAffliction.
control in her desire for and enjoyment of men, she is a sure candidate
They returned to the crossroads and they met fiQ (Contention). They threw the two seeds at him. He ran. They followed. EjQ fell. when they reached the spot where he fell, they met children. Ams and
il ,,ono. AmQrQ explained to Qrnmll that contention is the owner of children. They said that the moment a person is matured, the person will be looking for an appropriafe spouse. He or she will 'talk'. The talking is in itself a form of contention. lf it has been taking too long to secure a spouse of his/her choice, the 'Contention' will become more consisfe nt. After getting his/her choice, then there will be 'contention' on pregnancy and child-birth. lf the wife did not conceive in time, the 'contention'will be more than ever before. The 'contention'will leave the couple's home and move to other people's homes such as the homes of experts, advisers, relatives and so on. When the woman eventually succeeded in becoming pregnant, there will be more 'contention'. When the woman has finally delivered of a baby, the'contention' is increased in folds. Talking to the baby and teaching the baby how to talk and behave are senous talking busrness . To go to schodlto complete the schooling, to travl and to celebrate the child's achievements entail 'contention'. Not to have a child does not preclude anyone from engaging in this 'contention'.
They returned to the crossroads and met OfO (Loss). Qrnm'il threw the remaining two seeds at him and he took to his heels. They followed him. Loss fell down. When they arrived at the spot where loss fell, they saw Longevity. Ams and AmQrQ told Qrnm)l that Loss is the owner of Longevity. They said that if a person is too old he/she shall be experiencing terrible /osses - /oss of memory, loss of dear ones, /oss of energy, /oss of vitality and so on. Those who are suppose d to bury him/herwould be the oneswhom he/she would point
to thei r tom bs to othe rs.
Qrnm)l returned to ll-lfQ a happy man. He was glad that he had been able to accomplish hls mission. That was how Qrrlnm'ila was able to chase away the Ajogun of lkrl, Arn, fiQ and OfO and replaced them with the lre ofAj, Aya, Qmg and Ogb respectively.
Qtqq+ee+qq
7
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
ArQQ-ree-rQQ Qtqqtq ta kq't Qtqqtqq t gb'nrf u rQ 9gbQn t a f k'l K t yi ta fii gb'nrt u rg
Qrnmll l*q ti Ajogun mgrin k wgn mQ'l l'tu lfq Tt Baba l wgn, l wgn
tli
frf n
fiwgnlg
f;bq ni wqn nf k w ge gb'fbg, r'bg F w b ni nl wQwQ ire gbogbo
Translation
Qt0q-tee-tqq
QrQQ-rqq-rQQ
Separately do we erect our homes Separately do we live in the homes The wisdom with which we erect our homes ls not as much as that with which we live in those homes These were the declarations of lfto Qrnm)l When fourAjogun invaded the city of ll-lfe And he evacuated them without success Theysimply refused to go He was advised to offerebo He complied Before long, not too far Join us in the midst of abundant success
lf says that it shall able to replace Death with Wealth, Affliction with
wealth, sexual pleassure, and all opportunities in his/her life so as to avoid harming himself/herself in the process.
spouse, contention with children and Loss with Longevity. lf however cautions this person to be moderate in his/her pursuit of
3.
lf says that it foresees all lre for the person for whom this Od is
ii t'onr,
revealed
hardships which could be making him/her to contemplate harming himself/herself or inflicting other social, physical or mental pain on himself/herself. Because of the way he/she has been behaving recentty, he/she has given other people cause to write him/her off and conclude that nothing good can ever come from him/her again. lf says that he/she must have a change of attitude and must never lose hope. lt is not too late for him/her to succeed in lf he/she will definitely succeed in his/her lifetime. There is need to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two cocks, two hens, two guinea-fowls and money. He/she also needs to feed lf with four rats, four fish, palm-oil, gin and money. On these, lf says.
lf says that he/she is presently experencng some
f uttt j fy lu'tQ tf filn YyAlS-tI{e

T fQyIntI m'jrl gkn snrhn ire Fbg ni wQn nf k w ge
gbogbo
Translation
The dead fall trap fell and hit its chest on the ground This was the declaration of lf to Yy-Ale-fi-l When she was weeping in lamentation of her inability to succeed in life She was advised to offer gbg
Yy-AlQ-tl-le, (the night of my success has not yet fallen), was a failure in all aspects of life. She had no money, she had no husband, she had no child, she had no home, and she had bad health. In fact, nothing seemed to work for her. To compound the problem, she had been losing confidence in herself and her ability to succeed in life. As a result of the way Yy-Ale-fi-lQ was carrying herself, she became a nuisance to all her neighbours. Also, because of her pessimism, those around her were equally infected and she was completely
written off.
went further to assure her that she would succeed in her life and that the night of her success had not yet fallen. She was equally advised to have a change of attitude and a change of perception of herself. She managed to do all and she became hopeful that she could still make it in life after-all. There ls hope, there is future.
one day, she went to the Babalwo mentioned above just for the fun of it. The Babalwo however diagnosed her problems correctly and
soon after this, her wealth improved, she started plaiting hair for others. She was able to make some money. She started a small
business of her own. while going on her business, she met a man she loved. Before long, they got married. A year after, she gave birth to her first baby. But surprisingly, the birth was a set of twins. She was very happy and she lived happily for the rest of her life. There is hope forthe clientforwhom this Od is revealed. He/she still has future. He/she shall still reach the very peak or his/her goals in life.
f nma fy
tu'tQ
tX filn YyAlg-tl-le T fQyIntI m'jrl gkrf n snrhn ire gbogbo f;bg ni wQn nf k w se gbg'bg, r'bg K p, k jlnn lre gbogbo w ya d ttrf ru E atE aj klt tAwo
f;yln w Knim r'Ed pin o f;yln w Alg aya klf lAwo fyln w Kgnf m r'f;d pin o Eyln w Alg ire gbogbo klf bAwo
10
ii
,'ono"
fyln w
Translation
The deadfall trap fell and hit its chest on the ground This was the declaration of lf to Yy-Ab-ti-l When she was weeping in lamentation of her inability to succeed in life She was advised to offergbg She complied Before long, nottoofar All ire came trooping in The nightof wealth has notyetfallen foranAwo There is hope, there is future Let no one lose hope on fOu There is hope, there isfuture The night of all ire has not yet fallen for an Awo There is hope, there isfuture Let no one lose hope on fOu There is hope, there isfuture
lf says that this person shall be blessed with the lre of wealth, spouse, children, befitting home and means of transportation.
He/she must never leave the path of lf at any time whatever.
4.
If says that this person needs to offer gbg because of the four Ire that are looking for him/her. Howeve; he/she shall be able to secure three of the four Ire if the necessary ebo is offered. No matter what was done, only three of the four Ire shall be his/hers. The four Ire being mentioned by If are wealth, jewelries, spouse and Enini. If says that he/she shall be able to get the first three Ire but will miss Enini, the foufth lre. If says also that he/she needs to be listening to the advice of a woman very close to him/her. The woman n question may be his/her mother, wife, blood relation or friend, The advice the woman is offering to him/her will eventually be invaluable to
11
him/hen There is also the need for this person to offer gbg with two pigeons, two hens and money. He/she needs to feed If with four rats and four fish. And more importantly, he/she needs to feed EEr: Qdara with one [mg, Brown rat, and 160 cowries. These cowries will be strung together and woven round the rat and stuck upright in front of Egu Qdara.
He/she also needs to take his/her bath four times on the day that this Od is releaved. He/she will also change dresses four times after bath on thatday.
This person must also avoid going out of his/her house for one full week. If says that the three Ire being referred to by If will come to him/her within one week. If everything is not gotten on the specified days, at least the foundation of the three Ire shall be laid within the period. In this wise, it is not advisable for him/her to go out in order that the spirits responsible for ushering in those Ire shall meet him/her at home when they come visiting. On these, E) Ogb says:
Injjj Inrefr tun tq6 pa lqlQlS
Onin-tnrdnrn-nrn rcnQtQs lq r wQ frarifngbko, gbj
gblyindkunlgo DrfnAj
Qmq g wgnldeftrrni
AbfnOkun Qmg q woIdelrae
|ffinOmidan
Tggmqwgntdeikgpa
NfjQ fr wQn rilq rd wQ s'rl Qr,nnma bara lr!\ AgDoruUregun
d
mi
12
ii
pbq ni wSn rr l w{n w
9e
,'onu"
Translation
The fire burns and burns And goestothe Ocean bankto rest The sun shines and shines And goestothe River Bankto set The breeze sweepsthe plain and forest And goes to the back ofthe ocean to recess These were lf's declarations to Aj, Wealth Their offspring in Ibf rf And to Okn, beads Their offspring in Ird And to Omidan, the beautiful Damsel Their offspring inlkgpa When they were going to reside in the home of Qrunm'll, my
fatherAgbgnnlrgrln They were advised to offer fibg
Aj, wealth; Okn, expensive bead; and Omidan, a beautiful damsel grouped together and they were all willing to go to Qrnm'il's home to stay permanently throughout their lives. The three of them learnt that Qrnm'il had the patience, maturity, mental and emotional capability to take care of them and make them comfoftable. They therefore went to the Awo
mentioned above for If consultation.
In the home of the Awo, they were assured that they had made the best choice ever. They were told that they would enjoy their lives and they would live in comfoft and happiness throughout. They were also advised to offer qbg with two pigeons, two hens and money. They complied. Shottly after, they set out on their journey to
0rnm'll's house.
B o b d'f tn Kl o d'f gwq kan de
ml
13
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation
fitn Enini Tll qqmgdianlwarun Mjq tl lg r wq sl| Qrunmll, bara mi Agbgnnlrgrtn fibg ni wqn nl kw ge
Dd
Translation
After castng your own If Help mecast mine before I return This was lf's declaration to Enini, the Dew The offspring of Ajnfwrun When going to reside in the home of Qrrlnmll My father Agbgnn'lregun He was advised to offer gbg
Enini, the Dew, on his own also sent somebody to go to the home of the Awo mentioned above to help him find out f will be advantageous for him to go and take his permanent residence in the home of Qrnm)l. He was assured that it would be fruitful to him. He was advised to offer gbg with two pigeons/ two hens, his sash and money. He simply ignored the advice of the Awo. He went and joined Aj, OkUn, and Omidan on their way to Qrnmll's home.
it
Nkan rlbltl tl rrt'ojU Olerun-un be wa Dl frn Qrunmlla Tl ire merin forl k tltll fn fbg ni wEn nl k w ge
Translation
Something big and heavythat is coming from the sky This was If's declaration to Ornmll Whom four Ire will be waiting endlessly for He was advised to offer gbg Business was down for Qrnmll. He had no money at that particular point in time. To eat became a serious problem for him. consequently,
14
il t'onou he went to the Awo mentoned above for If consultation. He wanted to know what he needed to do for fortune and progress to smile at
him. The Awo assured him that he would succeed in life. He was told that, as at that period, four Ire had been looking for him. He was told that
he should not go out of his home for seven days so that these Ire would meet him at home whenever they came calling. The Awo assured him that the lre would come within the seven days specified for him. Qrnmll was however warned that if these lre did not meet him home, they would not stay. He was also instructed to take his bath four times that day and put on his very best attires. After this, Qrrfnm'il was advised to offer gbg with two pigeons, two hens and money. He was also told to feed FSU Qdar with one brown rat and 160 cowries. He was told to bind the cowries together with a string, tie it round the brown rat and give it to Eg. The Awo added that Eg Qdara would direct the four Ire to his home and that failure to feed Eg might make Eg to refuse to assist him in his effoft to secure these lre. Qrunmila offered the gbg but failed to feed ESU Qdara.
Qrnm'll went back home and was ready to stay at home for seven days as advised. Ep Qdara could not see what Qrnmll was supposed to give him. He (EpU) went to QrUnm'il's house to demand for it. Qrnmll did not give it to him. Qgnfn1lQyg, Qrnm'il's wife, however advised her husband to give Esu the rat and the 160 cowries. Qrrlnm'll did not heed the advice. The second day, the four Ire who had been asking everyone they met to direct them to Qrrf nm'il's home eventually came across those who knew the house. They were well directed. A few blocks to Qrnm'll's house, they met Eg Qdara. They asked Eg Qdar if he knew the shoftest route to Qrnmll's house. Eg responded that he was living in the next house to Qrnm1la. He said that Qrnm'lla had just told him (ESU) a few moments ago that he (Qrnmll) was going to the farm and would return the next day. These Ire said that they would go
15
ffa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultation
and stay somewhere and go to meet QrnmIla the following day as they could not go to his home in his absence. That was how Qrnmll missed the four Ire the second day that he offered the AbA.
on the third day, Eg Qdara went to Qrnm)la to ask for his brown rat and 160 cowries. He was not given. QgnfrlnnleyQ also pleaded with her husband to give Eg hislbg to no avail. The four Ire slept under the shade of a big tree in the outskits of the town. They woke up very early in the morning, tidied themselves up in preparation for their encounter with Qrnm]la. when they estimated that Qrunmll ought to have been back from the farm at that period, they set out. On their way, they met Eg edr. This time around, he had taken up another identity. He told them that he was Qrnmll's student and that Qrnm'lla had gone to the house of one of his clients and would not be back for three days. The four Ire decided to wait atthe outskift of the town forQrnm)l to return.
wentto Qrnmll's house to askfor his rat and 160 cowries. Again, he was not given. QpnfrrnrrlQyQ insisted that Qrnmll must do it unfailingly, or else she would pack out of his house. unfortunately, Egu Qdar had left Qrnmll's house when Qrnmll himself decided to give Egu Qdara thelbg.
In the middle of the sixth day, Eg Qdara went to the town. And again he changed is identity. He used ashes to rub every paft of his body and was weeping. when asked why he was weeping, he said that Qrnmll had a terrible accident and died that morning. All of the four Ire began to weep. The weeping of Eg was more profound than that of the others. At a stage, Eg began to shed blood instead of tears. The five of them wept until late in the evening. Egu left when it was very dark and promised to come and meet the four Ire in the morning and inform them about how the burial ceremony went. They asked him to come and that after his briefing, they would like to return to their respective locations.
16
On the sixth day, Egu Odara
ii
,'ono"
When the sun was overhead that day, Enini, one of the four lre, went out and committed suicide with the sach which he failed to offer as gbg material. That was how it remained only Aje, Okun and Omidan. Very early the following day, the seventh day, Qrrlnmll offered to Eg Qdara the rat and 160 cowries as expected. He added a bottle of gin for Eg Qdara to consume.
Immediately the lbg was offered, Epu Qdar returned to the three remaining lre at outskift of the town. And again, he changed his appearance. He met the three of them mourning the demise of both Qrnmll and Enini. He greeted them and asked them why they were weeping. They responded that they had come to stay with QrrlnmIl only for them to learn that Qrnm'il had died. As if that was not bad enough, one of them also committed suicide. Egu Qdar then told them that the person who informed them that Qrnmll had died had misinformed them. He assured them that he was just coming from Qrnmll's house and that Qrnmll was hail and hearty. He showed them the bottle of alcohol that he had just been given by QrnmTl and shared the content with them. He later urged them to follow him to Qrnm)l's house as Qrnmll had been expecting them in the last
seven days.
They all trooped to Qrnmll's house. It was joy that had no bound for them when they met. The three Ire lived in Qrnmll's house forever and ever. jojj In r'etl okun lqq pa lqhqlq
Ina
OOrrn-Un rnrn-nrn r'etl Q$sa lg ree wQ
Efuufu gba'ko, gb 5 gbQyln okun lg o Dl filn Aj
gmgqwgn Idelblnl
17
A b
filn Okn
9mg g wgn lde lrd Dl fitn omidan Tff Sgmq wgn lqde lkgpa
Agbgnnlrgn fbg ni wqn nl kl wn w ge B o b d'f tn Kl o d'f gwq kan d ml Dl fitn Enini Tll 99mg Ajenlwarun
Mjg tl wqn nlg r wQ sil Qrunmll bara mi
Agbonnlrgrtn Fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e Nkan rlbltl tl tojr Qlorun-un bo wa Dl filn QrUnmlla Tl ire mgrin o forl k tltlltl fun
gb'gbg
Fbq ni wOn nl k w ge
Ko p o, Qn o jln F wa b ni b'yQ g w wo're o
Nljq q r wq sll Qrrrnmll, bara a
mi
,6rt'bg
Translation
The fire burns and burns And goestothe Ocean bankto rest The sun shines and shines And goes to the Lagoon Bank to set The breeze sweepsthe plain and forest And goes to the back ofthe ocean to recess These were lf's declarations to Aj, Wealth Their offspring inlblnl And to Okn, beads Their offspring inlrd And to Omidan, the beautiful Damsel Their offspring inlkgpa When they were going to reside in the home of QrrJnmll, my
18
ll
fatherAgbgnnlrgn They were advised to offer fibg After casting your own If Help me cast mine before I return This was lf's declaration to Enini, the Dew The offspring of Ajrfwrun When going to reside in the home of Qrunm)l My father dg bgn nlrgrf n He was advised to offer gbg Something big and heavythat is coming from the slcy This was lf's declaration to QrnmTI Whom four Ire will be waiting endlessly for He was advised to offer ebo He complied Nottoo long Comeand join us in the midstofjoyand behold all Ire
,'ono"
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with three major Ire within the next seven days. This Ire shall make this person happy for rest of his/her life.
5.
If says that the person fr whom this Od is revealed has been blessed with a good spouse. The relationship shall be blessed with happiness, progress, children and security. To make this happen,there is the need for this person to offer gbg with one hen, one pigeon, four fish, four rats and money. He/she is also to feed If with four rats, four fish, palm-oil and money. On this, If says:
MlmQojt QlQrun kO kan gblgb Fw OgUpa kO kan t'iwQ Isanra Og ko kan ti oje Dl fin Qrnmil
If lg r gb Orllgw nl'yw
Fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
19
Translation
The cleanliness of the sky is not as a result of constant sweeping The beauty of the moon is not as a result of regular bathing The plumpness of the Og tree is not as a result of frequent or excessive food consumption These were the declarations of If to Qrunmil When going to have the hand of Orllgw in marriage He was advised to offer gbg
'Qrnm)l was in love with or{lgwa. The love was reciprocated by Qrnmll intended to cement this relationship with marriage. consequently, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. Would this relationship be fruitful? Would there be peace and harmony? would he not regret ever entering into the relationship? would they be blessed with children? would they be prosperous? Would they both live long and happily?
The Awo put the fears of Qrnmll at rest and told him that while he had come to consult If on the possible outcome of their relationship,
ofilew, his proposed wife, had equally gone elsewhere for If

consultation; and she too had also been assured that all would be well in their relationship. They would be happy. The relationship would be fruitful. They would have peace and harmony. They would never regret entering into the relationship. They would be blessed with beautiful and useful children. They would be prosperous. They would both live long and their love for each other would never wane. Qrrlnmll was advised to offer gbg as stated above. He complied. Soon after this, they got married.
They lived in peace and harmony. They were both proud of each other. They were equally blessed with children and they never lacked happiness throughout.
20
t!
ll
Mlmqoju Qlfun ko kan 9bl9b Ewa Oqp ko kan tTwg Isanra Oq ko kan ti ojg Dlfitn Qrunmll If lg r gb Orlle, w nl'Yw fbg ni wqn n| kw 9e gb'Qborru'bg
jg g sr w, g w wo qmq Orile,w wgrere Ornmll l gb Orlgwa nl'yw F sr w, q w wo gmg Orilqw wgrcre
Ei Ogbe
Translation
The cleanliness of the Sky is not as a result of constant sweePing The beauty of the moon is not as a result of regular bathing The plumpness of the 09 tree is not as a result of frequent or excessive eating These were the declarations of If to Qrnm)l When going to have the hand of Oflgw in marriage He was advised to offer gbg He complied Come and see the beautiful children of Oflewa OrrJnmll himself is he who had taken OQwa as his wife Behold the beautiful children of Otllgw'
If says that the relationship shall be blessed with happiness and

beautiful children whom the couple would be proud of.
6.
If says that it forsees the Ire of wealth and prosperty for E:l- Ogb is revealed during If consultation or during Itqntfa, initiation. If says that he/she has brought his/her heaven. If says that he/she has the wealth of twins or that there is a set of tendenry to give brth to a twins in his/her family. In one word, he/she is closely affiliated to the Twins Deity. In the same stanza, If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will have good luck throughout
whom
'
If
from
set
21
his/her life and people will be showering him/her wth gifts and other presents. If also says that he/she will overcome problems and enemies no matter how many they may be.
If says that he/she will also have peace of mind and happiness in his/her life and that he/she will be in full control of his/her life and the lives of those around him/her. In the same stanza, If says that he/she is an H$gbQ and that his/her heavenly double will be showering him/her with all the good things of life that will bring him/her successes and achievements. If says also that he/she will be comfoftable under any condition; no matter how tough the situation may be. He/she will also win the admiration of others with the way he/she carries himself/herself under tough and difficult situations. If equally says that five children or five young ones, either biological or adopted children, will have great influence on his/her life. If however advises that he/she needs to offer gbg for the children so as to prevent them from dying young or during his/her lifetime. On allthese, If says:
If l di enf
Mo l di enl
Eleeff
Dl
filn'Lmnl
9mq at'erun l, gb'gb Aj ka'rl w'y
Translation
If says"it is now one" I chorusthat"it is now one" Eleeeff He was the Awo who cast If for'Lmff He who carried the calabash or wealth and success on his head from heaven to earth
'Lmnf was coming from Qrun, Heaven to Ay, Eafth. He went to Eleen'i, a Babalwo in Orun to cast If in order to determine how this
ii ,'ono"
journey on eafth would be. 'Lml was assured that he would be very successful on eafth. He was advised to offer the gbg, sacrfice, with two pigeons, honey, bean fritters and money. He was also advised to feed Aj, the Deity of Wealth, with one pigeon and honey.
He complied.
from Qrun to bring to Ay. He did. While on eafth, h became so successful that his wealth had no comparison. He was always ranked
He was therefore given the calabash of wealth and achievement
among kings.
rf l d eil
Mo l d il
Ejeell Dl fin $e-Eild T f yln tl m'jrl gkn srhn t'gmg
Translation
If says"it is now two" I chorus that"it is now two"
Eeet He was the Awo who cast If for SiQ-E;ld
Who reclined and wasweeping in lamentation of her inabilityto bear a child. SIQ-Elld had been married for 16 years without a child. She wentto Eieet, a Babalwo, who cast If for her and advised her to offer gbg with two rats, two fish and money. She was assured that she would have multiple bifths. She was also asked to feed the Twins Deity. She
complied. During the time of offering that gbQ, she was in her
menstrual period. She missed her next period and became pregnant. She gave brth to a set of twins.
rf ld eta Mo l di ta Ikorita meta abldl yakt-yakata

23
lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultaton
Dla fun TamllQrg Tff ge gmgknrin lta
Translation
If says"it is nowthree" I chorus that"it is now three" The three crossroads with broad base He was the Awo who cast If for Tarn'ilQrg (Present me with gifts) The son oflta, the main street TarnflQrg went for If consultation in the home of Ikota MQta-AbldfYkt-Yakata, a Babalwo, to find out about his chance of success in
The Awo told him to work hard, study and be proficient in a profession, and go out into the streets to display his talent. He was also advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea-fowls and money. He complied. He studied music. He began to play If music about. Everybody who met him along the street used to shower him with presents and other gifts. Before long, he became a very wealthy
man.
life.
If l di Qrin
Mo l dl Qrin f rln ni wqn rln fg'n o, tl Frln q$Q ni gbr rln ko odo l'na
fitn flgrlnmagba 9mg atako l9l99lg gegun

D{
Translation
If says "it is now four" I chorus that it now four It is with laughter people collect fire for liquor distillation Wth smiles, the flood joins the river They were the Awo who cast If for filQiin-magba, the king of pn-Il He who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome
adversary 24
il
,,onu"
Fln-magba, the king of frin-Il was being threatened with attacks and problems ranging from internal strive, conspiracy to external warfare. Tired of all these developments, he summoned the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in orderto find lasting solution to his various problems. The Awo assured flQdn-magba that he would overcome all his problems. He was advised to offer gbg with two goats and money. He was advised to feed Egu Qdara with one cock. He complied. After that, they made some preparations for him with which he used to knot the leaves, shrubs and grasses around his palace and the whole town. After these have been done, all the internal strives were overcome while external aggressions became ineffective. That was how flQfin-magba overcame all his problems and all subsequent fiQrin are being praised as filQrln-magba Qmg ata'ko lglgglg $egun. "filgflnmagba, the offspring of those who knot feaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary"
If l di rn
Mo l di rn Qrggrn ni wQn tt k'l Qrggrttn ni wQn tf k'kn Dl fitn QlQrunjlnml Qrggrrln ni wQn rtf ohun ire jin'raa wqn
Translation
If says "it is now five" I chorus that "it is now five Every five days do we haruest Okra Every flve days do we haruest garden-eggs They were the Awo who cast If for QlQrun)nrn'i (God has blessed me with this gift) Every five days do they present gifts to one another
QlQrun)nrnf, God has blessed me with a gift, went to the two Awo mentioned above to determine how he would be able to secure the mercy and blessing of Oldmar. He was advised that to realize his
25
heaft's desires, he too must be obseruing his Qsq-Ifa every five days. He was also advised to offer gbg with two pigeons, two guinea-fowl, two ducks, two hens and money. He complied. The more he observed his Qsq-If, the more he was receiving the blessing of Oldmar.
rf
Ir gbogbo l flr j'etl

9mq ata'ko lglgqlq gegun
Bl wqn b d'nrt igb Dl ftn 9lqfa-Fl
t di Ffa Mo l di efe
Translation
If says"it is now six" I chorusthat"it is now six" All animals'tails resemble that of pt, the Leopard When they are in the bush They were the Awo who cast If for glQfa-Et He who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary
Qlqfa-Ft, the king of Qfa was having the same problem as filQrinmagba. He went to another set of Babalwo who gave him the same advice as the one given to Hgrin-magba. He complied. The same preparation was also made for QlQfa-Fta. He got the same result as FQrin-magba. His offsprings were also nicknamed erQfa-Ft Qmg atako lglqglg Fegun - meaning "QlQf-[t, the offspring of those who knot leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary".
rf t di je Mo l di je B'lugbqn b g'or
A
k'lje
B'ArQs b g'oro A kTje
ii fin Oljel aS'qte T be l'arln oJ Tt foiooirmg kg'mn ogun

Dfi
,,ono"
Translation
If says"it is now seven" I chorus that"it is now seven" Whenever OhlgbQn performs his annual ritual
Hewillmarktheseventhdayoftheceremony
Whenever ArQs pedoms his anuual ritual He willalso markthe seventh day of the ceremony They were the Awo who cast If for Oljele, the conspirator When he was in the midstof enemies And was living in constantfearof uprising.
Oljel, the king of Ojele was in the midst of enemies. He had only few people whom he could trust. When he realized that his opponents were gaining the upper hand, he went for If consultation. He was assured that he would overcome his enemies. He was however advised to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money, He complied. Shortly after this had been done, his enemies had a serious disagreement on how best to deal with him. They therefore descended on each other and destroyed each other. That was how Oljeb was able to overcome his enemies.
If l d'ejg Mo l d'ejq
KTwjrl ileigs{ reresf rere K'ylnknl il iq s{ rere sl rere Dla fun Abltiiq Tl wqn bl s'de lgbiq T'un tl lresl Oro
Iwa jg
Fvln iq Mo ti g'awo egbiq g t'mi
27
Translation
If says"it is now eight" I chorus that"it is now eight" Maythe home frontage be calm and peaceful May the back of the home be calm and peaceful They were the ones who cast If for Ablrrjg Who was born inlgbjg town Together with IrQs'i -Or The front is calm and peaceful The back is calm and peaceful I had offered my own gbg with 1,600 cowries
Ablrljg was a natve oflgbjg town. His main preoccupation was how to secure and maintain peace and tranquillity in his home. He therefore went to the group of Babalwo mentioned above. They assured him that he would be able to realize his heart's desire. He was advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea-fowl, two male ducks together with 1,600 cowries. He complied. Before long, his home, his environment, his life became peaceful and harmonious. He was full of happiness for the rest of his life. If anyone asked him how he managed to have such an agreeable life, he used to respond that he had offered his gbg with 1,600 cowries.
If I d'Qsn
Mo l d'sn Asan-gb I'agg t'wQn AwQ-gb I'agg t'wa o Dl fttn AlkQsn-magba
Erlgl magba Eyl t j'gba tn T sunkn Oun rl Olsln A w m Alkesn ie qbja Gbogbo gmg gni E y w, q wa sln Gbogbo gmg gni
28
il
,,ono"
Translation
If says"it is now nine" I chorusthat"it is nine" Their clothes are to be hung until they tear to pieces Our dresses are to be worn until they fade They were the Awo who cast If for AlkQsan-magba Whose praise name includes"Engl magba" Who after being installed an Qba Wasweeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have people Who would pay him homage We have now madeAlkQsn the head of the market Allourchildren Step here and payyour homage Allourchildren
AlkQsn was installed as the head of AkQsn
get submissive subjects proved abortive. He consequently approached the group of Babalwo mentioned above for If
market. All his effofts to
consultation. He was assured that he would have people who would be paying him homage. He was advised to offer gbg with two white 'Before pigeons, two guinea-fowls, two cocks and money. He did. long, he was able to muster enough support which made him relevant as the head of Akesan market. He was very happy when he saw everybody, young and old, paying him homage. Those who were not around were informed to come and pay homage to him. They all did.
If
lfrllw-wlw ni wqn w Babalwoo re'l Babalawo kff w qnlkan go9 o Dl filn Qwa-Qga 9w Ogllrl gbQdu Qmq okun yye Aja fi'b kqQkqq la'lQ Eyl tO ttsunkn uvlpe ap un O k'y
29
ld'Qw Mo ld'Qw
, ',
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation
Translation If says'tit is now ten" I chorus that "it is now ten"

Clients are the ones who go to Babalwo's house Babalawo is not to frequent a client's house This was the declaration of If to Qw Qga 9wa Ogfrfi gbQdu Off-spring of those who greet with "Okun yye" He who fights and uses the handle of his sword to mark the ground When weeping in lamentation of his inability to control his subjects
Qw Ogfni gbQdu, the king of ljqgaland, was looking for all the good things of life. He got them. He became rich; he was very successful in his business; he was nominated as an Qba and was eventually installed asthe Qba.
There was one snag however: he had no control over his domain. Most of his directives were simply ignored by his subjects. consequently, he went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo assured him that he would have control over his domain and that his subjects would respect him. He was advised to offer an gbg with two pigeons, two guinea fowls, two ewes, 16 rings and money. He did. Before long, he became so popular among his subjects that anythlng he said, even jokingly, was law. He became one of the most accomplished Qba in the history of his town. In the end, he died a very happy man.
rf l di Qkanla Mo l di Qkanla Qkanh ni wgn d'gr f'lu Qkanla ni wgn td'gr flAwg Qkanla ni wgn d'gr welewele jko Dl ftrn Qkanhwqn WQn nl k r'bg
30
ii ,'ono"
K ekejl reg t'qrun Ie d ohun rere le I'QwQ

Translation
If says"it is now eleven" I chorus"it is now eleven" When packing ritual materials for Ol, they are always done in eleven When packing ritual material for AwQ they are always done in eleven These were the declarations of If to QkanlwQn Who was advised to offer gbg So that his second in heaven would shower him with good gifBs of life
QkanlwQn was an Flgb. He had however forgotten about his heavenly peers while on eafth. All what he was doing amounted to naught. For solution, he wentfor If consultation. The Awo told him that this problem was that he had forgotten about his heavenly peers and they too had chosen to forget about him. Consequently, all his effofts on eafth did not receive the backing of his Fgb in heaven. He was advised to offer gbo with two pigeons, two cocks and money. He was also asked to feed his Fgb with sugarcane, honey, bananas, peanuts/ coconut, oranges and other edibles. He complied. Before long, he became a very successful man.
rf l d lf
Mo l
dlil
Qrunmll nl t'n b il l'rru ktkrt Oun gbogbo lO ma b un l'raa d nl tl un b jl I'rOOru ktkt T'n b f agg drldrl bo'ra kq? WQn nl wQn nl Qrrtnmll pgle Qmgal'dtt-j
9mqonlwgnran If ltn diljl

31
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton
Mo lo tn di ljl Qrunmll nl t'n brt l'rooru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma rtb Oun l'raa d nl tl un b jl l'rru ktkt T'n b flagg pupa bo'ra kg? Wgn nl wen nl Qrrrnmll peh 9mq onl'lQ kanrllQ kn Tl b wgn pqn rlgerlga Mo l tn di ljl Qrnmll nl t'n b il t'rru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma ttb Oun l'raa d nl tl Oun b jl l'rru ktktr) T'un b f a9g funfun bo'ra rkq? WQn nl wgn nl Qrnmil peh 9mg gi Qpe kan, Qpe kan Tl rb wgn fn nlngin-nlngin Mo l tn di ljl Qrnmll nl t'n b il l'rOru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma b un l'raa d nl tl un b jl l'rru ktkt T'oun o bo sokoto, t'oun o san bante nko? Wen nl wQn nl Qrnmil peh
If ltn dilil
If ltn diljl
Arnmll lg Pe$peh gmg arln'hho g'Qsln Peb gmg arlnhh g'Qra Translation
If says"it is nowtwelve" I chorus that"it is now twelve" Orrlnmll says that whenever he wakes up at dawn Allthings are agreeable to him He asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he wraps himself with a black coverlet? They respond that people will say"genily QrUnmlla
32
il
"The man who shines in his blackness \rThe owner of black jewelleries" "Ifa says"it is again twelve" I chorus that"it is again Twelve" Qrunmlla saysthatwhenever he wakes up at dawn All things are agreeable to him He asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he wraps himself with a blackcoverlet? They respond that people will say"gently Qrnmlla" "Ownerof the land space" "That is as red as clay" "Ifa says"it is again twelve" I also respond that"it is again twelve" Qrnmlla says that whenever he wakes up at dawn All things are agreeable to him He asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he wraps himself with white coverlet? They respond that people will say"gently Qrnmlla" "The ownerof that palm-tree "Which is white and immaculate" "If says"it is again twelve" I chorusthat"it is again twelve" Qrtlnm'lla says that whenever he wakes up at dawn All things are agreeable to him Qnf nm'lla asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And chooses to wear neither trousers nor apron?
,,ono"
'
They respond that people will hail him and say "gently
QrnmIla" "Easy QrnmIla
"Gently, easy, he who is fresh and lovely

nakedness" Gently, the man who is kingly in his nudity"
in his complete
If says that no matter the condition of the person for whom this Od is revealed he/she will still regale and other people will find something for which to envy and emulate him/her. Consequently, it is in the interest of the person for whom E-Ogne is revealed to make the very best use of
33
lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultaton
whatever condition in which he/she finds himself/herself.
Idl ni gb'd-gb'd t nt'do tire gbe o Idl ni Oj'ayo-nj'ay ti j'ayo tirg l'de Ekltl-ffgn IOt n aje ti mu gi rQg gn
K t re Qgenggn igi Idl ni Baba mi Agbnljos ti T b di lgba ejQdrn Ire gmg nff yg'rf I sl Dl fitn Egb Dl fun'Frn Dl fin $agara Dl fn ArQnl-abg-panpa Dl fitn Sqnakqkl
b'blnrin
nQ
g'er
Tll g'gmg lke, yln wgn lnje-lnje WQn nl kl wn r'bg s{ llk ara wgn
Translation
It is from the base that the mortar caruer commences the
carving for a moftar It is from the base that Ay game player plans the defeat of his opponentat Ekl-ffgn It is from the bottom of a tree that Ajao climbs to the peak of
anytree It is from the bottom that my father, known as AgbOnIjsU makes loveto his spouse By the same season the following year
The result is the Ire of a bouncing baby These were the declarations of If to Egb And to frn And to gagara And to ArQnI with the big, thick tuft of hair on his head (after the rest had been cleanly shaven) And to $Qnakqkl Who was the youngest of them all They were advised to offerthe ebg for longevity
ii
,,ono"
The five children mentoned above were the ones who were most impoftant to Qrnmll among all his children at that material point in time. These children went to the home of the group of Awo whose names were mentioned above for Ifa consultation. They were all informed that they were Flgb children. Each of them was advised to offer gbg with one cock, palm oil and money. They were also told to cut kolanuts into pieces and place them on their If. From there they were to be picking the kolanuts for consumption. By so doing, they were assured, they would live long on eafth. They did; and they lived long. They were all saying that:
B ge ogn gdn l'nff A ma ba wgn $'bl l'rl B ge ggbqn gdn l'nff A ma b wgn gg'bl l'rl
Ikin jg
lkin jg
Aadoa gdun l'nff A ma b wgn ge'bl l'rl Ikin Aw ti di $Qnqkgkl Ik kff pa ag'bl l'rf Ikin jg At d $Qnakgkl
jg
Translation
Even in twentyyearsto come
We shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of Ikin our holy kernel In thifi years to come We shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our holy kernels In fifty years time We shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our holy kernels We have taken up the identity of $Qnkgki Death will never kill the person who eats kolanuts placed on top of the holy kernel
We are now pQnkgld
If says that so long as the children (natural or adopted) of the person for whom this Od is revealed can do this, so long will they live on
eafth. This can be done daily or at every If days. It
is a sure remedy
aganst ailments and evil spirits for those born by this Od or those for whom this Od is revealed during consultation.
If l di enl
Mo l di enl
Eleenl
Dl
ftn'Lmenl
Qmg at'Qrun la, gb'gb Aj ka'rf w'y rf l d i Mo l d jl
Ejeefi Dl fn Sq-Ejld
T
fyln tl m'oju qkrln srhn t'gmg
If l d eJa Mo l di eta
Ikorita mta abldl ykt-yakata

Dl firn TamllQrg Tll ge gmgknrin lta If l di Qrin Mo l dl Qrin
frln ni wqn rln fo'n gtl

filn Elrlnmagba
Frln +e+g ni gbr rln ko od l'n

IX
Qmq atako l9l99l9 Sgun If l di rn Mo l di run Orggrn ni wqn k 'l OrygrUn ni wqn k 'kn IX filn QlQrunflnml Qrggrn ni wQn fi ohun ire jin'raa wgn
di lfa Mo l d efa Ir gbogbo l flr j'e, t Bl wqn b d'n igb Dl fn Qlqfa-Ftl

r
rf
li
,,on,,
9mg ata'ko lglgglg 9 Qgun If l di eje Mo l di je B'lugbqn b 9'oro

A
k'lje
B'ArQs b g'or A k'lje Dl firn olje|e ag'qte Tl be l'rfn J
fi
fojoojmg kg'min ogun f16 d'jg

Mo
ld'ejg
K1waj il iq sl rere sl rere K', ylnknl il jq sl rere sf rere Dla fun Abljq Tl wQn bl s'de lgbje T'Oun tl lresl Oro Iwa jq
Fvln
Mo
ti g'awo egbjq g t'mi
iq
If l d'Qsn
Mo l d'sn Asan-gb I'agg t'wQn
AwQ-gb I'aggt'wa o Dl fit n Alkesn-magba Erlgl magba

Eyl tO j'qba tn T sunkn Oun
O
rl olsln
Aw m AlkQsn jeQOia Gbogbo gmg gni E y w, g wa sln Gbogbo gmg gni If l d'Qw Mo ld'Qw Wlw-wlw ni wqn w Babalwoo re'l Babalwo kff w gnlkan gogo
37
fin Qwa-Qga 9wa Oglrl gbQdu Qmq okun yye Aie f'b kQQkQQ la'lg Eyl tO sunkn wlpe ap un k'y
D,l
rf
Qkanla ni wgn d'gr fm Qkanla ni wgn d'gr fAwg Qkanh ni wgn d'qr welewele jko Dl fn Qkanlawqn WQn nl k r'bg K ekefl rQgt'Qrun le da ohun rere le I'Owq
Qkanh Mo ldi Qkanh
I di
rf dril
Mo l
dlil
Qrunmll nl t'n b il l'rooru ktrkut Oun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl tl Oun b jl I'orOOru ktkt T'n b fi agg drtdtt bo'ra kq? WQn nl wQn nl Orrtnmll peh 9mg al'drf -j Qmq onlwgnran
Mo l tn di ljl Qrrtnmll nl t'n b il l'r0Oru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma rtb Oun l'raa d nl tl Oun b jl I'orOOru ktkt
If ltn diljl
T'n b f'a9g pupa bo'ra kg? WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll pgh Qmq onl'lQ kan,llQ kn Tl rrb wqn pqn rlgarlga
Mo l tn di ljl QrUnmll nl t'n brt l'rOru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl Oun b jl I'orOru ktkt
If ltn diljl
ii
,,ono"
T'n b f a$g funfun bo'ra rtkq? WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll pele 9mg gi Qpe kan, QpQ kan T b wgn fitn nlngin-nlngin
Mo l tn di ljl Qrrtnmll nl t'n bil l'rOru ktkt Oun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl tl un ba jl l'rru ktkt T'oun o bo sokoto, t'oun o san bante nko? WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll peh Qrunmlla lS
If Itn diljl
Pqrcpeh gmg arln'hh g'Qsln PeK qmg arlnhoh f'Qra Idl ni gb'd-gb'd ti 'do tirQ e gbq o Idl ni Oj'ayo-rlj'ay ti rj'ayo tirg l'de Ekltl-ffgn Idl ni aja ti mu gi r$g gn K t re qgenggn igi Idl ni Baba mi Agbonljos t b'blnrin rQ g'er T b dilgbe ajQdn Ire gmg nff yg'r{ | s{ Dl filn Egb Dfi fin Frn Dl fin $agara fn ArQnl-abg-pnp Dl fif n $Qnakqkl Tll $'qmglk-eyln wgn lnje-lnje WQn nl kl wqn r'bg sl llkr ara wgn B ge ogn gdun I'nff A ma b wgn ge'bl l'rl lkin jg B ge ggbqn gdn l'nff A ma b wgn s'bl I'Or{ Ikin jq Aadqta gdun l'nff A ma b wgn gq'bl l'rl Ikin jg Aw ti di $QnQkgkl Ikr kff pa aSe'bl l'rf Ikin jg
At d sonekokl
Translation
If says"it is now one" I chorus that"it is now one" Eleeef He was the Awo who cast If for'Lmff He who carred the calabash orwealth and success on his head from heaven to eah If says"it is nowtwo" I chorus that"it is now two"
E;eer He was the Awo who cast If for SIQ-ETd
Who reclined and was weeping in lamentation of her inability to bear a child If says"it is nowthree" I chorusthat"it is nowthree" Thethree crossroads with broad base He was the Awo who cast If for TarnflQrg (present me with gifts) The son oflta, the main street If says"it is now four" I chorus that it now four It is with laughter people collectfire for liquor distillation Wth smiles, the flood joins the river They were the Awo who cast If for filQiln-magba, the king of Enn-lte He who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary If says"it is now five" I chorus that"it is now five Every five days do we harvest Okra Every five days do we haruest garden-eggs They were the Awo who cast If for QlQrun;)nrn'i Every five days do they present good gifts of life to one another If says"it is now six"
40
ll ,,onr"
I chorus that'tit is now six" All animals'tails resemble that of [t When theyare in the bush They were the Awo who cast If for QQfa-fta
He who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome
adversary If says"it is now seven" I chorus that"it is now seven" Whenever OlgbQn performs his annual ritual He will markthe seventh day of the ceremony Whenever ArQs perfoms his annual ritual He will markthe seventh day of the ceremony They were the Awo who cast If for Oljele, the conspirator When he was in the midst of enemies And was living in constant fear of uprising If says"it is now eight" I chorusthat'tit is now eight" May the home frontage be calm and peaceful Maythe backof the home be calm and peaceful They were the ones who cast If for Abf njg Who was born inlgbjg town Together with IrQs)-Or The front is calm and peaceful The back is calm and peaceful I had offered my own gbg with 1,600 cowries If says"it is now nine" I chorus that"it is nine" Their clothes are to be hung until they tear to pieces Our dresses are to be worn until they fade They were the Awo who cast If for AlkQsn-magba Whose praise name includes"EFlgl magba" Who after being installed an Qba Was weeping in lamentation of his inability to have people Who would pay him homage We have now madeAlkQsn the head of the market All our children Step here and payyour homage
41
Ifa Dida: An nvtation to lfa
Consultato
Eji Ogbe
Allourchildren If says"it is nowten" I chorus that"it is now ten"

Clients are the ones who go to Babalwo's house Babalwo is not to frequent a client's house This was the declaration of If to ew Qga Qw OgririigbQdu Off-spring of thosewho greetwith"Okun yye,' He who fights and uses the handle of his sword
to mark the ground When weeping in lamentation of his inability to control his subjects If says"it is now eleven" I chorus"it is now eleven" When packing ritual materials for Ol, they are always done in eleven When packing ritual material for Awo they are always done in eleven These were the declarations of If to Qkanhwgn Who was advised to offer gbg So that his second in heaven would shower him with good gifts of life If says"it is nowtwelve" I chorusthat"it is nowtwelve" Qrnm)l says that whenever he wakes up at dawn Allthings are agreeable to him He asksthatwhat if hewakes up atdawn And he wraps himself with a blackcoverlet? They respond that people will say"gentlyOnfnmll "The man who shines in his blackness "The owner of black jewel leries" "If says"it is again twelve" I chorusthat"it is again Twelve Qrunm'ila says that whenever he wakes up at dawn All things are agreeable to him He asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he wraps himself with a red coverlet?
42
ii ''ono"
They respond that people will say"gently Qrnm'il" "Ownerof the land "That is as red as clay" "If says"it is again twelve" I also respond that"it is again twelve" Qrunm)l says that whenever he wakes up at dawn All things are agreeable to him He asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he wraps himself with white coverlet? They respond that people will say"gently Qrnmll" "The owner of that palm-tree" "That is white and immaculate" "If says"it is again twelve" I chorus that"it is again twelve" Qrnmll says that whenever he wakes up at dawn Allthings are agreeableto him Qrnm'il asks that what if he wakes up at dawn And he chooses to wear neither trousers nor apron?
space"
('
They respond that people will hail him and say "gently
"Gently, easy, he who is fresh and lovely in his complete
nakedness" "Gently, the man who is kingly in his nudity" It is from the base that the moftar carver commences the carving for a moftar It is from the base that Ay game player plans the defeat of his
Qrnm)f Easy 0rnmll
':
opponentat It is from the bottom of a tree that Ajao climbs to the peak anytree It is from the bottom that my father known as AgbOn'ljOsr1 makes love to his spouse By the same season the following year
The result is the Ire of a bouncing baby These were the declarations of If to Egb And to frn And to
ENtl-FfQn
of
i
!
$agara
43
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultation
And to ArQn) with the big, thick tuft of hair on his head And to SQnkgki Who was the youngest of them all They were advised to offerthe gbg for longevity Even in twentyyears to come
we shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of Ikin our holy

kernel In thirtyyearsto come we shallbe eating kolanuts placed on top of our hory kernels In fiftyyearstime we shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our hory kernels We have taken up the identity of SQnkgki Death will never killthe person who eats kolanuts placed on top of the holy kernel We are now Snkoki
7.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed loves to crave for attention and recognition at all times. He/she shall always get the attention he/she desires. If already advises that he/she must never be complacent with whatever achievement he/she had attained until he/she has reached the zenith of his/her career in life. He/she .must however be cautious in his/her pursuit of recognition at all times. If says that even though he/she must strive to reach the top, he/she must however be cautious in his/her pursuit. If atso says that this person must learn the attitudes of elders and i m p o rt a n t dignitaries in the community. By so doing, he/she wilt move in the midst of elders and very important personalities. on all
these, If says:
Mo s pamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un s pamq Mo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o fe kQrQ Dl fin Il
ll
,,ono"
Nfiq tl t'Qrun
WQn nl k Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ IIQ nl ay t ye Oun t byff
r'bg
bQ
wa'ye
{
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Orf says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refusesto accept mywalking in These were lf's declarations to IlQ, the mother-earth When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offergbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was
alleyways
When IlQ, the Mother-earth, was coming from Heaven to Eafth, she was advised to offer gbg in order to avoid a situation where everyone would be placing things on her. She refused to offer the gbg, that she was quite satisfied with the way her life was. It was on very day that people spread mat on her. That was when she understood the importance of the advice of the Awo.
Mo s PamQ, s PamQ Orl mi l'un s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda m l'un o f kQrQ Dl filn f Nfiq tl t'qrun bQ w'Y WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQ f nl nl ay ti yq oun t bYll
retorting that
nl
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself
I
45
I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to [n'i, the mat When coming from heaven to eath She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her
She responded that her life was right and proper the
way it was
when fnl, the Mat, was spread over the Ground, frf thought that her poston was the ultimate in achievement. She was however advised to offer gbg with two pigeons and money. She was also asked to feed her o with one white pigeon, honey, liquor, four kolanuts, eight bitter kola and money. She refused and said that she was quite satisfied with her present achievement. It was on that very day that a rug was
placed on her. Mo s pamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o fQ kerQ
firn ltq
Nfjq t'Qrun be w'y WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQ Ite nl ay ti ye un t byff

Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Ol says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alley ways But my lda refusesto accept mywalking in alleyways These were lf's declarations toltq, the Rug When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her 46
li
t,ono"
She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was
timeltg, the Rug was placed on top of finf the Mat, the Rug was jubilation, thinking that her achievement was the greatest anyone could ever make. She was however advised to offer gbg as stated
By the
above so that no other thing could ever be placed over and above hen She refused to heed this advice. On the same day, Apr, the stool, was placed on top of her.
Mo s pamQ, s pamQ Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fd ml l'un o f$ kQrQ Dl filn Apere Nljq tl rtt'Qrun bQ wy WQn nl k rrl'bg l(l nkankan m ba g'orli rQ Apere nl ay ti ye oun t byll
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Orisays itdoes notaccept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alley ways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were If's declarations to Apr, the stool When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her
She responded that her life was right and proper the
way it was
When Apr, the stool was placed on top of ItE, the Rug, she was happy and thought that she had achieved a lot. She was however advised to offer gbg so that no other thing could be placed on top of her. She refused to heed the advice of the Awo. That same day, Qba, the king was placed on top of her.
47
lfa Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consultation
Mo s pamg, s pamq Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ fda ml l'un o fg kQrQ
fitn 9ba
Mjq tl o rtt'grun bQ wy Wqn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ Qba nl ay ti yg Oun t bytl
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Ori says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alley ways But my FdArefuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to Qba, the king When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg Sothat nothing could be placed on top of him He responded that her life was right and proper the way it was
Qba, the king, was placed on the stool, which was placed on the Rug, which was placed on the Mat, which was placed on the Mother-Eafth. He was very elated. Everyone was halling him and chanting "Kbfyeff" in salutation. He was however advised to offer gbg and feed his Of as stated above so that nothing coud be on top of him. He said that he was quite contented with his present condition. On that same day, Ad, the crown, was placed on top of his head.
Mo s pamQ, s pamQ Orl mi l'un s pamQ Mo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQ lda ml l'un o fg kQrQ Df fin Ad Nljq tl nt'qrun bQ wy
li
WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli r Ad nl ay t yg oun t byff
,,ono"
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my O says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to Ad, the crown When coming from heaven to eafth She wasadvised to offergbg So that nothing could be placed on top of him He responded that his life was right and proper the way it was
Ad, The Crown, was placed on the head of Qba, the king. The Crown thought that the achievement was the ultimate. He was full of joy and celebrations. He was however warned to offer gbg as prescribed above so that nothing could be placed over and above him. He simply ignored the advice. On that very day, 16 peacock plumes were placed on top of Ad, the Crown.
Mo s pamQ, s pamQ Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrO, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o f kqrq Dl frtnly Qkn mrlndlnlgrtn fjq tl o nt'grun bQ wy WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ WQn nl ay ti ye wgn t byff
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Ori says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alley ways
49
But my lda refuses to accept my walkng in alleyways These were lf's declarations tolyq Ql(n, the Peacock Feathers When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was
When Iyq Qldn, the Peacock Plumes, were attached to the top of Ade, the Crown, they looked everywhere and concluded that there was no way any other thing could be placed on top of them. Based on this conviction, they simply ignored the advice of the Awo who asked them to offer gbg as prescribed above. On that very day, Eginsin-tnt, a tiny Housefly, landed on top of the plumes.
Mo s pam, s pamQ Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ fda ml l'un o fQ kQrQ Dl frn lyQ Egingin-tnt Nliq tl ttt'Qrun bQ wy WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orfirQ
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alley ways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways
These were lf's declarations
to
Egingin-tnt,
the
Tiny
Housefly When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her
Egingin-tnt found himself on top of the IyQ Qldn, Peacock Plumes, who were on top of Ad, the Crown, who was on top of Qba, the King,
ii
,'ono"
who was on top of Apr, the Royal Stool, who was on top of ItQ, the Rug, who was on top of f n'i, the Mat who was on top of IlQ, the Ground and realized that nothing stops any other thing from being placed on top of him. In this wise, he heeded the advice of the Awo who asked him to offer gbg in order to avoid a situation where something else would be placed on top of him. He also fed his Ofi as prescribed. He was also advised to take life easy and that he should learn how to behave in the midst of people. He complied. He was then assured that nothing would be placed on top of him. True to prediction, nothing was placed on top of him. Anytime he landed on Iyg Ol(n, the Peacock plumes, he would wash his two hands and two legs thoroughly, he would then wine and dine with Qba, the King and all his Highness Chiefs and other subordinates. Afterthe feasting, he would then begin to jubilate by singing thus:
Mowg'wQrwg'sQ Mojgun Qba o Mowg'wQrwg'sQ Mo jgun Qba o Emi wg'wQ, we'sQ
Miokmq
Emll wg'wQ, wg'se Mo jgun 9ba
Translation
I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king I wash both hands and feet I die no more I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to learn
51
Ifa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultaton
proper conduct and decorum so as to live long and be able to mix freely in the midst of very important personalities. If says that he/she shall be found in the midst of, and counted along with, eba and impoftant dignitaries. Mo s pam, s pamq Orf mi l'un O s pam Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o fg kQrQ D,l fn IIQ
nt'qrun bQ w'y WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQ Ilg nl ay ti yg oun t bytl Oojq n ni wqn t'gnl le l'rl Mo s pam,, s pamq Orl mi l'un s pam Mo rln nl kQre, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o fg kQrQ Dl fn gnl Nfjq t'qrun bQ w'y WQn nl k rrt'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ fnl nl ay t yg un t byff oojq n ni wEn tq ltg l'e l'rf Mo s FamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un s pamg Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ FAa m l'un o fg kerQ Dt fn lte Nfjq tl rtt'Qrun bQ w'y Wen nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ Itq nt ay ti yg oun t byff oojq n ni wqn gb pr le l'rl Mo s pam, s pamq Orl mi l'un O s pamq
O
Nfjq tl
tl tl
ll
Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o f kQrQ Dl fn Apr t{ljq tl t'Qrun bQ wy WQn nl k r'bg Kl ntkankan m ba g'orli rQ Apr nl ay ti ye oun t bYll Oojq n ni wqn gb Qba le l'rl Mo s pamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un o s pamq Mo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o f kQrQ Dl filn Qba Nljq tl t'Qrun bQ wy WQn nl k r'bg KI nkankan m ba g'orli rQ Qba nl ayt yg un t byll oojq n ni wqn gb Ad le l'rl Mo s pamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un O s pamq Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o f$ kQrq Dl ftn Ad r.ffiq tl nt'9run bQ wy WQn nl k rrl'bg Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQ Ad nl ay ti ye Oun t byff Ooiq n ni wqn fi lye Qkln mQrlndlnlogn Ie Mo s FamQ, s pamq Orl mi l'un s pamQ Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQnQ Fda ml l'un o f$ kQrq Dl fin lyg Qkln mgrlndlnlgun NljQ tl t'qrun bQ wy WQn nl k r'bg Kl nkankan m baa g'orfi rg
EiiOgbe
l'rl
WOn nl ay ti ye wgn t byll oojq n ni Eegin Tnt b le Mo s pamQ, s pamQ Orl mi l'un O s pamQ Mo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQ Fda ml l'un o f$ kQrQ Dl fun lyg Egingin-tnt tjq t'Qrun bQ wy WQn nl k rrl'bg l(| nkankan m ba g'orli rQ gb'gbo, r'bg
I'rl
wa wg'wE itnl itnl w'gsQ itnl tnl ya'nu kt Orin Awo l ko

nl mowgwQ,wg'se Mo jgun Qba o
MowqwQrwg'sg Mo jgun Qba

Eml wgwQ, wg'sQ
Miokmq Eml iwgwqrwe'se

Mo
jqun Qba
Translation
I tried in vain to hide myself But my Ol says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refusesto accept mywalking in alleyways These were If's declarations to IIQ the mother-eafth When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was Thatwasthe daythat [nf, the Matwas placed on it I tried in vain to hide myself
54
li
,'ono"
I
'
But my Ori says it does not accept my hiding I tried to walk in But my pda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declaratons to fnl, the mat When coming from heaven to earth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was Thatwas the day thatltg, Rug was placed on it I tried in vain to hide But myOf says itdoes notaccept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations toltq, the Rug When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg Sothat nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was Thatwasthe daythatApr, the Stoolwas placed on I tried in vain to hide But my Or'i says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my pda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to Apr, the stool When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it That was the day Qba was placed on it Itried in vain to hide myself But my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were If's declarations to Qba, the king When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of
alleyways
myself
myself
myself
it
was
him
55
He responded that her life was rght and properthe way itwas Thatwasthe daythatAd, the Crown was placed on his head I tried in vain to hide myself But my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refusesto accept mywalking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to Ad, the crown When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of him He responded that his life was right and properthe way it was That was the day that 16 peacock plumes were placed on it I tried in vain to hide myself But my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my lda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lf's declarations to Iyq the peacock
Ql(n,
Feathers When coming from heaven to earth She was advised to offer gbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She responded that her life was right and proper the way it was That was the day that Egingin tnt, the tiny Fly landed on the feathers I tried in vain to hide myself But my O says it does not accept my hiding myself I tried to walk in alleyways But my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleyways These were lfa's declarations to Egingin-tnt, the Tiny Housefly When coming from heaven to earth She wasadvised to offergbg So that nothing could be placed on top of her She complied She washed her hands gingerly And washed her legs gingerly
il
She opened her mouth And Awo songs came out of mouth
t,ono"
Shethen declared: I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king I wash both hands and feet I die no more I wash both hands and feet And feastwith Qba, the king
If saysthat the person for whom this Od is revealed shall wine and dine in the midst of the high and mighty in the society. He/she shall be given the respect reserued only for royalties.
8.
If says that as the child of EI-Ogb, the person for whom this Od is revealed has no other source of support except Oldmar, Of and If, It is through If that his/her wealth, success, health and popularity are assured. If says that, as pafts of his/her perpetual crave for attention and recognition, he/she endeavours to prove to others how intelligent he/she really is. If says that all his/her intellect usually exposes his/her folly. Conversely, if anyone tries to under-estimate his/her intelligence, such person will be shocked when it dawned on him/her how smaft he/she is.
If says in conclusion, that it foresees the Ire of wealth, spouse,

children, house, horse, longevity and good health for the person for whom this Od is revealed. He/she needs to rely on If at alltimes. There is need for him/her to offer gbg of ArrJkore. He/she is advised to offer two pigeons, two hens, two cocks and money. He/she also needs to feed If with four rats, four fish, palm-oil and liquor. On these, If says:
Ako Ako A 9Q bl
A gbQn bi
57
lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultation
Agbatfi iteresl'h T kiri ilonl'le kiri Oun l peAko
Ako gbQngbqn-qngbQn, Ako ko w'l Ako gQgQqgq, enlkan ko te gb'Ako ta
K'nll h'w gbQdQ K'nll Se pehpeh B'nllOb h'w gbqdq B'nll o b 9e pelpele Ako O re'l mffrn dandan A Sl'pa tn, ayanngede Ayanngede, a st'p I)| fit n Odnaja-Ag nyt n Qmqrl kan b'rl gwj 9mg orl tl rtsunkn ate Qmq beb-ldl tl ilsunkn Oun gunlbaaka l'gin na'ja lekfletltl B$$ ni ko r'er jgo WQn nl k lg ma b Qrunmll g'OwO pQ
Translation
Thewisdom of Ako The foolishness of Ako As wise asAko is, he cannotcome home As foolish as Ako is, he cannot be sold into slavery The elder who left his own home And was moving about other people's homes Isthe person called Ako Letthe occupantofthe house exercise caution Letthe occupant ofthe house show meekness If the occupantof the house s notcautious Ifthe occupant of the house does not show meekness Ako will surely leave for another house With arms akimbo, he will match majestically He will walk majestically, with arms akimbo These were lf's declarations to Onlnja-Agnfin Offspring of the Of which is in search of a befitting cap And of beaded waistand buttocks in search of a mule to mountas a horse He engaged in merchandise in several places But he had no profit to show for his efforts He was advised to enter into partnership with
58
"
Qrunmll
eiogn"
Orfnj-Agnln tried so many enterprses but failed. He tried farming; he failed. He tried hunting; he failed. He tried fishing; he failed. He trled trading; he failed. He tried handicraft; he failed. He tried singing; he failed. Consequently, he approached the group of Awo mentioned above
for If consultation: would he succeed in his life? The Awo assured him that he would succeed in his life. They said that he must never prove to be more intelligent than others. He must also avoid being too arrogant or feeling that he understood how to do things better than others. He was equally advised to offer gbg as stated above, to be cool and calm at alltimes, and to enter into paftnership with Qrnmll. He complied with everything hewastold to do.
achievement were attached to his domain by If, financially solvent enough to have a spouse. Wth his spouse, he was able to have good children. Wth children, he was able to build a beffiting house. Wth his home, he was able to purchase horses and keep them in the manger in his home. With horses, he was able to go about his business on horseback. He was happy and contented. He was always equated among kings.
A gbQn bi
Before long,
all the spirits
responsible
for financial
success and He had money; he was
Ako
AgQ bl Ako Ako gbQngbqn-qngbqn, Ako ko w'l Ako gQgQqgo, gnlkan ko le gb'Ako t Agba t fi ile rQ sl'lQ
T kiri ilonl'l kiri Oun l peAko K'nll h'w gbQdq K'nll 9e pelepe B'nllO b h'wa gbqdq B'nllo b 9e pelpQh Ako o re'l mllrn dandan ASI'patn, ayanngede Ayanngede, a sf 'p D,l filn Onl naja -Ag nyl n 59
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consultation
qmqrf kan b'rfgwojq Qmqorltl sunkn ate 9mg bbe-ldl tl sunkrf n Oun O gunlbaaka l'gin
n'ja leklhtltl BgQ ni kO r'r jg o
won nl k lg maa b Qnnmll g'owo pq gbg'bgrr'bg A kff b Qrrtnmll g'owO

K'Qni m
r'raj
Ajnl b ni p'naya A kll b Qrnmll g'OwO K'gnim r'raya Aya nl b ni p'n gmg A kll b Qrrlnmll g'OwO K'Qni m r'r gme Qmq ni tb ni p'eena il A kff b Qrunmll g'w0 K'$ni m r'r l Il nl b ni p'en ggin A kff b Qrrrnmll g'w K'ni m r'r esin fgin la o ma g0n g'awo Ayamg bl $l-Ogbe kq I'gba nl'l If fqin la O maa gn g'awo
Translation
Thewisdom of Ako The foolishness of Ako As wise as Ako is, he cannot come home As foolish as Ako is, he cannot be sold into slavery The elderwho left his own home And was moving aboutother people's homes Isthe person called Ako Let the occupant of the house exercise caution Letthe occupantofthe house show meekness If the occupant of the house is not cautious Ifthe occupantofthe house does notshow meekness Ako will surely leave for another house With arms akimbo, he will match majestically He will walk majestically, with arms akimbo These were If's declarations to Offnj-Agnfin Offspring of the Ol which is in search of a befitting cap And of beaded waist and buttocks in search of a mule to mount as a horse
60
ii
He engaged in merchandise is several lands
,,ono"
But he had no profit to show for his effotts He was advised to enter into paftnershp with Qrnmll He complied and offered the appropriate sacrifice One cannotenter into partnership with Qrrlnmll For one not to have the profit of wealth Wealth is itwhich attractsspouse One cannot enter into paftnership with Qrnm'll For one not to have the profit of spouse Spouse is itwhich attracb children One cannot enter into partnership with Qnf nmll Forone notto havethe profitof children Children are they who attract a befitting home One cannotenter into partnership with Qntnm)l For one not to have a befitting home Home is it which attract horses One cannot enter into partnership with Qrnmll Forone notto have horses Horses shall we mount in our If enterprises Unless if ET Ogbe is notthe king of allthe Od of If Horses shall we mount n our If enterprises
9.
If says that it is advisable for the person for whom this Od is

revealed not to procrastnate in the offering of gbg and the feeding of Eg in order to get all the Ire, which are already looking for him/her, at the approprate time.
If says that the person for whom EI-OgOe was revealed had los! or is about to lose, many things in terms of material possession in life. If says that he/she needs not to worry as along as he/she still has possesson of the most invaluable asset in this world his/her life. If says that as long as he/she still lives, all the things which might have been lost shall be regained several times over. It may however be that he/she had missed several promsng chances in life due to no fault of his/hers. If says that he/she shall still attain greater heights in life as long as as there is life.
If says that nothing lost must ever be allowed to worry the person
61
for whom this Od is revealed. As long as there is life, there is hope; as long as there is hope, there are several opportinites. On these, If
says:
Afin lfi gbogbo ara h'ew Arg ni O na wQ Kgb'gbOOge l'je Dla fn lml Tff g'gmg Orlga Gb0wujt Eyl tl y je gloje l'wjg ara f bg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
An Albino is he who grows grey hair all over his body A cripple is he who never stretches his hands And carry Oga calabash form the attic
These were If's declarations to fnf , Life Theoffspring of O9 cbwI Who shall become the most important part of the body He was advised to offerebo
Qbtl. He was very popular. one day, he went to the Awo mentioned above in order to know his position among the other parts of the body. He was told that he would become the mos[ impoftant paft of the body and that without him, all the other part of the body, without exception, would be useless. He was also told that the body would lose many things in life but that as long as he still remained as part of the body, allthe lost items would be regained. He was advised to offer gbg with three cocks, three white pigeons and money. He complied. He was also advised to feed Qbatl. He also complied.
prn'i was an offspring of
Before long, the Body lost many things - position, spouse, clothing materials, prosperity, money and many other things. But because Frn'i, Life, was still retained as he had been forewarned, the Body clung to life. No room was given to despair, Life clung to hope. soon after, things began to change for the better. Money returned, spouse returned with children. Because there was money, he was able to purchase all the essential things in his life. He regained all the lost things in several folds. He was so happy. He began to preach to others who were in difficult situations that they only
62
needed to ensure that fnf, hope; and when there is hope, there are boundless
Afin lo fi gbogbo ara h'ewrl Arg ni O na'wQ Kgb'gbOoSa l'ia Dl fin Emf Tfi I'gmg Orlga Gbowrljl Eyl tl y je Qlja l'wjg ara fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
il ,,ono" Life, was not lost. When there is life, there is
opportunities.
gb'gborr'bg
je Orlqa
t'!ml
l gro o o
Orts,t'fml lgOro T'fmff O b bQ o KslounYOn Orlgt'!ml lgoroo
Translation
An Albino is he who grows grey hair all over his body Acripple is hewho neverstretches his hands
And carryOflg calabash from the attic These were If's declaration to The offspring of Ofl9 Gbwttfl Who shall become the most impoftant paft of the body He was advised to offer gbg
frnl
He complied
Lo,Oga, fnf isthe mostimportant Orisa, frnl is the most invaluable If Enf is nottaken away Verily, nothing is lost Oga, Ernl is the most
essential
l
If says that with life, all things are possble. Only the dead can lose hope. As long as there is life, there is the need to continue to strive for the better.
10.
If says that the person for whom EI-Ogb is revealed shall succeed in life. That is not in contention. He/she however needs to take the issue of securing a spouse of his/her own very seriously and make it a point of priority to have his/her own children early in life.
63
He/she
{
lfa Dida: An invitation to
lfa Consultation
should not be too concerned with securng money and all other material things of life without giving a serious consideration to having his/her own children early in life. This is because he/she may end up spending a considerable part of the money that he/she had made in the search for children at later stage in his/her life.
If says that this person needs to offer gbg with three hens, eight rats, eight fish and money. He/she is also to feed If with one goat, eight rats and eight fish. A stanza in EJ)-ogb in suppoft of this
says:
Ifa lod'fpgil,Awo ile kenQ ld If mo la g'awotlff d'de ilQyll Mo la r'wo ge Qrnmll nl klni e m bq be? Tl gfi r'wo$e Mo nl eku mefl olwr La m bQ ibe Oun la fi r'wo ge
Translation If declares that here comes

KQrQ
FpeJi
the Awo in the household of
If, I state that we
the wealth accumulator
transacted
If
business extensively and
arrived atthis land I declared that we were very successful indeed Qrnm)l asked whatwe broughtback Which made us feel that we were successful I responded that it was two swift rats Which we brought back This made us have a successfulenterprise
Some If practitioners headed bV Fp-ef approached Qrnm'll and declared to him thatthey were successful in their If practices. Qrrlnmll asked them to state what they brought back as gan in their transactions. They responded that they brought back two rats each. Orrlnmll declared that what they made did not amount to success. They had only gone on ratseating expedition. Qrunmll then asked them to go out again and pursue real profit in their If practices.
If l d'f pejl, Awo il e kerQ l d

64
il ,'ono.
If mo la g'awo tltl d'de
ilQ
yll
Mo la r'wo se Qrrlnmll nl klni e m bQ be? Tl gfi r'woge Mo nl eja mejl ab'lwe gbada La m bq bQ Oun lafi r'woseo
Translation If declares that here comes Fp,f, the Awo in the household of
If, I say that we transacted If
KQrg
arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed Qnlnm'il asked what we brought back Which made us feel that we were successful? I responded that itwas two fish, graceful in swimming Which we broughtback This made us have a successful enterprise
Again, Qrrlnmll made it clear to the If practitioners that acquisition of fish did not consttute profit. It only showed them to be fish eaters. Qrrtnm'il ordered them to go back in pursuit of real profit.
If l d'Fpejl, Awo il e kQrQ l d If mo la g'awotltf d'de ilQyll Mo la r'wo ge Qrrlnmll nl klni e m bq be? Tl gfi r'wo ge Mo nl eJe mjl abtf0fng
La mr bq be Oun lafi
r'woseo
household of
Translation If declares that here comes, Fpef, the Awo in the

KQrQ
If, I say that we
transacted
lf business extensively and
arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed Qrnmll asked whatwe broughtback Which made us feelthatwe were successful? I responded that itwas two birds, swift in flight
65
Which we broughtback This made us have a successful enterprise.
And again, Qrnml! told the If practtoners that to acquire birds did not make a person successful, It only showed one as a bird eater. Qrnmll then asked them to go back in search of real profit.
If l d'!pejl, Awo il e kqrg l d If mo la g'awotltl d'de ilQyll Mola r'woge Qrunmll nl klni e m bq be? Tl gfi r'wo s3 Mo nl gran mjl ab'd gbQk
La m bQ be
Oun lafi r'woseo
Translation
If declares that here comes FpQf, the Awo in the household of
If, I say that we transacted If
KQrQ
arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed Orrf nmll asked what we brought back Which made us feel that we were successful? I responded that itwas two beasts, with large livers Which we broughtback This made us have a successfulenterprise.
And yet agan, Qrnm)l declared that having several beasts did not make anyone successful. It dd not constitute profit in life. It only categorized one among the group of beast eaters. Qrnm'il agan ordered them to go in search of real profit in life.
Ifa l d'Fpgjl, Awo il e kQe l d If mo la g'awotlt d'de ilQyll Mola r'wo9e Qrnmll nl klnie m bq be? Tl gfi r'woge Mo nl omidan mil ab'OJen gagera
La mrl bE be Oun la fi r'wo se o
66
ii
,,ono"
I
Translation
If declares that here come Fpe,f, the Awo in the household of KQrQ, the
wealth accumulator If, I say that we transacted If business extensively, and arrived at this land I declare that we were very successful indeed Qnlnm)l asked whatwe broughtback Which made us feel that we were successful I respond that it was two maids, with pointed breasts Whom we broughtback This made us have a successfulenterprise
When QrnmIl heard that the Awo had brought two damsels, he declared that itwas atthattimethatthe Awo could saythatthey had a successful If enterprse. The Awo were surprsed that only when they brought home two maids did Qrnmll declare that they could really talk of engaging in a
profitable enterprise in life. They asked Qrnmll why this was so. Qnf nmll responded that it was only through these maids that they could have children. It was through children that their future was assured. He stated that only children constitute people's real profit in Consequently, rats, fish, birds or beasts do not constitute profit in life;
whereas marriage and children do.
life.
'Tlgfir'wo.ge
Ifa lo d'!pejl, Awo il e kQrQ l d If mo la g'awo tltl d'de ile yll Mo la r'wo ge Qrrlnmll nf klni I m bq be?
Mo nl eku mejl La mrl bq Oun lafi r'wo9eo Qrrlnmll nl kO s'Awo nl'bQ nnl Awo k j'eku lsan ni If l d'Fpgil, Awo il e kQrQ l d If mo la g'awo tltl d'de ilQ yll Mo la r'wo ge Qrnmll nl klni e m bq be?
be
olwr
:
{
Tlgfi r'woge
Mo nl eja meil ab'lwQ gbada La mrl b
67
lfa Dida: An nvtaton to lfa Consultaton
Oun
lafi r'woseo
Tlgfi r'woge
Tl gfi r'woge Mo nl eJg mil abTfOfang La mrt bq be Oun lafi r'wogeo Orrlnmll nl kO s'Awo nibe nni Awo k j'eyg lsn ni If d'Fpejl, Awo il e kQrg l d If mo la g'awo ff d'de ilQ yfl Mo la r'wo ge Qrnmlt nl klni 9 m bQ be?
Orunmila n ko s'Awo nl'b nnl Awo k j'eja lsn ni If l d'Fpejl, Awo il e kqrq l d If mo la g'awofftl d'de ilgyfl Mo la r'wo ge Qrrtnmll nl klnie m bQ ibg?
Mo nl gran mjl ab'QdQgbgkQ La mrl bq be Oun la fi r'wo se o Qrrlnmll nl k s'Awo nl'bQ nnl Awo k j'gran lsn ni If l d'!pejl, Awo il e kerQ l d If mo la g'awofiff d'de ilQyll Mo la r'wo se Qrunmll nl klni I m bO ibe? Tl efi r'wose Mo nl omidan mjl ab'yn gagera La mrt bq be Oun lafir'wogeo Qrunmll nl nlgbag g t r'Awo ge WQn nl tirl t f j nlgba la t r'Awo 9e? Qrnmll nl tt wqn b bl Ams ttn Wen tn bl Amqrg Qmg qnf nlgb nt', yln gni 9e
Translation If declares that here

KQrQ
comes Fpef the Awo
in the
househord of
If, I state that we
transacted
If
arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed
68
il
,,ono"
Qrrlnmll asked that what we brought back That made us feel thatwe were I responded that it was two swift rats Which we brought back This made us have a successfulenterprise Qrrlnm)l assets that it was not a successful enterprise Itwas justa rateating venture If declares that here comes FpQf, the Awo in the household of KQrQ the wealth accumulator If, say that we transacted If business extensively and arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful Qrunmll asked whatwe brought back That made us feel thatwe were successful? I responded that it was two fish, graceful in swimming, Which we broughtback This made us have a successful enterprise. Qrrf nm)l asseftsthat itwas nota successfulenterprise Itwas justa fish eating venture If declares that here comes FpJi, the Awo in the household of KQrQ the wealth accumulator If, say that we transacted If business extensively and arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed Qrunmll asked whatwe brought back That made us feel that we were successful? I responded that it was two birds, swift in flight Which we brought back This made us have a successful enterprise Qrunmlb assefts that it was not a successful enterprise Itwas justa bird eating venture If declares that here comes Fpe,Ji, the Awo in the household of KQrQ the wealth lf, say that we transacted If business extensively and arrved atthis land I declare that we are very successful indeed Qrnm)l asked whatwe broughtback To make us feel that we were successful? I responded that it was two goats with massive liver Which we brought back This made us have a successful enterprise Qrrlnmll assefts that it was not a successful enterprise Itwas justa beasteating venture If declares that here come Fpe,f, the Awo in the household
successful
ndeed
accumulator
of
69
Ifa, I say that we
KQrQ,
transacted
If
business extensvely, and
arrived atthis land I declare that we were very successful indeed Qrnmll asked whatwe broughtback That made us feelthatwe are successful I responded that it was two maids, with pointed breasts Whom we broughtback This made us have a successful enterprise
Qrnmll assefts
enterorise
that t is now that you engage in
successful
AkpO asks why it is so
Qrnmll responds that when the maids give bifth to AmsU They will also give bifth to Amqre Our children preserve our name when we are gone
In this If, only one's chld is what one possesses that is greater than the possessor. Life without children is not worth living. Consequently, it is in the best interest of ET-Ogb children or whoever this Odu s revealed for, to struggle and have children early in life in order to avoid a situation where
he/she would be spending his/her resources n search of children.
11.
If says that the person for whom this Odrl is revealed is an Flggb. He/she needs to feed his/her Fgb regularly. By so doing, he/she will live long, be prosperous and will have several followers who will respect and adore him/her. There is also the need to offer gbg with two hens, two rats, two fish and money. He/she also needs to look for a big cocoyam leal put a "hand" of If in the leaf and while using the leaf as a container, slaughter one of the hens offered as gbg and drain its blood on the cocoyam leaf without allowing the blood to touch the lkin. This is to be left there for at least, six hours or better stll, until the following day before being returned into the If container. After this, If will be asked what the flgbg will accept as feeding materials for the person for whom this Od is revealed. On these,If says
Fn'ra igu nff yan'ra rQ nl'yn Fn'ra gbdo nff yan'ra nQ l'ekq Fn'ra oblnrin nllyan'ra rQ l'y0
7A
ii
Fn'ra gmg blbl Olfe nff yan'ra Dl firn Qrnmll If se 89be we wqn Fbg ni wqn nl k w 9 e
rQ
ejogn"
l'rQmg
Translation
the quality of the yam that selects it for pounded-yam is the quality of the maize that selects it for corn-meal is the attitude of a woman that makes her the favourite wife is the attitude of a child that makes him the heir apparent These were the declarations of If to Orrf nmll Who shall befriend alltheseyouths He was advised to offer gbg
It It It It
is
There are several groups of flQgbg children who were in heaven and they always planned to come to the world only to live for a few days to a few years and return to heaven. The parents of such children were usually sad whenever the children depafted the world. When the mothers of such children became pregnant again, they would be gripped with the fear that they never knew whether these children would live to old age or not.
Wth all these developments, the societies in which these children lived were never happy. Several parents used to troop into Qrnmll's home on a daily basis. Consequently, Qrnmll devised a means of ensuring that these children found it very difficult, if not totally impossible, to die young. He gathered all the children together when they were about to leave their abode in heaven for eafth. He pleaded with them to become his friends. They agreed. During the shoft period that they stayed in heaven, they enjoyed unprecedented joy, friendship and improved quality of life. They were so impressed that they did not want to leave Qrnmll for one moment anymore.
One day, Qrrlnmll called these children together and informed them of his intention to return to earth. They were all very sad to hear this. Qrunm'll however told them that there was nothing to make them sad since they too were due to be born on eafth very soon. He nonetheless told them that if they wished to continue to be his friends on eafth, they needed to enter into a covenant with him. They gladly agreed. He then brought out a cocoyam leaf; he held an edge and asked the children to hold the edge of
71
the leaf. They all dd. He killed a fowl and drained its blood on it. He told them that while on earth, they must never wish to return to heaven until they were already old and that if they forgot and harboured this though! the moment this symbol of their covenant was peformed for them, they
must drop such thought. They all agreed.
QrnmTl also told them to use the oppoftunity of their closeness to him to assist each other and make each other great. They also agreed. Since then, they found it difficult to die young, especially if the gbg stated above had been performed for them. They also have the backing and suppoft of their heavenlyegbe.
If says that there is the need to make all the Flgb children close to If for adequate protection. They are all Qrunmlla's friends. They had also entered into an all-abiding covenantwith If - rightfrom heaven. Afterthis, the parents need to feed egbe for them regularly in order to ensure the suppoft and encouragement of their heavenly peers for them to reach the very peakof theirchosen careers.
Fn'ra igu nll yan'ra rQ nl'yn Fn'ra agbado nfl yan'ra rQ l'gkg Fn'ra oblnrin nll yan'ra rQ l'yO Fn'ra gmg blbl Olfe nffyan'ra re l'remg frtn Qrrtnmll If $e qgbwewqnyl fbg ni wqn nl kw ge gb'Qbgrrrl'bo KO pe, kOjlnna F w b ni nf wQwq ire jq e m m m j'Awo bajQ o $ebl ewe e kko la fi s'ml QpQ
Translation
the quality of the yam that selects it for pounded-yam is the quality of the maize that selects it for corn-meal is the attitude of a woman that makes her the favourite wife is the attitude of a child that makes him an heir apparent These were the declaratons of If to OrUnmIl Who shall befriend alltheseyouths He was advised to offerebo
It It It It
is
72
l', ti,ono"
Hecomplied Before long, nottoo far Come and join us in the midstof all ire Lo, please do not breakthis covenant We have chosen a cocoyam leaf as the symbol (of the covenant)
L2.
If says that it foresees the Ire of childbearng for a barren woman. This woman s between 30 and 45 years old. The woman in question is too proud and too full of herself. Even though she had never had any child in her life, yet she had been making it difficult for men to approach her for a long-lasting relationship. This woman
prefers casual relationship to a serious affair.
If says that this woman must think of having a paftner of her own if she had not had any. She needs to be less arrogant to her paftner and think more seriously about having her own child in her life. If also says that throughout the period that the woman in question ought to be serious about child-bearing, she was busy pursuing worldly possession.
The woman needs to offer qbQ with 200 brown rats, one bead which would first be tied round her waist and then used as part of the gbg materials. If she already has a bead tied round her waist, that is the one she must use. Her paftner also needs to offer one brown rat as ebg. These gbg materials are to be carried to the outskift of the town and placed by the roadside separately. The couple must not together. The husband must go first while the woman goes later to place her own gbQ a few metres away from that of her husband. If says that if all these are done accordingly to lf's specifications, the following year will not meet the woman without carrying her own baby either in her womb, ready to deliver, or on her back, already a proud mother. A stanza in EJ|-Ogb supporting this says:
go
w'hrokun w'lrokun Be la o r'lrokun m 73
Mo nl nlbo I'OlttrOkun gb lg WQn nl Olr0kun be nl'l ay
w'Abgrokun w'AbQrkun BQQ la r'Abgrkun m Mo nl nlbo I'Abgrkun gb lo WQn nl AbgrOkun rtbe l'ladeQrun
A
DlfilnAy
Tff S'gmg Old ma r AgOJn Qba atgnl qla leglgQforl sagbeji
TfQylntl m'j gkn snrhOn gmg lbg ni wQn nl k w ge
Translation
We searched and searched for OhtrOkun Yet we did not find Olrkun
I asked where OlrOkun had gone to Theysaid thatOlrOkun is still in thisworld We searched and searched forAbQrkun Yetwe did notfind AbQrOkun I asked whereAbgrOkun had goneto Theysaid thatAbrOkun is in heaven These were lf's declarations to Ay, the world The offspring of Oldmar
When weeping
in
lamentation
for her inability to have her own
baby She was advised to offer qbg
Ay, the world was an offspring of Oldmar. All the secrets of the world were inside her belly. All the resources inside the world were embedded inside her. Allthe wisdom in the world was also in her custody. As a result of this, Ay was full of herself. she was proud and arrogant. she saw no reason why she should bow down for any man. Knowing that she had more resources than any man, she found it difficult to maintain any lasting relationship with any man.
As a result, she used to snub
men. If she had anyone as lover, she had no emotional consideration for him. At a stage, she made up her mind that no
man would eversee her nakedness.
At a point, she realized that she was gettng older and older, but she had no
74
ll
,,ono"
she went to the house of If priests mentioned above. There, she was assured that she would her own baby in her life. She was however advised against being too selfcentered. She was also told to her humility to her man. They told her that any woman whose nakedness cannot be seen by a man can never have a child. She was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above, She was also told that she had a bead tied round her waist and that the bead must be added to the gbg. All these were to be taken to the outskit of the town. Hearing all these, she signified her readiness to offer the gbg as quickly as possible. The If priests told her to go and look for the 200 gmQ (brown rats)
child. She became worred and consequently,
the have
,
i
she
needed to offerthe gbg.

A w'hlokun w'lrokun BQ la O r'hrOkun m Mo nl nlbo I'Oltlr0kun gb lg WQn nl OlrOkun nbg nl'l ay A w'Abqrokun w'Abgrokun Bee la O r'AbQrkun mq
Mo nl nlbo I'AbQrOkun gb lg WQn nl AbQr0kun rrbg l'lade Qrun Dl filn Qkankanlnlrrln WQn lg r fQ Ay Tff $'gmg Oldmar AgOJrln
lrnmgle
'
Qba atg'nl ql hgelegq forl s'agbeji pbg ni wqn n| k w $e
Translation
We searched and searched for Olrkun Yet we did not find Olrkun I asked where OlrOkun had gone They said that Olrkun is still in this world We searched and searched forAbQrkun Yetwe did notfind AbQrOkun I asked whereAbQrkun had goneto They said thatAbQrkun is in heaven These were lf's declarations to the 401 IrunmglQ
to
When each
Ay
of them wished to
75
proposition and marry
The offspring of Oldmar Each of them was advsed to offer ebo Knowing that Ay was full of resources and potentials, all the 401 lrrlnmglQ were eagerto marry her. When each of them approached her, she snubbed them. They then went to the home of the If priests mentioned above for If consultation in order to know what they needed to do in order to have Ay's hand in marriage. The Awo assured them that anyone among them who could offer gbg prescribed above would be the lucky husband of Ay. They were advised to offer one brown rat and money. The gbg was to be taken to the outskirt of the town. When the gbg was placed there, whoever carried the gbg there was supposed to hide somewhere and watch the gbg throughout the day and see what would happen before returning home late in the eveining of that day. When the 401 lrnmglQ heard of this, they all said that there was no reason why they should go into all those troubles because of one ageing woman. Consequently, they refused to offer the gbg. None of them was able to marry Ay, the daughter of Oldmar.
A w'lurokun w'lrtrokun BgQ la r'lUrOkun m Mo nf nlbo I'Ohtrkun gb lg WQn nl Olrkun rlbgnl'lay
w'AbQrkun Bee la O r'AbQrOkun mq Mo nl nlbo I'Abgr0kun gb lg WQn nl AbQrkun rtbg l'lde Qrun IX filn OrUnmlla If rrg rfQAy Ttl g'gme Oldmar Agqttn Qba atQ'nl qla lggqlgggforl s'agbeji f bg ni wqn nl k w 9e
I w'Abqrokun
Translation
We searched and searched forOlrOkun Yetwe did notfind OhtrOkun I asked where Olrkun had gone to They said that Olrkun is still in this world
76
li' ,,ono"
We searched and searched forAbQrkun Yet we did not find AbQrkun I asked whereAbQrkun had goneto Theysaid thatAbQrOkun is in heaven These were lf's declarationsto Qrrlnmll When proposing to marryAy The offspring of Oldmar He was advised to offer gbg
Qrunmll, seeng that all the 401 lrnmglQ tried and failed in their bid to marry Ay, the daughter of Oldmar, also approached the same set of If priests for If consultation on the same subject. The Awo also assured him that he would succeed in marrying Ay, butthat he needed to offer gbg as prescribed to the other IrnmQlQ. Qrnm'il realized that the 401 IrtlnmglQ failed because they did not offer the gbg as prescribed. He then made up his mind to go and get the brown rat and'bring it to the Awo so thatthe gbg could be offered for him. Very early on the following day, Qrunmll went to E;)gbomgkn market to purchase the brown rat and returned to the home of the If priests so that the gbg could be offered on time for him to carry to the outskirts of the town. The If priests offered the gbg and Qrunmll set out on his shoft trip. He placed the qbg by the roadside at the outskift of the town and found a hidden but comfoftable place from where to keep vigil on the gbg throughout the day as instructed by the If priest.
chose to go to E)gbmgkn market to purchase her own 200 brown rats so as to enable the If priests to offer her own gbg for her and for her to carry same to the
On that same day, as fate would have

outskirt of the town.
it, Ay too
On the very day in question however, all the rat sellers in ElTgbmgkn market brought exactly 200 rats to the market. Qrunmlla had bought one of the rats, leaving a remaining 199 rats for sale on that day. This market opened for commodities transactions once every five days. When Ay arrived at the market she bought all the 199 rats and searched endlessly for one more rat, allto no avail. Wth heavy heaft, she leftforthe home of the If priest.
77
Ifa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultation
In the home of the If priests, Aye explained that she could only get 199 rats to buy and that she was informed that there were only 200 rats in the market on that day but that one man came to buy one of the rats which made it impossible for herto getthe 200 rats she needed.
The Awo told her that it would have been perfect if she had been able to secure the 200 rats needed for the gbg. This notwithstanding, the Awo offered the gbg for her and instructed her to carry it to the outskift of the
town.
She left the home of the If priest and set out on her way to the outskift of the town. However, she was not fully satisfied that she could not get the whole 200 rats needed for her gbg. At the outskift of the town, she placed her gbg very close to where Qnlnmll was hiding but she did not see him. She knelt beside her gbq and was praying fervently to the gods to please accept it even though it remained one rat for it to complete the 200 rats she needed. While she was praying, Oldmar breathed life into the one rat offered by Qrrlnm)l as his own gbg. The rat ran toward Aye. When Ay saw this, she was determined to catch and kill the rat in order to add it to her gbg to complete the 200 rats she needed. She began to pursue the rat up and down. She ran towards Qrrlnm'il three times without knowing that Qrunmlla was close by. On her third approach, however, as she was about to hit the rat with a stick, she slipped, her wrapper loosened and she fell down completely naked. The bead she tied round her waist was clearly seen by Qrnm'il. The bead had a distinct loop. Because she was unaware that she was being watched by someone she stood up still naked, and used her hand to clean the dust pafticles from her body. While doing this, Qrnm'll greeted her and expressed how sorry he was for herwhen she felldown.
On hearing thls, Ay hurridly picked up her wrapper and tied it round her body before answering Qrrfnmll. She later asked Qrnmll if he ever saw her in her nudity. Qrnmll responded that he never did, except that he saw the loop of the bead she tied round her waist which he could describe in details.
78
ll
,,ono"
There and then, Ay made up her mind to become QrnmIl's wife, since he was the first man to see her in her complete nakedness. The ceremony was a quiet one. Only a handful of people were invited. The
marriage
i'
following year, Ay became the proud mother of a bouncing baby. However, tried as people did, nobody ever knew what lead to the final
decision of Ay to marry Orrlnmll.
While in Qrnmll's home, Ay showed her husband the secrets of the world. This made Qrnmll to be even wiser and more appreciative of the intricacies that abound in the world. Whenever anyone asked how
Qrnm)l became Ay's husband, it remained a mystery which no one could fathom. Thus the Awo present especially the students of Qnlnm)l began to singIyQrQ:
Yeeeryeeeo T'lf ofi fgAyergnlkan Yeeeryeeeo

T'Ay fi fel;,gnlkan
o mQo
O
mq o
Translation
Yeee,yeeeo
Thewaylf becamethe husband of Ay, nobodyknows Yeeeryeeeo The way Ay became the wife of If, nobody knows
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with a good and compatible spouse. Wth appropriate gbg, nothing shall hinder the marital bliss of this person.
A
w'lrokun w'lrokun Bee la o r'lrokun m Mo nl nlbo I'Olrokun gb lg WQn nl Olrokun bq nl'l ay A w'Abqrokun w'Abgrokun BQQ la O r'Ab$rkun mq Mo nl nlbo I'Ab$rOkun 9b lg WQn nl AbQrkun rtbg I'lade Qrun DfnAy Tff $'gmg Oldmare AgO, tn 79
gb'$bg' rrl'bg A w'lrokun w'lrokun BQQ la o r'lrokun m Mo nl nlbo I'Olrtrkun gb lg WQn nl Olrokun b? nl'lay A w'Abqrokun w'Abqrokun Bee la O r'Abqrkun mq Mo nl nlbo I'AbqrOkun gb lg WQn nl AbgrOkun bg l'edeQrun Dl fln Qkankan|enlrn IrrlnmglQ wqn rlg r f$ Ay Tff g'gmg Oldmar AgoJn Qba atg'nl 9l hgelg$ forl s'agbeji Fbg niwqn nl k w Se WQn kg'tl Qgbgnyin s'gbo A w'lrokun w'lrokun Beelaor'lurokunmq Mo nl nlbo I'Oltlrkun gb lg WQn nl Olrokun ttbg nl'lay A w'Abqrokun w'Aberokun BqQ la O r'AbQrOkun mq Mo nl nlbo I'AbgrOkun gb lg WQn nl AbgrOkun rtbe l'hde Qrun Dl fin Orrlnmll If rrlq refAy Tff $'gmq Oldmar AgOJn Qba atQ'ff el lgQlg$forl s'agbeji lbg ni wqn nl k w $e gb'Qbgrr'bg jgyeheery{ r T'Ayeffe'F
Enlkan O mO o Yehee, yl r
9ba atnl ql lglegforl sagbei Tf'Qylntl m'jtl gkn snrhn gmg Fbq niwQn nl kw Se
Tff ffAye lnlkan O mQ o
Translation
We searched and searched for OhJrOkun Yet we did not fi nd OlrOkun
80
ii
I asked where OlrOkun had goneto They said that Olrkun is still in this world We searched and searched forAbrOkun I asked whereAbQrkun had goneto Theysaid thatAbQr0kun is in heaven These were If declarations to Ay, the world The offspring of Oldmar When weeping in lamentation for her inabilityto have her own baby She was advised to offerqbg We searched and searched for OlrOkun Yetwe did notfind OlrOkun I asked where OlrOkun had gone to They said that Olrkun is still in this world We searched and searched forAbQr0kun Yetwe did notfind AbrOkun I asked whereAbQrkun had goneto They said thatAbQrOkun is in heaven These were the declarations of If to the 401 Irnmgle When each of them wished to proposition and marryAy The offspring of Oldmar Each of them was advised to offer gbg We searched and searched for OlrOkun Yetwe did notfind OltlrOkun I asked where Olrkun had gone to They said that OlUrOkun is still in this world We searched and searched forAbQrOkun Yetwe did notfind AbQrkun I asked whereAbQrOkun had goneto Theysaid thatAbgrOkun is in heaven These were lf's declarationsto QrUnmll When proposing to marry Ay The offspring of Oldmar He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Now yehee, this is really wonderful Until Aye goes with If Nobody will ever know Yehee, this is indeed maruelous Until If becomes Ay's companion Nobody wil I ever comprehend
,,ono"
If says that both husband and wife shall live happily together for a very
81
lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consuftaton
long time. Nobody shall be ableto come in between them. They shall both become successful and influential in their community.
13. If says that it foresees the Ire of victory over death, afflictions and
evil forces for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that even though he/she is under the constant threat of death, he/she will nonetheless live long and happily. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to feed If with two rats on the fifth day that this Od is revealed, and two fish on the ninth day, two fowls on the 13th day and one goat (If it can be afforded, two) on the 17th day this Od is cast. Allthe evilforces of death, afflictions, contention and loss (and most especially death) shall run away in the vicinity of this person. Astanza in E)-Ogb suppofting thisasseftion says:
Igi t$$rQ igbrrbQw d'lil Afua rrbg w d'en Igi wgrq-wQrQ-wgn igb rtbQ w d'ljl Df fitn Baba Jagadarw Tl wqn bl Eil ogb sg lokg NljQqwQn nl lkrt kn-n fbg niwqn nf kw ge
Translation
The slenderforesttree shallsoon become a mightytree A shoft-cut route shall soon become a major road The smalltrees shall soon become mightyforest These were the declarations of If to Baba Jgdrwa The name given to EI-Ogbe When they declared that it was his turn to die He was advised to offergbg.
The evil forces of death, afflictions, contention and loss were on the rampage in the town of Il-IfQ during the period when allthe 256 Od were
here on eafth, living in the midst of, and as, human beings. They had killed several people, leaving in their trail, anxiety, sorrow, pain and anguish. Before long, they declared thattheir nextvictim was Baba Jgdrw, also known as E) Ogbe. When this information reached him, E) Ogbe went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo assured him that he would not die at a tender age. (ET ogbe was the youngest of all the 16
li
t'ono.
principal Od). He was advised to offer gbg and feed If as stated above. He complied,
The day Death came to his house, he informed Death to try QyQkU M). The second day, Death went to QyQkrl MT and was told to tryIw M). On the third day, Death wenttolw'l M) and was told to try Odt-Uef . On the foufth day, Odf-M) was visited and Death was told to tryIrosn Mfl. Very early on the fifth day, as Death was about to visitlrosn MT, Efl-Ogbe fed If with two rats. Whenlrosn M) was visited, Death was told to try QwQnf n M). The following day, Death was informed to go to Qbara M3). On the eighth day Death tried Qkanran MT.
On the ninth day, E3) Ogbe fed If with two fish. That day, Death visited Ogunda M) and was told to visit Qs Me) the following day; andlka MeI the day after; and OturrlpQn Mfl the next day after.
On the 13th day, EI-Ogbe fed If with two hens. On that same day, Death visited Otura M) only to be told to tryIr-etQ M) the following day. On the 14th day, Death visitedlrqtQ Me;) and was told to try Qsq MeST on the 15th day. Death visited Qgq Mel and was referred to Ofr:n Mfl. On the 16th day Death visited Ofrln M) and was referred to QSe-Otura on the 17th day.
On the 17th day, E)-Ogbe fed If with two goats. Death got tired of pursuing E)-Ogbe about and left him alone. E) Ogb was so happy that he began to sing while feeding If with the goats, saying.
Rn ml ni'krl o ojq kn o
Sqran Rn ml nl'k o ojQ kn
lgran
Rn Rn Rn Rn
ml nlk nryl'wo ml ni'krl n ryl'yao ml ni'krl n ry bl'mg o ml ni'k n rye nl'regbogbo
fgran
Rn ml
nfk o ojo kan o
fgran
Translation
Help carry my death away today
83
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftaton
Oh ye beast
Help carry mydeath awaytoday Help carry my death away for me to be prosperous Help carry my death away for me to be secure a
spouse Help carry my death away for me to have children Help carry my death away for me to have all Ire You beast Help carry mydeath awaytoday You beast
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not de young so that he/she will be prosperous, will get marred, will have children and have allthe other Ire in life such as having a house of his/her own (a certainty for E)-Ogbe children) before he/she dies. Igi tggrg igb tlbQ w dTif Abj bgw d'Qn Igi wqrq-were-wer igbo nbQwa d'ljl Dlfiln Babajagdffw Tl wgn bl Ejl ogbe sg lkg MjQqwqn nl Ikrl kn-n f,bg ni wQn nf kw s gb'Qbgrr'bo Ejl ogbe | ku QyQkr Mil Qyeku Mil l ku lwrl Mjl lwrl MI l ku Odl Mjl Odl Mil l ku lrosn Mjl Irosn Mil lku Qwgnrln Mjl Qwgnrtn Mi lo ku Qbara Meil Qbara Mjl l ku Qkanran Mjl Qkanran MT l ku ogund Mjl Ogunda Mjt t ku Qs Mjl Qsa Mejl lkulk Mjl Ik Mjl lokuOtunpQn Mjl oturupqn Mjt l ku otura Mejl Otrra Mjl l ku lrgtQ Mjl IrgtQ Mil ku Qsq Mejl Qqq Mejl b ku Ofn Mjl Ofun Mjl ku Qgq-otra jg ran ml nl'kr o, ojq kn o
Eeran
84
ii
Rn ml nl'k o ojq kn o
,,ono"
fgran
Rn Rn Rn Rn
ml nf k ml ni'krl ml nf k ml ni'krl
nry l'w o n ry l'ya o n rY bl'mg o n rye nl're gbogbo
fgran Rnmlnfk oojqkano fgran

Translation
The slender forest tree shall soon become a mighty tree A shoft-cut route shall soon become a major road The smalltrees shall soon become mighty forest These were the declarations of If to Baba Jgdrw The name given to E)-Ogb When they declared that it was his turn to die He was advised to offergbg E|-Ogbe asked them to try Qyek MI Qyeku M) asked them to tryIwri MT IwOil MI asked them to try Odf M;T 0d uef asked them to tryIrosn M) Irosun M) asked them totryQwqnrn M) QwQnrln M) asked them totryQbara Mefi QOara M) asked them totryQknrn M) Qkanran MI asked them totryOgunda tlet gUnda M) asked them totryQsa Mel Qs MT asked them totry lka MJ] 'lk MI asked them totryOtUrr:pQn MI Otttrupqn M) asked them totry Otura Me) Otrrra Mfl asked them to try lr-etQ MI 'lreJQ M) asked them totryQqq Ml ' QgQ Ml asked them to try Ofr:n try Ofun uet asked them to Qqe-Otrlra Please help carry mydeath awaytoday Oh ye beast Help carry my death awaytoday You beast Help carry my death away for me to be prosperous Help carry my death away for me to be secure a spouse Help carry my death away for me to have children Help carry my death away for me to have all Ire You beast
Me)
85
lfa Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consultaton
Help carry my death awaytoday You beast
14. If says that the person for whom this Od revealed is about to have
a change of environment - a change of home, a chance of work or workplace, a change of school, a change in vicinity and so on. If he/she is contemplating this, or even a change of spouse and so on, he/she is strongly advised aganst such move as t can only lead to misfortune, pan and disappontment. This is one of the most serious and most impoftantaspects of Eji-Ogbe. Astanza in this Od says:
QgbgbabTdl k Dl filn glgmg-Agbo-Esl Nljqt rlt'Qrun bQw s{'lAy fbg ni wqn nl kw ge W$n nl k m lg
Translation
The nailwith its broad base He wasthe Awo who castlf forQlgmg-AgbO-EsIQ When coming from heaven intotheworld He was advised to offer gbg
Hewasalsotold nottogo
Qlgmq-Agb-Eslg was
a permanent resident in heaven. One day, he decided to change his environment by coming to reside on earth on a permanent basis. He therefore went to Qgbgb-AHdl-k, his Awo in
heaven for If consultation.
His Awo however advised him never to change his environment at that material point in time as Efl-Ogb was opposed to any change of abode, work, career, relationship, etc. whenever was revealed during consultation. Qlgmg-AgbO-Esle had nonetheless made up hs mind to change his place of abode. Without minding the warnings of If, he left for
it
eafth.
While on earth, he was faced with untold hardship. Human beings began to eat his body. He became lean and haggard. When this suffering became unbearable, he returned to heaven unceremoniously. The day he reached heaven was the day he went straight to the home of Qgbagb-Abldl-ku, his 86
ii
,'ono"
Babalwo. He narrated his ordeal to the Awo. The Babalwo blamed him for refusing to heed lf's warning. He was told to offer gbg with one matured pig. He complied. After this, he was asked to return to eafth and that everything would, as from that day, turn right for him. The next day, he went backto earth. On eafth, he became very impoftant. All things relied on him for their survival. Those eating him developed strange illnesses which usually made their cheeks swell. Nobody dared to eat Qlqmg-Agbo-Esle again. He continued to live happily on eafth ever since. If says that Qlqmq-AgbEsIg is the name given to the ground, or eafth-dust. It cannot be eaten. Neither can it be mishandled without impunity.
QgbgbabTdl k Dl fil n glgmq-Ag b-Esl$ Mjq t t'Qrun bq w sl'l Ay f bg ni wqn nl k w Se gb'Qborr'bg KOp,kOjlnn E w b ni nl wOw ire.
Translation
The nailwith its broad base He was the Awo who castlf forQlgmg-Agb-EsIQ When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg He complied Before long, nottoofar Join us in the midstof all Ire
If says that with patience, and accurate timing, all things shall come out
fine for the person for whom E|-Ogb is revealed.
15.
If warns that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never be untruthful or tell lies in order to receive any favour from anyone. If also warns this person never to show lack of gratitude whenever he/she is done a favour - no matter how little this favour may seem.
87
'
If says that if he/she engages in lying and/or shows ingratitude, all what he/she had ever made in this life shall be retrieved from him/her by OIdmare and If. The end is filled with regrets. On theseaspects, If says:
Iwjrt -iwjrl o,I'Qp ebt rsl DlfilnQrnmll If g'awo lqsl IfQAgotQ Fbq ni wqn n| kl wqn 9e
Translation
It
is in front that the staff used to bait a dead fall trap springs
to
This was lf's declaration to Qrunmll When going on If mission to IfQ, the truthful They were advised to offer gbg
QrrfnmTl was gong to IfQ AgOt, the truthful, together with all 16 principal Od and Qg Tur. On their way they arrived at the city of the
Blind. All the inhabitants of this city were blind. On reaching there,
Qrnmll expressed the desired to take tobacco snuff because he was feeling the urge for it. The blind people said that if not that they could not see, the village where they sell tobacco and snuff was very close to them. Qrnmll then asked them "what if we help you to regain your eye sights, will you get the snuff for us?" They responded in the affirmative. "I hope you are not lying to us". They all responded that they could never lie over such impoftant issue. Qrnm)l, having secured the promise from them, hit the staff of truth on the ground. He asked them allto hold the staff; those who could not hold the staff of truth were asked to hold the blind persons next to them. When they all did, the 16 principal Od and QSe-Trlr began to sing, saying:
A kll see bhun
Eewo
Akffgeebhun
Eewo
Translation
It It It
is not
is
rightto (lie) do such a thing forbidden s not properto lie 88
il
It
is a
,,ono"
taboo
Suddenly, they all regained their sights. All of them began to go to transact their respective businesses. At that point, Qrnm'il called all of them and
asked, "what about your promise to us?" They responded with another question, 'which promise?' Qrnmll responded, "The promise you made that you would procure tobacco and snuff for us". "Are you deaf or something? What soft of restless man is this? If you must take tobacco or snuff, go and buy. We have explained to you where to get it". Qrunmll told the 16 principal Od and QggTr, "let us go, they have lied to us and insulted us in the process". They leftwith disappointment. Their next poft of call was the city of Cripples. Qrunmll also expressed his desire to use snuff. They too said that if not for their inability of walk, they would have gone there to secure plenty of tobacco and snuff for him. He asked if they would give the stuff to him if they helped them to regain the use of their limbs. They promised that they would. Qrtlnmll asked them to hold on to the staff of Truth. They did. The 16 principal Od and QSgTrJr sang for then as they did for the Blind. They immediately regained the use of their limbs. All of them decided to go about their respective businesses. When OnJnmll asked them to fulfil their promise to him, they told him that if he had not been drinking the herbs prepared for him to bath with, he would have known that he ought to go and buy his tobacco by himself. Afterall, they were not his slaves. Qrnm)l asked his 17 disciples to let them go. He said that they had lied to them and passed insults on them. They also reached the city of those who had hunch backs. All the citizens of this town had hunch back. They behaved like their counterpafts when their ailments were cured. Qrunm)l and his disciples left with disappointment thatthey had been deceived and insulted. Their next port of call was the city of the Albinos. All of the inhabitants there were Albinos. They also treated Orunmlla and his disciples exactly the same way that those in the cities of the Blind, Cripple and Hunchback did. Qrrinmll and his disciples leftthistown. Soon after this, Qrrtnmll and his disciples arrived at IfQ Agt. He expressed his desire to take snuff. The inhabitants of IfQ Atot asked him to wait a little bit for them. Before long, they returned with two rats, two
89
lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consuftation
fish, two hens, two matured goats, two big kolanuts, two big bitterkolas, two kegs of wine and plant of tobacco and snuff. QrUnm)l was so impressed that it was still possible to find a town where people were that
hospitable.
Qrunmll asked Qge-Otura to go back to Oldmar to bring the calabash of Destiny. He told Qge- Tr to pass through the cities of the Albinos, the Hunchbacks, the Cripples and the Blind, and ask them to hold the staff of Truth and make them return to their previous conditions. The Albinos who had hithefto been changed to dark complexion returned to their original white skin colour; the Hunchbacks whose backs had hithefto been straightened also developed hunchbacks again; the Cripples who were walking freely returned to their original lameness; and the blind who had regained their sights also became blind again. They all lived and died miserably, fu ll of regrets.
The inhabitants of If, Agt were given the calabash of Destiny; they were blessed abundantly for their truthfulness and their sense of appreciation. Theywere assured and given the full blessings of the Deities. If says that as long as the person for whom this Od is revealed is truthful and honest, as long as he/she is appreciative of good gestures done to him/her, so long shall he/she be receiving the blessings and suppofts of the
Deities.
je k g'offtQo K s'Ododo Agba tg'otltq ni'mglQ gbe
Iwaj -iwjrl o, I'Qp Qbl$ r s{ DlfitnQrnmll If r1g'awo lgsl lfeAgtq lbg ni wqn nl kl wgn ge
Translation
It is in front that the staff used to bait a dead fall trap springs to This was If's declaration to Qrnm)l When going on If mission to IfQ, the truthful They were advised to offer gbg
Be
truthful
Be righteous
The elders who are truthful are supported and blessed by the
90
ll ,'onr"
Deities
NOTE: If this pafticular stanza isthe area picked by If where the ebg of Eil Ogb is to be offered, then it is forbidden for the Awo to imprint Et OgUe on the 9p0n If, the If tray. Instead' the Awo neds to imprint on the QpQn-If, Qq-OtUr in order to receive the Aqe and Igb Iw (Calabash of Destiny).That is the time that the blessings and suppo of the Deities are assured,
16. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to be
warned against engagin( in self-deceit. If says that this person is working himself/herself up over what has already been spoilt without having a thought on how to have a new and better one. He/She is placing his/her hope on something that could be of no benefit to him/her anymore; whereas he/she still have the chance to secure another one that can be very useful.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to cast his./her mind off what is clearly lost, spoilt or damaged and concentrate his/her effort instead on how to get a better
replacement. The gbg materials here depend largely on the damaged, spoilt or lost thing which needed to be replaced. If says that this must be done asquickly as possible so that it will not be too late for the person for whom this Od is revealed. On this aspect, E!-Ogb says: If w, l d gl'Jn mi Jn Mo l di gl',tn mi Qtn Bara Agbgnnlrgrin Qrnmll nf kl wQn lo m gni t tan ara rQ jgw
Translation
If says that it is a matter of deceit I chorus that it is a matter of deceit, Qrnmll the Bara
Agbgnnlrgrf n Qrnm'il asked them to go and bring the person who engages in self-deceit to him
91
one day, Qrrfnm'll called all his followers together. He gave them an
assignment to go and bring for him the person they knew was engaging in self-deceit. They traveled far and returned with Alara, the king of llaraEdti. 'This is the person we saw who was deceiving himelf', they told Qnfnmll. "Is it true that you are engaging in the act of self deceipt?" Qrnmtl asked Alr. 'How am I deceiving myself?'Alr countered. 'My fatherwas a king; I am now a king. Myfatherwas powerful; I am powe#ul. I am more powelful than my father. My father was popular during his life time; I am popular and definitely more popular than my father. My father had severalwives and children during his life time; I have several wives and children and even more than my father. My father had several propefties
during his life time; I have more propefties my father. so, how am I deceiving myself?' Qrrfnm)l declared that Alr was surely not deceiving
himself.
Qrnmll again asked his disciples to go and bring for him the person engaging in self-deceipt. They again went and brought Ajero, ewrngrln, QbalQyQ-Ajf and so on, one afterthe other. Qrnm'll asked each of them if it was true that they were engaging in self-deceipt. one by one they denied the allegation and gave their defences similar to the ones Alr gave. one by one, Qrnmll declared that they were not engaging in the actof self-deceit.
once more, QrnmIl asked them to go and bring the person engaged in self-deceit. They confessed that they did not know such person. Qrnmll asked them to go and bring for him a woman who gave brth to a set of twins, but who had lost the babies and had instead carved images representing the dead babies. Before they made enquiries in 10 compounds, they saw such woman. They brought the woman to Qrnm'il. After exchanging greetings, Qrnmll asked after her set of twins. "They were dead', she responded. 'Xnd what happened after?" QrnmIl demanded from her. 'They gave to me two dolls to represent the babies. I was also told that the babes had turned to 0il9 and they will be assisting me in all my undeftakings", replied the woman. "what are you doing to the babies" Qrunmlla asked. The woman replied, "I feed them, I clothe them, sing for them and dance for them". Qrunmll asked her what happened after singing and dancing forthe dolls? "Nothing happens'i she responded.
92
li
''ono"
"When you talk to them, did they reply you?". No', she sad. "When you send them on errands, do they answer yott?" "No, she replied. "When you feed them, who eats the food, is it the babies or cats, dogs, goats or rats and lizards?" Qrnmll asked. "To speak the truth, all of these animals except the doll babies eat the food", she responded. That was when Qrnm'll declared; "here is the person who engaged in the act of self-deceipt". When the woman asked why Qrrfnmll said that she was deceiving herself, Qrnmll responded that, "instead of looking for means to have other children who will be usefulto you in future, you are celebrating the ones which had already died, spoilt and of no benefit to you anymore. Instead of looking for two rats, two fish, and two hens for me to offer ebo for you so that you will become pregnant and later a proud mother of a baby, you are still singing, dancing, feeding and fending for ordinary dolls! She agreed that truly, she had been engaging in self deceit. Shevowed to rectifli her mistakesforthwith.
That same day, she brought all the gbg materials to Qrrtnm'll and the gbg was duly performed. Qrrtnm'll asked her to go to his backyard and pluck the first leaves she found on her right hand and the first ones she found on her Ieft. She did. The two leaves were ground together to make herbal soup for her consumption. Qnfnm)l told her to go to her home, that she had just taken pratical steps against her former act of
self-deceipt.
A month after this ceremony, she became pregnant. After the

pregnancy, she gave bifth to a bouncing baby. This time around, the baby suvived. On the sixth day of bfth, people gathered together for the naming ceremony. The woman insisted that only Qrnmll could name the baby since only he knew how the baby came into being in the first place
They invited QrUnmIl for the naming ceremony. When he arrived, he asked her that on the day she came for the gbg, she was asked to go to his backyard to pluck some leaves; did she remember the leaves she plucked on her right side? She replied that they wereldOr leaves. And the ones on her left side? She replied that they were Owri leaves. Qrnm)l replied that the baby whose mother ate herb soup prepared
93
withldor and 0w leaves had brought its name from heaven. The baby should be namedldowr. That is,Idor + Owu =Idowrl
when \dowrl", the baby attaned 30 months of age, the mother brought to Qrunmll another set of two rats, two fish and two hens for another gbg, she told Qrrlnm'll that she needed another baby. Qrnmll told her that was the period she no longer engaged in self-deceit. The gbg was offered for her. And as it happened the first time, she was sent to the backyard to pluck leaves. she did with both hands, and she soon became pregnant. After this, she gave bfth to another bouncing baby. The baby also sulvived.
During the naming ceremony, Qrnm)l was invited. He asked the mother to name the leaves she plucked on her right side; she responded thatthey were *Lra" leaves. And the leaves on the left side, she responded that they were "Arb" leaves. Ornm'll declared that the baby born after the mother ate the herb soup prepared with "Lr" and "Arb" leaves should be called Alab. That is Lr + Arb = Alaba.
The woman was full of joy, singing and dancing and praising oldmar, If and Qrnmll saying: 9mg mern werewerQ fmi nlkan 9mq mQrin wqQworqf'mi nlkan Qmg-Ty omg ni, gmg ni Qmg-K, ylnd gmg ni, gmo ni Eyd Aeb gmg ni, gmg ni 9mq mi n'Idow gl'e$e okn Qmg mern werg wqrQ fmi nlkan
Translation
Four big babies for me alone Four hefty babies for me alone
Qmg-Ty sa babytruly Qmq-Kyrnde is truly a baby And Alaba is truly a baby But my own baby is ldwrr, the owner
beads
of selected okn
94
li
Four big babiesfor me alone
,,ono"
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to take practca steps in order to change his/her lot from misery to joy
from disappointment
accomplishment.
to fulfillment and from hopelessness to
If wl, l di el'tln mi Qtn Mo ldi gl',tiln m e,tln Bara Agbgnnlregn Orrtnmll nl kl wQn lg mrl gni t tan ara rQ j9 w WQn lg mu Alr WQn nl Alr tl wQn rl t tan'ra rQ jg r Alr nl klnni nkan tn? Alr lun tan'ra Oun jg Orrrnmll nl ktan'ra r$jq
WQn lg m AjerO Wn nl Ajer tl wgn rl t ntan'ra rQ jg r AjerO nl klnni tnkan Qtn? AjerO lun Otan'ra Oun jg Qrunmll nl AjerO ktan'ra rQ jg Wqn lg mrt Qwarngun-Aga WQn nl Qwrngn tf wgn rl t tan'ra reig r
Qwrangn lun tan'ra Oun jq Qrrnmll nl Qwrngrn kOtan ra rQjg Wgn lg mu QbalyQ-Aior{ WQn nl Qbalyq-AjOr{ tl wgn rl t rttan'ra reie r gbalyQ nl klnni nkan Jn? gbalyQ nl oun tan'ra un jgo Qrrlnmll nl Qbal$yQ kOtan'ra nQ j9 WQn nl wgn O mg gni t tan'ra reiq mq WQn nl kl wgn lg mulylbeil wa Eylt qmq re mjejlti sln Tl wqn w 9b$ relbejl fun WQn mlylbejt d Qrnmll nl gni t tan'ra Gie re pbg ni wqn nl k w ge gb'Qbg, r'bg j qmq mQrin wQrqwqrQ f'mi nlkan Qmg Ty gmg ni, gmg ni Qmg-K,ylnd gmg ni, gmg ni E$ Alab gmg ni, gmg ni 95
gmq mi n'Idow el'ga okn gmg mQrin wQr, wQrQ fmi nlkan o
'
Translation
If says it is a matter of deceit I chorus that it is a matter of deceit QrUnmll the Bara Agbgnn)rgr1n Qrunm)la asked them to go and bring the person who engages in self deceitto him They broughtAlr They said thatAlr was engaging in self-deceit Alara said thatwhatevidence did they have? Alara claimed that he was not deceiving himself Qrnm)l declared thatAlr was notdeceiving himself They broughtAjerO They said thatAjerO was engaging in self-deceit Ajer said that what evidence did they have? Ajer claimed that he was notdeceiving himself Qrn m) l decla red that Ajero was not deceiving hi mself They brou g ht Qw rng rt n-Aga They said that Qwrngrln was engaging in self-deceit Qwrangn demanded fore!'vidence of self deceit Qwrngn said that he was not deceiving himself Qrrrnmila declared that Qwrngn was not deceiving himself They broug ht Qba lyQ-Ajof They said that QbalQyQ-AJof was engaging in self deceit QbalyO said that he was not deceiving himself Qrrlnm)l agreed that QbalQyQ was not deceiving himself They said that they did not know the person deceiving himself Qrunmlla asked them to go and bring someone who gave bifth to a set of twins
And thetwinsdied And she was given two carued images to represent the twins
They broughtthe woman to QrUnmIl
Qrnm)l declared
She complied
that this was the person who engaged
in
self deceit She was advised to offergbg Now four big babies for me alone Four hefty babies for me alone Qmg-Ty is a baby, truly Qmq-K, $nd is truly a baby And Alaba is also a baby
96
ii
But my own baby isldOwtl, the owner of selected Okn beads Four big babies for me
,i,ono"
alone
L7. Ifa says that the person whom this Od is revealed should be
seriously warned aganst the act of being ungrateful for what ever deed that he/she received from Oldmar, If and/or his/her fellow human beings. If says that this person has the tendency of displaying lack of gratitude for whatever was done to him/her. If says that if this is not stopped fofthwith, this person may find himself/herself in a situation where his/her ingratitude will not tolerated, and he/she may be referred to where his/her cries for assistance maysimply be ignored or handled with levity.
be
Ifa also says that this person for whom E)-ogb is revealed needs to salute and praise Oldmar and If every morning, for all the good deeds he/she has received in life and ask for more good things. If this is done, he/she will never lack any good thing in life. If this is not done however, he/she will live a sad and worrisome
life.
On these, If
says:
If l di ojumg mQ n klni-klni Alklni m I'odl o Attn m I'odl eni o Dlfiln olrmbl
Til nl ktkt loun o l'kelpqd oun-n kl Wn nl nltorl i klnni nl oun sin'f sin'f
If Oun gbe Oun ni Arrlnmll ji l'rQ ktkt nl Ohrmbl Iilire Olrmbl nl hun, nl hUnn hun-un Qrrlnmll nl ti jg tl f kn kn-slnr olrmbl nl nltorl oun l'j ni If j'w ajfitn olrmbl olrmbl l'w I'ow ntn K dpe I'qdQ k-lpgrl rQ 97
Translation
If says that it is when the day dawns that we greet one another Failure to greet each other amounts to keeping malice Refusal to greet one means keeping malice with such person This was the If cast for Olrmbl Who wakes up early in the morning And declared that she would never greet If any more When asked why She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was of no benefit to her Qrnm)l woke up early in the morning He said "Olrmbf good morning to you" Olrmbf responded with "hn-n hun-un" Qrnmll said that "Olurombi why are you murmuring and grumbling? Olrmbf responded that it was because she had no money Qrr:nm'll prepared the herb of wealth for Olrmbi Olrmbl became very wealthy After securing abundant wealth She refused to give thanks to If
Olrmbi was a follower of If for some time. At a stage, she refused to greet her If anymore. When Qrnm'll realized this, he wentto Ohirmbl early in the mornng to greet her. She responded with grumbling. When QrrJnmll asked her why she was grumblng, she responded that after serving If for so long, she had no wealth to show for it. Qrnmll saw this as a challenge and he prepared herbs which make people to be wealthy for Olrmbl. She became very wealthy, but she still refused to give thanks or show her gratitude to If.
Ifldi ojumq m0n klni-klni Alklni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl gni o Dlfitn olrmbl Tjl nf ktkt loun o l'kelpqd oun-n kl Wn nf nltorl i klnni nl oun sin'f sin'f If Oun O gbeun ni Qrunmll ji l'rQ kutkrt
98
olurombl9 jlire Olrmbl nl hun, nl hnn hun-un Qrrlnmll nl ti jgtf f rr kn kn-slnU olrmbl nl nltorl oun I'Qkg ni If j'w gkg fn olrmbl olrnbl I'qkq l'qkgtan
nl
il
,,onu"
!
K drlp$ I'qdQ ok-lpQrl rQ
Translation
If says that it is when the day dawn that we greet one another Fa il u re to greet each other a mou nts to keeping ma ice Refusal to greetone means keeping malice with such This was the If cast for Olrmbl Who woke up early in the morning And declared that she would never greet the If any more When asked why She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was of no benefitto her Qn3nmll woke up early in the morning He said "Olrmbf good morning to you" Ohlrmbl responded with "hun-un hun-un"
I
person
grumbling"
Qrnmll said
that "Olrmbf why are you murmuring
and
(
Ohlrmbl responded that it was because she had spouse If prepared the leaves of spouse for Olrmbl Olrmtr became successfu lly married woman After securing a spouse of her choice She refused to givethanksto If
When Qrnmll realized that Ohirmbi refused to show apprecaton when she became a very prosperous woman, he approached her again and greeted her. Ohirmbi responded with complants. When asked her why she was grumblng and complaining, she responded that it was mpossible for her to have a responsible spouse of her choice. An appropriate If work was prepared for her to that effect and she became a successfully married woman. She also became the envy of other married women and spinsters alke. Yet, Ohfrmbf refused to give thanks or show appreciation to her If which made these things possble for her.
If 1 di ojmQ mE n klni-klni Alklni m I'odl o
Olrmbi i
99
Alklni m I'odl gn o Dd fin Olrmbl
Tjl nl ktkt loun o l'kelporl oun-n kl Wn nl nftorl i klnni

nl un sin'f sn'f IfOun OgbeOun ni Qrunmlla j l'anQ ktkt nl Ohrombl9 jtire olrmbl nl hunronl hunnhun-un Qrunmll nl ti jgtl fi kn kn-slnu Olrmbl nl nltorl un O nl'l ni If j'we ilklkqfin olrrrmbl Olrmbl di onl'l nl'l na tn Ko dp I'qdq ok-lpQrl I rQ
Translation
If
says
that when the day dawns, we need to salute
each
other Failureto do so amounts to keeping malice Refusal to greet each other means keeping malice with each other This was the If cast for Olrmbl Whowoke up early in the morning And declared that she would never greet her If anymore Theyasked herwhy She responded thatafterfollowing If forso long She had nothing to show for it Qrrlnm)l woke up early in the morning, he said, "Ohlrmbf, good dayto you"
Olrmbl responded with "hn-n hun-un" Orrlnmll

her"why areyou mumuring and grumbling?" She responded that it was because she had
own
asked her
no house of
Qrrlnmll prepared leaves which make
it
possible
for one
to
After securing the house, she refused

Ifa
have a house forOhf rOmbl Olrmbl became a proud house owner
to show gratitude to
After If had made olrmbf a prosperous woman and made her happily
100
il
,'ono"
marred, she still refused to greet If, show apprecation or even thank If for all that If had done for her. But in order to prove to her that had no grudge against her and that If kept no malice, Qrnmll still went to her early in the morning to greet her. As usual, she responded with mummur and complaints. Orrlnmll asked her why she was still complaining. She responded that it was because she had no house of her own. QrnmIl made some herbal preparations for her and before long, she became a proud owner of a very big mansion. After erecting and completing this edifice, she refused to greet If or show any form of
Ifa
appreciation.
If 1 d ojrmQ mq ni Hni-klni Alklni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl eni o Dl fin olrmbl Tfi nl ktkut loun l'kelpQrl un-rtn kl Wn nl nltorl i klnni nl un sin'f sin'f If Oun O gbe Oun ni Qrnmll ji l'rQ ktkt nl ohrombl qilire olrmbl nl hunr nl hnn hun-un Qrunmll nl ti j$tl f rr kn kn-slnu Ohlrmbl nl nltor{ oun o blmo ni
(.
Translation
If declares that when the day dawns, we need to salute
each other
Failure to do so amounts to keeping malice with each other This was the If cast for Olrmbl Who declared that she would never greet her If any more They asked her why She responded that after seruing Ifa for so long She had nothing to show for it QrUnmlla woke up early in the morning, he said, "Olrmbf, good day to you". Oh1rmbl responded with, "hn-n hun-un" Olrmbl asked her, "Why are you murmuring and
101
grumbling?" She responded that it was because she had no child of her own
Qrnm)l realized that after ensurng that OhJrmbl became a house owner, she still refused to greet If. He went to greet her early in the morning. Olrmbl complained that her refusal to greet If was because she had no child of her own. This was the time that Qrnmll told her that she had some questions to answer. Qrnmll then asked her the following questions:
"One, when you complained that you had no money,
made you prosperous beyond your wildest imagination, did you come back to give thanks or even show your gratitude?" Qrnmll asked. ohirmbf responded that she never did.
"Two, when you complained thatyou had no spouse, I made it possible for you to have a spouse of your dream. You became the envy of all. Everybody was praying to have a spouse like yours. was that not so? "It was so'i olrmbf responded. "Did you come back to say thanks or show any form of appreciation? She was asked. "No, I never did", Olrombl responded. "Three, when you complained that you had no personal house, If made it possible for you to erect the biggest mansion in your environment. Was it not so?" she was asked. "It was so'i she responded. *Dd you come back to say your thanks or even show your gratitude to Oldmar and If who made it possible for you?" "No, I never dd." Olrmb responded.
QrnmTl then declared to her that it was clear that she was a person who never knew how to show appreciation for any good deed done for her. For this reason, Qrnm)l told her that her child was notwith him. "If you need a child, go to beg for one in the home oflrk Ogb Ohtwr".
If told her that she would meet several other people who had gone there for similar requests. The only condition was that they needed to make a solemn pledge of what that would give lrk-ogb after they had been
102
li ,' ono"
safely delivered. She was told that she must mention whatever she knew that she would be able to redeem as her pledge no mater how small. Ornm'il cautioned her
not to exhibit the type of attitude she had been displaying with him over there. Wth that, she was dismissed
When Ohirmbt reached the shrine of lrk, she met several women making their pledge. \rk, if you give me a child, I shall be here this time nextyearto give you a big ewe"; \rk, I need a child, if you give me, I will come here next year to give you a big goat"; \rkO, my husband's family had been planning to send me away because I'cannot bear a child for my husband, if you give me a child, I shall bring you a big hen this time next year"; "greatlrkO, a tree on eafth but a Deity in heaven, my home is being
threatened because I cannot give my husband a male child. His people are planning to marry another woman for him who will give him a male child. Make it possible for me to become pregnant this month and give bifth to a male child so that I will give bifth to the heir in my husband's lineage before any other woman. If you do this for me, I will give you a big ram with twisted horn this time next year". These were some of the requests and pledges that OIrtrmbf heard other women making. She however did not believe thatlrk would be able to do all these. When it was her turn to make her request and pledge, she said; \rk, I have come here for you to give me a beautiful child. If you give me this child, I shall come here next year to sacrifice the child for you in appreciation." Everybody there looked at her with shock and surprise. They advised her to make another request but she refused. Irk told her to think properly on her pledge and she told Irk that she had said what was on her mind. Everybody dispersed. The following month, she became pregnant. Ten months after, she gave bth to a bouncing baby boy. The baby was the most beautiful child ever seen around that area for a very long time. The baby was faircomplexioned, bulky, healthy and happy. ESU Qdara himself kept pampering this baby. The baby became the baby of the whole community,
and was loved by all.
However, when the time came for Olrmb'i

103
to redeem her pledge,
she
could no longer sleep. She was just crying everyday and everywhere. She said that she never knew thatlrkO could do it for her. She thought that she could not have a baby. Her reason was that it was because Qrnmll knew that she was barren from heaven that he referred her to lrk. Now that she had given bfth to the baby, she could not think of losing She summoned up hercourage and wentfor If consultation. In the home of the Babalwo, ET-Ogb was revealed. The Awo told Olrmbl that she was in her present dilemna simply because she never knew how to show appreciation when anyone did her anything good. They however advised her to offer ebo with two big he-goats 2,000 cowries and knife. She complied immediately. The Awo gave her one he-goat and asked her to head for the shrine oflrk. Egu Qdra offered to follow Olrmbf to Irk shrine because if not, the day would be extremely bitter for her.
it.
At the shrine, Olrmbl saw all the women whom she met the previous year
redeeming their pledges. They came with hens, goats, ewes, rams, hegoats, pigeons, food and lrk was collecting all as they tallied with their various pledges. IrkO kept looking at Ohlrmbf with contempt. When it reached the turn of Ohirmbf, with the deepest sorrow ever heard by anyone in life, Olrmbi began to plead and sing, saying:
Olrmbl o, gbeni-gbeni
Iwg lroto, gbeni-gbeni Oun Olurombl o, gbeni-gbeni Iwg IrkQ gbeni-gbeni Awgn oklklukr, wQn iljjee ewrq Ewr$ 9 wqn blj Awgn olrtklukr wgn jjQQ gntn Agntiln-an wgn bq|ojQ Oun Olurombl, un jeQjeeqmgoun 9mq roro bl epo Olrmbl Q gbeni-gbeni Iwg lrk, gbeni-gbeni o
Translation
Olrmbio, please suppoft me Ohlrk, please havecompassion on me Olrmbl, please support me
104
ii
OhlrkO, please help and suppoft me Severalpeople pledged Their slender goats And severalothers pledged ewes Their robustewes But I Olurombl, I pledged my child My chiH as fair-complexioned as newly prepared palm-oil Olrmbf oh! Please give me support Ohlroko, please have mercyon me!!!
,,ono"
goats
She rolled herself on the ground pleading with Irk to please have on her. She said that she was only living and happy because of that
Instead for Irok to show any form of compasson, it was the highest degree to contempt that was shown. IrkO replied her with her song,
sayng:
mercy baby.
/ i
Iwg Olurombl Q gbgmg-gbgmg Oun IrkQ gbqmq-gbqmq

Olrmbl gbgmg-gbgmg Oun lrk gbgmq-gbgmg O rl wgn olklukrrwQr jjeewr$ Ewurgg blsi O rl wgn olklukrlr wQn rrjjee egntn Agntiln-an wgn bqlojE lwg olrtrombl,lwg jjee qmg Q rg o Qmq roro bl epo Iwg Ohlrmbl O, gbgmg-gbgmg Oun IrkQ gbgmg-gbgmg
/
\-
Translation
You, Olrmbl, are a baby And I,IrkO an a baby Yo Olrmbf were her to collect a baby
collector collector
\'
And IIrkO will also collectthe baby You saw several others pledging goats Their slender goats And you saw several others pledging ewes Their robustewes You Olrmbf pledged yourbaby Your baby as fair-complexioned as newly prepared palm-oil You Ol rmr, are a baby collector
(
105
lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultation
And I,Irok shall collect backthe baby
Irko told her that nobody forced her to make her pledge. That was what she promised to bring back if the baby could be given to her. A pledge, Iroko insisted, was a pledge. Iroko said that the he-goat she brought was not acceptable. olrombl cried and cried. Irk did not budge one bit. At that stage, Egu Qdara asked ohlrmbi to bring the baby. she did. He asked her to bring the he-goat. She also did. Egu Qdara promised Irk that the head of the baby would be given tolrk and that the baby would be slaughtered. Irk respoded that it was acceptable. Egu Qdara brought out the knife that she offered as part of her gbg. He placed the baby on the ground and at the same time placed the he-goat besides the baby. Egu Qdara cunnyingly smuggled the baby back to the mother from behind and slaughtered the he-goat. He wrapped the head of the he-goat in a white cloth and gave it to lrok. Irko accepted the parcel. when Irk unwrapped the parcel, it was discovered that it contained the head of a he-goat. Irk protested. ES Qdara responded that nobody collects one head two times. "Why did you not look well before you accepted the
pledge?" Case closed
!!
!.
Ifldi ojmQ mq n klni-klni Alklni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl gni o Dl filn Olrmbt Tjl nl ktkt lOun O l'kelpQrl Oun-n H WQn nl nltorl i klnni nl Oun sin'f sin'f If Oun OgbeOun ni Qru nmll ji l'arq kt kt nl Ohlrmbl gjlire OlrOmbl nl hun, nl hnn hun-un Qrunmll nl ti jQtl fi rr kn kn-s{nu Olrmbl nl nltor{ Oun O l'j ni If j'w aj filn Ohlrmbl Olrmbl l'w I'owntn K dpe I'qdq oke-lpgrf rQ If l di ojumg mQ ni klni-klni
106
li
AlHni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl gnio Ddfitnolrmbl
,,ono"
Til ril ktkt loun o l'kelpqrl oun-n kl WQn nl nltorl i klnni nl oun sin'f sin'f If Oun O gbe Oun ni Qrrtnmll ji l'rQ ktktt
nl
Olrmbl9 jlire olrmbl nl hunr nl hnn hun-un Qrnmll nf ti j$ tl f kn kn-Stn olrmbf nl nltorl un o I'Qkg ni If j'w gkg filn olrmbl ohrnbf I'qkg
l'gkgtan
K dpe I'qdq ok-lpQ re If l di ojmQ mq n klni-klni Alklni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl gnio fn Olrmbl
Til nl ktkt
lOun O l'kelpQrl Oun-n kl WQn nl nltorl i klnni nl oun sin'f sin'f If un O gbe Oun ni
Qrnmll ji l'rQ ktkUt nl Olrmbf g jlire Olrmbl nl hunr nl hunn hun-un Qrnmll nl ti jQtl fi rr kn kn-sln Olrtrmbt nl nltorl un o nl'l ni If i'w ilklkQ fitn olrmbl olrmbl di onl'l
nl'lntn
Ko dp I'qdq ok-tpQrf I rQ If l di ojrmq mq n klni-klni
Alklni m I'odl o Alklni m I'odl eni o
Dlfnolrmbl Tjl nl ktkt loun o l'kelpgr{ oun-n kl Wn nl nltorl i klnni

107
sin'f sin'f If Oun O gbe un ni Qrrlnmll j l'arq kt kutu nl ohrmbl gjlire olrmbl nl hun, nf hnn hun-un Qrunmlla nl ti jgtt fi kn dkn-s{nu Olrmbl nl nltorl un O bfmo ni Qrrtnmll nl kO s'Qmg rg I'QdQ Oun K ma lg s'qdQ lrko olrrwr olrmbl d qdq lrko oluwere
nl oun
fqms
re
jjee
f b9 ni wqn nl k w 9e gb'Qbgr r'bg Egu Qdara ba 19s'QdQlrko Nje Olrmbl gbeni gbeni IrkO gbeni gbeni Awgn Olklukrl wqn jjee ewr
Ewurqewgn bdje
Awgn olrtkl ukrlr wg jjeQ agntln Agnteln-anwgn bQlojq olrmbl ljjQgmqrQ Qmg roro bl epo Olrmbl gbgmo-gbgmo Irk gbgmg-gbgmg
Ko p, kjlnn Fw b nib'yQ
E
'
w w're o
Translation
If says that
it is when the day dawns that we greet one
another Failure to greet each other amounts to keeping malice Refusal to greet one means keeping malice with such a person This was the If cast for OlUrOmbf Whowoke upearly inthe morning And declared that she would never greet her If anymore Theyasked herwhy She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was of no benefit to her Qrnm)l woke up early in the morning He said, "Olrmbf, good day to you"
108
ll
Olrmbf responded with, "hn-n hun-un
ei
ogt"
Qrrlnmll said that, "Olrmbl, why are you murmmuring

grumbling"
Olrmbf responded that itwas because she had no money If prepared the herbs of wealth of Olrmbi Olrrnbl became very wealthy After securing abundant wealth She refused to give thanks to Ifa If says that it is when the day dawns that we greet one another Fail u re to g reet each other amou nts to keepi ng ma ice Refusal to greet one means keeping malice with such a person This was the Ifa cast for Whowoke up early in the morning And declared that she would never greet her If anymore Theyasked herwhy She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was of no benefit to her Qrunmll woke up early in the morning He said, "Olrmbl, good day to you" Ohlrmbi responded with, "hn- n hun-un
I
and
Olrmbf
Ornmll said that, "Olrmbf, why are you murmuring and
grumbling"
Olrmbl responded that itwas because she had no If prepared the leaves of spouse for Olurombt Olrmbi became a successfully married woman After securing a spouse of her choice She refused to give thanks to If If says that it is when the day dawns that we greet one another Failure to greet each other amounts to keeping malice Refusalto greet one means keeping malice with such a person This was the ifa cast for Olrmbl Who woke up early in the morning And declared that she would neut gteet her If Theyasked herwhy She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was of no benefitto her Qrr1nm)l woke up early in the morning He said, "Olrmbl, good dayto you" Olrmbf responded with, "hn-n hun-un
spouse
1.
anymore
Ornmll said that, *OhJrmbf, why are you murmuring and

grumbling" Olrmbf responded
that
it
was because she had no house of
108
lfa Dida: An nvtaton to lfa Consultation
herown
Qrnm)l prepared leaves which make
it
possible
for one to
have a house for Olrnbf Olrmbl became a proud house owner Aftersecuring the house She refused to give thanks to If If says that it is when the day dawns that we greet one another Failure to greet each other amounts to keeping malice Refusal to greet one means keeping malice with such a person Tlf s was the If cast for Ohlrmbl Who woke up early in the morning And declared that she would never greet her If anymore Theyasked herwhy She responded that she followed If for so long But her If was ofno benefitto her QrUnm)l woke up early in the morning He said, "Olrmbf, good day to you" Olrmbf responded with, "hn-n hun-un"
grumbling"
Qrrlnm)l said
that, "Olrmbf, why are you murmuring
and
Olrmbf responded that it was because she had no child QrUnmIla responded that her child was not with him He asked her to go tolrk0 Oluwer OhJ rm bl went to IrkO Ohlwere And pledged herbaby She was advised to offer gbg She complied fgu Qdara accompanied hertolrokO Now, Olrmbl o, pleasesupportme Oh!IrkO, please pity my condition and be lenient with me Several people pledged goats Their slender goats And severalothers pledged ewes Their robust ewes But Olrmbf pledged her baby Her baby as fa ir-complexioned as newly-prepa red pa m,oi I Olrmbf, the baby receiver Andlrokb the baby receiver Before long, and nottoo far Join us in the midstof happiness Come and see all ire in life.
I
ra
il
,'ono"
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have course to rejoice even though he/she had hiterto shown lack of gratitude. This happiness shall come only if he/she is ready to turn over a new leaf.
18.
If says that whenever this Od is revealed during any ceremony either for naming, remembrance, marriage, house warming,
funeral,chieftaincy, birthday e.t.c, nothing must be slaughtered for the occasion. No bird must be killed; no beast must be slaughtered where this Od is revealed. If the said occasion entails enteftaining a lot of people, then, fish may be used. Alternatively, already slaughtered animals may be bought from a supermarket or abbatoir and brought home for cooking. A restaurant may be contracted to prepare all the food to be used for the occasion.
The reason why this is very impoftant is that If says that several evil spirits are hovering around where this OdrJ is cast. These spirits love to consume blood. If any animal's blood is sighted in that area, these spirits will consume the blood. The moment they taste this blood,they will be demanding for more blood and they will simply be consuming human blood. This may translate to avoidable accidents or other disasters where human blood will be spilled unnecessarily.
to take place, If recommends that those involved needs to prepare plenty of mashed yam mixed with palm-oil and place it where this Od is revealed and the venue where the ceremony is to take place. The mashed yam and oil will also be sprinkled on If and on the ground of the venue where the ceremony willtake place. If this is done, these evil spirits will consume the mashed yam and palm-oil. As soon as these spirits taste the mashed yam and oil, they will be looking for more mashed yam and oiland will no longer be interested in consuming blood. On allthese, a stanza in E)-Ogb says:
If this Od
s revealed when a ceremony is about
OjmQ mQ, mo k'p o tmi d$QrQkundQ Ojmq mq, mo k'pO tmi dQQrQkundQ
111
Ojumg mq, mo k'p0 o tmi dln-lnlnrlnkunkn Dl fitn Orrtnmll If g'awo lg Ode lgin
Translation
The day dawned I carried my consultation bag with all its contents Early in the morning I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my journey These were lf's declarations to Qrunmll When going on If expedition to Ipin town
On his arrval at Igin town, Qrrf nmll met the citizen of that town holding a big goat on their way to the home of one prominent Babalwo. "Where are you all going?" Qrnm'll asked. "We were told that we need to serue If with this goat in order to alleviate all the problems n the town," the citizens of Igin town responded.
"No!" Ornmll shouted. "You must not do that. If you do it, you will only aggravate your problems as the evil spirit which you are trying to avoid will only grow wild and consume you all in the process". Qrnmll explained futherthat if they spilled any blood, these evilelementals would consume the blood and at the same time be searching for more blood to consume. If they could not get any blood, they would begin to consume their blood.
goat. "That was how we were asked to do it and nothing would change our mind on that," the Citizens of Igin town retofted. They went straight to the home of their Babalwo and the goat was slaughtered. They were even making jest of
Qnf nm)l pleaded with them not to slaughter the
Qrnm'il for trying to mislead them.
As soon as the goat was slaughtered the evil spirits consumed its blood. They all went berserk searching for more blood to consume. When they could not get any blood, they began to consume the blood of the citizens of Igin town. Things became worse. Creditors became debtor. Those who were hithefto strong and healthy became invalids, pregnant women lost their pregnancy. Mostable-bodied men and women became jobless. Life 112
ii ,'onr"
became unbearable for them at Isin town.
OjmQ m,, mo k'p o tmi dnkund Ojumq m,, mo k'pO tmi dQQGkundQ Ojmq m,, mo k'po otmi dln-lnlnrlnkunkn
Dlfiln Qrunmll If r{g'awo lq delkja
Translation
The day dawned, I carried my consultation bag with all contents Early in the morning, I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my journeY These were lf's declarations to Qrnm'il When going on Ifa expedition to lkija land
its
As in Igin town, Qrnmll met the Citizens of Ik'lj town dragging a goat to the home of their Babalwo. He asked what they wanted to do with the
goat, They explained that they cast If for overall well being and Baba|woaskedthemtobringagoatforgbg.QrrfnmI|alsoadvisedthem not to kill the goat and told them of its possible consequences if this was done. Just like what happened in Igin town, the citizens of Ikija town slaughtered the goat and all evil things began to happen to them. Their own was even worse than those things which happened to the people in Igin town.
m,, mo k'po o tmi OjmQ m,, mo k'pO tmi Ojrtmg mr mo k'p o tmi
the
ojumo
dQQr$kundQ dln-lnlnrlnkunkn
d$$rQkund$
(
1
I)lfitn Orrnmlla If rtg'awo lg s'de QtunmQba
Translation
The day dawned, I carried my consultation bag with all its contenb Early in the morning, I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my
!
journey
113
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
These were If's declarations to Qrnmlla When going on If expedition to QtUnmgb land
when Qrnm'il arrived at QtnmQb town, he saw them with a big goat which they planned to slaughter in order for them to acquire alL the good things of life. QrUnm)l advised them aganst it as he had done in Igin and Ika towns. He warned them of the possible consequence of doing such a thing. "what are we going to do now?', they asked. He told them to go and cook 10 big pots of yam. when the yam was sufficiently done, he asked them to mash it and add palm oil to it. The pottage was mixed together. He advised them to sprinkle it to all the roads leading to the town and attheir respective doorsteps. They ail compried.
when the evil spirits saw what they had prepared, they settled down to consume it. After the consumption, they all lost their appetite for blood consumption. It was only mashed yam and oil they were interested in eating. Unable find more, they left the scene.
As soon as the evil spirits depafted, those responsible for all the good things of life took over in the town. The inhabitants of QtUnmQb became wealthy. They were blessed with good spouses and children. Their businesses grew well. They were very happy. The following year, QrnmIl came to QtunmQb town on a visit. when they saw him they were all hailing him. He asked them; "how was the situation in your town since last year? "Everything had been very well with us; our lives had been veryeventful. our business had grown well. we are all healthy and happy", they responded. They then promised that they would never do anything in that town without first preparing mashed yam and palm-oil to appease the spirits. That is what they do in Qtunmqba town from that time to date. They began to sing and dance, saying:
Qtrtnmgbe gmg aIwo sanra QlJn o d o QtUnmgba gmg ajlw sanra
Translation
QtUnmqb citizen offsprings of those who consume yam
114
il
pottage to put on weight Here comes QlQtn. Qtunmgba inhabitants, the offsprings of those who consume yam pottage to gain weight
t,ono"
That was how the inhabitants of QtnmQb town did themselves a world of good by listening to the simple advice of Qrrlnmll Ojmq mq, mo k'po o tmi dnkund OjmQ m0, mo k'po temi dQQrQkundQ ojrmQ mq, mo k'po otmi dln-lnlnrlnkunkn D6filn Ornmll If g'awolgOdelgin Sbg ni wQn nl kl wQn 9 e WQn fetl Qtn gb'ebg WQnfit'Osld n ojmq mQ, mo k'po otmi dQ$rQkundQ OjrlmQ mQ, mo k'p tmi dQQnQkunds Ojumq m,, mo k'po o tmi dln-lnlnrlnkunkn Dl firn Qrrtnmll If g'awo lgOdelkiia Fbq ni wqn n| kl wQn ge WQn fetl ,ttn gb'ebg Wn fi t'Osl da n ojmq m,, mo k'p o tmi drkund Ojumq m, mo k'p tmi dQQrQkundQ Ojrtmg m,, mo k'po o tmi dln-lnlnrlnkunkn
Dl filn orrlnmll Baba g'awo Ig s'ode Qtnmqba Fbg ni wQn nl kl wqn ge WQn gb'gbgwQn r'bg Ko p kjlnn Ire gbogbo w ya d ttru jq QtunmQba gmg ajlwo sanra o Iw la jg y o
Qtrnmqb gmg ajlw sanra
Translation
The day dawned I carried my consultation bag with all its contents Early in the morning I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my
115
ffa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
journey These were lf's declarations to Ortjnmll When going on If expedition to Igin town He asked them to offier appropriate gbg The heard the advice with their left right ears And threw it away with their left (ears) The day dawned, I carried my consultation bag with all its contents Early in the morning, I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my journey These were lf's declarations to Qnlnmll When going on If expedition to Ikij land They heard the advice with their right ears And threw it away with their left The day dawned, I carried my consultation bag with all ib contents Early in the morning, I carried my bag ready to go At dawn, I carried my bag filled with all my needs for my journey These were If's declarations to OrUnmll When going on If expedition to QtnmQb land He advised them to offer appropriate gbg They complied according to the advice given to them by Ifa Before long not too far All the good thing of life became theirs
Now, QtUnmgb citizens, offsprings of those who consume yam pottage to gain weight.
If says that all the good things of life shall surely come the way of the
person for whom this Od is revealed as long as he/she can listen to simple advice and observe the taboo never to slaughter any anmal during any occason where he/she is involved.
19.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must try his/her best possble to avoid being involved in a serious scandal which may tarnish his/her image and reputation for the rest of
his/her life.
116
ll
''ono'
If says also that there is a very beautiful young lady where this is revealed with whom someone, a relation, is having an incestuous relationship. There is equally this male relation who had been trying to protect this young lady who needed to be advised as well so that both of them may notend up disgracing themselves.
However, if this had alreadytaken place, each of those involved must first of all confess their misdeeds in the presence of those who ought to know about it. Each of them also needed to offer gbg with one hegoat and money. Each of them also needed to feed If with one and at least six litres of palm oil. If this is not done, they are not likely to succeed in anything they lay their hands upon for the rest of their lives. This is because the wrath of the Deities shall continue to live with them throughout their lives. That is why it is very impoftant to ensure that they propitiate If in order for them to be forgiven. On these,If says:
Od
{
\
goat
Igelgekrtge
Iwalhokuhr l{ff mUwgn-qnfeountlwgn

Igelgekuge
kOlesg
Iwalhukuhr
Nll m wqn-qn sg oun tl wgn kO le ge Dl firn Qtooq En[n Tlyo bl'mqoblnrin kan naa
Tlyslfi g'oblnrin fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Untoward conducts and Irreg u lar cha racters a nd attitudes Were what make them to do whatthey cannotsay Untoward conducts and actions Irreg u lar characters and attitudes Were what make them to say what they cannot do These were lf's declarations to OJQoJQ En)yn Who after giving bifth to only one woman Shall in turn make her his woman He was advised to offer ebo
actions
\.
117
t lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultation
OjqOtq Enlyn was a very popular man in his communty. He was a great merchant. He had travelled far and wide in the course of his business transactions. For this reason, he was well known far and wide. He was also very wealthy.
He gave bifth to an extremely beautiful girl who soon became the center of attraction everywhere she went to. She was the dream wife of all eligible bachelors. Because of this girl's striking beauty, QtQoJQ En)yn was never comfotable whenever his lovely daughter was not around her. He then decided to be taking her everywhere he went to. Instead of solving any
problem, this move only compounded the existing one. Everywhere they went, people were making passes at her, even at her tender age. All these, QtOqtq EnIyn rubuffed. When this young lady became matured and ripe for marriage, all known influential people in the communities sent emissaries to QTQOJQ EnIyn, that they were interested in marrying her daughter. For example, kings like QlQfin of Il-IfQ, Qw of ljqgaland, Alr of llara-EkIti, Ajer of )jerEldtl, Qwrngrn oflla town, OltlgbQn of ll-Igbqn, Ewiof Ado-Ekl and so on showed their interest in marrying the daughter of Qtggtg Enlyn. All of these people, heturned down.
One day however, people suddenly realised that Qtgog Enlyn's daughter
had become pregnant. All the Kings, chiefs and very important
personalities in the various communities became curious. They wanted to know who that person whom QtqoJE EnIyn considered more wofthy of his daughter's hand in marriage was. They sent emissaries to him to let them know the husband-to-be. He only told them that they shall know the lucky man in due course of time.
Soon after, QtEqtQ En'lyn's daughter gave bfth to a bouncing baby boy. The naming ceremony was fixed for the sixth day of bfth. Unable to know what to do, Qtqqtq EnIyn went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. He did not want anyone to know that he was the person responsible for putting his own daughter in the family way. He wanted to know what he needed to do in order for him to be able to cover up this
118
ii
scandal.
t,onu"
grave thing. EnTyn that he had done Consequently, the wrath of the Deities was on him and the person with whom this outrageous act was perpetrated. The Awo declared that he must confess his misdeeds and ofter an gbg with one he-goat. Afterthis, he must feed Ifa with one she-goat. He must also pray to the Deities for forgiveness. He must never repeat the action again. All these, Qt00t0 En'iyn felt was impossible for him to do, especially the aspecb'which the Awo said that he must confess his misdeeds. The Awo declared that the steps enumerated above were the only condition under which he could ever see the forgiveness and favour of the Deities in his Failure to comply would only mean that he would live with the wrath of the Deities forthe remaining paftof his life.
The Awo told Qtqqt0
life.
QtQOtq Enlyn thought over his problem and decided to offer his gbg as prescribed by his Awo. He therefore invited allthose who had ever made passes at his daughter before, to the naming ceremony of the new-bornbaby. He promised them that they would all know the lucky father of the
new-born-baby.
All the Kings sent representatives to the ceremony with the instruction for them to identiff the husband of Qtqqtq Enlyn's daughter who was more
presentable or more impoftant than them. Other Very Impoftant Personalities were physically present. The guests were lavishly entetained. Curious guests asked QtqOtq Enlyn when the husband would appear to them, but he only asked them to be patient and that they would soon know the husband. When all the guests had beed fed to their satisfaction, the host announced that he wanted to announce the presence of the husband in due course. He then disappeared inside his
house.
When he appeared again, he had changed his dress. He was wearing his best dress, looking very attractive and justifiably presentable. He told the gathering that he would announce the father of the new-born-baby with a song. He said:
119
lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultaton
f wlfnAlr
$fipe mo sJge
VUlpemosJgeo f wlfitn Qrngrtn
!wlfnAjerO
IlIl
lillpmosJgeo !wlfiln Qbal'fyQAjorl tillpmosJgeo KO ma m sl eni tl slse ko l b o
Translation
TellAbra, the King ofllara ThatI have made a terrible mistake TellAjer0, the King ofljer That I have committed a grave blunder Tell Qrngr1n, the King oflla ThatI havecommitted a big error Tell Qbal-yQ, the King of QyQtown That I have terribly misbehaved There is no-oneabove mistake
When he said this, everyone present understood the implicaton of the song. They all went home to report their findings.
lgelgekrtge IwaIhrkuhr Ml m wgn-qn geountl wgn Igelgekrtge Iwalhrkuhr Nll mu wqn-qn sg oun tl wgn Dl firn QtOoO Enlyn Tl yo bl'mg oblnrin kan naa Tl y sl fi g'oblnrin fbg ni wQn nl kO w ge gb'gbo, r'bg je e wl fin Alr tMpe mo sJge
kO
lesq
kO |ee $e
fiwlfirnAjerO
Urflpe mo sJge o
Qrangn fMpe mo sJge o
Iwlfiln
IlIl
f wlfilnQbat'fyQAjorl
120
ll
Wlpe mo sJge o KO m m slgni tl e$Se k l ba o
,'ono.
Translation
Untoward conducts and actions u lar characters a nd attitudes Were what makethem to dowhatthey cannotsay Untoward conducts and actions Irregu la r characters and attitudes Were what makethem to saywhattheycannotdo These were lf's declarations to QtQQtQ Enlyn Who after giving birth to only one woman Shall in turn make her his woman He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now, tellAlara That I have made a terrible mistake TellAjerO That I have committed a grave blunder TellQrangun oflla ThatI have committed a big error Tellthe King of Qyg That I have terribly misbehaved There is no-one above mistake
Irreg
20.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is fond of fighting a no-wn battle. He/she loves to fight a hopeless battle in which he/she would be justifoing his/her acton without success. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed has
sympathy for someone or for a cause, he/she will begin to fight the cause or person even if it is obvious that such fight is hopeless. Consequently, If says that it is advisable for this person to accept whatever he/she cannot change gracefully. He/she should desist from fighting wrongly.
for
If also says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg so as to live his/her Iife honourably. He/she cannot hope to live forever, but he/she can offer gbg for him/her to attain great
121
height in life, have honour and respect, peace of mind and dignity
before he/she dies.
On these, he/she needs to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea fowls two ducks and money. He/she also needs to feed If with four rats, four fish and money. A stanza supporting these asseftions says: Agbak mogbelsl Dl fif n Qrrnmlla
Babay b lkja Ysl jeb rk fbg ni wqn ff kge
Translation
Agbak mogbelsle
He
wastheAwo castlf forrunmlb
Who shall fight against Ikti (Death) And shall be found guilty He was advised to offer gbg
when Qrnm'll was here on eafth, he had only a few friends whom he chose with extreme care. He made sure that all his friends were lawabiding, decent, God-fearing, honest, dedicated, humble, trustwofthy and reliable. For this reason, he valued these friends. Once in a while, he used to give them assignments on ways to improve the communities in which they lived. These friends would carry out the assignments to his satisfaction. For these, Qnfnmll was extremely proud of these friends. Theirfriendship lasted fora very long time.
At a stage however, Iktl began to pick these friends one after the other. This infuriated Qrnm'll to the extent that the decided to wage a serious war against Iktl. He claimed that all those who had been assisting him to carry out the missions which Oldmar set out for him were being systematica lly el minati ng by Iktl.
i
All his loved ones were being deliberately removed by lku. In order to fashion out the best way to deal with lkr1, Qrnm)l went for If consultation in the house of Agbkr1-Mogbe-Isele. He was however told
122
li
notto engage in this fight because he would eventually be found guilty.
,,ono"
On hearing this, he got more infuriated and decided to 9o and lodge his complaint against Ik n the presence of Oldmar. When he arrived there, he reported to Oldmar how callous Ikrt had been. He explained in details how Ikri had been taking away all the good and selfless people who had been assisting him in his work. Oldmar, after bearing allwhat Qrnmll had to say, sent for Ikrt to come and explain his own side of the matter.
When Ikrl arrived, Oldmar asked Qrnm'll to repeat all the allegations he had levelled against Ikr1. Qnfnmll did. Oldmare then demanded for Ikrl's representations on the matter. Ik responded that all of Qrrlnm'il's
allegations were misplaced and one-sided.. Ik explained that the assignment given to him by Oldmar was that of taking away all living beings whenever their time was up. This assignment required being carried out without discrimination, fear or favour. Anyone whose time was up; young or old, ugly or beautiful, shoft or tall, benevolent or wicked, honest or dishonest, hail or sickly, brilliant or dull, God fearing or heaftless, dark skinned or fair complexioned, would be taken away. He stated fufther that Qrnmll was angry that he (Ik'l) took away those assisting him in carrying out his assignments, but he convieniently forgot about those spoiling his good works whom he (Iku) had equally taken away. Ik said that Qrnmll was complaining against him for killing good people but he did not say anything aboutthe bad people whom he had equally killed. Ik
rested his submission.
After this, Oldmar asked Qrnm'il if that was his first time of coming into the world on assignment. Qrnmll responded that it was not. Oldmar then asked him if he had ever met again those who assisted him on his previous assignments on eafth. Qrnm)l said that he had not. When asked what had become of them, Qrrlnm)l responded that they were all dead. Then Oldmar declared that all the people who were assisting him at that point in time would also die. Without death, there can be no rebifth. Without death, there can be no judgement. It is only during judgement by Oldmar thatthose who were bad can be commensurately rewarded. Human judgement can be faulty; but the judgement of the Deities can never be wrong. Oldmar then ordered Orrlnmll to 123
lfa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultation
apologse to Ikti for accusing Ikrl thus settled. This was noted.
wrongly. Qrnm)l did. The matter was
Iktl however told Oldmar that it was clear that the assgnment given to him by Oldmar would make all human beings to hate him since they would not appreciate his work, no matter the explanation. He sought relief from oldmar. As from that day, oldmar declared that nobody would trace anyone's death directly to Ikrt (Death) anymore. whenever anyone died, if people asked forthe cause of death, nobodywould mention Ik; instead, they would mention other causes such as old age, illness, accident, ignorance, recklessness, excessive alcoholism, assassination,
suicide, accidental missile shot, stabbing, malnutrition, poisoning, hunger, staruation and so on. Ikrl thus got his much-needed relief.
Agbak mogbelsl
Dlfitn Orunmlla Baba y b lkt ja
Njgarafubhundo Arbbahun d
Iba ge wlp wgn kll kr l'y o Arlgbhun d o
Y d jeb lkr f bg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Agbakrt mogbelsle He was the Awo cast If for QrUnmIl Who shall fight against Ik (Death) And shall be found guilty He was advised to offer gbg Where are the elders of old Where are the elders of yesteryears Had it being that people do not experience death on eafth Where are the elders of old It is the gbg to live a fulfilled life we ought to offer
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must not level
allegation against those doing their normal jobs.
124
ll
,,ono"
B.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EJI.OGBE FOR THOSE BORN BY THE oD DURTNG TTELODU ORIK9SEOAVE
Eil-Ogbe is the most important and the most extensive of all the 256 Od. It is the King among all the other Od. Those born by the Od are equated among kings. It is not advisable for Efi-Ogb children to prostrate to
Kings as such gesture is likely to have an adverse effect on such King.
Ejl-Ogb children love to crave to attention. They love to be pampered. They see themselves as someone whom others owe a duty to
By nature, make comfoftable. The success of Ejl-Ogb children is guaranteed. They will have a home of their own; they will be able to have all those things which make people comfoftable. They are however advised to pursue marriage and childbearing business early in life as it is essential to do so. If this is not taken seriously, there is a high likelihood that they may have problem of child-bearing and may invest a huge resource on this in order to ensure thatthey havetheir own children in their lives.
Ejl-Ogb children are flQgbQ children, they have the suppott of fgbQ and If n this regard. They are born leaders even though they sometimes lack the capability to manage huge resources and many followers. This
notwithstanding however, they will have a lot of respect and honour from far and wide. They will not die young, they usually leave the stage of life when their ovation is atthe loudest,
These children also have
overcome advdersary. To them, no person who conspires against them shall strive or succeed. To them also, it is never late for them to achieve success and recognition in life. When there is life, there is hope. When there is hope, there are boundless oppoftunities to succeed.
an
unbelievable capacity
to
In order to succeed however, they must never rest on their oars or be complacent untilthey reach the zenith of their chosen careers in life. They
have the tendency to be easily carried away by little achievements. This is why it is good for all Ejl-Ogb children to be constantly reminded not to
125
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consuftation
rest until they achieve their ultimate success in life. Indeed, Ejl-ogb children can become very lazy if they are not urged on to success.
Ejl-Ogb children have the tendency to assume that they are wiser than others, only to be proven to be bloody fools. Conversely, those who feel that Ejl-Ogb children are fools, who can easity be taken for a ride, will
only live to regret such assumption.
There is the tendency that Ejl-Ogb children may experience terrible losses in their lives. They nonetheless have the luck and capability to bounce back and,regain all what they have lost several times over. To them, when there is life, there is hope. When there is hope, there are greater oppoftunities.
Ejl-Ogb children have the luckof getting hooked to the paftners of their dream. Their spouses are usually loving and understanding. They also
take care of their spouses, even though there is the tendenry for them to engage in extra- ma rita I activities. These children must always be warned against engaging in scandalous activities, which may end up disgracing and humiliating them. This advice is very impoftant because one hardly finds one Ejl-ogb child who can live above board in this area. wth much determination, however, they may be able to caution themselves.
On the whole, Ejl-Ogb children have the potentials to live well fulfilled lives and leave their marks on the sand of history.
when it come to movements, if an Ejl-ogb child plans to travel to another place for a shoft time, it is good. But if he/she plans to go and live there on a permannent basis, it is not advisable. Fufthermore, f Eilogbe children plan a change of worlg change of school, change of home, change of environment, change of spouse, adequate Ifa consultations
must be made and all the necessary gbg must be performed before this can be done. For the children whom Efl-ogb was revealed for during lkgsQdy, no animal must be slaughtered in the home of the parents for the naming
126
ii
,'ono"
ceremony of the chld - no bird, no beast, in fact, no blood must be for the namng ceremony. The parents may however go to the market purchase all the meat in the market and use it for the naming ceremony. There is nothing wrong in this. Futhermore, the child must not be taken into the market until he/she is old enough to enter the market on his/her own volition.
spilled to
t i'
In general, the heaven is the beginning of all opportunities for Eil-Ogbe children. They must however be advised against being too emotional or
fighting a wrong
cause.
C.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
AFFILIATED IRNMgLF AND ORIFA OF EJI-OGBE

and Oga. However, the more
ET-Ogbe is affiliated to all lrnmglQ prominent ones include the following:
If Or q -
For overall Ire and especially for protection against
untimely For suppoft, achievement and success. It is also victory over adversary For overatl Ire and to facilitate the good things of life coming towards the children of ElT-Ogbe gbetld- For progress, longevity, comfortand peaceof mind $ngo Forchildren, good spouse and success Ogrtn For victory and direction For financial success, progress and selfAj (wealth deity)
death.
for
Fgb Oke 10. Ibejl -
fulfilment
For leadership, progress and god support. Also for long life, For progress and long life and victory over adversary For double success, double victory and multiple Bifth
D.
TABOOS OF EJI-OGBE
The taboos of E)-Ogbe are so many that it is not likely that anyone can avoid all of them. Consequently, most Babalwo or Iyarff use to
127
consul,
If on which ones to drop among these taboos. Prominent among them

are:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Must not eat goat to avoid depression and lack of progress
Must not eat
fowl to avoid being turned against by peers and
10.
11.
colleagues Must noteat peanuts toavoid children moftality Must noteat mushrooms same as in (3) Must noteatlmumu (0fr0) same as in (3) Must not brush his body against early-morning dew (i.e must not go morning) to avoid unfulfilled dreams outtoo early in Must never be envious of other people's achievements - to avoid calamity and disaster to avoid unwanted repercussions Must never be involved in sexual scandal to avoid disgrace and humiliation Must never thin( plan or do evil to others to avoid negative repercussion Must never tell lies to avoid the wrath of the Deities and public condemnation Must never eat snakes to avoid being castigated among peers 72. Must never sleep in total darkness to avoid disappointments and to be able to fulfil his/her destiny 13. Must never settrap for animals to avoid unfulfilled ambitions Must never be a tailor or use needles to avoid being condemned by peers. And to avoid lackof suppoft from colleagues 15. Must never pursue wealth at the expense of children to avoid childlessness
the
t4.
E.
1.
POSSIBLE NAMES FOR EI-OGBE CHILDREN
Males
2. 3. 4. 5.
TQmllj
Life is most important Ablnjg The unique bifth Qlmenl Honour is given to one's present position QlQrunjlnml - God blessed me Qkanhwgn - This one is special and different
- Ones
128
6. Orlmidra - My Orl is good 7. Ikrtggbgb - Death has forgotten (about me) 8. Ifllay - If owns the world 9. Ifygrl - If excels 10. Iftqba - If is great 1. Ifgbay - If s universal 2. Qmglagg - Children are one's coverlet 3. Qmgniyl - Chld is one's prestige 4. Eird 5. Orlmidra - My O is good 6. Okemuyiwa - Oke (deity) has brought this 7. qhffitn - In-exhaustible honour
AB9RABgYE
Females
ll
''
ono"
129
Chapter 2
OVEr(I MEI
tl
lril
llil illt
ll
lr
Chapter 2
QvFK MEi
Alias: EfI-QVf
A.
1.
If says that it foresees all the Ire in life for the person for whom this odu, QyQkrl-Ml is revealed. If says that this person shail be blessed with abundant wealth, good and loving spouse, healthy and
.well-behaved children and all other essential things of life.
If also says that the most appropriate time for this person to pray to his/her oldmar and other Deities is early in the mornings. By so doing, If says that all his/her prayers shall be answered.
If advises this client to offer gbg with ttno hens, two pigeons, hro rats, two fish, two guinea-fowls, hro cocks and money so that all these good things of life shall be his/hers forever. On this aspect, QyQkuM) says:
QpelelytErn Lda'knd'le Dffn Peregede Tfl9eyyeOjmq mq f bg ni wgn nl kO waa s. e Translation

QpQIQ divnation seeds are they which after being filled up with food Turned their stomach to the ground This was lf's declaration to Peregede The mother of Ojmg-mQ, the day has dawned She was advised to offer ebg
It was Peregede who was complaining about her inability to succeed in life. She had no money, no hope of succeeding in future. Consequently, she went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. She was assured that she would ceftainly attain success in her life. She was told that she was destined to succeed in life. She was however advised to be communicating to her Oldmar and the
131
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultation
Deities very early in the mornings as that was the time that the heavenly beings were most disposed to answering her prayers. She was also advised to offer gbg as stated above.
She complied with all the advices given by the Awo and noted the obseruations of the Awo to her. Before long, she succeeded in her trade. Shoftly after this, she had a good spouse. Together with her spouse, she was able to take care of her health. Soon after, she became pregnant and had a bouncing baby. After this, she had many more babies. With her husband and children, they built a big house. They soon bought a horse. Wth all her achievements she knew that she had hope for a brighter future. She was full of joy for what the Deities had done for her.
Lda'kn d'le Dlfiln Peregede
Qpeelytn
TfigeycyOimqmq Fbq niwqn nl kw $e gb'Qbgr'bg ojmqlremEmil'nff
ttol'Ajelqwq
Peregede
Iwgni YyOjmq-mq ojmqlremq milnll

Mo I'QkQnll
Percgede
IwgniYyOimq-mq OjUmqlremQ mi lnfl Mobl'mgl'mg

Peregede
IwgniYyOimq-mq ojumqlremqm lnllo
MokQ'lmQ'l Peregede
IwgniYyOjmQ-mq OjumqlremQmi lnff Mo I'Qgin l'ekan

Peregede
Iwg ni Yy Ojumq-mq ojmqlre mQ mi lnll Mo nl'rcgbogbo

Peregede
IwgniYyOimq-mq
Translation
Qpele seed are they which after being filled up with food
132
ilt
iiii
Turned their stomach to the ground This was If's declaration to Peregede The mother of Ojm-mQ, the day has dawned Shewas advised to offer gbg
over<u
n're
Shecomplied
Good day has dawned for me today I am blessed with wealth
Peregede
You are the motherof OjmQ-mQ Good day has dawned for me today I am blessed with a good spouse
Peregede
You arethe mother of Ojmq-mQ Good day has dawned for me today I am blessed with lovely children
Peregede
You arethe motherof OjmQ'mQ Good day hasdawned for metoday I am blessed with comfortable home
Peregede You are the mother of OjmQ-mo Good day has dawned for me today I am blessed with horses in the manger Peregede You are the mother of OjmQ-mQ God day has dawned for me today I am blessed with allthe good things in lfe Peregede You are the mother of OjmQ-mQ
If says that as long as the person for whom this Od is revealed knows how to pray every mornng, work hard and is hopeful in life, there is no limit to what he/she acheves. He/she shall be blessed with all the good things of life.
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall definitely succeed in life. If says that it has been pat of his/her destiny to succeed in life. Consequently, his/her success is coming from heaven and not as a result of any assstance from human bengs. He/she may be grateful to some people for being instrumental to his/her success, but the ultimate gratitude goes to Oldmar for counting him/her among the successful ones in life. On this, If says:Subrlad o r'Qmg okn, kQriri-kQriri
royunkun ryungba r yngb 16 gbngbnd
133
lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultaon
Dlfrtn Eil-Qve Tlyt'Qrun lw'yblQba Sbgniwqn nlk9e
Ojo ba'h m'le rin gblndlngblndln
Frekq
Translation
'She
Subad saw the Okn beads and showed her happiness who dresses fashionably She who dresses flamboyantly The rain falls, and made the ground wet and soft These were lf's declarations to El-QyQ Who shall bring his unprecedented success from heaven to the world He was advised to offer
gbg
When E:l-QyQ was about to come into this world, he chose as paft of his destiny all the good things of life wealth, good spouse, lovely children, good health, respect, honour, comfoftable home, long life, peace of mind, victory over adversary and so on, while on earth, he went to the Awo mentioned above to determine how best to achieve all what had been destined for him while in heaven. He was advised to offer gbg with three pigeons, and money. He was also advised to feed If with plenty of Qm)nI, banana and palm-oil. He complied. He was equally told to feed his Of with plenty of QmInI bananas and palm-oil. Before long, E:t-QVe became the most successful among his When asked how he was able to make it that big, he simply responded that had brought his success from heaven.
Subrlad
O
peers. he
r'Qmg okn, kQriri-kQriri
qgedeqmlnlod
Translation
f;bg ni wQn nl k geO gb'ebo, O Qrun lmiti mrt
royunkun rcyngb rO yUngbe r gbngbnd Ojo ba'h m'lQ rin gblndlngblndln Dlfln El-Qyg Tl y t'Qrun l w'y bl Qba Frekq
ru'bo idldQqtemibQw'ye
,
'.,
Qlgmgat'Qrun gblw bQ
Subrfad saw Okn beads and showed her happiness
She who dresses fashionably She who dresses fl amboyantly
The rain falls, and made the ground wet and soft These were If's declarationsto Elt-QVe Who shall bring his unprecedented success from heaven to the world He was advised to offer
ebQ
134
i!li or"*u
t"'
Hecomplied
It is from heaven I brought my O

Here comes an QmInI banana
of comfort and success
Which brought its destinyfrom heaven
If says that the success of QyQktl-Mjt children and those for whom this Od is revealed during consultation is guaranteed. It is just a matter of
when it will come and how it will come.
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with many children. If says that his/her home shall be like a market with children. All the children shall be healthy, lovely, obedient and successful. He/she need to offer gbg with eight rats, eight fishrhruo hens and money. He/she also needs to feed If with four rats and fourfish with palm oil. On this aspect, a stanza in QyEkrl-MI says:
Igbotq'lQ kl'lg ml IgbOtq'lQ kl'lQ rin dQndQn Q+qq+q-Fge on|rro IX filn Qlbamlnle Tfi S'gmg fgb nl'lAk
Ey to fgylntl m'jr qkrin snrhn gmg Fbq ni wQn nl k 9e.
Translation
Letlgb0 birds walk on the ground for the ground to shake
LetIgbO birds walk on the ground for the ground to wet profusely Thechirping of f9, the palm-birds These were declarations of If to Qlbanf nlQ Theofbpring of fgb inthe homeof Ak When weeping in lamentation of his inability to give bifth to a child He was advised to offer gbg
Qlbarnfnl was married for a very long time. Unfoftunately, the marriage was not blessed with any chld. He tried everything he knew, to no avail. one day, he summoned courage and went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would he be blessed with children in his life? Would he have children who would assist him in his old age? The Awo assured QlbarnfnlQ that he would be blessed with several children and grand children in his life. He was told that his home shall turn to a market with children. He was however advised to offer ebo as prescribed above. He complied. Before long, hiswife became pregnant. She gave bifth to a baby boy. Soon.after,
135
she gave bith to several other children in quick successon. Before long, these children began to give birth to several children of their own. The home glbarffnlQ was so fullof children that people began to compare his home with a market. This comparison gave QlbanfnlQ the greatest joy of his life. QlbanfnlQ lived and died a very happy man, when he was asked how he got all the children, he used to respond that it was If who promised him that his home shall be asfilled with children asa market. Igbotg'l$ kl'19 ml Igbotg'lQ kl'lQ rin dQndQn Q+qqqe-Fga onlrro Dl filn QlbmlnlQ Tff g'gme Fgb nl'lAk Eyltf,ylntl m'jtl ekun s0nrhn gmg fbg ni wQn nl k 9e.
of
(.
gb'$bg' nt'bg
Nje Qqqqqq-Fga onlrro If r'p il ib kn A d'oia Onlrro
Q+qe$-Fga onlrrc
Translation
Letlgb birds walkon the ground forthe ground to Letlgbo birds walk on the ground for the ground to wet profusely The chirping of Pg, the Palm-birds These were declarations of If to Qlbarnf nlQ Theoffspring of pgb inthe homeof Ak When weeping in lamentation of his inability to give bifth to a child He was advised to offer ebo He complied Now, the chirping of Fg birds It is If which promised that this home shall be filled with
shake
Children
And shall be comPared to a market

QSqOpq-Fg onf rro, the chirping of the
fga birds we praise!
4.
If says that it foresees the lre of a chieftaincy title for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she shall become a titleholder before he/she died.
If says also that he/she shall be blessed with a fitting spouse and
also with beautiful and well-behaved children.
136
||t!
ll
il Oyeku Meji
If equally says that the persons for whom this Od is revealed shall live long. He/she shall never die young. He/she shall never be involved in group death, such as multiple accidents or any other
mishap which may cause several people to die at the same time.
When the person for whom this Od is revealed is outside, there is the need for him/her to be careful with what he/she will be eating. This is because eating outside may cause serious disagreement between him/her and his/her loved ones.
If says that there is need for people to have respect for elders where this Od is revealed. This is in order to avoid terrible calamity here. There is also the need to offer the following gbg here, for chieftaincy: two pigeons, two cow:t?ils, one male duck and money. For a good spouse: hro hens for males, cocks for females, and money; for children: four rats, four fish, one guinea fowl and money: for longevity: hro cocks and money: for avoidance of calamity: two cocks and money. There is also the need to feed If with ether a hen or a she goat, and to feed Eg with either a cock or a
he-goat.
On allthese, a stanza in QyQkrl-M) says:
Igbklnnl
Wqn 4 pa kbQ-kbQ-krlbwo'lAro Mo nl Owo lQ rlpa krbq-kbe-kbq wg'le Aro s{? WQn nl Oyl'wgn jq Mo nl Oly y gb ogb Ohyqyetuy Y gb ogb Olyeeyeetuye Y gb ogb OlgbO oun epr Ara gbogbo l'qt fil h'ew gburugburu YgbogbOl-Ago Qgbqqgbq lywo, Q9'qryw g'akin
Eyl togbogbgb Td fgmg ow rn olde
s'qrn Qmsowu jejeeje kr bl abr gbe irinwgdrln l'ye baba rq btqqegbjesmq
Translation Theveryfirsttime
They were congregating in the home of Ar I enquired why they were congregating in the home of Ar
137
lfa da: An invitation to lfa Consultation
They responded thatthey were taking a chieftainry title I prayed that the title holder shall grow old and feeble The title holder shall live very long on earth The title holder shall grow grey hair and become bald-headed Just like the guinea fowl grows grey hair all over its body The title holder shall be as old as OhJ-ASo The newly betrothed wife, who is both beautifuland brave
Whogrewsoold
And used the blacksmith's hammer as her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age And reduced to just a mere needle She spent 400 years on the throne of her ancestors She gave birth to 1,300 children
If says that while Qrrlnmll was wanderng about, he met people preparng to take chieftainry title in the home of Ar. He went there to enquire what they were doing. They told him and he blessed them. After this, they asked him to return home as his wanderng was enough. He responded that it was not yet time for him to return home.
IsbaQQkejl WQn n pa kubg-kUbe-kb$wg'lAr Mo nlemi niwqn p kbe-kbQ-krtbQwg'lArsl? WQn nilyw l'wQn gb Mo nl lyew y gb ogb OlyeJeqtuyq Y gb ogb olrryQeyeetuye Y gb ogb Olgb oun aprl Ara gbogbo l'gt fl hiew gburugburu Y gb ogb Ol-ASo ggbQQg bQ lyw, Qq'qrqw 9'akin Ey{togbogbgbo Tfgmg ow rn old s'orn Qmsowu jejeeje k bt abere gb irinwgdrtn l'ye baba rc blqdqgbejegmg
Translation
The second time They were congregating in the home of Ar I enquired why they were congregating in the home of Ar They responded thatthey were taking a new wife I prayed thatthe newwife shall grow old and feeble The new wife shall live very long on earth The wife shall grow grey hair and become bald-headed Just like guinea-fowl grows grey hair all over its body
(
138
i!iior*""'
The new wife shall be as old as Ohf -Agg The newly betrothed wife who is both beautiful and brave
Whogrewsoold
And used the blacksmiths hammer as her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age And reduced to justa mere needle She spent 400 years on the throne of her forefathers She gave birth to 1,300 children
Qrnmll also narrated how he wandered about and returned to Ar's home the second time. He saw people celebrating during a marriage ceremony. When he was told this, Qrrlnm'll blessed them. After this, they asked Qrnmll to come and celebrate with them in Ar's home and stop wanderng about. Qrrlnmll declined theirofferand told them that itwas notyettimefor him to return home. lgbaQQkta Wqn pa kbg-kbQ-kbQwg'leAro Mo nleminiwQn p kbe-kbe-kbqwg'lArs{? WQn nl gmg l'wQn tk Mo nl Qmg yoo 9b ogb Olyeeye*uye Y gb ogb olyeeyeetuye Y gb ogb Olgb oun prl Ara gbogbo l'gt fil h'ew gburugburu YgbogbOl-A$o ggbQQgbQ lyiwO, Q+'qre, w S'akin Eyltogbogbgb T fgmg ow rn od s'Qrn qmgowr jqjeejq ku blabqrq gb irinw gdrin l'ye baba rq
ueeqgbjesms
Translation
thethird occasion Theywere congregating in the home of Ar I enqured what they were congregating in the home of Ar for They responded thattheywere doing a naming ceremony I prayed thatthe new born babyshallgrow old and feeble The new born baby shall live very long on earth
On
The baby sha | grow g rey hair and become bald-headed Just like guinea-fowl grows grey hairall over its body
|
The baby shall be as old as Ohl-ASQ
The newly betrothed wife, who is both beautiful and brave Who lived and became so old And used the blacksmith's hammer as her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age
139
And reduced to just a mere needle She spent 400 years on the throne of her ancestors She gave bifth to 1,300 children
Again, Qrrtnmll narrated how he came to Ar's house the third time. He met them celebrating the arrivalof a new born baby. He blessed the baby. Again, he was invited to enter the house of Ar and celebrate with them. This time around he did.
Qrnm'il said that when he glanced at his right hand side, he saw people eating mashed yam with palm oil. They invited him to come and eat but he declined. He said that when he glanced at his left hand side, he saw another group of people eating mashed water-yam with palm-oil. They too invited him to come and eat; and again, he declined. He said that when he glanced straight ahead, he found yet another group of people eating mashed coco-yam with palm-oil. And again, he was invited to come and eat; and this time around, he ate a little and returned to his own home.
When he got home, Qrnmll said that his adopted parents asked him to tell them what he ate outside; and he responded that he did not know what he ate. Hearing this, his adopted parents said that they were going to beat him up for that. There and then, Qrnmll said that he declared that it was a forbidden act for anyone to ever lay his/her hand against him. He said that nobody raises his/her hand to beat a cobra, or a boa conscriptor, or a leopard, if not a proficient hunter. That was the time QrrlnmIl's adopted parents suspected that he was not an ordinary human being after all. In their state of confusion, they asked Orrlnmll to tellthem where he learnt all what he was saying. In order to confuse them the more, Qrnm'll said that he told them another story to shield himself from answering their question. He said thatthe event in the storywentthus:
Two devilish beings named AwrirrJk-Madgb and 0jO-perk-m-wQ wentto E)gb-mgkn market and gave the mother of Ikrl (Death) a beating of her life. When Ik heard of what had happened, he used a cobra as his protection charm and used a scorpion as his charm for finding his ways in the dark.
Armed with these charms, Qrnmll said that Ik landed onlgb tree and felled t. Next it was Fde tree and it was felled. Next it was Irk tree and this was felled. Next it was Ooro tree and again it was felled. In his blind fury and desire
144
ililor"*"",'
to destroy anything and everything that he came across on hs way, he landed on AynrQ tree in order to fell it. AynrQ tree dodged to the right side and Ik fell down and broke his fore limbs. Ikrl pursued it again, and AynrQ tree dodged to the leftside and Ik broke his hind-limbs. Ikrt made a third attemptand broke his waist. Having narrated this story Qrrlnmll then demanded from his adopted parents that like the Ayunre tree, we should be seeking If's special protection against Ikri whenever it is coming to land on, and fell a follower of If. When he said this, his adopted parents forgot about every other thing and prayed for protection and longevityfrom Qrrtnmll and QyQkrl-M1T.
Igbklnnl Wqn 4 pa kubg-kbQ-kbgwg'lAr Mo nl wO lQ rtpa kbg-kbe-kbe wg'b Aro sl? WQn nl Oyl'wgn n jq
Mo nl Olye y gb ogb Ohyyetuyq Y 9b ogb ohryQQyQetuye Y gb ogb Olgb un prl Ara gbogbo I'qt fil h'ewr gburugburu Y gb ogb Ol-Aqo QgbQQgbQ lyiwo, Qg'qrgw 9'akin T
Eyltogbogbgb fgmg ow rn od s'orn emgowrt jejeeje k blabre gb irinwgdrln l'ye baba rg btgqdegbejegmg WQn nl fre mitf Kl nyal MolmitnyalmQ
lsbaeekejl
Wqn pa kbQ-kbQ-krlbgwg'lAr Mo nl emi ni wqn p kbq-kbQ-kbg wg'l Ar sf? WQn ni lyawO l'wQn rtgb Mo nl lyw y 9b ogb Oyeeyuye Y<l gb ogb OlrlyQeyeetuye Y gb ogb Olgb oun prl Ara gbogbo l'gt fil h'ew gburugburu Y gb ogb Olu-Aqo 9g bQQgbQ lywo, Os'qrqwa g'akin
T
Eyltgbgbgb fgmg owrl rn od s'Qrn Qmgowrl jejeeje k bl abere gbe irinw gdrln l'ye baba rg btgqoqgbjesms 141
WQn nl ire
mitfe
Kf nya'l Mol'mitnya'lmQ
lgbeQQk$ta Wqn pa kbe-kbQ-krtbwq'lAr Monlemi niwqn p kbe-kbe-kbqwg'lArsl? WQn nl gmg l'wQn tk Mo nl Qmg y gb ogb Oluyeeytuy Y gb ogb Olyeeyeetuye Y gb ogb Olgb Oun parl Ara gbogbo I'qt fil h'ew gburugburu Y gb ogb Ol-Aqo ggbQQgbQ lywo, Qg'qrqw 9'akin Eyttogbogbgb T fgmQ ow rn ode s'qrun Qmgowrt jejeeje ku tabere gb rnw gdrn l'ye baba rq bledgbjegms
WQn nl iremitf Kl nyal
lgby,l ni mowaayal
Mo#jrwoapmiQtn
Mo b wgn nlbi wQn gb nfepo jTwO igukg
WQnnlnwjq
Mol'miojq
WQn nl w
jq Mol'mijq Mo#5rwoarln mi pQngb blojq Mo bwgn nlbi wgn gb nfepo j'lw kok l'gbl WQn nl nw jg
miwaa jgdlQnlbQ Mgbatlmod'n il Iya mi nl klnnimo je Molmo mgountl mojq Bb mi nl klnni mo jq
Moqljwoap miOsl Mo b wgn nlbi wQn gb nfepo j'lw ewra
Molmlomgountlmojg
Iya mi l'un n ml Bb mi l'un n ml MonlwqOrlga f;nlkan kff gi'wQ lu gk Fnlkan kll ql'wQ lu er Snlkan kllgl'wQ lu qkn Bl9egdq
142
tr[ trtl
ll
ll Oyeku Mej
WQn nlwgnta lkQ mi lyff Mo nl awgn Awtrkt-madgb
Awgn Ojo-peruk-m-we Awgn niwQn nlyIk I'qja ETgbo-mgkn Ik m ok fi se'Kb
muer
fidelHnna
mrakeke fi serrka
Iktorlgb Igb gblre n1h Iktort ede FdQegHra n1h Ikrl t orllrk0
IrkOgblre n'lle Ik t orl ooro Oorogblr n'llQ Ikrl t orl ayUnrq Aynrgyeges'qtn-n Iku fap d Aynrqyeges'sl
Ikrfesed
Ikrl wfagbede-mejl d rne l(nni yoo yg'krt n l'rf Awo Qba leil-Qyg If nyye'k nu l'rlAwo If nyfEyeye'k IkU to jde n'lle T rl wAwo bQw If niy fQyqyg'ku Translation
Theveryfirsttime
They were congregating in the home of Ar I enqured whatthey were congregating forin the home of Ar They responded that they were taking a chieftaincy title I prayed that the title holder shall grow old and feeble The ttle holder shall live very long on eafth The title holder shall grow grey hair and become bald-headed Just like guinea-fowl grows grey hair all over its body The ttle holder shall be as old as Oh1-agg The newly betrothed wife, who is both beautiful and brave
Whogrewsoold
And used the blacksmiths hammer as her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age And reduced to just a mere needle
143
She spent 400 years on the throne of her ancestors She gave bifth to 1,300 children
They said my prayers were enough They asked me to come in I responded that I was not coming in The second time They were congregating in the home of Ar I enquired what they were congregrating for in the home of Aro They responded that they were taking a new wife I prayed thatthe new wife shall grow old and feeble The newwife shall livevery long on eafth The wife shall grow grey hair and become bald-headed Just like guinea-fowl grows grey har all over its body The new bride shall be as old as Ol-ago The newly betrothed wife, who is both beautifuland brave
Whogrewsoold
And used the blacksmiths hammer as her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age And reduced to justa mere needle She spent 400 years on the throne of her ancestors She gave bifth to 1,300 children They said my prayers were enough They asked me to come in I responded that I was not coming in On the third occasion They were congregating in the home of Ar I enquired whattheywere congregating for in the home of Ar They responded thattheywere doing a naming ceremony I prayed thatthe new born baby shall grow old and feeble The new born baby shall live very long on eath The baby shall grow grey har and become bald-headed Just like guinea-fowl grows grey hair all over its body The baby shall be as old as Ol-agg The newly betrothed wfe, who is both beautifuland brave
Whowassoold And used the blacksmiths hammeras her neck pendant The hammer ate away steadily with age And reduced to just a mere needle She spent 400 years on the throne of her ancestors She gave bifth to 1,300 children They said my prayers were enough
They asked me to come in That was the time I entered the house I glanced at my right hand side I saw them where they were using palm-oil to eat mashed yam They invited meto paftake in eating I declined theiroffer I glanced at my left hand side
144
iiii or"*,
I sawthem usng palm-oilto eat mashed wateryam They invited me to come and partake I declined there offer I glanced straightahead of me I sawthem using palm-oilto eatcocoyam in the courtyard They invited me to come and paftake Then I ate just a little When I returned home My mother asked me what I had eaten I responded that I did not know what I had eaten Myfather asked me what I had eaten I responded that I did not know what I had eaten My mothersaid thatshewould beat me up My frther said that he would beat me up I declared that it is an abomination Nobody dare raises his bare hand to beat a cobra Nobody dare raises his bare hand to beat a boa conscrictor Nobody dare raises his bare hand to beat a leopard
Except a proficient hunter
"",,
They asked me who had taught me all these
Instead
responded
that it was AwrJnJkrl-madgb and OjO-
perk-m-wQ
They were the ones who beat up

EIgb0mgkn market Ik (Death) took a cobra And made it his protection charm He took the boa And used itas path finding charm
He
Ik
(Death)'s mother at
tookthe scorpion
And made ithisfighting ring Ikrl landed onlgb tree Down wentthelgb tree IkrJ landed on fdE tree And down went Edetree Ik landed on Oorotree And down wentOorotree Ik landed on Aynretree But Aynrg tree dodged to the right side Ik fell down and broke his forelimbs And Aynrg dodged to the left And lkri felldown and broke his hind limbs Iku then broke the mid-section of his body
Now, what is itthatwillward off Ik (Death) from the head of It is El-QyQ (QyQku-Mel) the king It is If who wll ward off lkr: from the head of Awo It is lfa who shall use Oye divination powderto ward off IkrJ When Ik leaves his home
an
Awo
145
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lla Consultation
And is looking for an Awo to kill It is If who shall use Qye dvination powder to ward off Ik
If says that O3gkrf-MI shall ward off death and other forms of calamity that is about to befall the person for whom this Od is revealed. The protection of If forthis person is guaranteed.
5.
If says that it foresees the Ire of longevity for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that lkrl, Death, will show compassion for
him/hen If says that he/she will live to his/her old age.
In the same vein, If says that the home where this Od is revealed shall be spared the pain of death, affliction and other misfoftunes. If it is duringlkgsgdy, If says thatthe life of the new born baby shall be spared and the baby shall live long on earth. The appropriate name of the new born baby is lkrlgn as given by If. There is the need to offer qbg with one he-goat and money. There is also the need to feed If with four rats, fourfish and money. On these, If says:
Em Qye
Qyepe+g le lt'ok bq 9mq arywon Se bl ojmq l rtmq w oimqo mEo BabaqyQ|o|a E fn lk9en Tl rtt'Qrun bqwy fbg niwgn nl k9e
rwe Qve
Translation
I am QyQ, the twilight
You are QyQ, the twilight The twilight was just showing appearance in the sky People thought it was the day which had dawned
It was not yet dawn It was only the twilight appearing in the sky These were If's declaratons to lkrlgnr1 (Ik had shown me compassion) When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer ebQ
It was lkrlSnri who was coming from heaven to eafth. He decided to go for If consultation so as to determine how successful his sojourn on eafth would be:
146
ilii
or"*"",'
Would he be successful? Would he be able to live tong enough to get married, bear children, build his own house, have his own horse and be able to achieve all those things which made people successful on eafth?
IkFan was assured that If had guaranteed that he would live long on earth. If he did not die young, he would be able to achieve all his heaft's desires. He was then advised to offer qbg as prescribed above. He complied and set out on his journey to eafth. While on eafth, he was guided and protected by the deities. He was able to live long and happily. He achieved all his eafth's desires. Ikrl showed him pity by leaving him alone to Iive his life in peace. By the time Ikrlgnu died, he was an extremely old man:
Em QyQ
lwqQve
Oreqeeeta tt'okbq Qmgaraywqn ge bl ojmQ Ojmq o mq o
mqw
Babaqyglo|a fn lksan gb'gborni'bg je Ik b 9anrt omoAwo ArngngmoAwo Kl o re'l mlrn

Translation
I am Qyg, the twilight
You are QyQ, the twilight The twilight was just showing appearance in the sky Peoplethought itwasthe daywhich had dawned
Tl t'Qrun bQwy fbgniwqn nl kge
Itwas notyetdawn It was only the twilight appearing in the sky These were lf's declarations to lkrlgn (Ik had shown me compassion) When coming from heaven to eafth
He was advsed to offer ebQ
Hecomplied
Ikrl, please have merry on Awo Arn, Afflictions, please have mercy on Awo And goto other lands
If says that the person for whom QyqkU-mJ'i is revealed shall be spared
the pain of death, afflictions and other evil forces while on eafth.
147
6.
If says that the person for whom QyQkrl-M) is revealed shall not be allowed to die a group death. He/she shall be spared when there is natural or human-caused disaster such as earthquake, fire, road accident, plane crash, sea mishap and other similar occurrence.
If says that there is the need for this person to offer qbg with one he-goat, money and a piece of red clothe. If this can be done, his/her ability to live long and to avoid group disaster is assured. On
this, a stanza is QyQkrl-M) says:
Qpagbongb nfl Stwj agbQn'nini Fse mieil nll jljdrt qna gborcgn-gborogn Dl fn SrunlQjQ aqq Mjq tl wqn t'Qrun bq w'y
Fbg ni wQn nl kl wQn ge
Translation Ashotstaff
is used to brush awaythe early-morning dew The two feet fight for supremacy in their bid to lay claim to the foot-path These were If's declarations to the 165 clothes
When coming from heaven to eafth Theywere advised to offer gbq
One hundred and sixty five clothes with variety of textures, colours and makes were about to leave heaven for eafth. They decided to go for If consultation in order to know how their sojourn on eafth would be. The Awo told them that they would all be successful on eafth. They were assured that people would love them when they reached the eafth and that people would want them to be their companions. They were however advised that there was the need for them to offer gbQ with one he-goat each in order to avoid a situation where they, the clothes, would be dying group deaths or where they would be made to accompany corpses to heaven. The 165 clothes deliberated on the information given to them by the Awo and concluded that even though these Awo were competent, they were nonetheless greedy. The clothes claimed that the Awo were actually demanding for 165 hegoats. They concluded that only thieves could ask for such things and therefore the Awo were thieves. All of them refused to offer the ebQ except kQlQ-the red clothes or calico. KQIQ said that he could not afford the consequence of doubting
theAwo.
148
!il1
ll
!l oyeku Meji
Consequently, he went and offered his own ebq. Soon after this, whenever anyone died, allthe clothes, with the exception of Keh, were used to accompany such corpse to heaven. That was how all the remaining clothes began to die premature deaths while only KQIQ, was spared. KQIQ began to sing and dance and give praises to his Awo. From that time hencefofth, it was an abomination and taboo to use calico or red cloth to bury a corpse.
mjejl nll jljdrl Qne gborogn-gborogn Dl fif n QrunlQjQagg Mjq tl wQn t'Qrun bg w'aye fbgniwqn nl klwQnge KQIQ nlkan n nbe I'eyln t g'ebg Kgle l ru o Ken |t Aggt b m'qbg Kll b wgn yn mOrlg
Fse
Qpa gbOngb nfl gfwajrl agbQn'nini
Translation
A shoft staff is used to brush away the early-morning dew The two feet fight for supremacy in their bid to lay claim to the foot-path These were lf's declarations to the 165 clothes When coming from heaven to eafth Theywere advised to offergbg Only KQIQ, the red cloth, complied It is KQIQ which complied with If's advice The clothe which recognized the need to offer ebo Will neverexperience group death
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will never be involved in group death or be involved in mass disaster.
7.
If says that there is a female where this Od is revealed or that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a female, she needs to be advised that it is in her best interest to marry an Awo or for her man to be fully initiated into If. This is because the female in question has a problem that only those who are consulting If and offering gbg regularly will be able to solve for her. In other words, it is to the advantage of such a woman to do so as she stands to gain tremendously from such relationship.
At the same time, if this Od is revealed during lkgsqdaye for a female 149
lfa Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consuftation
chld, the name of such a baby is AtrQ and she ought to be given out an Awo or someone initiated into If when she is matured enough to married.
to get
In the interim, the female is question needs to tie the Id beads round her waist wrist or neck as a sign of her being lf's wife or ApQtQbl. She also needs to offer gbg with two cocks, two guinea-fowls and money. She needs to feed If with four rats, four fish and money. On these If
says:
j k'Qni sn Itahgodogbo koj k'gni sn I'qdede

Emlrln
kO
n'll
Irl d Irl so Irl bal ta lb-|be-|b

Dlfiln Qrrlnmll If lqg'gkgAtrO fibgniwQn nl kge
Translation The tiny
room
mosquitoes
do not allow one to sleep in
the
I \
The big biting bugs do not allow one to sleep in the verandah The dew stopped The dew settled The dew dropped and scattered on the ground These were If's declarations to Qntnm)l When going to marryAtOrQ He was advised to offergbg AtOrQ was a very sick
woman. She was suffering from all softs of ailments ranging from physical, mental, emotional to psychological problem. She had a weak heaft and her womb was blocked, making it impossible for her to become pregnant. When the information on her problems leaked out to people, every prospective suitor ran away from her. She became lonely, sad and sicker. At a
\.
stage, she lost all hopes. When Qrnmll saw this, he took pity on AtrQ and decided to marry her in order to take care of her and help solve all her problems for her. He went to consult If, and If gave him the go-ahead. In no time, Qrnm'il made all the necessary moves and AtrQ became his wife. The parents of AtrQ were simply too happy to give her hands away in marriage to Qrr1nmll. Immediately AtrQ moved
in,
t\..
150
t"i' Qrrlnm)l began intensive treatment for her. Before long, she was cured of all her ailments. Soon after, she became pregnant and gave bifth to a baby. She had several children soon after. She became happy, contented and a proud wife and mother for the rest of her life.
iiil or"*u
je k'Qni sn n'll Italg godogbo ko j k'n sn I'qd+dQ

Emf r{n kO
lrl d
Irl so Irl bal ta lb-lb-lb Dlfiln Qrnmll If lg g'gkgAto
f b9 niwQn nl k s, e gb'Qborru'bg
jelrldo'
Irl so
Emlr{n kO j k'n O sUn n'll Italg godogbo ko jQ k'Qni sn I'qdede Irl d Irl so Irl balQ ta lb-lbe-lb Dl frln Qrnmll
If lgg'gkgAtrO f;bg ni wqn nl k 9e Emlr{n kO j k'Qni sn n'll Itale godogbo ko jQ k'ni sn I'qdQde
lrl d Irl so Irl balQ ta lb-lebe-Eb DlfilnQrnmll

If rlgs'okoAtrO [b9 ni wqn ff k 9e Qrunmll dr If kow s'okoAtOlO
Translation
The tiny mosquitoes do not allow one to sleep in the room The big biting bugs do not allow one to sleep in the verandah
The dew stopped The dewsettled The dew dropped and scattered on the ground These were If's declarations to OrrJnmll
151
Ifa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultation
When going to marryAtOr He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Nowthe dew stopped
Thedewsettled
Please Ornm'il
Do come and take AtOrg
aswife
If says that the woman for whom this Od is cast is an ApQtQbi. She needs to marry If and she willdefinitely have causeto rejoice in the end.
Ifa says that the person for whom this Odrl is revealed shall succeed in life. He/she had been having problems because he/she had been using the wrong materials to feed his/her Ofi. If says that it is a taboo forthis client to use water as paft of the material to feed his/her O. As long as this is being done, so long shall he/she be experiencing hardship. The moment water is replaced with palm-oil and used to feed his/her O, his/her problems shall be replaced with prospects; despair shall be replaced with hope; disappointments shall be replaced with fulfillment; agony shall be replaced with pleasure and sadness shall be replaced with joy.
If says that this client need to offer gbg with one he-goat and money in order to neutralize all the negativity caused by his/her initial usage of water as paft of the materials for feeding his/her Of . When next he/she wishes to feed his/her O, he/she must first put some drops of palm-oil on the ground before any other thing is done. On these, If says:
fnit rtfg'gb
F
kl Se
Fnitl rlfgawo
k ee Dl firn lni t jl nl Ktkt T 'fomi b'Qrl i rQ f;bg ni wqn nl k 9e
F
Translation
Those washing calabashes I say"well-done" And those washing plates I say"well-done"
152
iiii ov"r" u"l
These were If's declarations to "he who wakes up early in the Morning And uses waterto feed his Of " He was advised to offer gbg
The person in question was a very successful farmer in his time. One day, he discovered that his yields were dwindling gndually. He therefore went for If consultation. During this consultation QyQkrl-M'i was revealed. The Awo advised him to offer gbg and feed his Of . He did. When he was aboutto feed his O, he used water as part of the feeding materials. Instead of improving, his farm yields became worse than ever before. He changed the materials with which he fed his of from kolanuts, to coconuts, from pigeon to guinea-fowl, hen, cock, duck, ewe, ram, and so on, but still included water. There was no improvement. He changed his profession several times. He tried hunting, weaving, trading, singing and so on. still, there was no improvement. His situation was getting worse bythe day.
One day, he decided to consult another set of Babalwo for If consultation. He approached the Awo mentioned above. when If was cast for him, QyQkrl,M) was once more revealed. The Awo assured him that his lot would change forthe better. He was informed that he was in his present state because he had been using the wrong materials for feeding his Of He was also advised to offer one he goat and money. After this he was to feed his O with palm-oil and any other materials of his choice. When feeding his Of, some palm-oil needed to be dropped on the ground before any otherthing could be done. He complied.
When all these had been done, all the spirits responsible for his anguish and disappointments disappeared and were replaced with those which brought
happiness, achievements and progress. He was a very happy man aftenruards.
I krl i96 fnitt fgawo

F
fni t rtfg'gb
k ise Dl fin fnitfl nl Ktkot T'fomi b'Qrl i rQ fbg ni wQn nl k 9e WQn nl epo ni k maa fi bqrt
gb'gbgr r'bg jqlwa mi y lg sok nlgbyt o Bllpgnrf in b gb'epo

153
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Cansuftaton
Iw a nQ a sl goke
Translation
Those washing calabashes I say"well-done" And those washing plates I say"well-done" These were lf's declarations to"he who wakes up early in the morning ..And uses waterto feed his Ofi " He was advised to offer ebQ He was also told to be using palm-oil instead Hecomplied My destiny shall certainly rise this time When the fire is fed with Palm oil Its destiny shall surelY go uP
If says that the luck of this client shall certainly shine through. He/she shall surely become a successful man or woman. His/her tribulations shall become
things of the past in a shoft time to come.
9. If says that it foresees limitless success and achievement
for ; whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person shall be very
for the person
\
successful in the areas of If practices, herbal medicine, conventional medicine, nursing, midwivery occultism, pharmacy, otthopaedic medicine or nursing, and other para-medical fields.
shall extend far beyond the community, country or region where he/she resides. He/she shall be sought after by the highly placed and influential people in
If says that in any field that he/she chooses, his/her popularity
his/hercommunity.
If however warns that in all what he/she he/she must never allows his /her achievements to enter his /her head. He must never show pride. The more his/her success, the more humble he/she must be. The more the humility, the morethe success.
The person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with hro white pigeons, two guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to serve lfa with four rats, four fish, one hen and money. On this, If
says:
154
I tl Itl
ll
ll
Oyeku Meji
f ni a nl k hu'p le hu'p Fnia nl k hu'yele O le hu'yQl Qqtun t nlgba gwqt nlgba qsQ sltrn bwgn-Qn hwa pQlQ Dl fn Ogo-Imle QmgafrQ jqun olunjg fbgniwQn nl k$e
Translation
Those whom we thought would raise their arms in
all
pride
could not do so at
Those whom we thought would raise their legs

failed to do so The millipede which has 200 hands, and 200 legs He was howevershowing unbelievable meekness These were If's declarations to Ogo-Imglg, the lazy one Who, early in the mornng, eats other people'sfood He was advised to offer gbg
in
arrogance also
Ogo Imqlq, the lazy one, was an If practitoner. He could not farm. Neither could he hunt. He had no experience n trading. His only interest was n the area of If. He was very versatile in this field. The only snag n this was that his peopfe consdered him a lazy man, who would only live through the mercy of others. They considered that he was living a mendcant life, unfit for any member of their family. They abused him daily. Tired of their incessant harassment, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would he become a successful man through his chosen career? Would he be accorded respect and honour in his profession? As a Babalwo, would he be able to acquire all the good things of life which people considered as yardsticks for fulfillment in his life?
In response to his questions, the Awo assured him that he would become a very successful If practitioner in his life, that he would be highly respected and honoured in his profession, that he would be able to acquire all the good things of life, That he would be popular and well respected from far and near. The lazy one was told that it was from his laziness that he would be able to achieve allthe good things of life. He was however warned against being proud and arrogant. He was told that if he lowered himself through humility, the Deities shall raise him up by making him prosperous. Conversely, if he showed pomposity, the Deities shall lower him. He was also advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea fowls, two hens, two cocks and money, He complied.
He did not only comply, he was treating each and every client of his with genuine
humility, care and Iove. This attitude surprised a lot of people and it endeared 155
him to his various clients because they always felt welcomed whenever they went to the house of the lazy one. For this reason, his clients made it a point of duty introduce more clients to him. Because he was competent in his chosen career, he used to retain these new clients. Soon after this, the lazy one began to accumulate wealth. He felt he was ready to get married. All his people who had hitheto been castigating him rose in his suppoft and he was able to get a good and loving woman as wife. The woman gave birth to several children for him. With his wife and children, he was able to erect a house befitting his status, and in due course he bought several horses. All these he did without being carried away by his achievements and without pompous. All his people reluctantly admitted that his chosen profession and "laziness" really benefitted him. When asked how he was able to achieve so much in his lifetime; he responded that If, labeled as the lazy man's profession was indeed an interesting career. He concluded that all gratitude was to If who made it possible for him to accomplish all what he did. He was made a community leader and his opinions and suggestions carried a lot of weight in his
to
being his
community.
tn lrb wgn-qn hwaa pQ Dl filn Ogo-Im$lq QmgafrQ jgun olnjq fbg ni wQn nl k 9e gb'$bgrrrl'bg Imlg mi ni mo ge fi mofi l'w OwolmqlQdn l'dnj
sl
F n'lf geun, geun Imele ni mo ge Tl mofi l'ya Owolmql dn l'dnj
hu'y$lQ QgtuntnlgbagwQtnlgbagsQ
Fni a nl k hu'p O le hu'P fni a nl k hu'yQlQ o le
i \
f b midpel'qwqlf
\-
Imqlq ni mo qe Tl mofi bl'mq Tl mofi kQl o Owolmgl dn
! b mi dp I'o, wq lfa ! n'ffa Feun, geun
l'dnj
|
156
iiii ov"r,,
n"
mi dpe l'qwq If geun, geun n'lfa I lmqlq ni mo ge Tl mo nlregbogbo Owlmgldn l'dnj F b mi drp I'qwq If ; n'ffa geun, Seun
F b
Translation
Those whom we thought would raise their arms in could not do so at all Those whom we thought would raise their legs in arrogance also failed to do so The millipede which has 200 hands, and 200 legs He was however showing unbelievable meekness These were If's declarations to Ogo-Imelq, the lazy one Who, early in the morning, eats other people's food He was advised to offergbo He complied It is my laziness that brought me wealth The profession of the lazy one is very rewarding Help give my thanks to If ThatI am verygrateful It is my laziness that brought me spouse The profession of the lazy one is very rewarding Help give mythanks to If That I am very grateful It is my laziness that brought me children The profession of the lazy one is very rewarding Help give my thanks to If ThatI am verygrateful It is my laziness that brought me house The profession of the lazy one is very rewarding Help give my thanks to If That I am very grateful It is my laziness that brought me all the good things of life The profession of the lazy one is very rewarding Help give my thanks to If That I am very grateful
pride
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have cause to be grateful to If. As long as he/she shows humility, there is no limit to his/her success in life.
157
lfa Dida: An invitation to tfa Consuttation
10'
unbearable for their debtors. on the other hands, If says that if those for whom this od is reveared are the one o*ng othe, ir,"v have the tendency not to wish to pay ba.ck U'r" ron.v'wen aske'd ioiir," money they are owing, they do not believe in ."i.ing their inability to pay in a gentte manner, instead they wourd ask thbsethy ur.o* i ", bst as they cannot commit suicide because tnev ie owing somebody; and that neither can they be killed simply becaus ilrev rarc to r"rrn*nrt tt,.y are owing' If says that there is nothing .nyon. can do about this because the attitude cannot be changed.
Ifa says that whenever he/she rends other peopre money, he/she needs not lord it over those who are ni/ner debtors. This is because those for whom this Od is revealed hve the tendency to make life
If says that it foresees the lre of materiafs success, several children, and generalwellbeing forthe person forwhom this Od is revealed.
If says arso that no matter .whgt the person for whom this od is revealed has acquired in life, he/she wli stll oe looking foi-more. tra says that he/she shall be getting more and more oi uit the good things of life, even when h/sne-o"r noi such things in any way.The craze to acquire more and more .need. things in rife s wat keeps him/her going
at
his/her undoing.
art times.
In
extreme cases however, it may be
stanza in QyQkrl-M) says:
for him/her to offer qbg with four red pigeons, four cocks, a coupre of his trousers i ,oney, these,
If says that there is the
on
'
otwojgbi,omiltoro
KO s| odO
Olw nfl gb,| rnn$e, omiAk

a pa Ot0sl sl, omi tbar,
OmiAsta
txfin Koltmitan rfi geyeye Ojomtntgtg It tre tko t9e bbnray Eyltf elgrun oslwaa t"nna Iw fn Sbg niwqn nl kowaa $e
Translation
A creditor is he who sits at home and sends (debtors) onerrand, the name of Ak River
158
iill ov"tu
r,"ii
A creditor cannot be found guilty for lending money to a debtor, the name of failure to There is no river where a debtor can be executed (for Ibar and Ala rivers. refund the amount he owes) the names of These were If's declarations to KItmitn (It is not yet enough for me) Who was the mother of Ojomlnleke When she was in desperate want of all the good things of life They said that Oldmar would lighten up her destiny that very year She was advised to offer ebo
Itori
River
K'ltmitn was a very poor woman. She had no money. She had no husband. She had no child. In short, she lacked all the essental needs of life. One day, she went to the Awo mentioned above: would she be able to change her present condition for the better? Would luck smile on her? Would she secure her own spouse and children?
She was advised to offer ebg as prescrbed above. She did. She was assured that she would be able to secure all the good things of life within one year as it was n her destiny that her life would change for the better in that very year. She was also given a special soap made with in lnb leaves. These leaves were grinded and mixed with soap for bathing.
When she got back home, she got a friendly loan from an acquaintance. She lent another person this money at a very high interest rate; from there she began to make huge profit. Anyone who could not pay back the money was usually made to work for her. She was making so much money. At the same time, she was borrowing money from others at a very low rate of interest and lending out the money at a high interest rate. The Irony here however was that she was never ready to pay backthe money she borrowed from others unless she had seen that it might lead her into serious trouble if she failed to refund the loan, but nobody would do this to her as she would go to any length to get her money back from any of her debtors. Before long, she became very rich. Soon after, she had her own husband, and she became pregnant shoftly after. Ten months after, she was already a proud mother. She was accumulating money and other material things of life, even beyond her needs. The older she became, the more her urge for material acquisition. She was always hoping to acquire more things than everybody else. That was the urge which drove her into pursuing her business, life, and other activities to success.
Olw nll gb'l rnngQ' omi Ak Olw o jeb, omi ltori OdO 159
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consuftation
belkol9$lgbnray tl QlQrun oslwtannIwfn fbg ni wQn nl kw Se gb'Qborr'bo ,T b jet'ow ni l(l n nljwQn lglf Ig'ojuOlko NilnbOfi n bo'lQ Ig'oj Olko
Ey{
fi
Ko sl odotf a pa otosl slromi lbar, Omi Asta D,lfin Koltmittn Tfi 9e yey Ojomlnhke
Tb
jetaggni
Kl n nl j won lg
If
Ig'oj Olko Nilnbfi n bo'l fg'ojrlOlko B b jQt'il ni Kl n nl j wqn b If Ig'oj Olko NilnabOfi n bo'l Ig'ojrtOlko B b jt'ggin ni
Kl n nf jwqn
lglf
Ig'ojrl Olko NilnbOfi na bo'le fg'oj Olko B b jtregbogbo ni Kl n nl j wQn lg If Ig'ojrl Oko NiInbOfi n bo'lQ Ig'oj Olko
Translation
A creditor is he who sits at home and sends (debtors) on errand, the name
of Ak River A creditor cannot be found guilty for lending money to a debtor, the name
ofltoriRiver
There is no river where a debtor can be executed (for failure to refund the amount he owes) the names oflbar and Asfa rivers. Thesewere lf's declarationsto KOltmitn (It is notyetenough for me)
160
i!ll ov"r'u
r,"i
Who was the mother of Oj0minhke When she was in desperate want of all the good things of life They said that Oldmar would lighten up her destny that very year She was advised to offer ebQ Shecomplied If it is money Let me have morethan allothers, Oh If It is in the presence of the farmer That'lnbO leaves cover the whole farmland Right in the farmer's presence If it is dressing materials Let me have more than all others, oh If It is in the presence of the farmer Thatlnb leaves coverthe whole farmland Right in the farmer's presence If it is housing propefties Let me have morethan allothers, oh If It is in the presence of the farmer Thatlnab leaves cover the whole farmland Right in the farmer's presence If it is horses Let me have morethan allothers, oh If It is in the presence of the farmer Thatlnb leaves cover the whole farmland Right in the farmer's presence If it is allthe good things of life Let me have morethan allothers, oh If It is in the presence of the farmer That'lnabO leaves cover the whole farmland Right in the farmer's presence
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be'blessed with all the good things of life. Ifa says that the older he/she becomes, the better his/her chances of becoming wealthy. In fact, the riches of QyQkrlMT children usually come during the later pafts of their lives.
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has several enemies. These include those who hate him/her justifiable, those who are envious of his/her achievements and those whose toes he/she had stepped upon deliberately and/or inadveftently. If warns that he/she however needs to watch his/her utterances and behaviours in order to avoid accumulating too many enemes in
161
his/her lifetime.
If says that there is the need for him/her to offer qbq with 20 blades, three matured cocks and feed Eqt Qdara with one cock. If these are done, he/she will ceftainly overcome. On these, If
says:
Paker pk A t'wg gkn st jlnnjlnn
DlfnAj
T'wgnt'Ogldn jg $',t ara a wgn lbg ni wQn nl kl wQn w fe
Translation
Paker Pk (Name of an Awo) The leopard's skin shall be spread at a far distance
This was lf's declaration to Aj, the dog When he and Og'ldn, the leopard, were after each other He was advised to offer gbq
in animosity
Aj, the dog was an enemy of Ogldn for a very long time. The Dog had many colleagues with whom he planned to killthe Leopard. One day, the Dog went to the Awo mentioned above in order to know how best to overcome the Leopard. The Awo told him to offer gbq with three cocks, bventy blades and money. He was also advised to feed Eg with one cock. The Dog felt that with more than 400 colleagues of his who were prepared to fight the Leopard with him, there would not be much problem in overcoming his enemy. Consequently, the Dog considered the gbg he was asked to offer as a waste of money and therefore unnecessary. He felt that the Awo was a liar and a cheat. He simply ignored his advice to offer gbg.
Pkr pak A t'wg gkn sl jlnnjlnn
DlfitnOgldn Tl Oun atAj jq S'qt ara awgn
fbgniwqnn|ks,e
Translation
Paker Pk (Name of an Awo)
The leopard's skin shall be spread at a far distance This was lf's declaration to OgIdn, the Leopard
162
iiil ov"t'
r'"
When he and Aj, the Dog were after each other in animosity He was advised to offer gbg
Og)dn, the Leopard was aware that Aj had gathered all his colleagues and were all planning to eliminate him. Og'ldn felt helpless and powerless. Consequently, he approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation and solution to his problem. The Awo told him that he would overcome. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed for Aj. He was also advised to feed Es. He complied. The moment the Leopard offered the qbg and fed Eg as prescribed, Eg in turn removed the 20 nails in the hands and legs of the Leopard and replaces them with the 20 blades which he offered as part of his qbg. He returned home with the Leopard. He advised the Leopard never to be afraid of any animal in the forest, no matter how big or how many. Allthese, the Dog was notaware of.
One day, the Dog gathered all his colleagues for a show-down with the Leopard. As they approached the Leopard's den, they rushed in. The Leopard was fast asleep. Their noise woke him up. Esu Qdara simply whispered into his ears never to be afraid of any animal. He rose up. About five dogs confronted him. He used his new nails given to him by EgU to split them into several parts. Seeing this, the other Dogs dispersed in utterconfusion.
From that day onwards, any time the Dogs confronted the Leopard, they were usually doing so at their own peril. When their losses became unbearable, they learnt to maintain a good distance from the leopard. Even the carcass of a leopard created fear in the mind of the Dogs.
Pkrpk A t'wg et n sl jlnnjl nn
DlfirnAj
T'wgn t'Ogldn jg S'Qt ara awqn fbg ni wqn nl kl wQn w $e Pakerpk At'wg gkn sl jlnnjlnn Dlfiln Ogldan Tl Oun ati Aj jq g'qt ara a wgn Fbg ni wqn nl k q e Ogldn nlkn nl nbgl'ylntng'gbg Irg! ti ba g'k elya IrinwoAj O l l'pa Fkn 163
Irg!
Translation
Pkr Pk (Name of an Awo) The leopard's skin shall be spread at a far distance
This was lf's declaration to Aj, the dog When he and Ogldan, the leopard were aftereach other in animosity He was advised to offer gbg. Pkr Pke The leopard's skin shall be spread at a far distance This was lf's declaration to Ogldn When he and Aj were after each other in animosity He was advised to offer ebo Only Ogldn complied with the advice of the Awo, It is all les, it is simply a bid to engage in unrealistic gossip Four hundred dogs cannot overcome the leopard It is all lies!
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall overcome
his/her enemes no matter their number.
{
12. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall
overcome all his/her enemes. If says that the enemy is more powerful; nonetheless, he/she shall triumph. He/she needs not despair. All that is required of him/her is to offer gbg with one hegoat and money. He/she needs to procure at least one gong and place it besides If. There is also the need to serue Eg with one cock and serue Qbtl with 16 snails' shea butter' natve chalk and money, If says that if all these were done, the would use his/her mschef to huft himself/herself. On this If
Em Qye
enemy says:
,.
rwq Qve
Qye qeqe la ht'ok bq Qmq ary wqn ge bl ojmQ l nmq w
DlfnAgogoSkt Mjqtl oun ti Qpa je lrS'Qt ara wgn

Fbq ni wgn nl k 9e
164
ntl tr tl
!l
!l Oyeku Meji
Translation
I am QyQ, the twilight You are QyQ, the twilight
Thetwilightwas justshowing appearance in the sky Peoplethought itwasthe daywhich had dawned These were If's declarations to Agogo-$kt the little
Gong The offspring ORga-GbowuT (Qbatl) When he and Qpa, the staffwere enemies He was advised to offer gbg
Agogo-$kt, the little Gong, was always living in fear of Qp, the staff. He was afraid that one day, Qpa would kill him because Qpa had been threatening that there was nothing Agogo could doto prevent himself from being eliminated. As a result of this Agogo went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would he be able to overcome Qpa who had been planning to kill him? Would he be able to live long and enjoy his life? The Awo assured Agogo that he would live long and that he would overcome Qp his arch-enemy. He was informed that whatever Qp planned against him shall be the lot of Qpa. He was advised to offer gbg and feed Egu Qdara and Qbtl as explained above. He complied.
Soon after this, Qpa started to hit Agogo repeatedly in a bid to kill him. Miraculously, Agogo was able to withstand all of Qpa's blows against him. Before long, Qp split into pieces and died. Several other Qpa were brought to hit Agogo. They all died without being able to harm Agogo in any way whatsoever.
Agogo was full of
joy.
He was thus singing and dancing everyday.
I*q
O,
Em Qye
Agogoa sl gb'lQ
It'oke bq 9mq ary wqn ge bl ojmQ l nmQ w I)l filn Agogo Fkt Mjqtl Oun ti Qpa jq g'Qt ara wqn fbg ni wQn nl k 9e gb'Qbgrr'bg Qpa to l'un pa Agogo KO lee pa Agogo mq o Qpa lo ku o
VeqgqQ la
Qve
165
Ifa Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consultaton
Translation
I am QyQ, the twilight You are QyQ, the twilight Thetwilightwas justshowing appearance in the sky People thought it was the day which had dawned These were lf's declarations to Agogo-$kt the little Gong The offspring Oga-Gb0wr1) (Qbatl) When he and Qpa, the staffwere enemies He was advised to offer gbg He complied Qp who said he shall kill Agogo He was unableto killAgogo It is 0p who died And Agogowas spared
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be spared the agony of facing the wrath of his/her enemies. Those who plan evil against him/her shall instead be visited by their evil designs.
13.
If says that it foresees victory over enemies for the person for whom QyQkr:-Ml is revealed. If also says that the person will live long. In the same vein, If warns that those planning evil against him/her are
most likely to meet with untimely death if they do not desist.
If says that he/she needs to bath If with AynrQ leaves and feed If with a matured ram, If this could be done, all his/her enemies will meet with calamities before long. This is why it is not wise to paln evil against Olekrl-MI children. On this, Ett-QVe says:
Orrlnmll MIbA
w|lba
f
Mlba Orlge I'Orl9a
djl
Qrrlnmll l'un w'Orr ay
nltal rtygAkapogmgt'oun lQnu?
WQn nl igba gmg eku l nyg AkpO gmg tlrg lgnu nl igba gmgeku let'jQ Tbl wqn o let'jq? WQn nl igba gmg eku wqn o le t'jQ Gbogbo gmg eku t b ebltl yan
odl
166
iiii
or"*'",,
fbltl niy reyln wgntn porogodo Qrnmll wllb

MIbA
Mlba Orlga I'Orl9f dil

Qrnmll l'un w'Orr ay nf talO ygAkpOomgt'Oun lQnu? WQn nl igba gmq eja l nyg Akp gmg tlrg lgnu nl igba gmg eja le t'jQ Tabl wgn O let'qjq? WQn nl igba gmg eja wgn O leet'jg Gbogbo gmg eja t n b lgere yan odl Igere niy r'yln wgn tn porcgodo Qrnmll lbe
MIbA
Mlba Orlga I'Orl9
djl
Qrnmll l'un w'Orr ay nl tal rlyg AkpO gmg t'un lnu? WQn nl igba gmg eJe l nyoAkpo gmg tlry lQnu nl igba qmq eJe le'tjQ Tbl wgn O lee t'jq? WQn nl igba gmg eJe wgn O lee t'qjq Gbogbo gmg eJe t n ba At yan odl Ate ny rJln wgn tn porogodo Qrnmll w| lbe Mitba Mlba Orlg I'Orl9 f djl Qrnmll l'un w'Orr ay nltal nygAkpOomgt'Oun lQnu? WQn nl igba gmg gran l nyg AkpO gmg tlre lenu nl igba gmg eran le t'jQ Tbl wgn O le t'jQ? WQn nl igba qmq gran wgn O le t'jQ Gbogbogmgeran t bllasa yan odl Ilasa ni y rJln wgn titn porogodo D,lfiln Orrtnmll Baba be larln Qtr nfojoojrmQ kominrl ogun fbg ni wqn n| kw ge
Translation
QrUnmIl declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage
167
It is homage
pad to Oga which gives them authority
Qrrlnm'll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the AkpO They respond that 200 rab are the ones troubling your children, the Akp0? not They asked if the 200 rats could live long or if they live long? He responded that the 200 rats could not live long All rats keeping malice with the deadfall It is the deadfall that will see their demse Qrrtnm'll declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage It is the homage paid to Onga which gives them authority Qrnm'll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children,the Akp0 They respond that 200 fishes are the ones troubling your children, the Akp They asked if the 200 fishes could live long or if they could not live long? He responded that the 200 fishes could not live long All fishes keeping malice with the fish net It is the fish net that will see their demise Qrunm)l declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage It is the homage paid to Origa which give them authority Qrrlnmll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the Akp0 They respond that 200 birds are the ones troubling your children, the Akpo They asked itthe 200 birds could live long or if they could not live long? He responded that the 200 brds could not live long All birds keeping malice with the bird-lime It is the bird-lime that will see their demise Qrunmll declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is tme to pay homage It is the homage paid to Oga which give them authority Qrunm'll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the Akp They respond that 200 beasts are the ones troubling your children, the Akp0 They asked itthe 200 beasts could live long or if they could not live long? He responded thatthe 200 beasts could not live long All beasts keepng malice with cannon The cannon shall see their demise
could
168
iiii or"nu *"' These were lf's declarations to Qrrf nm)l
When he was in constant fear of uprising against his person He was advised to offer ebo
Qrnm'il discovered that many of his AkpO were discrlminated against by other non-If practitioners. There were some of these Akp whom their enemies were planning to eliminate outright. Some of them had already been incapacitated one way or the othen Some others had been banished from their various places of abode all because of their faith. Having succeeded in doing all these, the enemies decided to deal ruthlessly with Qrnm'll himself.
Qrnmll had been extremely worried and uncomfoftable with the problems being faced by the Akp, his spiritual children. Consequent upon this, he went for If consultation. He was assured that all those planning evil against him and his children shall meet with disaster. He was advised to feed his If as explained above. He complied. Anyone trying to harm his Akp would just see in his/her dream that he/she was being pursued and hit by dangerous rams. when they woke up, they became very ill. Many of them died and those who did not die fled their vicinities out of fear. All his Akpo were singing, dancing and praising Qrnm'll who made it possible for them to overcome their adversa ries.
unknown
to them however,
If says that anyone who is the enemy of the person for whom QyQkrl-M)
revealed oran QyQkrl-Ml child had Qrrlnmll himsetf to contend with.
is
Qrnmllwllb
MTb
Orrinmllwllb
MIbE
fi daT Qrnmll l'un w'Orr ay nl tatO yg AkpO gmg t'Oun lnu? WQn nl igba gmg eku l nyg AkpO gmg ttrg tgnu nl igba gmg eku let'QjQ Tbl wgn O le t'jQ? Wgn nl igbagmgekuwgn let'jQ Gbogbo gmg eku t b Qbltl i yan odl fbltl niyOo rylnwgntetn porogodo
Ml lba Orlga I'Orlga
Mllb Orlg I'Orlgafi djl Qrrrnmlla l'un w'rr ay nl tal yg AkpO gmg t'un lgnu? WQn nl igba gmg eja l nyg Akpo gmo tlrq tenu nl igba gmg eja let'jQ
169
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa
Consultation Tbl wqn o let'jq?

WQn nl igba gmg gja wgn o le t'qiq Gbogbo gmq qia t n b lgrYan odl
Eji Ogbe
y r'$yln wgn titn porcgodo Qrrrnmlla wllba MIbE Mlba Or{9a I'Orl9 f dil Qrnmll l'un w'rr aY nt talo yg AkPo gmg t'un lQnu? Wqn nl igba gmg eyq l nyg Akpo gmg tlrq hnu nl igba gmqqyq le'tjQ Tabl wqn let'jQ? WQn nl igba gmg eyq wgn o le t'iq Gbogbo gmg qyq t n ba Ate Yan odl Ate ni yoo neyln wgn titn porogodo Qrrrnmll lbe MIbE ffilba Orlga I'Or{gafi dail Qrnmll l'un w'orr ay nl tal rryg AkP gmg t'un l$nu? WQn nl igba gmg qran l nyg Akpo gmg tlrg l$nu nl igba gmg eran le t'jQ Tabf wgnolet'jQ? WQn nl igba gmgqranwqn o et'qiq Gbogbogmgqrant bllasa yan odl llsa ni y r, yln wgn titn porogodo
Igere
DlafnOffnmll
Baba rbe ledn qtr
gb'Qbgr'bg j b mi kn qt pa Agboglrlga If w baa mi kan Qt pa o

Translation
nfojoojrlmQ kominri ogun Fbqni wqn nl kw Fe
to pay homage pay homage I respond that it is time to It is homage paid to Origa which gives them authority world Qrrnm'ila says that he looked at the long vista of He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the Akp0 children, the They respond that 200 rats are the ones troubling
Qrrinm'il declares that it is time
the your
Akp?
They asked if the 200 rats could live long or if they He responded that the 200 rats could not live long All rats keeping malice with the deadfall
could
not live long?
174
iiii or"*'
is the deadfall that will see their demise Qrnm'll declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage It is the homage paid to Oga which gives them authority Qrnmll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He nquired about those makng trouble with his chldren, the AkpO They respond that 200 fishes are the ones troubling your children, the AkpO They asked if the 200 fishes could live long or if they could not live long? He responded that the 200 fishes could not live long
It
""'
All fishes keeping malice with the fish net It is the fish net that will see their demise Qnlnm)l declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage It is the homage paid to Ortga which give them authority Qrrlnmll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the Akp They respond that 200 birds are the ones troubling your children, the Akp0 They asked it the 200 birds could live long or if they could not live long? He responded that the 200 birds could not live long All birds keeping malice with the bird-lime It is the bird-lime that will see their demise Qrnm'll declares that it is time to pay homage I respond that it is time to pay homage It is the homage paid to Og which give them authority Qntnmll says that he looked at the long vista of the world He inquired about those making trouble with his children, the Akp They respond that 200 beasts are the ones troubling your children, the Akpo They asked it the 200 beasts could live long or if could not live
they
long?
He responded that the 200 beasts could not live long All beasts keeping malice with cannon The cannon shall see their demise These were If's declarations to Qrnmlla When he was in constant fear of uprising against his person He was advised to offer ebo He complied Please help butt my enemies to death Help me butt my opponents to death The mighty ram If, please help me butt my enemies to death
If says that the person for whom QyQkrl-MI is revealed shall overcome all his/her enemes and adversary. Not only this, his/her enemes shall meet with
serous calamities at the time they least expected. To fight aganst the person for whom this Od is revealed istotake Qrnmll as personalenemy. The person for whom this Od is revealed is assured of Qrr:nmll's protection at all times. 171
However, it must be noted that this does not give the person for whom this Od revealed or even QyQku-Meji children the license to be looking for more enemies through behaviours unbecoming of a responsible and responsive member of any society. They too must not plan evil against other people as they too will end up being atthe receiving end of lf's butt.
is
In If, the maxim has always been "If you abhor evil to come your way, do not throw evil in other people's ways". Or better put "whatever will pain you if done to
you, do not unto others".
14.
If says that if foresees the Ire of longevity for the person for whom QyekrlM) is revealed. If says that he/she shall live long, grow old and reside in the midstof theelders.
If says also that as he/she grows old, he/she shall be blessed with more and more wealth, honour, prestige, respect and success. If says that he/she shall never be counted among those who shall die young. He/she
shall not be found in their
midsteither.
If says that there is need for him/her to offer gbg with traro pigeons, two hens, two cocks, four rats, four fish and money. There is need to feed If with two rats, two fish and one hen. On these, If says:
If l d i onlwl rlwlrl-nda kQ Mo l di onlwlrlwlrl-ndakOIf

K'jt kil K'j kg'orl im
KO
t-tee-t
Kdegbog Qrunmlla nl oun ti lkql Srun bQ w s{ IkQl Ay Oun mr lreAj Oun m lreAya Oun mr lre Qmg Oun mu k ln, kfta pel Oun w pad wgn glrlp lQn wqn rwQn-wQn-wQn Qrunmll nl nlbo lg 9b rrlg bwQnyl o? WQn nl wgn lg sja a TOkrttOkr Orrlnmll nl kl wgn t d
kllsan-n
ttko?
172
ilii or"*u
t"'
wqn l di ojQ elkq rQ b t'Ogn L'won ma t d
bQQ
Translation
If saysr "Hastily do we manouvre a canoe" I respond that"hastily do we manouvre a canoe" Lettheeyewake up And let the eye mount on top of the nose And staytheregingerly Letthe full moon appear in the daytime Qrrtnm'il says that while he was coming from heaven to earth He brought with him the Ire of wealth He broughtthe Ire ofspouse He broughtthe Ire of children He also brought the accomplishment of one's goals He met some able-bodied youths along the way Theywere allfullof life and vitality Qrnm)l asked, "Where are you all going?" They responded that they were all going to the TOktkrJ market (where corpses were being sold) QrUnm)l asked them when they planned to return to heaven They responded as soon as the early-morning corn- meal seller dips her mixing staff into the porridge Theyshall return to heaven
Qrnm'il narrated how he was coming from heaven to eafth and he brought along all the good things of life with him. On his way he met some able-bodied youths who were full of strength and vigour. When he asked them where they were gong, they responded that they were going to Tktkti market. Unfoftunately, this was where those destined to die young while on eafth were gong. Qrnm'il declared that he could not be in their midst because they were destined to die prematurely deaths. After this, he moved and continued his journeyto eafth If l d i onlwl rlwlrl -ndakQ Mo ldi onfwlrlwlrl-ndak If
K'j kil K'jrl kg'orf im
K lt-tee-t Kdgb og k l lsn-n
Qrnmll nloun tlkqlQrun bQwsf lkqlenye
173
lfa Dda: An invtaton to lfa Consultaton
Oun mu lreAj Oun m IreAya Oun mu lre Qmg Oun m k ln, kfta pQltl Oun w pd wgn Mjsln I'qna Won s'r grlrjo-glrtjo WQn s'r glrljo-gl rljo Qrnmll nf nlbo 19 gb lg bwQny{ o? WQn nl wgn nlg soja a Tokttoktl Qrnmll nl kl wQn t d kq? WQn l di ojq elqkq anQ b t'ogn bQq L'wgn ma t d
Translation
If saysr "hastily do we manouvre a canoe" I respond that"hastilydowe mano-uvera canoe" Lettheeyewake up And letthe eye mount on top of the nose And staythere gingerly Letthe full moon appear in the daytime Cornmeal says that while he was coming from heaven to earth He broughtwith him the lre of wealth He broughtthe Ire ofspouse He broughtthe Ire of children He also brought the accomplishment of one's goals He metsome children along the way They were running from one place to the other They were moving without a specifi c drection Cornmea| asked,"Where areyou aIIgoing now?" They responded thattheywere all going totheTOktJtOk market Qnf nmll asked them when they planned to return to heaven They responded that as soon as the early-morning corn-meal seller deep her mixing staff intothe porridge They shall return to heaven
Corn-meat continued with the narration of his story and stated that when he left the able-bodied youths, he met children who were wanderng about without specfic direction.
He asked them where they were going to and the children responded exactly as the able-bodied youths did. Knowing that those going to Tokritok marketwere destined to die young, he declared that he could not
174
iiii ov"r.,
"
and would not be in their midst.
If l d onlwlrlwlrl-ndakQ Mo l di onlwlrlwlrl-ndak If K'j kil K'j kg'orl im KOIt-tee-t Kdgb og k l lsan-n Qrunmll nl oun rt ti lkql Qrun
Oun Oun Oun Oun Oun
bQ
wa st lkq|e nye
m IreAj m lreAya m lre Qmg mr k ln, kfta pQhl w pad wgn arugb I'en wqn tep o$ooro-ogooro wqn rttep q$ara-Qgr WQn tQp isQgQ-isQgQ Qrnmll nf nlbo 19 gb lg bwQnyl o ? WQn nl t'wgn-tTre egbe dan ? Qrnmll nl ti ggbg kq la wl nl kl wqn d oun l'n klkl W{n nl wgn rrlg s{ Oja EflgbO-mgkn Qrunmll nl klwQntd kq? WQn l di ojQ t p tltlltl WQn ldi ojQt pg knrin-kse
Translation
Qrnm)l says 'hastily do we manoeuvre a canoe' I responded that'hastily do we manoeuvre a canoe' Letthe eye wake up And letthe eye mount on top of the nose And staythere gingerly Letthe full moon appear in the day time Qrrlnmll says that while he was coming from heaven to the eath He brought with him the Ire of wealth He broughtthe Ire ofspouse He broughtthe Ire of children He also brought the accomplishment of one's goals He met some aged people along the way They were all using walking sticks to aid their movements They were all using walking sticks cautiously to give them support They were all using walking sticks to suppofttheir feeble frames Qrnm'll asked, "Where are you all going now?"
175
Ife Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
They countered thatr "are we your age-mate?" Qrunmll responded that he was not contesting age superiority with them He ordered them to respond to his queston immediately Theythen responded thattheywere going to ElgbOmgkn market Qrnmll asked them to tell him when they planned to return to heaven They responded that they would return at a very distant date They said that it would take a long, long time before they returned
Qrunmll said that when he dismissed the able-bodied youths and the children, he met the old ones on his way from heaven to eath. OrrJnmll asked them wheretheywere gong.
They initially refused to answer his question but Qrnmll ordered them to answer immediately. They did. They told Qrnmll that they were going to Elgbo-mgkn market. QrnmIl wanted to know when they planned to return to heaven. They responded that it would take them a very long time before they returned to heaven. E)gbO-mgkn market was the first market in recorded history of mankind. Remember, the world is a market, while heaven is our home. Efigbo-mgkn is the "market" where those who planned to live long on eafth usually head for. When Qrnm'il asked them how long the time would be, they responded that the time would be indefinite. When QrrlnmIl pretended that he did not know what they meant by saying that their period on eafth would be indefinite, they declared that they would return to heaven only when pebbles begin to spouse leaves, when potsherd begins to bleed, when a toftoise begins to complain of head-ache, when a snail beginsto sufferfrom afflictions, when a crab begins to experience cold in the river and when Akannmagb plant begins to bow in supplication to other farm trees. QrnmIl, knowing that it was impossible for all these to happen, was ceftain thatthese old folks would live long on eafth. Of paramount concern to If was ensuring that human begins enjoyed longevity on eafth. If declared that he would follow the old folks to eafth, and notthe able-bodied youths orthe children who were destined to die young.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will not die young. He/she will live to his/her old age. Those expecting him/her to die young will have a very long time to wait indeed. If l d onlwlrlwl rl-ndakO Mo ldi onlwlrlwlrl-ndakQ If
K'j kil K'j kg'orl im
Klt-tee-t
176
iiii or"*,
Kdagb o$ k l lsan-n Qrrtnmll nl Oun t lkQl Qrun bQ w sl IkQl Ay Oun mIrcAj Oun mIrcAya
"",
OunmrlreQmg
Oun m k lana, kfta pel Oun wa pd wgn glrlp Qna Won rwqn-wQn-wQn Qrrtnmlla nl nlbo lq gb rrlg bwQnyl o? WQn nl awgn lq sqia a TOkrttk Qrrtnmll nl klwQntd kq? wQn l di ojQ elkq anQ b t'Ogn bQo
L'wgnmatd
Qrnmtl nl Oun O b wqn rln nl orlsekrt ni wqn
bQ w sl lkeAy Oun mIrcAj Oun mt IreAya Oun m IrcQmg Oun m k ln, k fta pel Oun w pdwgn Mjsln I'Qn WQn s'r glrljo-grlrljo WQn s'r glrljo-glrljo Qrrrnmlb nl nlbolqgb lq bwqnylo? WQn nl ewgn lq sqja a T0krttOkrl Qrrrnmlla nl kl wqn t d kq? WQn l di qjQ glQkq enQ b t'ogn bQq
If l d onlwlrlwlrl-ndak0 Mo l di onlwlrlwlrl-ndakQ If K'j kf K'j kg'orl imu K lt-tee-t Kdagb oS k l lsn-an Qrrrnmll nl un t IkqE Srun
L'wgnmatd Qrrlnmll nl Oun O b wgn rln nl Em ni wQn If l d onlwlrlwlrl-ndakQ Mo ldi onlwlrlwfu{-ndakO If

K',j
kil
K'jl kog'orl im K lt-tee-t

Kdgb oF k l lsan-n Qrrrnmll nl oun t lkql orun Oun m lreAj Oun m lreAya Oun m lreQmg
bQ
wa st lkel Ay
177
Ifa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consuftation
Oun mr k ln, kfta pel Oun w pad awgn arugb I'qna
wqn ftep osooro-ofoono wqn tQp qsaare-qgaara wqn tep isqge-isege Qrrtnmll nl nlbo lq gb lg bwQnf o ? WQn nf t'wgn-tTrqegbe dan ? Qrrrnmll nl ti qgb4 kq la wl nl kl wqn d oun l'n klkl WQn nf wgn lqsl Qje Efigb-mqkn Orrlnmll nl klwqntd kq? WQn l di qjqt pqtltlltl Wqn l di ojq t p$ knrin-kse Qff nmll nl un o mg qjq t pe titlltl nl oun O mggiqt pQ knrin-kse WQn l di qjq o, ta in omi b rt p'ew

di gjQ apadl-lQno b n S'Qie d qjq orl ba nfQ albahun d qjq ojojo b gelgbln di 9q ttu b n m gmg akn ldo di qjq Akannamagbo b n forl balQ L'wjg igi oko Qrrrnml la nl he,h! ! ! nl oun o gbq ibi gta inrl omi gb np'ew Oun gbQ ibi epedhrqgb ng'QjQ oun ogbq ibi orl gb fQ albahun Oun o gbg ibi jojo 9b n9 e lgbln un o gbq b ott gb rlm gmg akn l'd Oun o ma gbq ibiAkannamagbogb forl bah L'wjg igi oko jq arugbo ni m b lg Argb ni mo b lg Emi O b Emr rln
Translation
Qrrlnm'll says 'hastily do we manoeuvre a canoe' I promise that'hastily do we manoeuvre a canoe' Let the eye wake up And let the eye mount on top of the nose And stay there gingerly Let the full moon appear in the day time Qrrfnmll says that while he was coming from heaven to eafth He brought with him the Ire of wealth He brought the Ire of spouse He brought the Ire of children He also brought the accomplshment of ones' goals
178
illi or"*, t", He met some able bodied youths and some children I along the way They were running from one place to the other They were movng without a specific direction Qrrlnmll asked, "Where are you all going now?" They responded that they were all going to the T0kt0kt1 market Qrnmll asked them when they planed to return to heaven They responded that as soon as the early-morning corn-meal seller dips her mxing staff into the porridge They shall return to heaven Ornm'il declared that he cannot be in their mdst Because they were all Emr (children destined to die young) If says, "hastily do we manoeuver a canoe" I respond that "hastily do we manoeuver a canoe" Let the eye wake up And let the eye mount on top of the nose And stay there gingerly Let the full moon appear in the daytime Cornmeal says that while he was coming from heaven to earth He brought with him the Ire of wealth He brought the Ire of spouse He brought the Ire of children He also brought the accomplishment of one's goals He met some children along the way They were running from one place to the other They were moving without a specific direction Cornmeal asked, "Where are you all going now?" They responded that they were all going to the Tktk market Qrnmll asked them when they planned to return to heaven They responded that as soon as the early-morning corn-meal seller deep her mixing staff into the porridge They shall return to heaven Qrrtnmll declared that he cannot be in their midst Because they were all Or{gqkrl (children destined to de young) If says, "Hastily do we manouver a cannoe" Iresponded that "hastily do we manouver a cannoe" Let the eye wake up Let the eye mount on top of the nose And stay there gingerly Let the full moon appear in the daytime Qrrtnmll said that he was coming from heaven to the world He brought with him the Ire of wealth He brought the Ire of spouse He brought the Ire of children He brought also the accomplishment of one's goals He met some aged people along the way They were all using walking sticks to aid their movement
179
They were all using walking sticks cautiously to give them suppott They were all using walking sticks to suppoft their feeble Qntnmll asked "where are you all going now? They countered that "are we your age-mate?" Qrrlnmll responded that he was not contesting age superiority with them He asked them to respond to his question immediately They then responded that they were going to EIgb-mqkn market Qrnmll asked them when they planned to return to heaven They responded that they would return at a very distant date They said that it would take a long, long time before they returned Orrlnmll said that he did not know what was meant by a long, long tme (before they returned to heaven) They responded that they would not return until the day river pebbles
frames
begin
to sprout leaves Until the day potsherd begns to bleed Until the day a tortoise begins to complain of headache Until the day a snail begins to suffer from afflictions Until the day a crab begins to experience cold in the river Until the day AkannamgbO plant begins to bow in supplication among the farm trees
Qrnmll exclaimed in wonder! He declared that he had never heard of where river pebbles ever sprout heard of where potsherd ever bleeds heard of where a tortoise complains of heard of where a snail suffers from afflictions heard of where a crab experiences cold in the river heard of where Aknnmgb plant bows in supplication farm trees among the Now, the aged ones will I follow Certainly, I shall follow old ones I shall never follow Emr never never never never never
leaves He had He had He had He had He had
headache
If says that for a person for whom this Od is revealed long life and
success is guaranteed. This person shall have the Ire of Health, and Prosperity and be able to accomplish all his/her heaft's
desires.
Wealth,
i
'
15.
If says that it is in the best interest of the person for whom this Od is revealed never to marry more than one wfe at a time. If says that to marry more than one wfe at a time is to cause trouble, problem, tribu lation and disaster.
If says also that it is not wse for a woman for whom this Od is
180
llii
or"*""'
revealed to marry an already marred man. If she got married to a married man, she will never have peace of mind in her life. She will make sorrow and uncertainty her daily companion. On these, If
flkntltl
19 bl
says: Olko+ I'awo aflkn
odelgbgnna
m'emr tltl le bf ode Dbl Tlnhf n-tlnhln m'rw jlngln

m'Qrg, m'Qpa
ArQrQ I'awo am'emq
Aflje
Tltl lgdlgboho-MQrg Qrnmll 9e peQ o 9mq gl'qgin gdgb ntQy Qrrlnmll ge pQle 9mq O-ta-ou n-d d -ra-ou n-d d rt PQIQ qmg -ta-oun-pupa-ra-oun-pupa If ta s, r'hl If ta OdOdO, ra Frllnl Qrunmlla nf kflj d'ggbgra
d'ggbQra O kl mi nokl
Mojgnqkl
Ag'arkq Qrnmll nl k hnnpapa Ahnnpapa If lwg ni baba papah Iwg ni baba mrg Baba Blrlyanbf l bl baba Blrlyanbl Baba Blrlyanbl l bl baba Blrlyanbl Baba Blrlyanbl l bf baba Fl'ewa-pasn Baba f I', w psin l nl un O mg ibi ogun gb pa Arnkrtnn st
oun o b mg ibQ Oun O b b mu Oun o b b je Oun b b ta Oun o b b wg Oun O b b s{ lgolgoldl
nl
Baba nQkl-ngki nre Qrunmll nl kg'erkq
181
Ounb bU lgfilnQrQOun nll 9dn na reaj nj'oori

Osun jQsede Aj krl Ogrtn sl gb'h Erin nb'g ffQn nb'jn QgbQQgbQ agbQnrln nl'mi pata Irlnwo eJOn, ggbQrin lwo Ogun Flni, Ofi beta OgUn omidan, Ojl oyn Balgun a$ ogbedQ ba l'j QgQrun wodl o pa ga gb'yin nlkn adle Agt pa l' gk nrin talambl rlya Tfi ta'mi l'jrl QlQrun talamb-talamb
Gblrlgldl-gbirigidi la y'd lkoko Iyltl ayl'd K'Qni m m yllkoko bqe Bl ayllkoko bee InAl'mqa baje In ol'd ma k'gfun Nltort od n'igi Ikoko I'amo ojopatapata l paTp l'ba d'bata funtapa gba bate L'deAjanbel N'lbi wgn gbrtg'eer bt If ni Qkan gogo poro I'oblnrin dn mg I'qwq gkg B b di mejl
Hd a 'd
WQn a diljQngbQn B b d mta
wOn de,ta-nt'l B bdi mrin Wgn nl dgbati o rln mi ni m rin g

B b dimarn-rn WQn a nl klnni ikin gkg wgn tilQfg're aya ge? B b dimefa
WQnafaaggaraawgnya
B b di meje WQn a d'j$ B b dimejg
182
ilii
o,"*"q
WQn di gl'jQ-k'jQ B b di mQsn-n wqn nl lyl il wgn ko n'lgq kan Bee n ko l'bo B'jmQ ba mg
Aqgqkgwgn longn-an kiri il B b di mewaa WQn nl kl wqn lg r pe Onlaja wa Qlanja qmgd w Onlfg Ela wooro waa Dlfn Elejl-Qyq Tl lg re tn ay OnlfQ sg
Nljqtfq bl igb
T fya g baragada-g ba ragade bl agg qg bear ka n' lQ !b9 ni wgn nl k 9e
Translation
Olkog, the sparrow, is a crooked-legged bird With its crooked legs, it went as far aslgbQnn town
ArQrQ, is a divng bird
It dived and travelled as far as Dubai city The smallTinhin-tinhin bird is not easily recognizable in the shrub While flying inside the shrub He went as far aslgbOho-MQrg Gently, Qrnm)l The owner of the big horse which he pays stipends to Gently, Qrnm)l He who sold a dark complexioned material to buy a dark complexioned material Gently, he who sold a light complexioned material to buy a light complexioned material If sold tobacco leavesto buy indigo If sold flowers to buy a Flnl man Qrrlnm'll asked usto have a fighting competition We did have a fighting competition You greeted mewith disdain I answered you with disdain Qrrlnm'il the dark complexioned man who responds to dsdain with equal measure of disdain Ornmll asked usto lookfora hoe-handle We looked forthe hoe-handle QrUnmlla asked us to go the smithery to learn We went for training in the smithery If, you are the head of the smithery 183
You are ceftainly the father of smithery Baba Bffyanbf wasthe fatherof Bilyanbf Baba Blflyanb'i was the father of Bifiyanb) Baba Blfyanbl was the father of flQw-psin
Baba flgw-pasin was he who lamented that he did not know the site where Arunkrlnn was killed during the war Had he known the site, he said He would have collected some for drinking And some foreating And someforselling And some for bathing And some for decorating his waist-band And some for his friend at home That was the year that dogs were eating the wild pigeons And Ogn waseating banana The dogs died But Ogn was spared of any problem The elephants were being killed with javelins And the buffaloes were killed with long spears And antelopes were wading through rocky streams Four hundred buffaloes, 800 horns Twenty Fulani,40 pieces of sandals Twenty da msels, 40 breasts A brave hawk cannot catch a dog as prey A warrior eagle cannot be so fast as to snatch eggs in the stomach of a fowl Alpa, isthe strong medicine-man Who causes heavy rain to fall from heaven With force do we roll a moftar But gently do we roll a pot The waywe roll a moftar Let no-one in like manner roll a pot If we rolla pot in like manner The potters shall become sad The moftar roller who rolls the pot shall have his face painted with dust (from the broken pot) This is because a mortar is made of wood Whilea potis madeof clay The heavy rain which fell on a Tp-man from the village to the marshy place And dealt with the Tp-man as if he was beating a bt drum Rightatthe frontage of Ajanbaffi Wheretheywere playing btt drum If declares that a wife is enjoyable in a man's house only when she is the only one he married
184
liii
or"*,'"t,
When they become two Marriage becomes a troublesome ventu re When they becomethree It is a home-scattering undertaking When they become four The wives would be saying to each other that it was when you made jest of me thatl madejestof you in return When they become five They would complain that'why is it that If s stll foreseeing the Ire of another spouse for our husband?' When they become six They would be tearing each other's dresses (when quarrel or fight occurs) When they become seven They become witches When they become eight They become incessant naggers and tale-bearers When they become nine They gossip that 'the most senior wife of our husband has no work whatsoever' 'She has no mission' 'When shewakes up' 'She would wrap our husband's dress round her body' When they become ten They will ask people to go and call on mediators Let mediators come into Offf's house
He was
fla woorowaa theAwo who castlf for
El-QyQ
When EI-Qye was invited to come and mend the life of Onff When it broke like a calabash And tore apaft completely like a disused clothe He was advised to offer ebo
Olko$e I'awo mtun ttt

tq Ut
aflkn
odelgbqnn
Arqrg I'awo am'QmQ m'qmu tltl le bl ode Dbl Tl n hl n-tlnhln m'rw jlngrl n m'Qro, m'Qpa Tltl lo d lgboho-Mgry Orunmll ge peleo 9mg gl'Qgin gdgb ntoy 185
Ifa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultaton
QrrrnmllgePqle 9mq O-ta-oun-drldrl-ra'oun-ddtt Pel qmq O-ta-oun-pupa-ra-oun-pupa Ifta sr r'ltl If ta OdOd' ra Flnl Qrrtnmlla nl k flj d'qgbQra
Afiia
O
d'qgbQra kl mi nQkl
Moi I nQkl Baba nOkl-ngkinre Orrlnmll nl k I'dr kQ A$'erkq Qrrlnmll nl k hnnPaPa Ahnnpapa If lwg ni baba PPla lwg ni baba marg Baba Blrlyanbf lobl baba Blrlyanbl Baba Blrlyanbl lbl baba Blrlyanbl Baba Blr{yanbf lobl baba fl'Qw-psin
Baba
Sl',
w psin l nl oun o mq ibi ogun gb pa Arnkrlnn sl nl un O b mg ibQ Oun o b b mu
Ounob biq OunObbt Oun b b wq Oun o b b sl lgolgoldl Oun O b b lq fitn Qre Oun nll Odrln na reaj nj'oori Ogrtn iqgede
Aj k Ogun sl gb'h Erin nb'g ffQn nb'jn QgbQQgbQ agbQnrln nl'mi Pata Irlnw 9 fQn' ggbQrin lwo Ogrn Frtlni' oil bate Ogrtn omidan' oil oYn Balgun ag o gbqdQ ba l'i QgQrun awodl o pa 9a gb'$yin nlkn adlg Aqlpa I'gk nrin talambl rlYau Tfi ta'mi l'jrl QlQrun talamb-talamb Blrl lyl'd 186
Itl Ill
ll
ll
Oyeku Meji
Gblrlgldl-gbirigidi l y'd lkoko Iyl t a yl'd K'$ni m m yllkoko be Bl a yllkoko bgQ

InrrAl'mQa baje In ol'd ma k'efun Mtorl od n'igi Ikoko I'amo OjO patapata | pa Tp 'ba d'bate funtap gba bkt L'deAjenbata Nlbi wQn gb rg'eer bt If ni Qkan $ogo poro I'oblnrin dn mg I'qwq gkg Bbdi mejl
WQn a di ljQngbQn B b di mta WQn di Ja-t'
Bbdi mgrin
Wqn nl nlgbti o rln mi ni m rin q B b di mrn-n WQn a nl klnni ikin gkg wgn tilQfg're aya ge? B b di mfa
WQnafaaggaraawgnya B b di mje WQnad'jg B b di mjo WQn di gl'jQ-k'jQ Bbdi mqsn-an WQn nl lyl il wgn kO n19Q kan BgQ ni k l'bq B'jmQ b mq A+q ekq won l ngn-an kiri il B b di mgw wqn nl kl wqn lg r pe onlaa wa Qlanja gmgdw OnlfQ f la wooro wa D,|filn Eljl-Qyg
Tl lg r trtn ay Onlfe sg Mjqtf0 bl igb T fya gbaragada-gbrgde bl agg Qgbaar kan'lQ fbgniwgn nl k9e
gb'$bgrr'bg
187
Ifa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultation
jq tani y b wa tn Amqrl ge o?
If niy b wa tnAmQrl geo

E|a
FE
Translation
Olkop, the sparrow, is a crooked-legged bird With its crooked legs, it went as far aslgbQnn town
ArQrQ, isa diving bird
'
It dived and travelled as far as Dubai cty The small Tinhin-tinhin bird is not easily recognizable in the shrub While flying inside the shrub He went as far aslgbOho-MQrg Gently, QnJnmll The owner of the big horse which he pays stipends to Gently, QrnmIl He who sold a dark complexioned material to buy a dark complexioned material Gently, he who sold a light complexioned material to buy a light complexioned material If sold tobacco leaves to buy indigo If sold flowersto buya Flff man Qrrlnm'll asked us to have a fighting competition We did have a fighting competition You greeted mewith disdain I answered you with disdain QrUnm'll the dark complexioned man who responds to disdain with equal measure of disdain Qrunm)l asked us to look for a hoe-handle We looked forthe hoe-handle Qrnmll asked usto gothe smitheryto learn We went for training in the smithery If, you arethe head of the smithery Youareceftainlythefatherofsmithery Baba Bliyanbf was the father of Bf yanbf
Baba Biflyanb'l was the father of Blflyanbl Baba Bf yanbf was the father of f lQwa-pasin
Baba flfw-pasin was he who lamented that he did not know the site where Arunknn was killed during the war Had he known the site, he said He would have collected some for drinking And some foreating And some for selling And some for bathing
188
iiii ov"x" n"i
And some for decorating his waist-band And some for his friend at home That was the year that dogs were eating the wild pigeons And OgUn was eating banana The dogs died But Ogn was spared of any problem
Theelephantswere being killed with javelins And the buffaloes were killed with long spears And antelopes were wading through rocky streams Four hundred buffaloes, 800 horns Twenty Fulani,40 pieces of sandals
Twenty da msels, 40 breasts A brave hawkcannotcatch a dog as prey A warrior eagle cannot be so fast as to snatch eggs in the stomach of a fowl A$pa, is the strong medicine-man Who causes heavy rain to fall from heaven With force do we roll a mortar But gently do we roll a pot The waywe roll a moftar Let no-one in like manner roll a pot If we roll a pot in like manner The potters shall become sad The moftar roller who rolls the pot shall have his face painted with dust (from the broken pot) This is because a moftar is made of wood While a pot is made of clay The heavy rain which fell on a Tp-man from the village to the marshy place And dealt with the Tp-man as if he was beating a bt drum Right at the frontage of Ajanbat Wheretheywere playing bt drum If declares that a wife is enjoyable in a man's house only when she is the only one he married When they become two Marriage becomes a troublesome venture When they become three It is a home-scattering undertaking When they become four The wives would be saying to each other that it was when you made jest of me thatl made jestof you in return When they become five They would complain that'why is it that If is still foreseeing the Ire of another spouse for our husband?' When they become six They would be tearing each other's dresses (when quarrel or fight occurs)
189
Ifa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultation
When they become seven They become When they become eight They become incessant naggers and tale-bearers When they become nine They gossip that 'the most senior wife of our husband has no work whatsoever' 'She has no mission' 'When she wakes up' 'She would wrap our husband's dress round her body' When theybecometen They will ask people to go and call on mediators Let mediators come nto OnffQ's house fl wooro w He was the Awo who cast If for El-QyQ When EI-Ofe was invited to come and mend the life of OfffQ When it broke like a calabash And tore apartcompletely like a disused clothe He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now, who will help us mend our destiny? Ela (Qrunmlla) If is he, whowillhelp us me mend ourdestiny
witches
Eta
If says that the destiny of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be mended for the better. He/she needs to change certan aspects of his/her character as discussed above. If these could be done, his/her life will surely changeforthe better.
16.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to take adequate care of his/her health and overall well-being, and at the same time, offer appropriate gbg in order to forestall a situation where would fall ill and then spend all his/her life savings before he/she suruive the illness. Ifa says that even if he/she does sulive, he/she may not be able to appear in public anymore. He/she may be forced to stay outside his/her community due to the fact that his/her skin had been ruined as a consequence of the illness or he/she may be forced to stay permanently indoors due to loss of sight, loss of limb or loss of hearing. Such illness may preclude the person for whom this Od is revealed from mixing freely among his/her peers. If says that the more successful this person is, the more he/she is prone to being involved in this problem.
he could
190
iiiior"*"",' If says that there is the need to offer ebg with one matured he-goat, a black dress and money. If this is done, the chances of getting this illness may be drastically reduced if not totally eliminated. On these, If
says:
Eefin ni iyl in Imqnqmqnq ni iyt ojo A$q l ni iyl Egn Dl firn ofafa Tllg'gmg glQl kan etjq f bq ojojo ni wqn nl ko waa ge
Translation
Smoke is the honour of the flame Lightening is the honour of rainfall Big costume is the honour of the EgUngUn masquerade These were lf's declarations to Ofafa, the tree bear The offspring of the noble man of the olden days He was advised to offer gbg against illness
Qfafa, the tree bear, wentto the Awo mentioned above in orderto determine his chance of becoming a successful man in life. He was informed that he would ceftainly succeed but there is the need for him to offer gbg against ailments which might drain all his life savings before he would be able to regain his health. He was advised to offer one matured he-goat, a black dress and plenty of money. He simply ignored the advice of the Awo, calling them thieves and tricksters. Before long, Sfafa became a very successful man. He was very walthy and he had a lot of workers under him. One day, he fell ill. He nearly died. He spent all his life savings on the illness, allto no avail. He then remembered the advice of the Awo. He was taken to the Awo. The Awo in turn asked him to offer ebo with two matured he-goat, two black dresses and plenty of money instead of one each. He complied. Soon after, he became well. Unfortunately for him, the illness had taken its own toll on him. His skin and body had been damaged terribly. He could no longer live in the midst of his colleagues. He went to live on trees in order to avoid meeting or seeing most of his friends and well-wishers. Because he had been destined to succeed in his life however, there was no tree that he could not climb to the very top. He however lived to regret his initial refusal to offer gbg as prescribed forthe rest of his life. Since that time, he lived
191
aone on trees, and died alone on a tree. Only his immediate family members were around him during the very end of his life.
Eefin niiyl ina Imgnqmqnq n iyl ojo ASq rtl ni iyl Eegun DlfinQfafa
Tff I'gmgglql kan atijg Fbq ojojo ni wQn nl k waa ge
kg'tl Qgbgnyin s'bg Qff o btt mQ Iba wa fow s'rfin gbg ErolpoeroQfa
Translation
fni gb'Qbg nTbQ k 9'9bg o
Smoke is the honour of the flame Lightning isthe honourof rainfall Big costume is the honour of the Egngn masquerade These were If's declarations to Qfafa, the tree bear The offspring of the noble man of the olden days He was advised to offer gbg against illness He ignored the advice Had Qfafa, theTree bear, known He would have spent his money to offer gbg Now travelers tolpo and Qfa towns Let those who were advised to offer gbg do so
For those whom this Od is revealed and those who were born by this Od, let them take care of their health, and at the same time, offer the appropriate gbg as prescribed. Refusal to heed this advice will lead to grave consequences for those
concerned
Abgrr Abqy.
192
trtl iltr
ll
ll
Oyeku Meji
B. SIGNIFICANCE OF OYEKU-MEJI FORTHOSE BORN

BYTHE ODU DURING ITELODU ORIKOSEDAYE
QyQkr-Mjl children have a very high chance of living to their old age even though they are frequently threatened by death. No matter how much they are threatened, they usually come out victorious. As a matter of fact, it is in the best interest of their enemies to tender unreserved apology to them, desist from planning or doing evil against them and advise others never to have evil plans against them. As an adjunct to this, the olderthey are, the more successful they will become. By this time that they grow very old, they would have been able to
achieve all their heafts' desires.
Qyeku-Mjl children believe so much in confrontation. They do not see any

reason why they should allow any chance for a good fight to pass them by. They also believe in trading any of their properties for another. They also love to have free things brought for them by others. In fact, they believe that it is the responsi bi ity of others to ma ke them comforta ble.
I
For QyQkrl-MT children, the best period to pray to the Deities is very early in the morning. If they pray every morning, all whatthey lack shall come their way easily. They shall be blessed with abundant wealth, more than average number of children and happy homes. They shallalso be blessed with titles in recognition of their achievements, contributions and worth in the community.
Qyqku-Mjl children easily pick up enemies either due to !y, jealousy or

misunderstanding of their actions. Sometimes, it may be due to the bad attitude of Qyqku-M) children. Instead of recognizing their inadequacies and amend their ways accordingly, they usually blame everything on the fact that it is in their destiny to have many enemies. This is an aspect which they need to examine properly and review accordingly.
The best professions of QyQk-Mil children are in Medical fields-either as Doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses, midwives, medical occultists,
Babalwo, herbalists, and so on. They are also good in trading and banking but never as farmers. Qyeku-Mfl male children must never marrytwo women atthe same time but in
193
circumstances of death, divorce, incompatibilty, he may marry another woman but must never have two wives at the same time. For QyQkr-Mjl female children, they must never marry an already married man. They must also marry someone who has If as they may not have a successful home if they marry someone who never underwentlteldu ceremony.
As regards money and material acquisitions, QyQkr-Mjl children, males and
females have an insatiable urge for wealth accumulation. The more they acquire, the more they wish to acquire. If they lend people money, they try to exploit their debtors to the maximum. On the other hand, if they are the ones owing other people, they hold onto the money until they are forced to pay up. If they have no money to pay, they do not see any reason why they should speak softly to those they owe. In shoft, when it comes to money they love to enjoy the better of two worlds - exploiting those who owe them money and holding ontothe moneytheyowe foras long as possible.
There is however the need for QyQkrl-MT children to offer all appropriate qbg and take care of their health in order to avoid physical, mental and or emotional incapacitation which may lead to blindness, deafness, amputation of limbs, lameness'due to stroke or outright paralysis. This will ceftainly preclude them from socializing with theircolleagues or moving in their midst.
On the whole however, QyQkr-Mfl children, males and females, shall inherit the world. They have the capability to overcome their opponents and achieve
more than all their contemporaries. They will succeed in terms of wealth, spouse, children and general well-being.
C.
1.
AFFILIATED IRUNMOLE AND ORISA OF OYEKUMEJI
If -
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
For protection against enemies, financial success, and over-all wellbeing Orl - Forfinancialsuccess and general protection EgU Qdar - For general well-being and suppoft Qbat - For child bearing and protection of the children Qsun - For child bearing and good spouse Ogn - For protection and direction $ngO - For protection against opposition 194
8. ke - For overall success 9. FgbQ - For suppoft and leadership 10. Egngn - For support of the ancestors.
iiii overu veji
D.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. B. 9. 10.
TABOOS OF OYEKU.MEJI CHILDREN

Must never walk in the rain - to avoid missing his chances of success Must never use fg, the Palm Bird, for anything - to avoid his/her home from scattering Must never use water as paft of feeding materials for his o - to avoid failure in life which may come from his/her prayers not being answered. Must not use millipede for anything - to avoid failure in his/her bsiness Must not use sand paper leaves for anything - to avoid fairure in his/her business undertaking. Must not use AynrS leaves for anything - to avoid reduction in the protection from the Deities Must never marry more than one wife at a time: A woman must never marry an already married man - to avoid unending matrimonial crises Must never farm - to avoid business failure Must never eat fish - to avoid problem of giving birth to abfk children Must never use leopard for anything - to avoid being ovefwhelmed by adversary.
E.
Males
POSSIBLE NAMES FOR OYEKU.MEJI CHILDREN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
QlbardnlQ - Honour
is at hand
Fde - If holds
unto this
Ikrlgn - Ik, Death, please be compassionate Ojmq-Ql - Thedawn of honour Ifgggun - Ifa ensures victory
Fdr - Ifa performs wonders 195
Females
1. Fdr - If peformswonders 2. AtOro - She who brings her success from heaven 3. Ftyln - If is praise wofthy 4. Odlre - Od is profitable 5. Subad -Thedepth ofthe crown 6. Ikmpyl May Death sparesthis
Abgrrt Aboy.
196
Chapter 3
IWORT- MEI
II II
ll il
I I
I I
Chapter 3
IWORI- MEI
A.1 If says that the person for whom Iwo-M)
is revealed during
IkqsQdy orlteld shall succeed in his/her life. If says that he/she shall perform wonders in life. In fact, all his/her achievements in life shall be unbelievable to his/her colleagues. Many people shall consider the feat, achievements and/or success of the person for whom this Od is revealed as miraculous.
If says that without any tangible means of livelihood, he/she shall be financially successful; without any tangible means of keeping a matrimonial home, he/she shall make a very successful home; without enough means of training his/her children, he/she shall maintain a highly successful family; without the means to take adequate care of himself/herself, he/she shall be healthy, cheerful and happy.
If says that there is the need for him/her to offer ebg with three white pigeons, three hens, three guinea fowls, three fish and money. On theselw-M) says:OgOdO Owrt gb'k odO
L payln kekeeke s'olko Dl fitn Altakn Tl yO maa Se oun gbogbo bl idn bl idn fbg ni wqn rd k q
Translation
The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer This was If's declaration to Altakn, the Spider Who shall be doing everything as if by magic
198
lI
wo ue
Altakn, the Spider, had no money. He had no wife. He had no chld. He had no home. As a matter of fact, he had absolutely nothing to show for his existence in life. Tired of this, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would he ever succeed in his life? Would he have money? Would he have a spouse? Would he beget children in life? Would he have his own home? Would he live long? Would all his wants in life be gotten? Above all, would all his sadness give way to joy?
The Awo assured him that he would be able to achieve all his heart desires in life. The Awo then advised Altakn, the Spider, to offer gbg as stated above. He complied. Thereafter the Awo prepared a special medicine for him to use. He used it. Before long, Altakn was able to produce very strong strings from cotton which he knitted together in form of net. This net serued as his home. He was using the net to trap insects and even small birds. His daily food was thus guaranteed. The surplus, he used to sell and by so doing, he was able to get money to do some other things he wished to do, Before long he was able to accumulate enough money with which to marry a wife of his choice. Soon after this, his wife gave brth to several children for him. Within a shoft period, the spider was able to achieve all his heart's desires without having any tangible means of livelihood. All what people knew was that the cotton which he knitted into strong strings with which he constructed his net, which serued as his home, his trap and means of livelihood came from his abdomen. How it came there was not known. What supplied it there in an inexhaustible way was not known. Everyone considered how the spider made it in life as miraculous. The Spider was full of happiness. He was dancing and singing saying:
,
OgOdO Owrl gb'k odO
ro payln kekeeke s'olko Dl filn AItakn

Tl yO maa ge oun gbogbo bl idn bl idn fbg ni wqn nl k s gb'Qbg, rrlbg Bl idn ni mo ge Tl mo fi 'j Awo I'ogdo Ow gb'k od Pa'yln kekeeke s'olko 199
lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultation
OwO bl idan
I'fdrt ltge
Bl idan ni mo ge Tf mo fi l'ya Awo I'ogOdO Ow gb'ke OdO P'ayln kekeeke s'olko Ow bl idan l'fdU rrge Bl idn ni mo ge Tl mo fi k'l Awo lOgodO wrt gb'k Od P'ayln kekeeke s'lko Owo bi idan l'fdu nge Bl idn ni mo $e Tl mo fi ntre gbogbo Awo I'OgOdO Owrt gb'k OdO P'ayln kekeeke s'lko Ow bl idan I'Edr nse
Translation
The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer This was lf's declaration to Altakn, the spider Who shall be doing everything as if by magic He was advised to offer gbg He complied I got my wealth as if by magic 'The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer' If does his things miraculously I got my spouse as if by magic 'The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer' If does his things miraculously I got my children as if by magic 'The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer' If does his things miraculously I got my home as if by magic 'The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer' If does his things miraculously I got my Ire as if by magic 'The cotton wool stayed across the stream And bloomed invitingly at the farmer'
200
lllt
t*o ue
If does his things miraculously
If says that the person for whomlw-Me) is revealed shall get all the Ire in life in a miraculous manner.
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to dedicate his/her mind and attention to If. If says that the more he/she does this, the more Ire he/she will acquire. If says that if he/she is dedicated to If, If in turn will never lose interest in all his/her matter.
If says that there is the need for him/her to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two hens and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one matured goat. On this issue, If says:Eni a b w'de l b re'l f;ni aj b w I'aj b 19
Dda
fin Elejl-Iwl
Tl yo te'j ire mq Akpo o rQ glrlglrt fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
The person whom we follow out is he whom we ought to return home with The person whom a dog accompanied out is he whom the dog returns home with These were If's declarations to El)-Iwrl (Iwo-M)) Who shall take an intense but benevolent look at his Akp He was advised to offer gbg
El)-Iw was a delegate of the Divinities. He was gven the authority to disburse all Ire of life to those who are dedicated to If. His main problem For this however was how to know the best way to disburse the reason, he went to the Awo mentioned above to determine how best it would be for him to Identify those who deserve the Ire so as to avoid a situation where those who were not worthy of those Ire were those who received them.
lre.
201
The Awo assured him that only those who deserved the compasson and benevolence of If shall receve them. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above and to feed If with one goat. He did. Thereafter, he was advised to use the following criteria to judge those who deserve all these Ire from If: Those who shall be given the Ire shall be totally devoted to If. He/she shall not mix his/her loyalty to If and Oldmar with other beliefs.
.
Dedication:
Honesty: He/she must be honest in thought, speech and action

at all times
i.
Hopefulness: He/she must be hopeful and rely on If for things at all times. He/she must also be patient at all times.
all
iv.
Humility: He/she must be humble to If and Oldmar, his/her

superior, his/her colleagues and even his/her subordinates at all times.
to use these criteria for alt If practitioners. The more these criteria were followed and adhered to, the more the success and achievement of the If devotees. Those who followed all the laid-down criteria of E)-IwOfl began to sing and dance. They began to rejoice in If,
El)-IwOri began
saying: pni a b w'de l b re'l fni aj b w I'aj b lg Dl filn Elejl-Iwof Tl y te'j ire mq Akpo o rQ glrlglrl fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb$bg, rrtbg If tq'j mQ mi, o w ml ire Ejl koko lworl Bl o b te5 mq n A ma l'w I'Qwq Eji koko lworl Qmq Q rg l?mi 9e Ejl koko lwrl
242
li
Bl o b tej mq n A ma ni're
two e
gbogbo
Ejl koko lworl 9mg Q rg l'mi ge o Ejl koko lworl If te5t mQ mi, o w ml ire $l koko lwrl 9mq Q rg l'mi 9e Ejl koko lworl
Translation
The person whom we follow out is he we ought to return home The person whom a dog accompanies out is he whom the dog ought to return home with These were If's declarations to Elfi-IwOr1 Who shall take an intense but benevolent look at his Akp He was advised to offer gbg He complied lf, please take an intense glance at me with your eyes of benevolence All haillwori-MT, the mighty I am indeed your child All haillwO-M), the strong If you take an intense look at one One will surely be wealthy All haillwO-MJI, the mighty I am indeed your child All haillwfi-M), the strong If you take an intense look at one One will surely be blessed with a good spouse All hailIwOrl-MI, the mighty I am indeed your child All haillwOfl-M), the strong If you take an intense look at One will surely be blessed with lovely children All haillwO-M), the mighty I am indeed your offspring All haillwO-M), the strong If you take an intense look at one One will surely be blessed with propefties All haillwofi-MT, the mighty I am indeed your offspring All haillw0il-MT, the strong If you take an intensive look at
with
one
one
243
One will surely be blessed with all lre in life All haillwor't-M), the mighty I am indeed your offspring All haillwfl-M), the strong I am indeed your child All haillwOil-M), the mighty
If says that the more dedicated, humble, honest, patent and hopeful the person for whomlwr1-M) is revealed, the more benevolence he/she wll
acqure.
If says that with dedication, humility, hopefulness and honesty, all the Ire in life, without exception, is guaranteed for the person for whom this Od is revealed.
3.
If says that the person for whom Iwfl-M), is revealed shall be blessed and assisted by not only If, but also Oi and Ay. The
person for whom this Od is revealed shall be supported by If, Ol and Ay. He/she shall be blessed and pampered by all these deities.
If says that it is advisable for the person for whom this Od is revealed to procure 16 fresh fowl egg-four to be offered fresh as gbg. The remaining L2 areto be boiled; four to be used to feed rf, four to feed Aye and the remaining four to feed the orl of
the person for whom the Od is revealed. On these, If says:
Kknk I'awo kQkgnkQ GQgQngg I'awo Gegenge Dl filn OrlmgnlkQq Qmq at'Qrun kg'rl kgkq w'l ay fbg ni wqn nl k qe
Translation
To take care of the person who deserves being taken care
of
To pamper the person who ought to be pampered This was If's message for Or{mqffkQQ Who brought his own lovable Of from heaven He was advised to offer qbg
204
tf
li
lwor Meji
OmgffkQg wenttotheAwostated above forlf consultation. Hewanted to know if he would have the suppoft of If in his life in accomplishing all his heaft's desires. He was sure that he could not achieve everything all alone. That was why he wanted to know if he would be blessed with the support of
If and other Deities. The Awo assured him that for him, the backing of If was guaranteed. Not only this, he was also assured that his Ori was equally in his suppoft right from heaven. To crown it all, Ay was also in his suppott. He was advised to offer gbg and feed the Deities as stated above. He complied. Before long, allthe good things of life came his way. If, his O and Ay came to his aid and he succeeded where all others failed. After achieving so much, he was still being assured of the continuous assistance and support of the Deities. He was thus full of gratitude, saying:
KQkgnkQ I'awo kQkQnk$ GQgQngQ I'awo GQgQngQ Dl fin
OrlmgnlkQ$
Qmq at'Qrun kS'rl kgkg w'l ay Fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qbo, r'bg If ma kQ mi nlg Orl maa k mi nlgo Enlyn ma ke mi nlgo Gege l k'Qyin adlg o
Translation .Totakecareofthepersonwhodeservesbeingtakencareof
To pamper the person who ought to be pampered This was If's message for Ofmgn'ik Who brought his own lovable Of from heaven He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now, let If continue to pamper me Let O continue to assist me And let Ay continue to assist me Gingerly does one collect and handle fowl eggs
205
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be loved and treated with care by Tf, Ort and Ay.
4.
If says that it foresees all Ire for whom lw-Mji is revealed. If says that he/she shall not lack any Ire in his/her life. He/She shall be blessed with wealth, good spouse, health, beautiful and responsible children, a home of his/her own, long life and prosperity. If however advises him/her to show hospitality to visitors and strangers at all times. By so doing, all the good things of life shall be his/hers. There is also the need for him/her to offer gbg with three pigeons, three hens and money. on this, a stanza in this od
says:
Mo nl kl ooro yeb Qrrtnmll nl H d'omid'omi fese d'omi K m ba d'om s'lojo l'ra
Qffnmll lo di sll
Translation
Qrnm)l declares that it is time to rest peacefully respond that all evil principalities must disperse Qrnmll cautions all water throwers to throw away water with care and consideration Lest they wet an impoftant visitor
Qrnm'il called on all his disciples and gave them lecture on the need to treatvisitors and strangers with respect, and on the virtue of showing them hospitality. This, he said was impoftant because a good Awo must learn never to maltreat anyone because one can never tell who would be of use and impoftance to him/her in future. He warned them especially on those visitorswhom they had never met before in their lives. He emphasized that the more respect and humility they show towards them, the more blessing theywill receive from Oldmar and If.
Qrunm)l also enjoined all his disciples to go home and offer gbq with three pigeons and three hens each. The disciples wanted to know why they should offer such gbg and what profitthey were expected to gain by so doing. Qrnm)l then told them that all the good things of life were strangers to us.
206
l!f,
wori uei
The way we treat them would determine how their responses to us would be. A spouse that we would marry in future was once a stranger to us. We needed to study all aspects of each other's characters for a long, long time to come before we could declare that we really knew each other very well. The riches we would get in our lives were strangers to us until we began to acquire them and know how best to utilize them, since how we acquired our wealth were more of speculations, accurate and guesswork, in a conducive business environment and more especially shear luck. Our children were strangers to us until we begot them. Even after giving bfth to them, we could not fully understand their characters. All the other Ire we got in our lives were strangers to us because we simply could never understand the format they would take before and after their
acquisition. They all complied with the advice of Qrnmll. They all offered the gbg as advised. Before long, all the Ire in life came to their homes to stay permanently because they (the lre) were well treated. The Awo became wealthy, they had good spouses, they gave birth to good children, they were honoured with chieftaincy titles, and they lived purposeful lives in relative comfot and peace of mind. They were very happy, They were singing and dancing, saying: Qnrnmll lo di sll Mo nl kl ooro yeb Qrrtnmll nl kl d'omid'omi fQsQ d'omi K m ba d'omi s'lojO l'ra Mo nl abjO wo ni o ? nl alejo aj ni o Mo nl alej wo ni? nt aleo aya ni Mo nf alejO wo ni? nf alejO omg ni o Mo nf alejO wo ni? nl alejo ogb ni Mo ni alejO wo ni? nl alejO ire gbogbo ni
K p, ko jlnna F w b ni nl wQwq ire gbogbo
207
Translation
Qrnm'll declares that it is time to rest peacefully I respond that all evil principalities must disperse Qrnm)l cautions all water throwers to throw away water with care and consideration Lest they wet an impoftant visitor I ask that what type of visitor (is Qnlnm'll referring to) He responds that it is visiting Aj (Wealth) I asked that what other type of visitor He responds that it is visiting Aya (Spouse) I asked that what other type of visitor. He responds that it is visiting Qmg (Children) I asked that what other type of visitor He responds that it is visiting Oye (Chieftaincy) I ask that what other type of visitor He responds that it is visiting Ogb (Longevity) I ask what other type of visitor He responds that it is visiting Ire Before long, not too far Join us in the midst of all Ire
'
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all Ire in life as long as he/she takes care of vsitors and strangers. If says that he/she shall be conferred with a title in recognition of his/her good
deeds.
5.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od ls revealed to be properly initiated into If. If says that he/she shall
not be Ieft alone he/she shall be taken proper care of by If. With the initiation, all problems shall be solved for him/her. His/her sorrow shall be convefted to happiness; his/her worries shall be changed to assurances; poverty to riches; and failures to successes. A stanza in Iwri-M) suppoftng this says:
In nilta gangan j'ko OOrn nil ta sangan kn'run ota o ta Oran O ran fnrn'kn kan Owrl IX fitn Orunmlla If y maa tn il qni tl kO sunwQn $e
208
f,I
two ue
f;bg ni wqn nl k 9e
i
Translation
The fire is it which lights the farm completely The sun shines and illuminates the heavens The spinner does not spin And the roller does not roll only one strand of cotton string These were lf's declarations for Ornmll When he wished to improve the lot of those whose home were in shambles He was advised to offer
qbg,
Very many people were in trouble. All what they were doing had no head; they were living their lives in sheer frustration. They did not know what to do to improve their lot. For this reason, they approached Qrrlnmll for possible solutions to their problems. QrrlnmlI in turn approached the Awo mentoned above for If consultation: Would he be able to improve the lives of thosewho had approached him on theirvarious problems? Qrnm)l was assured that he would be able to solve all their problems for them. He was advised that all those having these problems needed Consequently, they adequate and all-encompassing protecton of needed to be properly initiated in order to ensure that all their problems were solved.
If.
the
Qrnm'll returned home and began to initiate all those having problems and all their problems began to disappear. Their lives began to change for the better. They were all full of joy for the good things If had done for them.
i
In nif ta gangan j'ko Oorn nil ta gangan kn'run Onta o ta

Oran O ran fQnrn'kn kan w Dia fun Qrrlnmll If y maa tn il gni tl kO sunwQn 9e Fbg ni wQn nl k 9e gb'Qbo, nl'bg Njq or{ Awo wQ Awggbo m ni
249
lfa Dda: An nvitation to lfa Consultation
Ipln Awo wq
Translation
The fire is it whch lights the farm completely The sun shines and illuminates the heavens The spinner does not spn And the roller does not roll only one strand of cotton string These were If's declarations to Qn:nmll When he wished to improve the lot of those whose home were in shambles He was advised to offer gbg. He complied The O which Awo washes through initiation Such O shall succeed and enjoy longevity The Of which Awo washes through initiation
If says that it shall not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to face problems in his/her life.
6.
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed n life. He/she shall be able to attain all his/her heart's desires - be it wealth, spouse, children, longevity or even peace of mind.
If however advises that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never attempt to become number one or number two in anything he/she does. He/she must never aim to become the president or charperson of any association or society. He/she must never aim beyond being the number Three. There lies his/her success. There lies peace of mind for him/her. Aiming beyond
Number Three poston in his/her life is like sending an open invitation to trouble and restlessness. There is the need forthe person forwhom this Od is revealed to offer his/her gbg as Anlkore: three guinea-fowls, three cocks and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one matured goat. On these, If says:
Irqke idl abTdl grlgel-gangele Dlfiln EleJl-IwOrl 214
ilt Tl y $e lkgta Od w'l Ay pbg ni wqn nl k ge
twori t,tei
Translation
The If tapper carued with Idf wood with ts broad but uneven base This was the If cast forlwfi-M) Who shall occupy the number three position among the Od when coming into this Eafth He was advised to offer gbg
The 16 principal Od were comng from heaven into the world. They were taking varous postons of seniority which they expected to mantan while on eafth. Consequent upon this, EJi-Iwfi went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in order to determine which position would be most advantageous to him while on eafth.
The Awo first assured him that his journey to eafth would be very fruitful. He was also informed that he would have peace of mind and would be highly respected on eafth. He was asked to offer his qbg asArkore and for him to use three things in each category of materials he was asked to offer -
three rats, three fish, three pigeons, three hens, three guinea fowls, three cocks and so on. He was also asked to feed If with a
Thereafter, he was advised to go for the Numberthree position asthere laid success, achievement, victory peace of mind, fulfillment and harmony for him. Iwo-M) agreed and went to the remaining principal Od that he was contented with the Number Three position. The 16 principal Od left heaven in the following order of seniority- Ofttn-tvtelt, Number One; Qgg-Mefl, Number Two, IwOfl-Mf,
matured
goat. He complied.
Number Three;
Odf
-Me, Number Four; Irosn-M), Number Five;
QwQnrin-M), Number Six; Qbar-M), Number Seven; Qkanran-M;), Number Eight; Ogunda-tvtT, Number Nine; Qs-M), Number Ten; IkaMT, Number Eleven; 0turrrpgn-M3), Number t2 tara-MJ|, Number 13; IrQtQ-ML Number la; QyQktl-M), Number 15; and E)-Ogb, Number
16.
While on eafth, Ofun-VteI, the most senior Od, began to misbehave and his misconduct was affecting the whole 16 Od. They tried to settle the problem amicably without success. Before long, the misconduct of OfunM) began to rub on Q9Q-MI which occupied the second position. This
211
one position to Number

position to Number 15.
crss soon came to a head and Ofln-Mfl was dsplaced from the Number
16.
Qgg-Mel was moved
from Number two
conversely, E)-ogb the most junior among the 16 principal od was moved from Number 16 to Number one position, while QyQkrl-Mji was moved from Number 15 to Number Two Position. All these movements and crises did not affectlwo-Mj in any way. He still maintained his Number Three position. Any time he remembered the advice of his Awo to him, he was always grateful to Oldmar that he heeded the advice. Since the time that he had been occupying this position, he never had any cause to
regret. IrQkg idl abTdl ggt-gangete Dl fin EteJt-Iworl Tl y 9e lkeJa Od wa'E Aye fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbg, r'bo Mo k'ta Od mo sinmi o fyin o r'Heji-Iworl B t k'gta Od w'y Mo k',ta Od mo sinmi o
'
Translation
The If tapper carved with Idf wood with its broad but uneven base This was the If cast for lwil-M;) Who shall occupy the Number Three position among the Od when coming into this Earth He was advised to offer gbg He complied I occupied Number Three position; I have peace of mind Behold Iw0r1-M) who came into this world, occupying the Third position I occupied the third position And I have peace of mind and satisfaction.
7.
If says that it foresees the ire of pregnancy and child-bearing for a couple who are in search of a baby. If says that they will not wait for too long before their prayers are answered. If says that if the
212
f,I
mo ue
approprate gbg is offered at the right time, the woman n question will surety miss her menstrual period and become pregnant that month.
very
three rats, three fish, three round white chalksr three big camwood and money. If says that they need not overdo things in
terms of copulation and they should be hopeful and prayetful. On These,If says:
Qgn nff m'rf iq ad m'sQ mieefl ig YeYe Orubu gfun l ba'l$ k rm'rumu Ata ba'h fq pee D,la fun Atq hlqqlq Tll g'gmgknrin IsahYe A brl fitn Aqq Tff S'gmqblnrin Qrun Igbatl wqn lrmenu snrhn gmg fbg ni wgn nl kl wgn w 9e
If says that there is the need for them to offer gbg with three hens,
Translation The tip of an ant-hill resembles a crown

The legs were rooted firmly to the ground The round shaped native chalk fell down, and scattered white dust about Ata, the ridge at the top of a house, fell down and broke into pieces These were If's declarations to Atg lQlQQlq, the slimy Sperm Their offsPring here on Eafth And also to AgE, the Menstrual egg Their offspring in Heaven When they wre both lamenting their inability to beget a child They were advised to offer gbq
Both AtQ lQlQQlQ, the slimy Sperm and Agg, the Menstrual egg had been married for sometime without being able to beget a child. Consequently, they wentto the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would they be able to beget a baby of their own? If yes, would it happen that month?
213
The Awo assured the two of them that they would certainly be blessed with
a child of their own. They were advised not to be in a hurry and not to overdo things. They were also advised to offer gbg as prescribed above.
They complied.
That same month, when it was time for Agg to pass her time, she discovered that the menstrual flow had ceased to come. They began to pray. They were advised not to copulate for the next three to four months. They complied. After 10 months, Ag delivered a bouncing baby. She was full of gratitude to oldmar. Both Agq and Atg lglgglQ, were giving praises to their Awo saying:
Qgan nff m'rl
m'QsQ
jq ad mejejl jg yeye
TlafgktqOwmq
Translation
Orubu eJun l ba'lQ k rm-rumu Ata ba'tg fq pe Df fun Atq tQtqqto Tll g'gmgknrin lslay A b fn A9g Tll g'gmgblnrin Qrun Igbetl wqn menu snrhn gmg fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w se WQn gb'Qbo, wQn r'bo At'Ag, at'Atq
f, b I'awg-l'asQ kgg d'gmg tuntun
The tip of an ant-hill resembles a crown The legs were rooted firmly to the ground The round shaped native chalk fell down, and scattered white dust about Ata, the ridge at the top of a house, fell down and broke into pieces These were lf's declarations to Atg lQlqQlg the slimy Sperm Their offspring here on earth And also to A9g Their offspring in Heaven When they were both lamenting their inability to beget a child They were advised to offer gbg They complied
214
lll
t*o ue
Now, both egg and sperm Which we have missed for now Please undergo transformation processes and turn into a bouncing
babY
If says the couple for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with a bouncing baby. They are however cautoned that immediately after they noticed that the woman had missed her period, they should avoid having sexual intercourse with each other for at least three months in order to give the pregnancy time to develop without interruption.
8.
If says that it foresees the lre of child-bearing for the woman for whom this Od is revealed. If says that all the children that this woman shall be blessed with shall be very influential. They shall all occupy the position of kings and queens and shall be treated as first among their colleagues.
At the same time, If says that it foresees the Ire of a good wife for a man who is in search of a compatible spouse. The person in question is currently facing financial hardship but If says the hardship shall give way to financial success. All the children whom the woman will give bifth to shall be great and influential. The man himself comes from a very highly placed and deeply traditional home. He needs not worry since all his children shall be great, even greater than him and anyone who had ever come out of that lineage before. On all these, a stanza inlw-mT says : Qrnmll l rtge rnl rre Emi n wl, mo l ttge ml rre Qrunmila Koto qna nff g'awo lmojln gbungbungbun Olwo igi mje nil bq l'de Islay Agbagba igi m,fa nl bg l'de lsahye Agbegbe igi mgfa l d awo s'llQ l'kltl lfgn Ap tan'n og Irko a ya gblr nl'h Ako rr d'd orl Orr w', w j$ Olgnge9e l fi gbogbo ara s{n gmgokn ka'lQ bggrqbq lgungun tr awo il Onlr-Snb
215
Dl fitn onlre-snb T f'e,yln tl m'jtfgkn snrhn gmg
lbg ni wgn nl k w Fe
Translation
Qrnmll declares that 'it s giving me a feeling of accomplishment' I respond that 'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow paft of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superior trees on eafth There are also six elderly trees on eafth The six elderly trees stafted Awo practices at ld FfQn Ap tree sprouts the flowers of financial success IrkO tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Ako tree adorns its head with a crown OlOgnnggge tree covers ibelf with okun beads The slender Egngtln, the resident Awo of On'ire-Snb He was the Awo who cast If for Offre-Snb When weeping in lamentation of his inability to have a child He was advised to offer gbg
Offre-Snb was the Qba oflr. In spite of this however, he was living in abject poveflry. He had no money, no wife, no chld, and no good cloth and if not for the fact that he was living in the palace of his ancestors, he had nothing which could be rightly called his personal belonging. He struggled and got a wfe. Unfoftunately for him, the wife was with him for several years without becoming pregnant. Tired of all these problems, he went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above: Would he ever be able to have an heir in his life? Would his problem give way to success? Would he too be called the proud father of at least one chld in his life?
The Awo assured him that he would be able to have not only a child, but several children. He was informed that his children would even be greater than him. He was also informed that through the children he would beget,
his influence would spread throughout the length and breadth of
Yorbland. He was however advised to offer ebg with six rats, six fish, three hens and one matured goat. The reproductive organ of the goat, (including the womb) was to be cooked with Qt'inblsowo leaves for his wife to eat in orderto assist herto become pregnant.
216
'1f, mo
vre
Hearing this, Orfre-Snbe was ready to offer the gbg, but there was a snag. He had no money with which to purchase all the gbg materials. therefore solicited the assistance of his relatives and all the 9bq materials were procured. Before long, the wife of Offre-Snb became pregnant; she gave bfth to a baby boy. The baby was named "QmoJr" meaning the child whom relatives assisted in procuring the gbg materials. When the child grew up, they made him Qba-Alr in llara-Eldtl, a town named after him.
Qrrnmll lo nge ml rre Emi naa wl, mo l 9e ml rre Qrnmil KOIO Qna nff g'awo lmOjln gbungbungbun Olrtwo igi meje nil bg l'de Isalaye Agbaagba gi mJa nf bg l'de lslay Agbaagba 9 mJa l d awo s'llQ t'tt frqn Ap tan'n og Iro<o a ya gblr nl'h Ako t d'd orl Orrlr rrw'ewu ei$ Olgunttggge l f gbogbo ara sln gmgokn k'lQ bggrqbq lgungun tne Awo il Onlr-Snb
He
filn odree-senb T fyln tl m'ojtfgkn snrhn gmg fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e

D,l
Translation
OrUnmil declares that'it is giving me a feeling of accomplishment' I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow paft of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superiortrees on There are also six elderlytrees on eath The six elderly trees started Awo practices at hti ffgn Apa ffee sprouts the flowers of financial success lrkO tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Ako tree adorns its head with a crown Orrlr wears the dress of blood OlgnngggQ tree covers itself with okn beads
'
eafth
The slender fgungun, the residentAwo of Orfre-Snb He was the Awo who cast If for Offre-Snb 217
When weepng in lamentation of his inabilityto have a chld He was advised to offer gbg
Offre-Snb, still in penury wanted another child. His wife was unable to become pregnant. He went back to his Awo. He was again advised to offer gbg. There was no money. He again summoned his people for deliberation on his matten His people deliberated and assisted him again in procuring all the gbg materials. The gbg was offered and his wife became pregnant and delivered another baby boy. The child was named QrQ-Qmgt-Ajgr - meaning, the matter of having a child is worth deliberating upon. when this child grew up, he was made the Qba of a town. The town was named Ijero-Eldtl after h i m. Th us he beca me the Ajer ofljer.
Again they wanted to have another child. His wife was unable to become pregnant. He went back to his Awo for solution. He was advised to offer the same gbg as before. Again, there was no money. This time around, he was too ashamed to summon his relations to his assistance. He therefore decided to go into the forest to cut firewood for sale. He did this until he was able to gather enough money with which to procure all the gbg materials. He then went to offer the gbg. His wife became pregnant and another baby boy was delivered. He named the boy Orftagi-QlQlQ the child born while we were hewing firewood for sale. when he grew up, he was madethe Qba ofltagi Ekiti, a town named after him.
Soon after, Onf re-Snb wanted to have another chitd. His wife was again unable to become pregnant. He again wentto his Awo for If consultation. He was again advised to offer the same gbg. There was no money. He went to gather indigo leaves for sale until he was able to gather enough money to procure all the gbg materials. He offered the qbo. This time around, he was advised to feed the Eg-Qdr with one white pigeon. He did. His wife became pregnant and gave bfth to yet another bouncing baby boy. The boy took it as a duty to feed E9 with pigeons on a regular
basis. The boy was named fljQltl the child born after the parents were selling indigo. When he grew up, hewas madethe fljQhl.
Yet again, offre-snbe wished to have another child, and again, his wife was unable to take in. He again went to his Awo. They advised him again
218
lI twori uei
to offer the same gbg. Again there was no money to offer the same gbg. He went and procured palm fronds for making enough brooms for sale. sold the brooms until he was able to gather enough money to procure the gbg materials. He offered the gbg and his wife became pregnant. She gave bh to yet another baby boy. The baby was named QIQwQ the baby born after selling brooms. When the baby grew up, he was made the Qba of QwQ, a town named after him.
After allthese had been done, foftune smiled at Offre-Snb. He became very wealthy. He was highly respected in his community. He was his life to the fullest. He wanted to continue to enjoy his life. He saw no reason why he should die when he was at the peak of his mission in life. Consequent upon this, he went to Ad Eldtl to meet Qrnmll himself for If consultation. Qpe teere orke Ad Erlgl abggb Erlgl abgtQ Erlgl abgl Erlgl boy Dl filn Onlle-Snb WQn nf k rrl'bg sl lalkr araa rg
He
enjoying
Translation
The slender palm-tree of Ad hill That which is fed for one to live long That which is fed for one to grow old That which is fed for one to become successful That which is fed for one to sulive He was the one who cast If for Onfre-Snbe Who was advised to offer gbQ for him to live
long
r
Qrrlnm'il advised Onfre-Snb to offer one matured he goat as did. He lived long and was able to enjoy his life to the fullest.
gbg.
He
Qrunmll l ge ml rre Emi na wl, mo l 9e ml rre Qrunmila KOtO Qna nff g'awo lmOjln gbungbungbun Ohiwo igi mje nil rtbq l'de Isahye Agbiigb igi m,fa nl bq l'de lsahye Agbaegba igi m-fa l d awo s'llQ l'kltl lfqn
I
219
Ap tan'n o$ IrOkO a ya gblr d'ha Ako rt d'd orl Orr w'e,w eje Olgngege l fi gbogbo ara s{n gmgokn k'le bggrgbg lgungun tr awo il Onlr-Snb Dl fn Onlre-Snb T f'Qyln tl m'jrf gkrln snrhn gmg f,bg ni wqn nl k w ge Awgn ar ba rrl'bg 9mg tl ar b'ni rrl'bg tl a fi bl K ma p nl QmoJr WQn fi j'oy Alr Qrnmll l Se ml rre Emi na wf, mo $e ml rre Qrnmil KOIO Qn nff g'awo lmOjln gbungbungbun Olrtwo igi meje nil rtbq I'de Isalaye Agbgbi igi me,fa nl bg l'de tsalaye Agbaagba igi mqfa l d awo sllQ t'm ffqn Ap rttan'n o9 IrOkO a ya gblr nl'h Ako r d'd orl
orr w'ew jQ
Olgongele | fi gbogbo ara sln gmgokn k'le beercbq $gungun teere awo il Onlr-Snb fitn onfree-sanbe T f,yln tl m'Ojrf gkn snrhn gmg lbg ni wqn nl k w Se Awgn ar ba rrl'bg 9mg tl ar b'ni rrl'bg tl a fi bl K ma p nl QrQ-qmq-t-ajgro QrQ-gmg-t-ajgro d'gb ln WQn fi j'oye AjerO Qmq gblrt kQrQ lje kanlQ QrUnmlla l ge ml rre Emi naa wl, mo l tt$e ml rre QrUnmil KOtO Qna nff g'awo lmjln gbungbungbun Olrtwo igi mje nil bq l'de lsalaye Agbgb igi mJa nl bg l'de lslaye Agbagba igi mgfa l d awo sllQ l'kltl Ffqn Ap tan'n o$O IrotO a ya gblr fi'ha
220
llll
two ue
Tians'gta
Ako n d'd orl Orr w'ew eje OlgngegQ l fi gbogbo ara sln gmgokn k'le bggrgbg lgungun tr awo il Onlr-Snb Dl fitn onlre-snb T fyln tl m'ojrf gkn snrhn gmg lbq ni w$n nl k w fe ba rl lg r ge'g ta Qmq tl a bl
K ma p nl Onltag-Qlel Onltagi d'gb tn WQn fi joye Odtagi-Qlglq 9mq g bgn- nml-j rj rj -nlj Qrunmll l Se ml rre Emi n wl, mo l ge ml rre Qrrlnmil KOIO Qna nff g'awo lmOjln gbungbungbun Olrtwo igi mje nff rrbg l'de Islay Agbgbi igi mqfa nl rrbe l'de balaye Agbaagba igi m,fa l d awo s'llQ t'kltl ffgn Ap tan'n og IrkO a ya gblr nl'h Ako n d'd orl OrUr w', w jQ Olgngege Io fi gbogbo ara sin omookun ka'le beerebe lgungun tqsr awo il Onlr-Snb Dl fin onlree-sanbe T f,ylntl m'jrl gkn snrhn t'emg fibq ni wQn tn nl k 9e nlg r f el ta Qmq tl a bl
Tlafelta
K ma p nl Fljeh Ejelr d'gb tn WQn fi j'oye Fljeh 9mq arl Qrukk k'Eg Qrrfnmll l rrge ml rre Emi n wl, mo l ge ml rre Qrrtnmil KOtO Qn nfl g'awo lmOjln gbungbungbun Olrtwo igi mje nff rrbg l'de Isalaye Agbgb igi mEfa nl rrbg l'de lsahye Agbaagba ig mefa l d awo sllQ l'kltl lfgn 221
Ap tttan'n og IrkO a ya gblra d'ha Ako n d'd orl Orur w'Qw jQ OlgnSege l fi gbogbo ara s{n gmgokn k'le bggrgbe Egngn tr awo il Onlr-Snb Dl fitn onlre-senb TO f',yln tl m'jekn snrhn gmg fbg ni wqn n| k w ge w lg r f gwq tl Qmq tl a bl Tl a f 9wQ ta K maa p nl QlqwQ qlqwq d'gb tn Wen fi j'oy Ql,wq 9mg arere gejggejQ OpQ ter orke Ad Erlgl abqgb Erlgl boJe Erlgl abgle Erlgl boy Dt fitn onfree-sanb Eyl tO ri're tn WQn nl k r'bg sl I'alk araa re gb'Qbo, n'bg Ko pe k jlnn F wa b ni nl wQwQ ire gbogbo
Translation
Qrnmil declares that'it is givng me a feeling of accomplishment' I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow part of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superiortrees on eafth There are also six elderly trees on eafth The six elderly trees stfted Awo practices at kl ffgn Ap tree sprouts the flowers of financialsuccess IrkO tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Akotree adorns its head with a crown OlgngggQ tree covers itself with okun beads The slender pgungun, the residentAwo of Offre-Snb He was theAwo who castlf for Orf re-Snb
222
!\ two ue
When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have a child He was advised to offer ebg His relations assisted him in offering the gbg A child who was born after one's relations assisted When QmoJr grew uP He was conferred with Qbaship title of Alr Qrrf nmll declares that'it is giving me a feeling of accomplishmenf I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow paft of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superior trees on earth There are also six elderly trees on eafth The six elderly trees stafted Awo practices at kiti lfgn Apa tree sprouts the flowers of financial success IrkO tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Ako tree adorns its head with a crown Olgnggge Fee covers itself with okun beads The slender fgungun, the residentAwo of Orfre-Snb He was the Awo who cast If for Of re-Snb When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have a child He was advised to offer another gbg His relations once again came to his aid A child who was born after one's relations assisted in offering the gbg
Let him be known as QrQ-9mg-t-ajgr0 He was made the AjerO of Ijer. QrrJnmtl declares that 'it is giving me a feeling of accomplishmenf I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow part of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superior trees on eafth There are also six elderly trees on eafth The six elderly trees stafted Awo practices at klti pfqn Ap tree sprouts the flowers of financial success IrkO tree breaK and loses one of its major branches Akotree adorns its head with a crown OlgnngggQ tree covers itself with okun beads The slender fgungun, the residentAwo of On'iree-Sanb He was the Awo who cast If for Onlre-Snb When weeping in lamentation of his inability to have a child Hewas advised to offer another qbg He went to cut firewood for sale The child who was born While cutting firewood for sale
223
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consultaon
Let him be known as'On'itagi-Qlele' When Onltagi-QlglQ grew up He was conferred with the title of Onftagi-QleQ The king of Itagi Qrrf nmil declares that 'it is giving me a feeling of accomplishment' I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow part of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path
had been in use There are seven superior trees on eafth There are also six elderlytrees on eafth The six elderly trees started Awo practices at ki ffqn Ap tree sprouts the flowers of financial success Irk tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Ako tree adorns its head with a crown
OlgnggFe tree covers tself with okun beads The slender fgungun, the residentAwo of Offre-Snb He wastheAwo who castlf for Offre-Snb When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have a child He was advised to offer gbg He began to fetch indigo leaves for sale The child born after selling indigo Let him be known as'fljQhf' He was made the fljQltl He who uses pigeons to feed Egu-Qdara Orrlnmll declares that'it is giving me a feeling of accomplishment' I respond that'it is giving me a sensation of success' The hollow paft of a foot-path makes one to appreciate how long the path had been in use There are seven superiortrees on earth There are also six elderlytrees on eafth The six elderly trees stafted Awo practices at kltl lfgn Ap tree sprouts the flowers of financial success Irok tree breaks and loses one of its major branches Ako tree adorns its head with a crown OlognngggQ tree covers itself with okun beads The slender fgungun, the residentAwo of Onfre-Snb He was the Awo who cast If for Onlre-Snb When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have a child He was advised to offer gbg He went and fetched brooms for sale . The child born after selling brooms Let the child be called QIQwQ When QIQwQ grew up
224
i!
The sender palm-tree of Ado hill That which is fed for one to live long That which is fed for one to grow old That which is fed for one to become successful That which is fed for one to suruive He was the Awo who cast If for Offree-Sanb Who after being successful He was advised to offer ebg for him to live long He complied Before long, not too far Meet us in the midst of all Ire
He was made the QIQwQ of Qwg
wori uei
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all the Ire in life. He/she should however note that no matter how successful he/she becomes, his/her children shall be more successful. The accomplshments of his/her children shall enhance his/her own success n life. All he/she needs to do is to pray hard and offer gbg to live long.
9.
If says that there is a child who is ill where this Od is revealed; or that a child is about to fall ill where this Od is revealed; or purpose for consulting If where this Od is revealed is to determine the fate of a child who is very ill. It is in the best interest of the parents of this child to offer four guinea fowls, three as qbg and the remaining one to feed qbetl in order to prevent a situation
where the child in question will die an untimely death.
the
If says that with appropriate gbg and the feeding of Qbtl, the
child shall be protected by this Deity and will not allow him/her to suddenly. On this, a stanza inlwrl-M) says:
Onpa jeged Awo won nfl e Fede FwQn-gbal, Awo Ajuwqn lrsl fyg kan ablfO gqrg-Sqrq-Sgr9r Awo wgn nl keeku lyere Dla fUn Ayra Tff 9'9mg Orlga-lgbo dil Eyl to rtgEgbqgbQ rn Tl ltara kk ti dlde Fbq ni wqn n| k
die
ge
225
Translation
The slender Orpa tree, their Awo in ElQdg's household FwQn-gbalQ, the Awo of AjUwQn Irs'i The bird which hops hither and thither, their Awo in Keku
Iyere
They were the Awo who cast If for Ayra The offspring of Oga-Igbo ndfl (Qbatla) When he was down with serious illness And was lamenting his inability to rise and walk He was advised to offer gbg
Ayra, the world is in ruins, was he who was very ll. All medications proved ineffective. One day, he was taken to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; Would he overcome this illness? Would he be able to
rise up and peform effectively again? What types of medication would they use to overcome his problem?
The Awo assured them that Ayra would soon be well. They were told that they needed to use one guinea-fowl to appease Qbath and to offer gbg with three guinea-fowls. Ayra's relations did all the gbg he was expected to offer for him. After this, they took a guinea-fowl to Qbath to appeal to him to please spare the life of their son, Ayra. Ayra soon became well. He began to shower praises on If and Qbtla for a job well done.
Orpa jgd Awo won ni'l e Flede FwQn -gbalQ, Awo AjrtwQn lrsl Pyq kan ablfO $gr?-gqrq-gero,r Awo wgn nl keeku lyere Dl filn Ayra Tll g'gmg Orlga-Igbo djl Eyl t $qgbQgbQ rn Tl tara kk ati dlde fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qbg, r'bg jq Orl+a-Igbo gb'eJ Ko m baa pa Ayra
226
!!
Translation
two ue
The slender Orupa tree, their Awo in [lQdg's household FwQn -gbalQ, the Awo of Ajuwgn Ires'l The bird which hops hither and thither, their Awo in Keku Iyere They were the Awo who cast If for Ayra The offspring of OEa-Igbo ndl (Qbatla) When he was down with serious illness And was lamenting his inability to rise and walk He was advised to offer gbg He complied Please Ofi5a-Igb0, take a guinea fowl So as to spare Ayra from death and prevent the world from going into ruins
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is a child of gbaHla. He/she needs to feed Qbatla on a regular basis so as to prevent illness and other mischief from happening to him/her.
10.
If says that it foresees the ire of victory for the person for whom
IwrT-MT is revealed. If says that this person had been pursuing a
course of action for a very long time to no avail. If says that this person had also been frustrated and is about to give up altogether. If says that he/she will surely accomplsh his/her mission. If recommend perseverance and with time, there will be victory.
If says also that there had been oppositon to a project, course of " action, the activities, and the personality of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the person should continue to persevere as he/she is aboutto overcome all his/her adversaries.
If urges the person never to give way to despair as victory is at hand. If says that in the end, he/she will have course to thank his/her stars. He/she shall overcome and shall be blessed with ire
of accomplishment.
If recommends that there is the need for this person to procure at least 16 fresh fowl eggsr three cocks, palm oil and
227
money and offer these items as ebg. This will aid his vctory chances. On this aspect,Iwii-MT says:
gqan j, gffn d'Qp Okn jojg I'egb o,wQ Ly{nk, Awo wgn l'de Or Ko lhun-n-ta-hja, Awo Obara-mojg Aganna Awo wgn l'de l$n Okn-ok, ok-okn fitn gwa-Qga, 9w Ogrlrli-gbQdu 9mq oko grtrtg lgyln m Ey{ t ti jagun BgQ ni o lee $gun pbg ni wgn nl k 9e
Translation
When the string breaks, the bow becomes just a mere staff Tying the broom with adequate string suppolG the broom L/ink, their Awo in or town He-who- has-nothing-to-buy-i n-the-market, the Awo of Oba ra- MOjq town Agnn, their Awo in I$in town Okn-ok, ok-okn (Ijgsa greeting format) They were the Awo who cast If for Qwa-Qga, the Qba of Ijgsa-land Whose praise-name is the offspring of the thick shrub behind the water pot He who had been waging wars Without any victory
Qw-Qg, was the Oba (king) of Ijgshaland. He was facing the threat of both internal uprsing and external aggressons. Much as he tried, he was unable to overcome his problems. one day, he summoned all the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in order to know if he would ever overcome all the problems he was having.
The Awo assured Qwa-Qg, that he would not only overcome his problems, but that these problems would never rear up their ugly heads again. He was informed that unknown to him, the spirits responsible for victory had always been very close to him; but unfortunately for him, he did not know what to use which would put them into action in his support. He was told
228
ll
Thatsame day, he complied.
two ue
that these sprts need fresh fowl eggs from him in order to ensure victory. They also needed three matured cocks for him to offer as gbg.
Soon after, he was able to overcome all the internal uprisings. With a united home front, he was able to stamp out all external aggressions. He was fullofjoy. He invited everybodyto come and celebrate with hinr.
When asked how he managed to overcome all his almost insurmountable problems, he responded that he used fresh eggs as his weapons of victory. He was then singing and dancing and
saying:
Qgn jrqrnd'qp Okn jojo l'gb gwQ
Eyltti
Lylnk, Awo wgn l'de Or Ko lh u n- n-tl-bja, Awo obara- MojQ Aganna Awo wgn l'de lgin Okrln-ok, ok-okn Dl filn gwa-Qg, Qw Ogrlrli-gbQdu Qmg oko g9 l$yln m
jagun
B$Q ni O le99un
[b9 ni wqn nl k Se gb'gborr'bg

Qrrlnmll l di OpOrOpOrO Mo ldi oporoporo Oporoporo, e w wo Qwa-Qg B t f eyin adlg Segun
Translation
When the string breaks, the bow becomes justa mere Tying the broom with adequate string supports the broom Lfink, theirAwo in Ortown He-who-has-noth i ng-to-buy- in-the- ma rket, the Awo of Oba ra- MjQ town Agnn, theirAwo inlgin town Okn-ok, ok-okn They were the Awg who cast If for Qw-Qg, the Qba of Ijgsa- land Whose praise-name is the offspring of the thick shrub behind the water
staff
Withoutanyvictory
|
pot He who had been waging wars
229
He was advised to offer ebo He complied
In torrents behold gwa-Qga as he uses fresh fowl eggs to

overcome adversary
Ortlnm'll declares that'it is in torrents' I respond that'it is really in torrents'
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall overcome his/her problems. He/she needs to offer as many eggs as he/she can
afford. The more eggs he/she offers the higher the chances of overcoming
his/her problems.
11. If says that it foresees the Ire of victory for the person for whom
Iwfi-M) is revealed. If says that this person had taken up resdence among two poweful but mischievious people. If says
that he/she should watch his/her utterances at all times because the two devilish people have already concluded terribly dangerous designs against him/her. If says that they plan to put the person for whom this Od is revealed in the middle so as to be able to harm
him/her. If says that the reason why these people are planning to do him/her evil is simply because of his/her truthfulness. He/she also loves to repeat the same statement over and over against the person. If says that he/she needs to learn the virtue of being reticent at all times. He/she should also be informed that it is not everything one sees that one must says to others.
If says also that this person needs to offer fresh beef and money as gbg. By so doing, he/she will be able to overcome allthe devilish around him/her. A stanza in this Od says:
Borlowt
Alwl l'g9g Bl o b wlr fitn wgn lwflglwq A dabf qni pe lwg lo $e wqn
Dlfitnobrko
Tll g'gmg wgn l'de IgOd f;bg ni wqn nl k 9e
230
lt!
wo ue
Translation
To see
isto say
Refusal to speak out amounts to iniquity
If you continue to speak out without relenting at all It will appear that you are the one behind their misfoftune These were If's declarations to Obukg, the He-goat Their offspring inlgd town He was advised to offer gbg
Obukg, the He-goat was known to be a very truthful person. Whenever there was any development, he would be invited to speak out on how he felt about the matter.
He would say it the way it was, no matter how highly-placed the person involved might be.
If the matter happened in his presence, he would continue to speak the truth. One aspect of his character was that he would contnue to repeat
what he considered the truth even if those who were guilty were highlyplaced personalities in the community. To make matters worse, he would be saying his own anywhere he was, without consideration for the feelings
of the affected party.
One day, OOrtkq went to the Awo mentioned above to consult If on his general well-being. There the Awo told him that it was good and advisable to speak the truth at all times as refusal to speak the truth was a sin in the presence of Oldmar. He was however cautioned that there was a limit to the number of times he needed to repeat what he had said on a matter before he was considered a nuisance. He was cautioned that anytime there was any matter, he should say it the way it was and keep his mouth shut afterwards. It was not his duty to begin to broadcast the matter about and it was not his duty to wish to force his opinions on others, lest the others hate him over his effoft.
to his house.
He was told that as at present, there were two poweful people living close
These were mischievous people whom he must try everything he knew to avoid, he was warned. The Awo explained fufther that these people planned to harm him because of his truth- fullness
231
because these were evl people. And as a result of his telling the truth at all times, they were finding their lives too difficult to cope with and they felt, in their devilish way of reasonng, that Obrl<o was the person responsible for
their misfoftunes.
They felt that because Obrlkg was speaking the truth and criticizing their adequacies, and by extension, exposing them to misfoftune and danger. He was then cautioned to be moderate in evefihing he did or said as excess of everything, even good thing, was bad. He was also advised to offer gbg with fresh raw beef or raw pork or raw mutton and money. He was advised to place the gbg very close to his home. He agreed.
B o rl
owl
Aiwl I'g9g Bl o b wl'rn fitn wqn l'wflslw AdaH gni pelwg l gewQn Dlfitn SkUn Tl lg r d'ko l'jdelgd
Dlfitnlkooko
T rtg red'ko l'jtdelgd fbg ni wQn nl kl wgn ge
Translation
To see is to say Notto say is a sin
If you continue to speak out without relenting It will appear that you are the one behind their misfoftunes These were lf's declarationsto [kn, the Leopard When going to farm atlgOd And tolkookO, the Hyena When going to farm at)godo besidelkook's farm
They were advised to offer gbg Both fkn, Leopard, and fkook, Hyena were wicked people. There was nothing bad they had not done - they had killed, stolen, blackmailed, lied, fornicated, instigated people against each other, inflicted pain on others and so on. All these actions were usually roundly condemned by Obrtkg. when Obkq continued to condemn them relentlessly, the two of them
232
planned to put Obukq in the middle in order to eliminate him. Igodo, the home town of Obukg. fikn began farming on the left side of Obukg's home whilelkook began his own farming on the right side. In order to protect their plan to eliminate Obr:kg, the two of them went to the same group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; Would they succeed in their plan? Would they be able to eliminate the nuisance giving them trouble in their lives?
tr*ffi,;
The Awo told them that there was the need for them to be truthful and honest all times. They were also told never to think evil, say evil or do evil. They were told that those who do these things would never have rest of mind and that they would only be accusing those who had been correcting their bad ways wrongly. They were also advised never to do things excessively even if what they were doing was good. They were encouraged to think good, say good things and do good at all times, lest they end up harming themelves. They were advised as Obrlkq was advised.
The two of them left the home of these Awo in anger. They then intensified their evil plan. They said that they would approach the home of Obukg in the dead of the night, lure him out and then kill him. They said that this plan must be carried outthat night. Meanwhile, when Obukg arrived home in the evening of that day, he went and procured a big chunk of fresh raw beef. He placed it in a clay plate and put it besides his home. He returned home to sleep. At night whilelkookO was coming to Obukg's house, he saw the meat. He thanked his stars for coming through that route and settled down to eat before going to finish up Obkq. While he was eating, Fkn had become impatient where he was waiting. He decided to tracelkook and found his co-conspirator where he was eating. In his mad fury he thought that Ikook had already lured ObUtg out and had killed him and began eating him alone. Beforefkook could explain, fkn had pounced on him. Both of them fought and tore at each other. Before long, fikn killedlkook. The wound which]kookO had inflicted on Fkn incapacitated him. A few days after, germs entered the wound and it became a festering sore. Seven days after the fight, fikn too died of infections.
233
That was how Obrlkg was able to get rid of his two antagonsts. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is surely gong to get rid of his/her enemies as long as the appropriate gbg is offered and he/she heeds
the warnings of the Awo. Obukg was full of joy and was jubilating that he had overcome his powerful enemies, saying:
Borlowl
Ar-wl I'Q9Q Bl o b wl'rn filn wgn I'awflg{wq A dabl gni pe lwg l rt ge wonu
Dlfitnobrko
Tl ;gmg wgn l'jrlde lgd Dlfiln Ekn Tl ttlq r d'ko l'jdelgdo
D,|filnlkooko
Tl rrq r d'ko l'jde lgd fbg ni wqn n| kl wgn ge Obrtkgnlkan nl bgl'gylntl tubg QrUnmil wl d Omlrln ajgran j'p Emi naawl moldiOmlrlnajgran jpO
F
m'eranf'f;kun kje
Translation
To see is to say
Refusal to speak out amounts to iniquity If you continue to speak out incessantly It will appear that you are the one behind their misfoftunes These were lf's declarations to ObUkg
Their offspring in Igd town And to Ekn When going to farm atlgodo beside Obukg's farm And tolkook When going to farm atlgod beside Obkg's farm They were all advised to offer qbg OnlyObrtkg complied Qrrlnmil says it istimeto consume fresh meat Give meatto Ekn to eat
If says that this person must continue to speak the truth but must not be
234
f,ll**
r",
repeatng the same topic over and over agan. Conversely, If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must be ready to accept his/her fault whenever he/she had done something wrong which others had pointed out to him/her. He/she must not consider those telling him/her the truth as his/her enemies. He/she must not plan against them, lest he/she meets with serious disaster.
L2, If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must know
how to divide his/her time between being fashion-conscious and doing real business. If says that the business of this client entails some elements of appearing dirty attimes. If saysthat it should not bother him/her as there is time for him/her to look neat after the completion of his/her duty. If says that if he/she is too conscious of his/her looks while at work and if he/she is pre-occupied with appearing neat and spotless all the time while at work, he/she may find out that the business would suffer. For this reason, he/she must
never mind how he/she looks while
at work. It will be
understandable to those who will see him/her, and in fact, it will be quite appreciated. Instead of people thinking that he/she is dirty, they will ceftainly see him/her as busy at his/her work since it is the nature of the job that made him/her drty. Whenever the assignment is completed for the day, he/she can then clean up and appear as neat as possible.
If says it foresees the ire of success and accomplishment for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she will be well known in his/her chosen line or profession. His/her reputation
will extend beyond his or her community. There is the need for the person to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guineafowls, three cocks and money. He/she also needs to feed Ogun of the Blacksmiths with one cock. On all these, If says: Iworl kan nlhln-ln lw0rl kan lQhn-rf n Iwrl dimejl a d'Ododo Dl firn Algb$dg Imogun Tly maa firin jn
235
Mtorl oge lbg ni wqn nl k w $e
Translation
One leg oflw hereon the right One leg oflw there on the left When the legs oflwOri become two, it isIwO-M) This was the If cast for the Blacksmith oflmgn Who will be firing iron until it becomes ashes Because of his fashion consciousness He was advised to offer gbg
The Blacksmith was always complaining that his business was not doing fine. All the iron that he bought in to fashion into hoes, cutlass, and knives and as on used to burn into ashes. Whenever he put the iron into the fire, he would examine his hands and f he spotted any dift, he would go and wash his hands thoroughly. Before he returned, he would discover that the
iron had burnt into ashes. Tired of this business misfoftune, he went to the home oflwil -Mfl for If consultation; Would he be able to turn his loss into profit? Would he know what was responsible for his business misfoftune in the first place?
The Awo informed AlgbQdg Imgrf n that his problem emanated from his being too neatness conscious. He was told that it was not advisable for him to be cleaning his hands whenever he putthe ron into fire.
so that he would be able to face his work and the iron would be removed inside the fire before it burnt into ashes. He was also advised to offer gbg with three pigeons for economic success, three guineafowls for peace of mind and prestige and three cocks for victory over his misfortune. He was also advised to feed the Ogun of the Blacksmiths to enable him get the suppoft of his Deity. He complied with the advice oflwOil -Mfl. Soon after this, whenever he was working in his smithery he used to rub his hands on his face whenever his hands were drty. This action used to blacken his face but his irons were never burnt again. He fashioned cutlasses, hoes, knives, spoons, nails, iron doors, lock and so on. He sold
If his hands were drty, he was to use his hands to rub his face
236
lI
day's work.
wo ue
them regularly. This gave him a lot of money which enabled him to buy dresses,shoes,bang|es,jewe|riesandsoon,whichhewasusngafterthe That was when he realized that it was reasonable for him to ignore his appearance while he was working. Afterthe day's work, he would bath, put on beautiful dresses and stroll out majestically. He was full of gratitude to
hisAwo,Iwr'l-MT. He was singing, dancing and saying:
Iworl kan nlhln-ln IwOrl kan lohn-rln Iworl di mjl a d'Ododo

Dla fin AlgbQdq ImOgrtn Tl y maa firin jn
Nltor{ oge fbg ni wqn nl kw ge gb'$bo, r'bq je ut o b slt lworl-Mil T nl kl n d ljtl Kl n d l$nu
Kl n 9e gbQn lslQ worl-worl Gbogbo irin ni lb ti jn tn
F wa ba ni nl wQwQ lre WQwQ ire lr Qpq n'lfg
Erolpo, ero Qfa
Translation
One leg ofIwO here on the right One leg oflw there on the left When the legs oflwOil become two, it islwO -M) This was the If cast for the Blacksmith Who will be firing iron until itturns into ashes Because of his fashion consciousness
He was advised
oflmogrln
to offer gbg
He complied
If notforlwo-M17 Who advised me to blacken my face And blacken my mouth (while rubbing my hands on my face) And blacken my lower jaw as charcoal Allthe iron would have burnt into ashes
Travellers tolpo and Qfa
i
237
Join us in midstof abundantlre Abundant Ire is the proft of If followers at Ife
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall make profit n his/her Iife. He/she needs to work hard and ignore how he/she looks while atwork.
13.
If says that it forsees the ire of wealth, prestige, honour, peace of mind and happiness for the person for whom this Od is revealed. says that his/her O will assist him/her in getting his/her heart's desires. His/her life ambitions shall be fulfilled.
If
If says that he/she shall be called upon to come and occupy a

position of responsibility. This position shall make him/her great. If says that there is the need for this person to offer gbg so as to be placed in the aforementioned position of honour. At the same time, he/she needs to offer gbQ against slanderers so that he/she would not be removed unceremoniously from that position. The gbg materials he/she needs to offer so as to be placed in a position of
and money. The gbg against slanders are: big morsels of meat, cooked or raw, and money. On these
two impoftant aspects, If says:
Qkn yg gingin, Qkn wg'n igb Qgen yq lQlQQlQj'n Ati grtnke g'gmg nldfr blrlp-blrlpe Dl f n Ahr-gQko-m-m'l Orrlkg tl a pe lkook Tll sigmg Onlsr Awo Akinja WQn nl gdn gdn nll I'g! a ree p f;bg oy ni wqn nl k w s-e Ko sl ff'bg elnlnl
horsetails,
honour are:
three rats, three fish, three hens, three
Translation
Qkn sprouts thcK and strong and enters the forest Qgan sprouts slender and long and reaches the road
To climb a hilly road, a child's waists move sideways
238
lll
tworiuei
These were the declaations of If to "the farm-hut-watches-the farmbut-cannot-catch-a-th ief" The name given tothe Hyena The offspring of Onfstlr , the patient one, the Awo of Akinja, the Heroic fish He was told that that year was his year of success He was advised to offer gbg for him to be honoured with a chieftaincy title. And also told him to offer gbg against slanders
Ahr-gQko-m-m'l, the-farm-hut-watches-the-farm-but-cannot-catcha-thief, otherwise known aslkooko, the Hyena, went to the Awo mentioned above to know how his chances of success that year would be. The Awo assured him that he would be successful that very year. He was informed that he would be made the Qba of his town that very year. He was advised to offer ebQ so as to be made the Qba of lgodo, his town, that year. The
ebg materials were three rats, three fish, three hens, three horsetails and money. He was also advised to offer gbg against slanders with three cocks, six morcels of meat and money. He also needed to wear the If beads at all times. Ikook reasoned that if he
could be made the Qba of his town, it would be very easy for him to crush any slanderer. Consequently,Ikook offered the gbg for him to become the Qba of his town and ignored the one he was expected to offer against slanderers. He also agreed to wear id.
Soon after this, the reigning 9ba of Igodo died. The king-makers deliberated and decided to put a fish inside a covered calabash as a test for the person who would be picked to be the next Qba of lgodo. They said that anyone who was able to know what was inside the calabash or who mentioned the word'fish' would be made the next Qba of)godo.
All the Awo were invited to come and tell them what was inside the calabash. All of them recited several If stanzas without success. They asked them to tryagain. They did, without success.
While they were doing this,Ikook was passing along the road. The king makers saw the Id which he tied round his wrist and invited him to come and recite for them any Od which he knew. He told them that he was not a Babalwo and that he only knew of one stanza in)wri-MT. He was asked
239
to recite
it. He began by saying.

Qkn yggingin, Qkn wo'nrl igb Sgen yq lQlQQlQ j'n Ati gunke g'gmg nldl btrtpe-blrlp Dl fil n Ahr-g0ko-m-m'l
Orrlkgtl
pelkook
Tff sfgmg Onlsr Awo Akinja
"
Translation
Qkn sprouts thicks and strong and enters the forest Qgan sprouts slender and long and reaches the road To climb a hilly road, a child's waists move sideways
These were the declarations of If to 'the-farm-hut-watches-the farmb ut-ca n not-catch -a-th ief ' The name given to the Hyena The offspring of On'isr, the patient one, the Awo of Akinja, the Heroic fish.
They did not allow him to go beyond this stage before they declared that he had mentioned 'fish' which was what they placed inside the covered calabash. That was howfkook was made the Qba oflgodo. He became a very influental Qba soon after this. He was really enjoying his reign as the Qba oflgodo. Seven years after this, all the goats, rams, ewes, he goats, pgs, chicken
etc. began to get missing in the town. unknown to anyone, it was Eg Qdara who had been keeping these domestic animals. After a while, people began to point accusing fingers at the Qba. Before long, they confronted the Qba that he was the one killing and eating their animals. Before he could explain himself properly, he was dethroned and chased out of the town. In sadness he went back to his Awo for another round of If consultation. That was when he was reminded that he had earlier been warned against slanderers and he had refused to heed the advice of the Awo to offer gbg. He told the Awo that he was prepared to offer the gbg as prescribed. They responded that it had taken him seven years to offer the gbg, therefore all the gbg materials were to be purchased in the multiple of seven. He was
244
lltt
twori
uei
asked
to procure 2L cocks and 42 morsels of meat as gbQ aganst slanderers. He quickly complied. The 42 morsel of meat were placed
inside a clay plate and taken to the bank of the stream very early the following morning. Those who went to fetch water in the stream did not notice that Eg Qdara had been dropping one morsel of meat into each of theirwater jars.
These morsels of meat turned to fore limbs and hind limbs of ewes, goats, rams, pigs and so on, while the water turned to blood. At home, everyone who saw this happening exclaimed that they had never seen anything like that before in their lives. EgU Odara again turned into human being and explained to them that instead of accusing lkookO of killing their domestic animals they should know as from that time that Ikook knew nothing about the missing animals since they had all found the pafts of these animals in their own possession. They should therefore go and find a way of begging Ikook to return to the throne. The elders reasoned that with the latest development, it was clear that the exhibits were found with the elders in the town afterlkookO had been driven out. They selected some representatives to go and appeal to, and bringlkook backto the throne.
Qkn yg gingin, Qkn wg'n igb Qgan yg lQlQQlQ j'n Ati grtnke g'qmq nldh blrlpe-blrlpe Dl fitn Ahr-gqko-m-m'l
Orrkqtl pelkookO Tll slgmg Onls r Awo Akinja WQn nlgdn gdn nll I'g! a ree p f bg oye ni wqn nl k w ge Ksl r'boelnlnl
gb'Qbgrr'bg Ko p kjlnn fi w b'ni nl wQwQ ire gbogbo Translation

Qkn sprouts thicks and strong and enters the forest Qgan sprouts slender and long and reaches the road To climb a hilly road, a child's waists move sideways These were the declarations of Ifa to "the farm-hut-watches-the farmbut-can not-catch-a-th ief" The name given to the Hyena
241
The offspring of Orfsr , the patient one, the Awo of Akinja, the Heroic fish He was told that that year was his year of success He was advised to offer gbg for him to be honoured with a chieftaincy title. And also told him to offer gbg against slanderers Hecomplied Before long, nottoofar loin us in the midstof alllre
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be honoured
with a deseruing title and he/she shallovercome slanderers.
t4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will

successful
be
in life. Therefore, he/she must never be in a hurry to
succeed. He/she needs to be patient and be prayerful. If also says that there is someone who had been trying hard to improve the lot of the person for whom this Od is revealed. However, it is not yet time for him/her to succeed. If says that he/she needs to wait for a little more period for him/her to succeed. If says that he/she needs to wait, and the remaining period for him/her to wait is less than one year. He/she must persevere for the remanng period.
If also says that even though the person for whom this Od is revealed is very truthful, he/she however runs the risk of being tagged a wicked person because he/she easily jumps into conclusions on any matter. He/she also lacks the patience and
maturity to listen to the two sides of any matter before jumping into conclusion. He/she could easily pass judgment on any person or issue without waiting to hear the other side of the case. If says that he/she needs to change this attitude and cultivate the viftue of being patient for him/her not to be blamed where he/she is supposed to be
praised.
If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a Babalwo or \yrrtf, he/she must never use any animal that had hithefto been used as gbg for any client to feed his/her If. If says that if there is the need for him/her to serue If, he/she must go to the market to purchase the items he/she intends to use. Failure to do this will amount to his/her prayer not
242
tt twori Meii
TT
being answered in
time.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guinea fowls, three ducks and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one goat and be very patient at all times. On theselwrl-M) says:
9wq we kO t pepg
T'wgn gblagb kO wg krgb
Igeewebeagba
K m 9e kq
nl
i96tl baba gefQmg o IXfinAkpo Mjqtl lg re pe Qrunmlla l'j$ I'qdq Oldmar

Fbq ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
The hands ofyouths cannot reach the shelf Those of elders cannot enter the neck of the bottle gourd The errand that a youth sends an elder
Lettheelderrefuse not
There are assignments a father is expected to carry out for hs child This was the If cast for AkpO When he went to complain against Qrunm'll in the presence of Oldmar He was advised to offer ebg
Akp had been serving Qrnmll with all his capacity. He promoted Qrnm)l's interest at all times. He did all things that Qrrlnm)l approved of and abstained from all those things his master did not support. He defended Qrnmll at any given oppoftunity. He carried out assignments for Qrrlnm)l, come rain and shine. Even if he had nothing to eat, he was always doing what Qrnm)l his master wanted him to do.
AkpO was doing all these with the understanding that Qrnmll in turn would promote his, Akp's, interest. QrUnmIla would protect him, shower him with blessings and supply him with all his needs in life. Unfoftunately for the Akp, his situation did not improve. He was not rich; he had no wife, no child, no house of his own/ no horse, and no good dresses to show for his unalloyed loyalty to Qrnmll. To make the matter worse, he saw many people who had not served If as much as he had done, who had
243
lfa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consuftation
been more successfulthan him.
In his mind, he concluded that Qrnm)l had done nothing to protect him or shower him with blessings. He went and' repofted Qrnmll to many people that in spite of all what he had done to serve QrnmIl with dedication and loyalty, Qrnmll had left him uncared forand he wastaking care of other people who had not in any way done a fraction of what he had done to serve Qrunmll. All the people he told condemned Qrrlnmll in strong terms and urged him to go and repoft Qrnm)l to oldmar. He therefore went to oldmar to lodge a strong complaint against Qrunmll. When he finished his narration, Oldmar asked him if he was sure of the allegation he had leveled against Qrrlnmll. He responded that he was very sure and that all the people had condemned Qrnmll for his (Qrnmll) insensitivity towards the plight of the AkpO. When Akpo finished his story Oldmar sent for QnJnm'il to hear his own side of the story. There and then, Akp knew that something was wrong with the step he took when he came to repoft Qrrtnmll to oldmar. He knew that nobody had ever bothered to ask Qrnm)l to tell him/her his (Qrnmlla) side of the story. Allthe same he waited to hear what Qrrfnmll had to say on the weighty allegation he had leveled against him. AgbQt'gnu gnlkan d'jq ArQmgsJka Dlfitn Qrunmlla Nljotl baba lg rj'jqAkpo I'qdootdmar fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
He who judges by listening to only one side
He is the prince of the wicked-ones
This was lf's declaration to QrnmIl When going to defend himself on the allegations levelled against him by Akp in the presence of Oldmar He was advised to offergbg
When Qrnm)l was given the message

244
of Oldmar, he went to the
!! wo ue
group of Awo mentoned above to find out why Oldmar had invited him to His presence. The Awo told Qrrtnm'il that his Akpo had gone to Oldmar to lodge a serious complaint against him. They told Qrunmll to go to Oldmar and explain his own side of the story. They also told him to offer gbg as prescribed above. He did, and left for the presence of Oldmar OIdmar, Akp was asked to repeat the entire allegation he had leveled against Qrunm)l. He did. grunm'ila too was asked to explain his own side of the story and Qrnmll explained that he had tried all his best for the AkpO. He explained that he had offered several qbg and etutu on behalf of Akp but alas, the destiny of Akp had decreed that it was not yet time for Akp to succeed in life.
Qrrtnmll explained fufther that whenever he carried the offerings of AkpO to lwrun where gbg were being accepted by the Deities, it was the faces and destinies of other people which used to appear to him. That was when it was discovered that it was the original clients who used the materials which Akp used to feed If as their gbg whose faces were appearing at Iwrun. There and then Akapo was advised never to use any material which he had hithefto used to offer gbg for his clients to feed If. He was advised to endeavour to purchase his own materials independently. Qrnm'il explained fufther that it remained less than one year for AkpO to succeed.
In the presence
of
Oldmar told Qrnmll to show his Akp all the evidences that Akp would need to convince him (Akpo) that a lot had been done on his (Akp) behalf. Qrrf nmll did. Oldmar then asked the two of them to go backto eafth and return in one year's time. They all went.
Before one year, AkpO had succeeded. He had become wealthy. He now had a wife, and his wife was already pregnant. Both Akap and Qrnmll returned to Oldmar.
Ever before any of them could say anything, Akp prostrated for Qrnmll, begging for forgiveness that he had not heard Qrunm)l's side of the story Oldmar. He before he went to repoft him to people and then
to
245
admitted that he had acted without properly investigating the matters.

That was when Oldmar declared that nobody should judge any matter without hearing all sides of the story.
Qwq we k t pgpe T'wgn agbalagb k wg krgb
IFeewebgagba
K m ge kq
nl i96tl baba gefQmg o D,lfitnAkpO riq tl rtlg r pe Qrunmlh l'jq l'qdq oldmar fibg niwQn nl k9e gb'Qborr'bg Njea gbqt'qnu gnlkan d'jqoOseun o A gbQ t'gnu gnlkan dTq g'nlyn Mgbatl o o gbq t'e4u gnlkejl
Emi lod'jqs{?
Translation
The hands of youths cannot reach the shelf Those ofelders cannotenterthe neck ofthe gourd The errand that a youth sends an elder Letthe elder refuse not There are assignments a father is expected to carry out for his child This was the If cast for AkpO When he went to complain against Qrrlnmll in the presence of Oldmar He was advised to offer gbg He complied He who listens to, and judges, one side; you do not do well He who listens to, and judges, one side; you are wicked When you have not heard from the other side Why passing judgment?
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to desist from passng judgments without listening to all sides of the story. If warns also that he/she must never jump into conclusion without thorough investigation on any matter before upholding what is the truth of the matter at all times.
246
lll
twori mei
If says also that whenever he/she was wrongly accused of any wrongdoing, he/she must explain patiently for those involved to see the real truth of the matter at all times. He/she must never be angry. He/she must display maturity at all times. There lies honour, there lies glory. There lies happiness. There lies greatness.
15.
If says that a thief or group of thieves is stealing the things of the
very close to him/her. lf says that those responsible for

dispossessing other people of their legitimately acquired possessions shall meet with disgrace and humiliation. If says that those responsible for this dastardly act are highly placed people in the community. In this wise, they are warned to desist from this behaviour.
person for whom this Od is revealed or someone or group of people
If also warns the victims of this theft action never to make any
deliberate attempt to broadcast and expose those involved because their expose will surely lead to a chain of reaction which will eventually tear the community apart, because of the caliber of those involved. If says that those who will catch them only need to make them agree to an undeftaking that such a thing will never repeat itself again, and then find a way of ensuring that it is binding on them. This is in no way a method of condoning a wrong deed but rather, a way of preserving the future of the community.
If says that there is need to offer qbg with three cocks and
the need to feed Egu Qdara with one cock. On this, a stanza inIwOfi-mT says:is also
money. There
Agba t g'Ofin yQnmQtl Kl wQn m gek Qkan mg p o rQ lllal Dia fun Qrunmll Baba rtlo re d'ko etf 'l f;bg niwqn nl k Se
Translation
The elder who had placed a ban on benniseed
247
One seed of it must never be found in his pocket
That was If's declaration to Orr:nmlla When going to cultivate farm on the outskiritof the village He was advised to offergbg
Qrrlnmll went tolgodo as a Babalwo. While inlgd, he discovered that the inhabitants of this town knew nothing about benniseed and its medicinal values. He therefore approached the Qba of town to encourage his people to grow the seed. They all showed lack of interest in the venture. He explained again that oil could be extracted from the seed and that the seed had great medicinal values. Yetthey showed no interest. Qrunm'll, in order to prove to the inhabitants oflgod that they were about to throw away a golden chance, decided to cultivate the benniseed farm by himself. He therefore approached the Qba once again to seek a parcel of land in the outskift of the town. The land was granted to him. Qrunm)la asked for paid labourers who helped him to clear the farm and plant the seeds. He also had workers who were wetting the farm as at when required.
Soon afteq the seeds began to germinate. When it was about time to begin to harvest the seeds, he discovered that others had been harvesting same behind his back. He wentto repoft his finding to the Qba. The Qba advised him to be vigilant and to be on the look-out for those who might want to sell the seeds in the market. When this measure did not solve the problem, Qrrfnm)l approached the Qba again for a better solution to the problem. The Qba then informed the town criers to announce that allthe inhabitants should assemble in front of the Qba's palace the following morning. When they had all assembled, the Qba informed them of what had been happening to Qnf nmll. He then decreed that nobody should be found with
a single seed of bennlseed since nobody was cultivating its plantation

except Qrunmll. Everybody dispersed.
The following day, Qrnm)l went to his farm only to discover that more of the seeds had been removed by these unknown hoodlums. Consequent upon this, Qrnmll went to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would he be able to catch the thieves stealing his farm product? Would he be able to make any profit from this experiment of his
248
llf,
two e
with the benniseed plantation? The Awo assured him that thieves who were stealing his things would be exposed. He was however warned that he should not raise an alarm whenever they were caught. Instead, he should make sure that an allabiding oath was sworn to so that the culprit or culprits would desist from their nefarious acts. Qrrlnmll was warned that exposing the culprits might tear the town apart because of the fear and distrust that it would bring. He was told to offer gbg with three cocK and money. He was also advised to feed E9 Qdara with one cock, Qrnmll did allthesethings immediately.
About three days later, QrUnm'll was first asleep at night when he suddenly woke up with the feeling that some people were in his farm and that he needed to go there urgently. He set out for the farm. Right inside the farm, he caught the Oba and many of his highly placed chiefs with benniseeds in their pockets, hands, and filled inside several bags that they had brought to caft the product away as they were about to leave the farm with their loot.
Immediately they saw QrUnm)l, they discovered that it would be fruitless to bolt away. They also knew that they could not harm or kill him in order to hide their misdeed. They all took the next available option open to them; they all prostrated to him and began to beg him. When he saw this, he first had the urge to raise an alarm in order to attract people to the scene. He however remembered the warning of his Awo. He therefore made them to swear to an oath that they would never steal or get themselves involved in any act unbecoming of highly placed individuals of their caliber again. They did. Qrrlnm'll then swore on them that any of them who went against the oath they had sworn to would die a shameful and unceremonious death. They allsaid Ase, may it be so. Qrnmll leftthem to go, but took back his belonging from them. As from that time, nobody stole anything from his farm again, The community too did not repoft any serious incident of stolen items any more.
Agba t $'Ofin yQnmQtl Kl wQn m ge k Qkan mq epo o rg |llal
DiafunQrnmll
Baba lg r d'ko etf'l Fbq niwQn nl k9e
249
lfa Dida: An invtaon to lfa Consultation
gb'gborr'bg Njg mo r'j ol l'ko mi o

Emi m m r'jrt ol
Emiojgvo
Mo r'jrt ol l'ko mi o
Translation
The elderwho had placed a ban on benniseed One seed of it must never be found in his pocket That was If's declaration to QrrlnmIl When going to cultivate farm on the outskift of the village He was advised to offer qbg. He complied I have found thethieves stealing in myfarm I have been able to identiff the thieves But I dare not say I have found the thieves stealing in my farm
If says that those stealing the things of this person shall be exposed and put to shame. Conversely, the person for whom this Od is revealed must never steal, cheat or deceive others, lest he/she is exposed and put to shame. If says that he/she must never alter the law that he/she had made himself/herself or whom he/she was a party to its promulgation. This may lead to his/her being humiliated and putto public odium.
16. If says that there is a pregnant woman where this Od is cast, the
woman needs to offer gbg so as to avoid a situation where the coming child will become a notorious thief when he/she grows up. If says that the chances of the chld becoming a bandit it is too high and only gbg can avert it.
If also warns that there is a woman who had just finished her menstruation and who is willing and ready to become pregnant at
that pafticular point in time but If advised the woman and her man
to exercise patience for at least a couple of months lest she becomes pregnant and gives brth to a bandit.
If says that such a child, when born, will give his/her parents,
254
!! worue especally the mother, sleepless nights and a lot of troubles. The parents shall be blamed for all the misdeeds of their child. The child
will be so notorious that everybody in the community will not have rest for one day because of his/her activities. If therefore recommends for the pregnant woman, one matured he-goat' bones of any kind and money. On this,IwOr'i-Mfl says:oguna bl ljl wg'lu
OrlgA-Oko l rln lhOho wg'ja Dl filn Ywand Tly I'oyn Qlgqa s'ln Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Like hurricane, Ogn rushed into the city And OriSa-Oko walked nakedly into the market place
These were lf's declarations to Ywnd Who shall be carrying the pregnancy of a thief about She was advised to offer qbg
Ywnd was she who had just missed her menstrual period. She went to her Awo to find out what manner of child she would eventually give bifth to, and at the same time, find out about the incoming child's chances of success in life.
The Awo informed her that she would deliver the baby safely and in good health. She was however advised to offer gbg against giving bifth to a child who would eventually become a bandit later in life. She was warned that the child would be her greatest source of sorrow in life. In order to avoid this therefore, there was the need for her to offer qbg with one matured he-goat, assofted bones of any kind and money.
Ywnd thought that this warning was just a device by the Awo to make her waste her money over nothing, She simply refused to offer the qbg. Soon after, she gave bifth to a bouncing baby boy. The boy grew rapidly. The boy was also full of health and vitality. By the time he was 10 years however, he had been stealing things at home and in the neighbourhood. By the time he was 15 years he had been waylaying people to dispossess 251
Ywnd's child. Everybody kept shouting the name of Ywnd as the mother of a terrible terrorist. They were all blaming her for not being able to take adequate and proper care of her child from youth. That was when she remembered the warnings of the Awo when she was carrying the pregnancy of the boy. But alas, it was rather too late for her to make any amendment. She lived and died with her regrets.
Ogun ja bnjtwQ't Ortgq-Oko l rln lhOho wg'ja Dl filn Ywnd Tl y l'yn QIqqa s1nr fibg ni wqn nl k w Se
them of their belongings. By the time he was 20, he had become a notorous bandit. The whole community knew no peace because of
kg'tl Qgbgnhin s'ebg Ywndlwg lo ge'ni Ywndlwg lo o g'nlyn Iwg lo w l'yn sl'n Tl o sl bl ol I'Qmg
Translation
Like hurricane, Ogn rushed nto the city And OilSa-Oko walked nakedly into the market place These were lf's declarations to Ywnd Who shall be carrying the pregnanry of a thief about She was advised to offer gbg She refused to heed the advice Now, Ywnd you are a bad person Ywnd, you are an irresponsible woman
You were the one who got pregnant And gave bifth to a bandit
If says that it is in the best interest of the person for whom this Od is revealed to heed If's warning. If Ywnd had known, she would have been willing to spend her money to secure a more rewarding future for
herself and her child.
Abgrrt Aboy.
252
lI
mo ua
B.
SIGNIFICANCE OF IWONI-MEI TON THOSE BORN BYTHE OD DURING ITFLD ORIK9SFDAYE
children will achieve alltheir goals in life. Their achievements are not usually easy as it will always be a lucky break at the very last minutes. That is one major reason why their achievements are miraculous. The other reason is that it is usually difficult to match their business and other means of livelihood with their achievements. This may surprise other people, but should not surprise those who understand the workings of If aslwil-Mll chldren are beloved children of If. The more they dedicate their livesto If the morethe suppoftand protectlon theywillget. Apart from If, Iworl-Mjl children also have the suppoft of Ol and Ay. Their Ori are always behind them and since no Deity is greater than Ol (except Oldmar), nothing can stop their achievements in life. Many people complain of being in trouble with Ay, the witches, but in the case of IwOrl-Mjl children, Ay gives them suppoft and they achieve success where hordes of other people failwoefully.
Iwrl-Mjl
tworl-Mjl children usually succeed through the assistance of strangers

and visitors. That is, visitors of all types. There lies the success secret of all lwOrl-Mjl children. That is why, they succeed where other fails. That is how they receive assistance from unexpected sources.
For lwOrl-Mjl children, the most comfoftable position they could ever attain in their lives is the Number Three position. This is because of peace of mind, achievement, success and glory. Aiming to attain the NumberOne orTwo positions is simplythe means of courting trouble.
children are blessed with the fact that no matter how great they may be, their children, if properly cared for, will be richeq greater, more influential and more respected than them. The influence and position of their children will enhance their success chances.
For any
Iwrl-Mil
lwrl-Mjl child, victory over adversary
is
assured. He/she shall
overcome all his/her adversary. He/she shall overcome povedry, ill-health, misfortune, backbiters, conspirators and so on. He/she shall also live long
253
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consuftation
to his/her old age. chldren are honest and they uphold the truth at all times, even though they do not have the patience or presence of mind to investigate all sides of any matter before taking sides. This is an aspect of their lives they need to amend in order to avoid a situation where they will be taking decisions or passing judgment based on incomplete information. In the same vein, as a result of their insistence on the truth, and on forcefully repeatng their castigation of wrong deeds and wrong doers at all times, they end up incurring the wrath of powerful people who are usually after their downfall. But no matter what these people do, Iwrl-Mil children are usual ly victorious.
By nature,
fwrl-Mil
IwOrl-Mjl chldren must also be advised on how to divide their time between the period of play and work. They must know when to go after
fashion and good looks and when to go after their work, how to go about the two separately, and with what manner to do so. They appear to lack the capacty to make a clear cut division between work and play. This may adversely affect their business and other means of livelihood.
That lwOrl-Mjl children will succeed in life is not contestable, but they need to offer gbg against, and beware of, slanderers so that their white clothes will not be stained with oil. Iwrl-Mjl children must be patient at all times. They must learn how to wait for their turn at all times. They will succeed but they must never move ahead of their destiny. They must never be avaricious; they must never wish to reap where they had not sown in order to avoid being disgraced. All their children must also be properly taken care of, so as to avoid any of them becoming notorious bandit.
On the whole,
lwrl-Mfl children live fulfilled and satisfactory
lives.
They live long, grow old, and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
C.
1.
AFFILIATED IRUNMOLE AND ORISA OF IWONI-PIEI
If
For assistance, progress, security and protection
2.
Orl - For progress, assistance and security

254
ltf,
wori uei
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
E;u Qdara - For overall well-being and suppoft Ogrtn - For financial success and business achievement.
gbatE (Orlga-l)
- For protection against death
10.
$ng For security and protection. Fgb For general love and leadership Yemoja For child-bearing and followership Od For success and security Orlfa-Oko For abundance and contentment
D. TABOOS OFIWONI-MEJI CHILDREN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Must never use any paft of Idf tree to avoid being displaced in his/her place of comfoft Must avoid using cotton or do any work relating to the cotton industry cannot be a tailor, fashion designer, wool spinner, or work in a cloth-making factory. This is in order to avoid failed ambition and inability to actualize self. Must never use Orpa tree to avoid incessant illness which claim his/her life in the end Must never use Qkn and/or Qgan leaves to avoid childlessness Must never use ap,Irk, ko, rpa, olgnses, and/or rb trees or any part thereof - to avoid childlessness and inability to achieve one's desire. Must never judge without hearing all sides of the story to avoid
may
disgrace and humiliation Must never use other people's gbg materials for himself/herself to avoid unfulfilled dreams and unanswered Must never be too fashion conscious to avoid economic failure
prayers
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF IWONI MEJI CHILDREN

DURING IK9SFDAYE
i. Male
1. Orllonlkg
O ensures love and adoration 255
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton
2. Ifdr If performs wonders 3. Ifosn If does not renege on ts promse 4. Ifggmg If gives us the child 5. Iftlmll,yln If gives me suppoft
i. Female IfkQmi If pampers me 2. Ifdnmlnln If makes me happy
1.
3. Ifadara If performs wonders 4. Iffnmikg If gives me someone to pamper

Abgrrt Abgye.
256
CHAPTER FOUR
ODl MEI
ll illl ll ll ll
Chapter Four
A.
Ool r t{EI
1.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is guaranteed the protection of If. If says that he/she is sure of
the protection of four major Od. These Od are
E)-Ogb, QyQk-m),Iwil-MT and Odf -me). He/she will not die young. He/she will not be deserted bythese principal Od.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to uphold tenets at all times. He/she must act, and must be seen, as a sincere, dedicated and loyal If follower at all times. He/she needs to offer one matured he-goat as gbg for longevity. He/she also needs to feed If with a mature goat. If these can be done, no matter what, he/she will not die young. On these Odt-welf
says:Agblnklngblnkln InU erin Nkan jQbojqbq lQrn e,fgn Alamq-ede, bl ko b bq klfe Dl fn Myml Tff sgmgod mqrqQrln Igba tQrun bq wl ay f bg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation The massive belly of
an elephant And the thick fleshy paft of the bush cow's neck A guess-work, if not understood fully, is not satisfactory These were lf's declarations to Myrnf (Do not deseft Me) Who was the child of the four principal Od When coming from Heaven to eafth
258
ii
He was advised to offer ebo
oo,r",
Mymi was about to leave Heaven for eafth, in order to know if he would live long and happily on eafth, he went for If consultation. Would he live long? Would he be prosperous on eafth? Would he be able to achieve his heaft's desires while on earth? Would he be happy on eafth? The Awo assured him that he would surely be happy on earth. He was also assured that he would live long. He was told thatthe four principal Od were in his suppoft. As a matter of fact, he was told that he actually derived the source of his very existence and protection from the spring of EJi-Ogb, QyQkrt-m3),Iwfl-M;T and Od-meji. He was assured thatthese Od would never abandon him while on eath. He was advised to uphold allthe tenets of If and be of good behaviour at all times. He was advised to offer ebg with one matured he goat. He complied. While on eafth, Myrnl enjoyed the protection of the four principalOd. He lived long. He was blessed with all the good things of life. He was a very happy man indeed. He used to announce to people that he was a child of the four principal Od and he was very proud of this.
Agblnklngblnkln Inu erin Nkan jQbojQbq Qrn gfgn AlmQ-ede, bl ko b bq klife D,l fn Myml Tll sgmg od mereerln Igbatl tQrun bq wl ay Fbq ni wqn nl k w Se gb'gbo, nl'bg Eil-ogb o nff fi Myml tlrQfiln Ik pa QyQkrt-mji o nflfi MymltlrQfitn lktt pa Iw0rl-Mji O nll fi Myml tlrQfitn Ik pa Odl-meji o nff fi Myml ttrQfiln Ik pa Gbogbolworo-Sqpe Myml If lmi ge o Gbogbolwro-9qpe
Translation
The massive belly of an elephant
259
And the thick fleshy paft of the bush cow's neck Aguess-work, if not understood fully, is notsatisfactory These were lf's declarations to Myrnl (Do not desert me) Who was the child of the four principal Od When coming from Heaven to Eafth
He was advised to offer gbg He complied
Ef-Ogb will never deset Myarff for Death to kill QygkU-mejiwill neverdeseft Myrfffor Death to kill Iwfi-Mji will never deseft Myrn1 for Death to kill Od-mejiwill neverdesert Mynf for Death to kill Allfollowersof If I am indeed Mynf of If All followers of Qpg, the only kernel
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall never
abandoned and allowed to die a premature death.
be
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with allthe ire of life. In fact, these ire will be coming to him/her in fours. He/she shall not lack any of the good things of life. He/she shall be blessed with all of these things. All he/she needs to do is to offer appropriate gbg and be contented with what Oldmar had donefor him/her.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, four pigeons, four hens, four cocks, four guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one hen. On these,If says: 0qqtqoqq
QrqqrggrQQ Oglrl toJqg hnhn Dl fn Qrnmlla
Babay nlregbogbo Nlgbe tgbgrin gbQrin fibg ni wqn nl wQn nl k 9e
260
*i oo,r",
Translation
Qtqqtqqtqq
QrqqrQQrQq
Oglritgtqg hnhn
They were the Awo who cast If for Qrnrnf la Who shall acquire allthe Ire of life At the time that they would come in fours He was advised to offer ebo. Qrnrn'ila went to the three Awo mentioned above to know how he be able to get all the good things of life. What would he do to get How much of them would he be able to get? When would he get them? Through what means would he be able to get them?
would them?
The Awo assured him that he would be able to get all the IRE in life. He was also assured that he would get them with relative ease. He was told that through consistency, handwork, dedication to his duty and patience, his success was assured. To crown it all, the Awo affirmed that all the IRE would come to him in fours.- four wives, four children, within a year, four
horses, four of everything he desired. He advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied. houses
of his own, for
was
Truly, before long, he was able to acquire allthe Ire he wanted as promised by If. He was full of joy. He was also full of gratitude to Oldmar. He was singing and dancing saying:-
StqqtqoJq0
QrQQrggrQQ
OglrltoJqqhonhn
Dl fn Qrrtnmlla Baba y nlre gbogbo Mgba t gbQrin gbQrin fbg ni wQn nl wgn nl k 9e
gb'Qbg,r'bg Nig bati o gberi n-gberin

Tepele, laa bewe eleyo-oka lodo Ayaje nni o lgba t gbQrin gbQrin TepelQ l bw glyg-ok
ldo
i
261
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultaton
Mgba tgbQrin gbQrin Tpl, l bw qlyg-gka ldo
Qmejnnlq
Iljg nnl9
Nlgba t gbQrin gbgrin Tepl, la bw glgyg-gka |do IregbogbojQnnf g l,flgba t gbQrin gbQrin Tpl, le bw glyg-gka ldo KopS, kojlnn f w b ni nl wQwq ire gbogbo
Translation
OJQqtqoJqQ
QrQQrggrgg
0gI t9t9g hnhn TheyweretheAwo who cast If forQrnrnlla Who shall acquire all the IRE of life Atthe time thattheywould come in fours He was advised to offerebq He complied Aj riches let me have you When you will come in fours In heaps do we meet flQyg-gk leaves in the river Spouse, let me haveyou When you willcome in fours In heaps do we meet flgyg-gka leaves in the river Children let me haveyou When you will come in fours In heapsdowe meetflQyq-gka leaves inthe river? All Ire let me haveyou When you willcome in fours In heaps do we meet flQyg-gk leaves in the rver
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall acqure all the Ire of life. They will be rushng to him/her. It may not be a surprise to see that he/she has more than one house, more than one car, many children etc. it is merely the fulfillment of lf's promise to him/her. He/she shall be verysuccessful in life.
262
*l
oo,r",
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not to travel outside the shores of his/her fatherland before he/she will succeed. If says that it is in one spot that he/she stays that he/she
will be getting allthe Ire required in life.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has already travelled outside his/her community, he/she needs to be advised to
return to his/her home-land as all the Ire in life are already waiting for him/her at home. If says thatthere is need for him or her to offer qbq with four pigeons, salt and money. There is also the need to feed If and Oke wth kolanuts, palmoiland money. On these If says:
Ilni mojkOst
Ni gbogbo ire wQ
turutu w b ml
Mojkoalner
Mo rire grQ t wq tqml w
DlfnOdl
fibg ni wQn nl k w s, e
Translation
I sat in my home When all lre came trooping towards my direction I sat down without attempting to stand up I saw prosperty moving towards me These were lf's declarations to Od'i When going on spirtual mission to OkO He was advised to offer ebo
lu was the original home of Od'i. He feltthat business was not moving fine for him in his home-town. He therefore wanted to go to Oko where he felt that there were better business oppoftunities for him. Consequent upon this, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation; Would he succeed in his proposed abode? Would he be able to make more money at
OfoZ Would he have peace of mind, prestige and honour there? The Awo told him thatthere was no need for him to leave his home-town for any other place. He was assured things of life would soon come his way. He
263
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consuftation
was advised to offer gbg with four pigeons, salt and money. He was also advised to feed If and Oke with kolanuts and palmoil. He was also advised to exercise patience.
Odf felt that the Awo did not know what they were talking about, more also, when all those who had gone to Oko returned with plenty of all the good things of life. Odl did not see any reason why his own case would be of any different. For this reason, he simply ignored the advice of the Awo. Two days later, he headed for Oko town.
At 0k, his situation grew from bad to worse. Things simply refused to work for him. Much as he tried, things did not improve instead they were just deteriorating. By the time he began to patch his dresses when he could not afford new one's he decided to pack his bags and baggages and return to
Eiu.
Immediately he reached fiU, ne headed for the home of his Awo. He informed them that he was ready to offer his gbg as prescribed. The Awo offered the gbg for him fed If and Oke for him and advised him to go home and exercise patience. He was also warned never to gauge his success or failure chances with other people's yardsticks again. He took to their advice and went home to await what the Deities had in store for him.
A few days after, he returned, people began to come to his home to seek spiritual seruices. At first, they came in trickles. Later, they trooped to his house. Soon after, his house became a beehive of activities. He was well remunerated by his clients. When he could notcope allalone, he gotseveral . apprentices to assist him. He was being sought for from far and near. Befqre long, his name was synonymous with his home town. People used to say that they were going to Eju, the home of Odf . He became a very rich, highly respected, honourable and prestigious man. Because he had learnt to be contented with whatever If had given him, he had relative peace of mind. He was a very happy man indeed. It was a joyful Odf who began to praise his Awo, saying:-
Il ni mojksl
Ni gbogbo ire wQ
turutu w b ml
Mojk0alnar
264
ii
Mo rire grq t wq tqml w Dla fn Odl Fbq ni wQn nf k w ge WQn sl nl k m lg
oo,r",,
gb'$borr'bg , Ojotoo-teyt n-tig IreAj d w o Glrlglrl
koko
Nire gbogbo maa d wa b mi
Gtrlglrl Ire aya maa d wa o Glrlglrl

Girigiri Ire gmg maa d wa o Glrlglrl

Glrlglrl Ire il maa d w o Glrlglrl Nire gbogbo maa d w b mi Glrlglrl Ibi a fi yq sl IbQ n nlyq ngomil sl Glrlglrl Nire gbogbo maa d wa b mi Glrlglrl Ote ffi ye Tfl filgb'QbgtirQ Glrlglrl Nire gbogbo maa d w b mi Glrlglrl
Translation
In home I sat When all Ire came trooping towards my direction I sat down without attempting to stand up I saw prosperity moving towards me These were If's declaration to 0d1 When going on spiritual mission to Oko He was advised to offer qbg And for him notto go
(.
265
'
Hecomplied He-sits-and-rest-h is-back-aga i nst'the-Ak ko-tree And wealth came rushing to me LikeSwarm AllIre rushestoward me Just likeswarm The Ire of a spouse rushed towards me Like swarm All Ire rushes toward me The Ire of children rushes towards me Like swarm All Ire of good home rushestoward me Likeswarm All Ire rushes towards me Just like swarm The sport where salt is kept Is where it turns to water Likeswarm All Ire rushes towards me Just like swarm The illdoes notmove Before it is given its own gbg Like swarm All Ire rushes towards me Just like swarm
If says that for Odt-Uef children and all those for whom this Od is cast, they do not need to travel about before all the good things of life becomes theirs. Their chances of success are more enhanced in their home base than outside their place of bfth.
4.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a good spouse, good children,

honour, prestige, achievement and Ire from outside the domain of the person for whom this Od is revealed.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed or someone very close to him/her is seriously looking for a baby. If says thatwith
appropriate gbg and feeding of Od, they will get the baby. The child will be a female. When she grows uF, she must be given out to If because she is If's wife from heaven. If this is done, when this 266
trl oo,r.,
born.
female child grows up, she will give bfth to a male chld as her first
,
There is yet another person here who needs to offer gbg and feed If, for him/her to be able to live very long on eath. If says that the person concerned shall live to become very old on earth. On these, a
stanza ln Odf-Mefl says:
Bl b dun'ni K mQ p ldun'ni
OrQ
dunni-dunni lrankn gni QrqtOdun Babalwo l{fl dun If QrQt dun Onlggun lrffl dun Qsanyin
OhuntrrdunAj lffdunOmusuldfl re DlfnQrunmll If gawo rel lljrl [bg niwqn ff k w ge
Translation If it hurts one

We must recognize that it huts one A matter which hufts one is it that one ionsiders as one's malignity A matterwhich huts a Babalwo Is the one that hurts If (QrUnrnlla) A matter which hurts an Orfggrln, the herbaliset Is the one that hufts Qsanyin
That which hufts an Aje, the witch Is the one that hufts her Oms These were If's declarations to When going on spiritual mission to the home of f lj the king of He was advised to offer ebo
Qrnrnll
Eju
Qrnnfla was living in Ad-Eldtl. He had established himself as an accomplshed If priest. His reputation had gone far and wide. One day, Flej, the king of Ej was having the problem of childlessness. He and his
councl of Awo in EjU tried everythng they could, all without success. Flj was then told about the capabilities of Qrnnfl. Consequently, he summoned Qrnrnf l to come and help him solve his
problems.
267
The moment Qrnnfl received the message of Flej, he approached the group of Awo mentoned aboved for If consultation; Whatwas the reason behind Elj's problem? Would he receive honour while there? Would Flej be a grateful person after his problems had been solved?
The Awo told Qrnrn'il that Flj was only suffering from childlessness. He was told that flj needed to offer gbg and feed Od in order for his wife to become pregnant. Qrnrnfla was told that if this problem was eventually solved, Flj would show his gratitude to Qrnrnfla. Qrnnfla was then advised to offer gbg with four hens, four fish, four rats'and money. He was also asked to feed If with four rats, four fish and money. He did everything and headed for flj's palace to answer his call. Qrnmlla Awo f;lgj Dlfn Flj To nsunkrtn Oun Oblmo f;bg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Qrnrnf la, theAwo of fl-j He was the one who cast If for llj When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto beget a child He was advised tooffergbg
to feed Od with 16 snails. He complied immediately. After this,
At the Flj palace, Qrnrntla cast If for flQj and said that the reason why he summoned him was on how to beget many children in his life. Qrnnfla advised FljU to offer gbg with 16 hens and money. He was also advised
Qrnnf la assured Flj that his first child was going to be a female and that the child needed to be given to If as wife when she grew up.
to be his resident Babalwo in order to ensure that Qrnnfla was around when his prediction came to pass. Ornnfla
FljU then asked Qrnntila
agreed.
Soon after this, f lQj's wife became pregnant. She gave bfth to a baby girl. The baby was named Oknt. When the girl grew up, pQj handed her over
268
ii
as wife to
oo,r",
Qrnnfla. On that day, when all the wedding ceremones were completed, Qrnrnfla fed Od again with 16 snails. Soon after this,
Oknt became pregnant for Qrnrnila, she gave birth to a baby boy. The baby was named Apr--dgb a name given to him after Od. The boy was trained as a Babalawo. He soon became a prominent If priest. Qrnrn'ila had however returned to Ado-Ekiti as soon as his wife was handed overto him. One day, Flj summoned Qrnrn'ila again to come and cast If for him. Instead of going by himself, Qrnrnf la sent his son Apr--dagba who was flj's-grandson to go and cast If for his grand-father. When Apr-dgba was going, he wentto meet Igbln pile ar nl dld
AfebOjO pe rn nl wlw T nff gbj u fifo |ideagada K s'gni ttl gbj u ylyan l algqmg
D,l
fn Apr-O-dagba
Tl gawo 19 l Flj fbg ni wqn nl k qe
Translation
The snail does not originate the aft of dye-making AfeebOj ratdoes notoriginatethe artof hole digging Who dares to rely on a tied-hen for flying? Nobody can ever rely on a chameleon to make a quick These were lf's declarations to Apr--dgba When going on a spiritual mission to flj's palace He was advised to offer ebe
match'
past
The main reason why Apr--dgb went for If consultation was for him not to assume that since flj was his maternal grand-father he (Flj) must have summoned him for matrimonial matters. In this wise, he wanted to be very sure of the reason behind his being summoned. He also wanted to know if he would succeed in his sojourn.
The awo mentioned above, whom he went to for If consultation, told him that flj, having acquired all the good things of life was pre-occupied with how he would be able to live long and enjoy the fruit of his labour. Apr-O-
269
dgb was also assured that he would accomplsh his msson and would
succeed
in his sojourn. He was advised to offer gbg with four pigeons, four hens and money. He complied. Soon after, he
headed for flj's palace.
g b, Awo f, lj Dlfn Fhj Tl sunkn ogb gbuurugbu
Apr-O-d
Sbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Apr-O-dgb, theAwo of flj He was the one who cast If for f;lQjU When worried overthe issueof longevity He was advised to offerqbg
when Apr--dgba arrived at flQj's house, he cast If for Flj. He told Fli that after he had been blessed with all the Ire in life, he was praying for long life in order for him to enjoythe fruit of his labour. Flj was assured that he would live long on eafth. He was advlsed to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He was also advised to feed If with one matured she-goat. He complied. After this, he lived very long on eafth. He died a very contented man.
Bl b dun'ni K mQ p rtdun'ni OrQ dunni-dunni lrankn gni
OhuntdunAjg
QrQtrtdun Babalwo Ml dun If OrQt dun Onlggrln l{ff dun Qsanyin

Nll dun OmsUldff re
DlfnQrUnmll If rt$awo rel flj fbg ni wqn nl k w ge gbgbgrorubg Qrnmll awo ile Fhj Dlfn Flj Eyl tl sunkn all blmg
270
*i oo,r",,
Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
gb$borrrlbg
lgbatlybll
bl okunto Okunto fqsn degba nforu dlde WQn fe l Qrunmll lw WQn ni kl wQn lo bdOd WQn gb'$bo, wQn r'bg OkrntO na finu soyun Ofoyn rg bl qknrin Qmg ti a bg Od k t bl Ka ma p nl Aperc--degba Awgn lgbln o pilQ ar nl dld Afebojo pilQ rn nl wlw Ta nff gbjr u fif l'dle egd KO s'Qnitll gbj u ylyan l algemQ DlfnApr-O-dgb
Tl saworelfljrt Tff Se babalya a rQ Fbq niwqn nl k w 9e
gbbq rrlbg
Apr-O-d gb, Awon l Fj Tl sunkn ogb gbuurugbu Fbq niwqn nl k w 9e
Dlfn Heju
gbebq rrlbg
Ko p ko
jlnna
Ire gbogbo wa ya d ttru Nje Flju-nl-pee Qmgow knl, owya doko Nb r'gb b r ba ma m r'gb Flj ma r Eyin o mQ wlp Alk If dn, j'oyin 19o?
Translation
If it hurts one
We must recognize that it hurts one A matter which hurts one is it that one considers as one's malignity A matterwhich hufts a Babalwo Is the one that hufts If
271
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultaton
A matter which hurts an Orf9egn
Is the one that hutts QsanYin That which hufts an Aj(witches) Isthe onethat hufts her OmUsU These were lf's declarations to Qrnmll When going on spiritual mission to the home of Fl-j
Hewas advised to offerqbg HecomPlied Orrlnmlldthe residentAwo of [lj He was the one who castlf for SljU when weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto beget a child He was advised to offerqbq He comPlied When hewould have a babY His wife gave bifth to a female child The female child was named Oknt Oknt was growing bY the daY And develoPing raPidlY bY night She was handed overto Qnlnmlla (as wife) TheY were advised to feed Od TheYcomPlied She became pregnant and gave bifth to a baby boy The baby born afterfeeding Od That baby shall be named Apere-O-dagba Now, the snail does not originate the art of dye-making And Afeeboi rat does not originate the art of hole-digging Who dares to rely on a tied-hen for flying? Nobody can evei rely on a chameleon to do a quick match-pass These were If's declarations to Apr-0-dgb When going on a spiritual mission to flj's palace His maternal grand-father He was advised to offer gbg He comPlied Apere-o-dagb, the residentAwo of f lQj He wasthe onewho castlf for [lQj When preoccupied with the issue of longevity He was advised to offer gbq He comPlied Before long, nottoofar Alllre came in abundance
Now
flej-rf-Pee He wh anei RIting his home to the brim with money, the spill-over reached thefarm
272
li
If I could be as old as FIJU, I am prepared to pay for t If I could be this old, I am readyto pay Don'tyou knowthat The longevity as guaranteed by lfa is sweeter than honey?
oo,r",
If says that the person for whom this Od is cast will have all the good
things of life in his/her possesson. Not only this, the Ire of longevlty shall be added to him/heras bonus.
5.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall
blessed with responsible people who shall surround him. If that he/she shall get all the necessary suppofts from people. If says that he/she shall never be abandoned by people. If says that there is the need for him/her to feed his/her O regularly. By so doing, all the ire in life shall be his/hers and all the responsible people shall surround him/her and shall be giving him useful advice that will make him/her great, so says If. On these If says: Ylmlylml abQyin pl| Dl frn Orl Tll bg lgbr Oun nlkan goso glrogro Fbg ni wqn n| k w ge
be says
Translation
Vrnlyirnf , the beetle, with its hard back
He was the Awo who cast If for Of When he was alone without companion He was advised to offer gbg
When O was coming from heaven to Earth, he was saddled with the responsiblities of feeling, hearing, thinking, seeing, speaking, breathing, eating, tasting and smelling. He discovered that the nine functions he was expected to perform would be too much for him alone if he did not have those who would assist him. In this wise, he decided to go to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation.
The Awo told him that he would not only get those who would assist him in anyway. He would be able to share his responsibilities with those who shall
273
four pigeons, four hens, four guinea-fowl, four ducks and money. The client will also be asked to feed his Ol with kolanuts, bitter-kola, palm oil and alcohol. He complied.
come to be his companon. He was advised to offer gbg with
Before long, fiti (Ears) came to attach himself to Ol. fti took over the functions of hearing. Soon after, Ojrl (Eyes) came to attach himself to Of . rl toot< over the duty of seeing. Then came [nu (Mouth). fnu took over the functions of eating and speaking. Then AhQn (tongue) came to join Enu. Ahon was saddled with the duty of tasting. And then came Imu (Nose). Im took over the duty of breathing and smelling. Soon, Of himself was left with the duties of thinking and feeling. Ori was also asked to coordinate other activities going on in the whole body. He gladly did. He was just singing and dancing and giving praisesto hisAwo and saying:Ylmlylml abQyin pll
DlfnOrl
Tff rrbe bgbre un nlkan $o9o fbg ni wqn nl k w $e
glroglro
gb'gbgrr'bo
KQTQkQnQ KQTQkQTQ
Orl ml kgl d'glgni
Im w,Im bd d Or{ mi kagl d'glQnl

Kerekene Ojrl w, ojrt brl d
KQTQkQTQ
Orl ml kgl d'glQni

KQTQkQnQ
nnuw, fnu brld KerekeG Orl ml kagald'glgni

KQTQkQTQ
AhQn w, AhQn brl d Kerekene Orl ml kgal d'glgni

KQTQkQTQ
Gbogbor w Gbogboara brl d

KQTQkQTQ
274
ii oo, *",
Orl ml kSal d'91$ni
KQTQkQTQ
Translation
Ynrt\ftr(t,the beetle, with ib hard back He was the Awo who cast Ifa for Oi When he was alone without companion He was advised to offergbg
He complied
pti, the Ear, and keptOtf 's company GraduallY MyOtl shall be blessed with companions GraduallY Im, the Nose, came and keptO's company GraduallY My Ol shall be blessed with companions GraduallY Ojr1, the Eyes, came and kept O's company GraduallY My Otl shall be blessed with companions GraduallY fnu, the mouth, came and kept Otf 's company GraduallY My O shall be blessed with companions GraduallY AhQn, the Tongue came and kept Of's company GraduallY My Orl shall be blessed with companions GraduallY Thewhole bodyand kePtOf company GraduallY MyOtl shallbe blessed with companion GraduallY
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with responsble companions. He/she shall never be abandoned. He/she shall gain the support of friends and loved ones
6.
If says that it foresees success for two people who are engaged n a joint venture. If says that both of them need to be sincere to each
275
other, failure to do so mght make the joint venture experence

serous setback.
'
In the same ven, If says that it foresees the blessing of a baby for a couple in need of children. There is also the need for the couple to cooperate with, and be sincere to each other. If this is not done, it may not be possible for them to bear children. If says that there is need for them to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two hens and two guinea fowls each. If this can be done, happiness would be theirs. On these If says:KkagggUrUkan Ogdgedenlged fytn-ytn ta ffj Ortga sl Dl fn wqn nl ldl-knrin A b fin wqn n| Idl-blnrin Awgn mejeejl mmojrl sngbr gmg fibg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
Kk agg grUkan Ogdgede n'iged Backwards do one take Osa dancing steps
These were If's declarations
to them at Idl-knrin
(male
genitalorgans) And to them atldl-blnrin Both are lamenting their inabilityto bearchildren They were advised to offergbg
The couple was newly married. They were eager to bear children. They tried everything that they knew without success. They used several medicines without any postive result. Tired of their childlessness, they both wentfor If consultation.
The Awo whom they went to meet informed them that they were worried and sad because they had no children. They assured them that they would bear many children in their lives. They were however told that the two of them were not sincere to each other, and that was why they were having
276
li
oo,r",
problems. They were warned that without cooperaton with each other, the desire to look for pregnancy and any chld was hopeless. After this they were advised to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two hens and two guinea fowleach. The couple offered this gbg but they did not heed the warning of the Awo which asked them to be sincere and cooperate with each other. Much as they tried, it was impossible for the woman to become pregnant.
One day, the couple sat down and decided to give the advice of the Awo a trial. They began to cooperate with each other. They were sincere to each other. The couple stopped all forms of extra-marital activities. There was nothing one did outside the knowledge of the other. Two months after, the woman became pregnant. The couple could not believe that it was truly a viable pregnancy. They went to their Babalwo for test and confirmation. There it was confirmed that the woman was indeed pregnant. Soon after, she gave bfth to a bouncing baby. The couple was full of joy. They then realized their mistakes. They vowed never to repeat such mistakes. From
warning,
then onwards, getting pregnant or giving bfth to children was no longer paft of their worries. They were both singing and dancing and praises to If.
Kkagggrkan Ogedegedenlged Fgn-eyln aj Orlga sl Dl fn won nl ldl-knrin Ab fitnwqn nl ldl-blnrin Awgn mjejl mmi oj sngbr gmg fbg ni wqn nl kl wQn w $e
WQn gb'$bo, wQn
giving
lgba ffi ti jg Qkan la o r'Qmg bl Igba l dI mejl la t bl'mo o
rrl'bg
''.
Translation
Kkagggnlkan
Ogedegede n'lged Backwards do one take ORsa dancing steps These were lf's declarations to them atld'i-knrin And to them atldf -blnrin And to them at both lamenting their inability to bear
children
277
They were advised to offer gbq He complied When the genital was singular, there was no child
But when the genital became
couple, we were
blessed
with children
If says that the couple for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with children. They should however be honest and sincere with each other. With these child bearing is assured. Those engaged in joint ventures are also advised to cooperate with each other and be honest and truthful. If they do, success is guaranteed.
If says that it foresees success for a couple who had come for If consultation. If says that the two of them shall succeed together
in
their various fields.
If says that the woman would realise her potentials to the optimum if she takes to trading. The man has the potential to
become a big time industrialist. The man shall have either a street or an establishment of Iike nature named after him. If says that the two of them shall be very popular and their popularity shall out live them.
If says that there is need for them to offer gbg with four white pigeons each. A stanza in Od-Uef laying emphasis on these
asseftions says:
$kt l p'il awqn B b d'k tn A gb'od A gb'olo A gb'Od keke baba lgasun fn Akesn Tl lg re je bale oje A br fun aya rg Tl lg rQQ d'ja Fbq ni wqn nl kl wgn w $e
278
itr oo,r",
Translation
With a narrow base do we knit a net When it reaches the top It will be wide enough to contain a moftar And contain a grind stone And a cauldron, the father of the soup-pot. These were lf's declarations to AkQsn When going to become the market chief And to his wife When going to establish her merchandise They were advised to offer gbg. AkQsn and his wife wanted to know which of the business fields available,
that would bring them the highest success in their lives. Consequent upon this, they went to the group of Babalwo mentoned above for Ifa consultation.
The Awo assured the couple that they would not only be successful in life, but that their success and popularity would out live them. They were advised to cooperate with each other at all times and that one must never hide anything from the other. They advised the husband endeavour to establish a huge business concern where people would coming to transact various types of business. The wife was also advised to engage in trading and other types of merchandise. If they could do this, they were assured that they would be exceedingly successful. In order to ensure the success of these ventures, they were advised to offer gbg with four white pigeons each.
to be
First, the couple offered the gbg, second, AkQsn went to look for a large piece of land close to QyQ town. He cleared the land and several stalls. Many market- women came to rent the stalls from AkQsn. The place soon became known as AkQsn Market. His wife divided the stalls into several segments for yam sellers, pepper sellers, cloth sellers, meat sellers, goat sellers, foods stuff sellers and so on. Soon she too became the leader of the market women, Both of them became very successful and wealthy. When they died, the market was still known as AkQsan market up till today.
created
The couple were full of praises to their Awo for giving them advice 279
which
later enabled them to realize their full potentials in life which in turn made then accomplish what their destines had sent them into the world
to do.
$kt l p'il wQn B b d'k tn A gb'od A gb'glg A gb'Od keke baba Igasn Dl fn AkQsn f i 19 ree je balQ oj A bu frln aya rg I'i nlg rQQ d'ja Fbq ni wQn ff ki wQn w ge WQn gb'bg, wQn r'bg AkQsn d'd Aya rQ d'ja Ero lpo ero Qf F wa wo ol-ire l re d'j
Translation
Wth a narrow base do we knita net When it reaches the top It will be wide enough to contain a mortar And contain a grindstone And a cautdron, the father of the soup-pot These were lf's declarations to Akgsan When going to becomethe market-chief And to his wife When going to establish her merchandise Theywere advised to offerebq They complied Akgsan was adorning a crown And his wife was establishing merchandise Travellerto lpo and Qfa towns Come and behold a lucky woman who was establishing merchandise
280
4* oo,r",
If says that for the couple who was prepared to follow this line of business and endeavour and at the same time, follow the advice of the Awo there no limit to their capability to succeed in life. If says that it foresees victory for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person will overcome his/her enemies. There is need for the person for whom this OdO is revealed to use his/her mouth to deliver himself/herself. He/she must be talking boldly at all times. By so doing, his/her adversary shall be scared away. There is also the need for him/her to sfhr oneFgoat, one cutlass or sword and money as ebo, He/she also needs to Ogr:n with one cock, palm-wine, roasted yam, roasted maize, palm oil and so on. If all these can be done, then victory is assured. On these,Od-Me says:
is
8.
serve
Qdldl nll fgnu ara rQ dlgun Qwawa nff fohn ara re bu yQrl fni gbhn olbr lkr A nl bl trin pq ju eJQn lg o Ib kl olbr ba sl Ko m t adle o D,l fn lrin-wQnwQn Tll g'gmgknrin Ogun Igbatl be larn Qtr fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
i
1
Translation
A cork uses its mouth as seal against uprising Qwwa,The Tiee hyrax uses its voice as weapon against He who hears the voice of Olobro bird from He would think that if the bird is not as big as an It will certainly be bigger than a buffalo Where Olbr couches, it is not as big as a hen These were lf's declarations to lrin-wQnwqn The son of Ogrtn When he was in the midst of enemies He was advised to offer gbg
afar elephant
its
enemies
t \'
Irin-wQnnwQ, the gun, was the son of OgUn. He was living and sleeping in the midst of enemies. He was being threatened with death, injury and persecution. Unable to withstand all these threats anymore, he went
281
for
i !
If consultation; Would he be able to overcome all his enemies? Would he out-live them? Would he be able to change his position as the persecuted to that of an aggression? Would he be able to have full control of his destiny? Would he be able to make all his enemies shake and tremble whenever they encounter him? These questions and many more were what pre-occupied the mind of Irin-wonnwon when he approached the group of Awo mentioned above for solution to his
problem.
The Awo assured him that he would surely overcome his enemies. He was told that all his enemies would not only tremble when they got in contact with him, but would always maintain a good distance from him. All these enemies,Irin-wQnwQn was told, would create chance for him to operate. He was assured that he would always have his way. He was however advised to offer gbg with one he-goat, one cutlass, one sword (or improvised cutlass and sword if original ones cannot be found. A wooden cutlass and sword may even be used) and substantial amount of money. He was also advised to feed OgUn with one cock, palmwine, roasted y?ffir roasted maize, palm oil, a bottle of gin and so on. He complied. After this; he was instructed to use his mouth to talk at all times when his enemies are around. He promised the Awo that he would give their advice a trial.
Shottly after this, his enemies came to him with the purpose of inflicting on him a deadly blow. As these enemies moved closer to lrin-wnwQn, fear enveloped him. Suddenly, he remembered the advice of the Awo. Not sure of what to expect, he let out a big shout. One of his teeth shot out and hit one of his enemies in front of him in the throat. The enemy dropped dead. He let out two more shouts and two more enemies dropped dead. This action emboldened him and he kept on shouting and his enemies kept dropping. Several were confirmed dead, several more fatally wounded while all the others scattered in fear and confusion.
Ever since that time all the enemies offrin-wQnwqn learned how to avoid him so as not to cause themselves bodily harm or even lose their lives altogether. That was howlrin-wQnwQn, The Gun, was able to use his mouth to overcome his enemies. He was thus dancing, singing and giving praises to If and Ogn his father for turning him from the persecuted to the
282
ii
oo,r",
persecutor. Merely seeng him makes his enemies shiver and apprehensive. Qdldl nfffgnu ara redlgun Qww nfffohn ara rQbuyQrl Fn gbhn olbr lkr Anl blotrin pQ ju eJQn lg o Ib k olbr ba sl KO m t adle o Dl fn lrin-wqnwqn Ttl q'gmgknrin Ogrtn Igbatl bg lrin Qftl lbg niwqn nl kge
gb'Qbo,
nl'bg
Ibgn l'ptl Ibgn k I'apati Enlkan o le j kl wqn d'ojrl lbgn kg oun
Translation
A cork uses its
mouth as seal against uprising
Qww, The Tree hyrax uses
its voice as
weapon against
ts
enemies He who hears the voice of Olbr, the bird from afar He would think that if the bird is not as big as an elephant Itwill ceftainly be biggerthan a buffalo Where Olbr couches, it is not as big as a hen These were If's declarations to lrin-wgnwQn Theson of Ogun When he was in the midstof enemies He was advised to offer gbg He complied Whether a gun is loaded or is without bullets Nobody will allow anyone to point it in his/her direction
If says that the person for whom Odt-wef is revealed will make his/her enemies tremble in his/her presence. If says that all his/her enemies will fear to confront him/her or look at him/her in the face.
9.
If says that it foresees victory over all adversares for the person
for whom this Od is revealed. If says that all his/her enemies shall shiver anytime he/she talks or shouts at them. If says here also that
283
he/she need
to
use his/her mouth
to talk and defend
himself/herself. By so doing, victory is certain.
is
If says also that there is the need for the person for whom this Od revealed to offer gbg with one ram and monetary equivalent of 2or0oo cowries. There is also the need to feed gng with one cock' 200 pebbles and money. If these are done, all adversaries shall be forced to fear and respect the person for whom this Od is revealed. On these, Od'i-Mel says:
Qdldl nfl fgnu ara rQ dlgun Qww nff f'ohn ara rQ bu yQrl fni gb'hn olbr lkr A nl bl o trin pQ ju gfQn 19 o Ib kl olbr ba sl KO m t adlg o Dl fn Arlra-gaga Tfl g'gmgknrin Qrun Igbatl be lrin o,t fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
A cork uses its mouth as seal against uprising Qww, The Tree hyrax, uses its voice as weapon against its enemies He who hears the voice of OlbrO bird from afar He will think that if the bird is not as big as an elephant It will ceftainly be bigger than a buffalo Where Olbro couches, it is not as big as a hen These were If's declarations to Ara-gga The son of the Sky in Heaven When he was in the midst of enemies He was advised to offer gbg
Anra-gag, the Thunder, was the son of the SW in Heaven. He has several enemies who thought of nothing but evil aganst him. They never wished him well in anything whatsoever. Consequent upon this, Arir-gg went to the group of Babalwo mentioned above for Ifa consultation. There he laid bare his problems, how he had helped
284
ii oo,r.,
facilitate rainfall which sustaned human beings here on eafth and how human beings thought of nothing but evil against him. He pleaded with the Awo to help him overcome all these enemies.
The group of Awo consulted If and Odt-welf was revealed. They informed Anra-gag that even though he was right in the midst of enemies, he needed not enteftain any fear. He was assured that he would certainly overcome all these enemies. He was advised to offer gbg with one ram and 2O'OO0 cowries monetary-value (The client also needs to feed $ang with one cock 200 pebbles and money). He complied. He was also advised to open his mouth always to defend himself. He was told that by shouting at his enemies, they would be able to recognize the force in his body and they would be forced to respect and fear him. He also agreed to give this advice a trial.
Soon after, his enemies gathered together to plot against him, out of annoyance, AFlr-gg roared at them. As he did this, fire gushed out of his mouth and one of the stones with which he offered his gbg landed in the midst of his enemies. They all scattered for cover in awe of his newly found
energy. Ever since that time, nobody dared to plan any evil against Ar-gg for fear of being wrecked with untold havoc. The pebbles with which he offered gbg that day soon came to be known as Thunder stone. That was how Ailra-gaga the son of the Sky in Heaven became victorious. Since that time, Ar-gg depended on nothing and no other person except $ng, the Deltyfrom whose kingdom his powerwas derived. Qdldl nll fgnu ara rQ dlgun Qwawa nfi fohn ara rq bu yQrl nni gb'hn olbr lkr A nl bl trin pq ju e,fQn 19 o Ib kl olbr ba sl KO m t adle o Dl fn Arlra-gaga Tff g'gmgknrin Oun Igbtt bg lrin ott Fbq ni wQn nl k 9e 285
gb'Qbo, r'bg
Bl n o I'ebq Bl n O l'Ogn Arlr-gg tl mo gb'Qkn l t t'mi o
Translation
A cork uses ts mouth as seal aganst uprsng Qww, The Tree hyrax, uses ts voice as weapon aganst its enemies He who hears the voice of Olbr bird from afar He would think that if the bird is not as big as an elephant It is ceftainly bigger than a buffalo Where OlbrO couches, it is not as big as a hen There were lf's declarations to ArTr-gg The sn of the Sky in Heaven When he was in the midst of enemies He was advised to offer gbg He complied Even if I am not sure of the efficacy of offering ebQ Or even the power of strong charms $ago whom I rely upon is enough for me
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall use his/her
voice as defense against enemies. In his/her mouth lays power and victory.
10. If says that, for a man for whom this Od is revealed, the question
of mate selection has been a course for concern for him. He has been preoccupied with howto get his own befitting spouse. If says that he will meet two women; one is very beautiful, while the other is from a very influential home. Either of them is suitable for him to marry as both women have the potential of being very rewarding to him. If says that he may marry either or both of them depending upon the values of his society, especially on polygyny. If polygyny is allowed in his society, then, both of them have the potentialof being of benefitto him. There is the need for him to offer gbg with one goat, two hens, 286
*i oo,*",
four rats and four fish and money, He also needs to feed Ifa with four rats, fourfish and one hen. On these, If says:
t b rr dun Babalwo Oun n nl dun If QrQ t b dun Onlggn Oun n nl dun gsanyln Qrq t b n dun Ajg Oun n nl dun Oms ldl i rQ Dd fn Qrnnril Baba sunkn all l'blnrln o Fbg ni wqn nl k ge
QrQ
TransJation
Whatever is causing a Babalwo grief It is also causing If grief Whatever is causing grief to an herbalist
It
is equally of grief to Qsanyin, the Deity of Herbs and
medicine Whatever is bringing sorrowto a witch It is at the same time causing sorrow to the tail-feather of her witch bird These were If's declarations to Qrnmila When he was lamenting his inability to secure a suitable wife for himself He was advised to offer gbg
Qrunmila was always complaining that he had no wife. He was always lamenting his inabiliff to secure a befitting wife of his own. Whenever any of his friends advised him on any other essential thing in life, he would respond that what was most important was for him to secure a suitable wife and all other good things of life would follow it. Before long, all his friends and acquaintance came to realize that his primary pre-occupation was for him to geta wife.
One day, Qrunmila decided to do morethan complaining bytaking practical steps on how to get his prayers answered. He therefore went to the group of Awo mentioned above, who were his former students; would he be able
287
to have his own wife in life? Would the wife and the children be his true
companions? These and many more were the questions he asked during
If consultation. The Awo assured Qrunmila that his worries would soon be over. They told him that he would not get only one wife, but that there were two women coming his way. He was advised to be hopeful and to offer gbg with one goat, 2 hen, four rats, four fish and money (The client for whom this Od is revealed also needs to feed If as stated above). He complied. When he was about to leave the home of the Awo, he was told that one of the women that would come his way would be extremely pretty while the other would hail from highly respected home. Qrnmil thanked the Awo and leftfor home.
Not too long after, Qrnmil met a very beautiful damsel. Both of them showed interest in each other. Soon after, all marriage rites were formalized and she became Qrnmil's wife. A shoft while after the first marriage, cC met another woman who was a princess and he propositioned her. She agreed. The parents were contacted and allthe marriage rites were also formalized.
That was how Qrnmila who was a bachelor barely 12 months back became the proud husband of two women within a year. Ornmila was thus singing and dancing and praising the competence of If and his ex-students.
QrQt b dun Babalwo Oun naa nl dun If QrQt b dun Onlgegun Oun nae nl tdunQsanyln QrQt ba n dunAjq Oun naa nl dun OmUsrldl i re Df fn OrUnnrila Baba sunkn all l'blnrln o gbg ni wqn nl k sp gb'Qbo, rrl'bg Igba tl yfQ
fefl$w l'blnrln
288
itr oo,r", O si
fiAprtll s'gmggba g'aya
Erolpo, ero Qfe Fw b ni nf w,wQlre
Translation
Whatever is causing grief to a Babalwo It is also causing grief to If Whatever hufts a herbalist It is surely hufting Qsanyin, the Deity of Herbs and medicine Whatever is brnging sorrow to a witch It is at the same time causing sorrow to the tail-feather of her witchcraft bird These were lf's declarationsto Qrnmil When he was lamenting his inability to secure a suitable wife for himself He was advised to offer gbg He complied When hewasto marry He got married to a beautiful lady And when hewasto marryagain He took Apr, a princess as wife Travellers tolpo and Qfa towns Join us in the midst of abundant Ire
If says that the main cause of concern of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall soon be over.
If also says that the person for whom this Od ls revealed shall soon be blessed with two prospective women. Both are good and rewarding. The women will prove to be good companons, caring lovers and mothers of hs children.
11.
If says thatthere is need for a young unmarried woman to offer gbg in order for her to be able to stay in one man's house and give bifth to all her children there. This is in order to prevent her from moving into one man's house today, only for her to be driven out of the matrimonial home after the birth of one child. If this is not addressed, it may lead to a situation where she would give birth to four or five children for four or five different men.
289
In the same ven, If says that there was a woman who had already given bfth to four children where this Od is revealed. This woman needed to be advised to gather her children together in order for her to enjoy her children and for her to have peace of mind over her children.
If all these children are together under one roo[, If says that this woman still needed to be advised not to instigate them against one another. The woman must be advised that if the children failed to cooperate with each other, the woman is responsible for this as she is the one dividing her children. If she did not desist from this attitude, she may know peace again
in her life.
There is the need for this woman with four children or the unmarried woman to offer gbg with one he-goat, four cocks and money. There is also the need for her to feed If with four rats, four fish, one hen and money. On allthese,If says:FQnrnkn kan w lo so il ay r
DlfnOnlkl-Qla
Tl w'QkglmQrn-n yn Sbo ni wQn nl k 9e
kiri
Translation
Only one strand of string was what was used
eafth
This was lf's declaration to Onfld-Qla When looking foran ideal husband She wasadvised to offergbg
to
suspend the
When she was young, Onfki-Qh had one ambition in life. She ws determined to make a good home and be a perfect housewife and caring mother to her children. One day, she wentto the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. would her dream of being a perfect home maker come true? Would she be able to live happily with her paftner? Would she be
comfoftable in her matrimonial home? Would she bear great children? Offld-Qla was assured that all her children would be very influential in life. They would be very popular and highly respected in their various undertakings in life. She was however advised to ensure that she gave bifth to all these children in one home by rnaking sure that she avoided any
294
ii
oo,r",
form of conflict or msunderstanding which may lead to her packng out of her matrimonial home unceremoniously. The Awo warned her that this might lead her into a situation where she would be changing husbands as if she was changing her wrappers.
In order to avoid this unpleasant situation, she was advised to offer gbg with one he-goat four cocks and money. She was also advised to feed If with four rats, fourfish one hen and money.
Instead of heeding the advice of the Awo, Otfld-Qla felt that she was capable of avoiding anything which might lead to misunderstanding or quarrel between her and her future husband. In this wise, she felt that it" was unnecessary to waste scarce resource on the procurement of all the gbg materials. She also felt that the Awo must be cheats for demanding for all those items simply because they wanted to offer gbg for her against broken home. She therefore resolved not to offer the ebo. All entreaties to herto have a change of mind fellon deaf ears.
A shoft while after her encounter with the Babalwo and her refusal to offer gbQ, Offld-Ql travelled to Qtun town. There, she met one man whom she
loved. Before long, they became husband and wife. They were living very happily. She was known to be a very good cook. She was neat and she
made sure that all her environment was clean at all times. She washed her husband's clothes regularly; she was respectful to her husband and allthe members of his family. In return all her neighbours loved her and respected her. They were all very proud of her and they referred to her as a perfect example of how a housewife oughtto be. A few months after she got married, she became pregnant. Her husband was very happy and his entire neighbours were congratulating him on his good luck. She soon gave bfth to a bouncing baby boy. The baby was named Efl-Ogbe. The joy in her matrimonial home was increased several times over. The citizens of Qtun did not consider this child as the personal gift of Orfld-Qla and her husband; In fact, they saw the baby as E)-Ogb, gmQ wqn ld Jn meaning, Ejl-Ogb their child in Qtrtn town". That was how the situation was for a long time in Qtun town.
291
One day however, Onll{-Qla's husband went outto work. Before his return, his wife had prepared his favorite food ready. On arrival, she placed his food on the mat for his consumption. When the husband tasted the food, he felt that the salt was not enough and demanded for more salt. His wife was at the backyard. He asked one of his female relations to bring him a pinch of salt in order to bring the soup to his taste. The relation went and brought the salt. As he was about to put the salt into the food, his wife entered his room and saw him and his relation together. She demanded to know why her husband was adding salt to the food and she was told that the salt was not enough. Something told Orfld-Qla that it must be the female relation who had been instigating her husband against her since her husband had never complained against her cooking before. Before she could realize what she was doing, something snapped inside her brain and she gave the relation a big slap. This drew the attention of all those present in the house to her husband's room. As they were trying to calm her down she was just kicking, slapping, bitting and abusing everyone. When they got tired of her action, theythrew her out of the house. Out of anger, she packed all her belongings and left the town altogether.
When she returned to Ile-IfQ, her parents' hometown, all appeals to her to let there be a peaceful settlement was rebuffed. She kept saying that the people in Qtun town had conspired against her. When the citizens of Qtun town sent delegates to come and appeal to her to let bygone be bygone, she refused to listen. They begged herto consider herson whom she left behind at Qtun. She refused.
When she discovered that those coming from Oun town to plead for a settlement were getting too much, she decided to leave Il-Ifg, and travelled to Ap town where she made up her mind to settle down to a new life. When she reached this town, everybody welcomed her. She soon became the toast of every home. Later, she got married to another person in Ap town. She soon became pregnant. She delivered another bouncing
baby boy. The baby was named QyekU-M).
And as in Otun town, the citizens of Ap town considered Offld-Q|'s baby as the child of the whole town. They therefore named him O3Qkrl-M), gmg wqn ld Ap meaning Qygk-Mjl their child in Ap town, And also as
292
,tl
ll
Qdi Meji
in Qtun town, everybody loved herand adored her.
One day however, her husband had some friends who came to visit him. She was introduced to these friends. After the introduction, she left for the kitchen to prepare food for her husband's visitors. The visitors and her husband remembered some old jokes of theirs and they all burst into laughter. Hearing this, something snapped inside Onlld-Qh's head. She saw their laughter as making jest of her. She grew so annoyed that her husband could subject her to ridicule in the midst of his friends whom she just knew for the very first time. She went into the kitchen and carried the water she had been boiling and stamped out the fire and began to pack her belongings. Before she left the house, she went to confront her husband. She poured all her venom on her husband to the chagrin of everyone present. When these friends tried to appeal to her, she pounced on them
too and left the house, leaving her son behind. Again, all effofts to
reconcile them failed. She returned to ll-Ifg to live. Many people came to beg her to return to Apa she refused. But when she was ready to go back to her matrimonial home, her husband was no longer ready to accept her as wife. She too began to send people to plead with her husband on her behalf butthe husband refused to listen. Soon aftenrard, she left Il-IfQ again forlgodo town. And again, she was well received in this new town. She soon got attached to a man and before long she became pregnant. She gave bfth to yet another baby boy. The baby was named lw'i-M). And again, the baby was known as \wOrlM3), gme wn lde fgd," meaning lwrl-Mjl, their child in IgOd town. She was enjoying the cooperation and suppots of everyone in this
town. Offld-Qla had been living happily in Igod town until one day when she went to the market in another town to help her husband sell his farm products. On her way back to the house, a heavy rain fell and the stream which she would have to cross before she could reach home became impassable due to heavy flood rushing into the stream. She had to wait until the rushing of water in the stream abated. It was dark before she
reached home.
293
To her surprse however, there was no rainfall in IgOd. When she explained to her husband that she was held up by heavy rainfall her husband shouted her down, that she was a liar. He concluded that she had
cheated on him. She knelt down, begging her husband to please investigate what she had said before taking futher action. Her husband refused to listen. Then she remembered that one of her husband's bossom friends also went to the market to transact business on that day. She asked her husband to go and inquire from his friend in order to asceftain the verity of her statement. This only worsened the matter as her husband concluded that his friend must have been her secret lover. While she was still pleading with him, something snapped in his head and he began to throw all her belongings out of his home. All entreaties failed to yield any fruitful result. She therefore returned to ll-Ife, a very sad woman indeed. She also left herson behind.
After sometime, she again made up her mind to travel out of Il-Ife to try her luck elsewhere. This time around, she went to Eju town. As usual, she was well loved in her new abode. Everyone respected her. She soon got another man who showed interest in her. She later became pregnant and gave b'th to a bouncing baby boy again. This child was named Odf-wle). And yet again, the citizens of EjU considered the baby the gift to the whole town. They therefore named him "Odf-M), gmg wqn ld Eju" meaning OOt t"te their child in Ejrt town. This was done in order to give her honour and in appreciation of her exemplary character and good qualities.
She was living quiet happily in Eju town. She was convinced that she had learnt her lessons and that she had to put behind her the bitter experiences of Qtun, Apa and Igodo towns. She assured herself that E town was where she would live the rest of her life.
Then one day, one of her husband's relatives who had been envious of Onlld-Qh's rising profile in the town went to gather people together and told them that she had a dream that confirmed to her that Offld-Ql was a wicked witch who had been using her apparent good characters and cheerfulness to cover up her wickedness. She claimed that Offld-Qla had been using the destinies of other women in the town to enhance her good 294
trtr
oo,r",
foftunes. She claimed that it was this evil power that
On'ild-Qla had been using which did not allow her husband to see anything bad that she OffldQl had done. The relative wentto the e*ent of saying that Onfld-Ql was
the person directing and controlling the mind of her husband and other
relatives.
In the end, everybody agreed thatthere was sense in whatthis relative had said. They reasoned that nobody could know Offl{-Qh better than her husband's relative. They therefore concluded that Onlld-Qh must leave their town for them. They recruited other women and agreed to converge at the frontage of Offkl-Ql's home at dawn the next day.
Most of them did not sleep. At the first cock-crow, all the women began to assemble at their predetermined place. Their shouting woke everyone up in Offld-Ql's house. They demanded forcefully that Onll{-gla must be handed over to them for punishment as she was the brain behind all the woes of the town. Offld-Qh could not believe her ears; she thought that she was in a dream. To make matter worse, all her friends and close acquaintances were among those demanding for her to be punished. Her husband refused to hand her over to them. In the end, a compromise was reached; she would not be punished again but she must leave their town immediately. That was how Offld-Qh left EjU leaving behind Odl-M1T and all her other belongings. She returned to ll-Ifq a shattered woman.
A few days after her arrival, her relatives called her and asked her to tell them what went wrong again. She narrated all her ordeals to them, starting from her experience in QtUn town, to what she encountered in Ap town, and then that oflgd town and to the humiliations she received at Eu town. Even though the relatives sympathized with her, they however concluded that she was the one who could not make a good home. They therefore advised her to forget about traveling out of ll-Ifg again and concentrate on how to make the best use of what remained of her life. She agreed with her relatives.
One day, as she was ruminating over her life, she remembered the warning of the Awo and wept bitterly. I[ dawned on her that had she offered the ebo as prescribed, she would not have experienced all what she had gone
295
through. Alas, itwas simplytoo
Iate to make amends.
Her four children grew up differently. They did not have much in common
except that they were all born by the same mother. They had different experiences, different outlook towards life and different approach to things. However, the four children grew up to become great men in their various fields of endeavour in life. Offld-Qh regretted that she could not pafticipate in their upbringing. She also regretted that they were not in the same place, born to the same person and trained under the same roof. She felt that if she had offered one he-goat and four cocks as gbg and had fed If with four rats, four fish and one hen the story would have been different. And again it was too late to make amends. She lived with the regrets for the rest of her life.
FqnrnkUn kan Ow lo so i| aye rO Dl fn Onlkl-Qle Tl w'Qkg lmQrn-n yn kiri lboniwqn nl kqe kg'tl Qgbgnyin 9'ebg bl Ejl Ogbfn wgn l'deOrrn bl Qyqku-Mjl fn wQn l'deAp bl lworl-mil fn wqn l'de lgd bl odl Mjl fn wqn l'de Ej Rfr gbg nll gbe'ni Er tkg d hdaj Onlkl-Ql b tet mq I ba waa fow s'rfi n ebo o
Translation
Only one strand
eafth
of string was what was used to
suspend the
This was lf's declaration to Offld-Qb When looking foran idealhusband She was advised to offer gbg She refused to comply She then gave bifth to ET Ogb for them at OJUn town And QyQktl-Mfl forthem atAptown AndlwOfi-mI for them atlgOd town And Odl M) forthem at Eju town Offering of gbg isverysupportive
296
i4 oo,r",,
To give r
to E9 in very rewarding
Offki-Qla known this before it was too late She would have spent her money to offer gbg for her life to be more fruitful
Had
If says that it will not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to regret. She however needs to offer gbg as prescribed here so that she too can have a say in the up-bringing and eventual success of her children in future. This is because whether the woman participated in the upbringing of her children or not, they would all succeed and she would not be able to beat her chest in future that she had any meaningful contribution to the
success of her children.
L2. If says that it foresees the Ire of a new baby for the person for whom
this Od is revealed.
If says that this child shall be very influential in life. The child shall be known the world over. They should take proper care of this child when it comes because the child would be extremely successful in
Iife.
If says that there is the need to offer qbg with one ewe | 2OO big needles, and 1O yards of white cloths and money. On
this, If says: f'ojrt tan'n QlqbQn-nbgn-n nff fapa mejefl lu gbedu Ajlja gogoro, Awo il Ajlgunwa Dl fun Ajlgnw lgba rr t'Ikqle Qrun bQ w'y Fbq niwQn nl k 9e
Fse rug nfi
Translation
The broken surface of a brass shines like ember The large beetle uses its two wings to buzz like one beating the gbQdu drum The tall, slender ATj staff, the resident Awo of Afigunw (He who sits in royal Splendors early in the morning, another
297
lfa Dda: An invitation fo lfa Consultation
name of the sun). He was the Awo who cast If for AJigrtnwa When comng from Qrun to Aye He was advised to offer qbg
AJigunwa was coming into this world from heaven. He wanted to know what his chances of success would be. He therefore went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The two Awo assured him that he would be highly respected and honoured. He was told that he would have a very rewarding stay on Aye (Earth). He
was advised to offer gbg with one ewe, 200 big needles 10 yards (meters) of white cloth, and money. He complied.
When he set out on his journey, the white cloth with which he offered the gbg was spread over the sky, 200 needles was shattered around him and they became the sun rays while the ewe with which he offered qbg ensured honour and prestige for him. He discovered that no force or energy was as great as his. He therefore decided that there was no need for him to be physically present on eafth, rather, he chose to be sending his rays and the energy was felt everywhere.
If says that the chlld in question would be greater than all his colleagues. He would also be greater than his two parents. His reputation would be felt the world over. The force of the Sun is felt in every nook and corner of this world.
Ajlje gogoro, Awo il AilgUnwa tX fn Ajlgnw T tl IkQl Qrun bQ w'y fbo ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbo, r'bg Ko p ko jlnn F wa b ni nl wO,wQ ire WO, wq ire l'r QpQ n'tfg
fojrr tan'n QlQbQn-nbgn-n nll fap mejefi lu gbQdu

Fs lde nfl
298
ii
oo,*",,
Translation
The broken suface of brassshines like ember The large beetle uses its two wings to buzz like one beating the gbQdu drum The tall, slenderA)ja stafl the residentAwo of Aj'ignw He wastheAwo who castlf forAignw When coming from Qrun toAy He was advised to offergbg Hecomplied Nottoo long, and nottoo far Jon us n the midstof all Ire
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not travel
outside the shores of his or her fatherland before he/she will succeed. If says that it is in one spot that he/she stays that he/she will be getting all the Ire required in life.
13. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be
victorious in serious dispute with others. This dispute may or may not involve litigation. If says that the case in question will be very tough but with appropriate gbg, he/she or the group who had come for If consultation will be victorious in the end. If says that he/she was on the right path, but there is the need to offer gbg in order to prevent any unforeseen event or miscarriage of justice which may make him/her lose the case. There is need to offer gbg with one hegoat, yams bean, maze grains and money. There is also the need to feed Egu with one cock and money. The moment all these are done, victory is assured. On this, If says:
Igbln o pTlQar nl dld AfbOjOO pll$Aran nl wlw A kff gb'oj u fifo l'dle agd Tani I gb'jtl u ylyan l'lggmg? DlfnAfebojo Tl lgsllknlQejQ fbg niwqn nl k $e
299
Translation
The snail did not originate the aft of dye-making And Afb0j rat did not originate that of burrow-making We cannot rely on a tied hen to fly Who dare count on a chameleon to match briskly? These were the declarations of If to AfbOj0 When going to appear in a litigious matter He was advised to offer gbg
Afeebj was a rat of royal descent. He was very handsome and very hardworking. His hole where he lived was always magnficently constructed. One day, out of W, some other members of the rat family went to report him to King Leopard that Afeebj had no respect for constituted authorities. They said that he was more of a problem than asset to the anmal kingdom. They impressed it on King Leopard that Afbj must, as a matter of urgency, appear before his majestic presence to come and defend himself. Hearing this, King Leopard promptly summoned AfeebOj to come and defend himself.
When he got the message, he decided to go to consult If on the possible outcome of his being summoned. The Awo told him that some of his colleagues had gone to level some allegations against hm. He was assured that the judgment would be delivered in his favour. He was however advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied and set out for King Leopard's palace. Two main allegations were levelled aganst him: One, that Afeebj resembled a squirrel and squirrels were living inside nests. Therefore, he too ought to be living inside a nest and not in a hole as his practice; and two, that he was the one who originated the bad attitude of digging holes and burrows to live in, thereby encouraging other animals to follow his bad example. His accusers concluded that he would either stop living inside a hole and begin to live in nests or leave the animals' kingdom entirely.
Responding to the first allegation, AfeebOj explained that living inside a hole was eintirely a matter of choice for him. He explained fuher that it was more convienient for him to live inside a hole on the ground than 300
ii
oo,r",
inside a nest, on a tree, in a rock, cranny, or n any other envronment. He said that as long as he did not impinge on any other animal's freedom or convenience, he saw no reason why he should stop living inside the hole. He gave the example of several animals such as the cat and the leopard; they belonged to the same family. One was living with human beings while the other was the king of the forest.
Some birds choose to live in the forest, some in the savannah while others live in the house with human beings. Some rats of the same family were not living in the same environment. Some live in the house, with human beings while others live in the forest. These were not made subjects of litigation. Why then should he be singled out ? On the second allegation, he explained that his was not an exception. He said that among the rats, the big rat, and grass cutter and so on were also living in holes ever before he was born. Among the birds, the woodpecker was living inside a hole on a tree, Among beasts, the king leopard, lion and so on were living in holes. He contended that it would be unwise to assert that it was his bad habit that the King Leopard was immitating when the latter chose to be living inside a hole. He explained fufther that if a snail was broken, one would discover that there was blue dye liquid in its body. This cannot be constructed to mean that the snail was the originator of dye-making. He said that because he was living in a hole did not make him the originator of hole digging.
After this, Afbj rested his submission. King leopard adjourned his verdict till later in the day. Many Afebj antagonists went to King Leopard to influence him to find Afeebj guilty. When the verdict came however, the judgement was in the favour of Afbj . King Leopard said that he found no substance in the two allegations levelled against AfeebOj . Consequently, King Leopard declared that Afeebj was free to construct his dwelling place as he pleased and in any place of his choice. He was thus singing and dancing and giving praisesto hisAwo saying:
Igbln
0 pTlQaro nl
dld
AfbOjO pllg Arn nl wfw
301
gb'oj u fifO I'adlg agada Tanif gb'jrt u ylyan l'lggmg? DdfnAfebojo Tl r1gsllknlQeje fbg ni wgn nl k 9e gb'gborr'bg
A kff Bl igu
btattn
Agb're rg l'r{ Afebojo Awo nl y maa j're wgn B'r b y'gmg tn Agb'arerQ l'rf Afebojo Awo ni y maa j're wgn B'gbdo b y'gmg tn Agb'are rQ l'rl Afebojo Awo ni y maa j're wgn
Translation
The snail did not originate the aft of dye-making And Afbjo rat did not originate that of burrow-making We cannot rely on a ted hen to fly Who dare counton a chameleon to match briskly? These were the declarations of If to AfbOjo When going to appear in a litigious matter He was advised to offer ebg He complied When theyam germinates Itcarriesalong its rightto live , Afbjo An Awo shall always be given judgement over them When the bean germinates Itcarriesalong its rightto live Afebjo An Awo shall always be given When the maize germinates It carries along its rightto live All hailAfeebOjo
3A2
li
An Awo shall always be given judgement overthem
oo,r",
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall come out
victorious on the issue of any impending matter.
t4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is'a great
person or a ptentially great person. The situation at present is such that thing are very tight for him/her. He/she is presently under someone whom he/she is higher or greater than. If says that with appropriate gbg the situation will change and he/she shall be able to regain his/her independence.
On the other hand, If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has under him/her someone greater or higher than him/her. If says that this subordinate ought to be set free so that the person keeping him/her will not experience hardship, confusion or dilemma.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with one he-goat (16 palm coconuts one load of firewood and money. Paft of the he-goat shall be used to feed the Elders of the Night (the witches) while a cock shall be used to feed Epu Qdara. If all these can be done, he or she will regain his former status or independence. This is because he/she is not supposed to experience such hardship in the first place. On these,
If says:
Odl lwo l glqfn Dl fn Ql,fi n Tll y p'rko rnrrge d Ajata Igbatl won ar ll-Ife bg nlgb ry osko Fbq ni wqn nf kl wgn w ge
Translation
Od'i, the residentAwo of QlQfin He was the one who cast If for QlQfin
Who wanted to send a coded message to Ajak the Qba of QyQ town
303
When the citizens of lle'Ife were n pawnage to the QyQ people He was advised to offer gbg
Il-Ife was the origin of human civilization. That was where human beings first lived on eafth. All human beings migrated from this city. 0y citizens also migrated from ll-Ife to their location. It could therefore rightly be said that Il-IfQ city is the mother of all communities on earth. All Qba were
considered to be children of QlQfin the Qba of Il-IfQ.
reached a certain stage in the history of Qyq town that it attained military and political superiority over all the communities around her. She subjugated them alland formed an QyQ Empire with her influence reaching far and wide. She also subjugated Il-Ife and forced her to be paying yearly IsaklQ (an annualtax paid in for by a vanquished community to a victorious community in recognition of the might of the latter by the former and in exchange for protection) during the reign of Ajaka as the Qba (Alaafin) of OyQ empire, the might and influence of 0, yQ Empire was at its peak. Aata ensured that all communities paid homage to QyQ on a yearly basis and they also brought their IsaklQ without fail. Whenever there was going to be any military expedition, Aaka made it compulsory for all communities'able-bodied and welltrained men to enrolas soldiers. Failure to do these was viewed seriously and the punishmentwas severe.
It however
when the time to pay the annual homage was at hand, QlQfin and his high chiefs felt that it was abnormal and in fact an abomination for QlQfin to be paying homage to one of his children. They there and then made up their minds never to pay homage or tax to A;aka as from that year onwards. There was a snag in this their resolution however; they had the political and military might of Ajaka and QyQ Empire to contend with. As a way out of this problem therefore, they summoned Odt-vte;t, the resident Awo of QlQfin for If consultation: how would they regain their independence from QyQ Empire without having to confront her militarily? Was it even possible for Il-IfQ to retain her old glory in view of her present subseruient position?
The Awo made it clear to QlQfin that Il-IfQ would surely regain her old glory
and independence without engaging in any military confrontation with anyone. He also told QlQfin that the respect as the father of all other kings
ii
oo,r",
on earth woud be regained and nobody would dare wage war against his kingdom or subordinates his kingdom again. He advised 9l,fin to offer gbg with one he-goat and money. Qlqfin complied. Paft of the he-goat was used as Ipese for the witches. One cock was also used to feed Egu Qdara. When allthese had been done, Odf-MT advised them to go and secure 16 palmnuts, 16 coconuts a bundle of firewood. These were then sent to Ajak n QyQ with a message that he should use the coconuts in place of Ikin, to cast his If that year. He should also give the bundle of firewood to his daughter who had just put to bed to make fire with which to warm herself. All these items were delivered to Aaka in his palace.
When Ajak took delivery of these materials, he became confused. He found it difficult to understand what they were supposed to mean. He summoned the QyQm$, his high chiefs, for deliberation. They too could not make any sense of the materials. In the end they summoned the residentAwo of Ajaka for If consultation:
Qsa Awo il Ajak Dl fn 9balyQ Ajorl Oba aj'olu gmggbrale Eyl tf y j'ese yg'kn l'JQ
Igbatl gba rokoOl,fin tn Fbq niwgn nl k 9e
Translation
Qs the residentAwo of Ajaka's household He was the Awo who cast If for the Qba of Qyg, the shea butter eater
The Qba who eats the fruit of shea-butter tree for energy And eats his foods to develop pot-belly n Qyq When he received a coded messagefrom QlQfin But did not understand what to make of the message He was advised to offergbg
Qsa informed Ajaka and his high chiefs that they were in a state of confusion over recent development. He explained that they subjected a group more
elderely and more honourable than them under their command. The group had however sent them a big warning that it was an abomination for children to order their elders around. He cautioned that it would be in their best interest to stop whatever they were doing as it would never pay them
305
to continue.
When Ajak and his high chiefs explained that they had just been sent a present of 16 coconuts to be used to cast If that year and a bundle of firewood to give Aaka's daughter who had just put to bed, Qsa told them that no matter how big the hands of the Babalwo who would cast the If may be, they could never contain 16 coconuts at the same time. What that meant essentially was that they were using their hands to handle what was beyond their capability. He also told them that it was not the duty of a father to send firewood to his daughter who had just been delievered of a baby, but that of the husband's household. It stood to reason that it was not the duty of II-Ife to send IsaklQ to Qyg which was one of the "children" of ll-lfQ. He advised them again that they should stop demanding IsaklQ from Il-Ife henceforth. They complied. As from that time ll-Ife stopped paying homage to QyQ.
The citizens of Il Ife were full of happiness that they were truly
independent at last. They were thus singing and dancing and full of praises for Odf their Babalwo. Od lwo il glqfin Dlfnql,fin Tll y p'rko ranngg st Ajata Igbatl awon ar ll-Ife be rdgbe ryosko fbq niwqn nl kl wgn w Se
gb'$borr'bg
Qsa Awo il Ajak Dl fn 9baleyQAjor{ Oba aj'olrt gmggbrale Eyl tl y j's yg'kn l'JQ Igbatl gba erokO Ohfin ttn
Ebg niwQn nl kge gb'Qborr'bg Odl odeo,Agblagba lfe Igbafi l'gbgwa da
Translation
the residentAwo of QlQfin He was the one who cast If for QlQfin Who wanted to send a coded message to Ajk the Qba of QyQ town
Od'i,
306
ii
When the citizens of lle-Ife were in pawnage to the Qyq people He was advised to offer qbg He complied Qsa the residentAwo of Ajaka's household
oo,r.,
buttereater
He was the Awo who cast If for the Qba of QyQ, the
The Qba who eats the fruit of shea-butter tree for energy And eats his foods to develop pot-belly in QyQ When he received a coded message from QlQfin But did not understand what to make of the message He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Here comes Odl, the elderlyAwo of Il-IfQ It is now that our gbg is accepted
shea
If says that all what had been agtatng the mind of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall soon become a thing of the past. He or she is bound to overcome all his or her problems.
15. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is to offer gbg
against restlessness. There is the need for him/her to offer gbg as to enjoy the frult of his/her labour. If says that even though he/she is quite competent in his/her chosen field of endeavour, none the less, there is the need to offer gbg in order to avoid being pushed around
and in the end for others to make profit where he or she had laboured. In one word, there is need for him/her to offer gbg so as notto labour in vain for others to make profit.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to stay where he/she is and avoid gong about other people's areas of operation as this can only lead to his/her being pushed around and being sent on errands by those who are not as
competent or capable as he/she is. To make the matter worse, these other people will only use his/her expeftise and in the end, dump him/her without seeing anything to show for the effort he/she has put into the venture. The person for whom this Od is revealed should not serue other people's heads at the expense of his or her own.
307
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with four pigeons, four hens, four cocks and money. He should also stay where he/she is and not move about. On these, If says:
duro n'ipQkun opp Oere n'ipQkunpp Okltl bababe nff pQkunopp Dlfn Qsnwgn Tl rtlg sl lfe Akel-bb fbg niwQn nl kge
Translation
He stands atthe end of the main road And bends down atthe end of the main road The mound is itthatterminates a publicthrough fare These were the declarations of If to QsUnwqn, the measuring calabash When going on a business mission to Il-IfQ He was advised to offer gbg
Qsunwqn, the measuring calabash, was an expeft in the determination of the exact worth of commodities. All market-women selling salt, beans, guinea-corn, maize grain, rice, garri (cassava meal) yam-flower and so on relied on him whenever they wished to know the accurate measurement of their merchandise. Because of his apparent impoftance, QsnwQn felt that it would be very profitable for him to go to Il-IfQ to exhibit his expertise at Elgbomgkn market. He then went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation on his success chances. Would he be acceptable at ll-Ife? Would he have recognition in the market? Would people continue to rely on his expeftise as they were doing? Would he be able to turn his expertise into a profit-making business?
The Awo told QsnwOn that he would be accepted at lle-Ife. Theytold him that he would have recognition in the market. That people would continue to rely on his expeftise. But that it was better for him to stay where he was living at that particular point in time for people to be looking for him in his domain, instead of going about in search of work. The Awo concluded that seruing others would never fetch him profit. He was also advised to offer
308
i* oo,*",
gbg with four pigeons, four cocks and stay in his house.
money.
He was also told to
QsUnwgn felt that if he was accepted, and loved, and recognized, and relied upon in the market, there was no way he would not use his expertise to make foftune for him. Consequently, he refused to offer the gbg as prescribed by the Babalawo. A few days after this, he set out on his way to Il-Ife in defiance of the Awo's advice. When he reached Elgbmgkn market in Il-IfQ, the salt seller was already searching for QsnwQn. She used Qsnwgn to measure her salt for her customer. She simply did not bother to pay. Soon after, a beans seller was
looking
Discovering that he had just been used to measure salt, she cleaned the salt particles which could have been the profit of QsnwQn before using him to measure her beans. Soon after, the rice seller used Qsunwgn, also without paying. And then the garri seller. And the yam-flour seller And then the rice seller. And so on and on, all without paying anything. That was how QsUnwgn continued to work without getting paid.
One day, Qsnwgn spit into two and was newed. A short while after this, he spit into two again and was dumped. Those using him went in search of anotherQsnwqn. Qsunwgn died a wretched man.
duro n'ipQkun opp bere n'ipQkunopp
for QsnwQn. She went to collect him for the salt
seller.
Okltl babaaba nff pQkunopp Dl fn QsnwQn fi lgsl lfeAkel-bebe fbgniwqn nl k9e ko,tlQgbqyinsebg OsUnwqn O b tt mQ I bwfowsrfin eboo
Translation
atthe end of the main road And bends down atthe end of the main road The mound is itthatterminates a publicthrough fare
He stands
309
lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultaton
These were the declarations of If to QsUnwqn When going on a busness mission to Il-IfQ He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Had QsnwQn known before itwastoo late He would have spent his money to offer all the appropriate gbg.
If says that it would not let the person for whom this Od is revealed regret in life.
16. If says that there is a woman where this Od is revealed who needs
to be seriously warned against any attempt to subject her husband to ridicule, lest she meets with disaster. If warns that if she refuses to mend her ways she is most likely going to weep and gnatch her teeth forthe restof her life.
If says also that the entire household (or even community) where this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg against epidemic disease,
especially airborne or waterborne epidemy.
If advises the woman in question to offer gbg with one he-goat and one of her dresses. She is to feed EgU witfr one Cock and feed If with one goat. The household or community need to feed Qbalway wth one cock, roasted yam, roasted beans, palmoil and palm-wine. On these If says:rflwqn gdn mo nl pa AlwQn gdn mo nl pa Ero llqtq l dl'r kalQ L fi 9g abg gun lrl Dl fn Qrunmll Babajl nl ktkt Baba O Iw kan yqQ n fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
A sharp axe has its impact A dull axe has its impact
The traveller tollgkg was the one who after packing his load Stuck the tips of a knife into the load
310
ii
These were If's declarations to Ornm'il When he woke up early in the morning Without any money to spend He was advised to offer gbg
oo,r,,,
Qrrlnmll was facng a real hard time atthis particular pont in time. He had no money to settle most of his debts. He owed those who were supplying him Qko, the corn meal, with which he offered gbg for his clients and which he and his wife and students ate regularly. He owed other people too. Unfortunately, he had no immediately means off-setting allthese debts.
One day, the woman supplying him Qkg came to his home and insisted on collecting all her money that day, claiming that she had no money with which to purchase maize to make Qkg and that the amount Qrnmll was owing her had already made herfinancially insolvent as she too had several people to pay. She reminded Ornmll that he already owed her up to 10,000 cowries.
As Qrnm)l was thinking of a way out of this problem, he suddenly remembered that Flj the Qba of Eju who was the father of his wife Yngb, used to consult If and offer gbg every If day. The day in question was an If day meaning that f;lj would consult If and offer gbg that very day. QrUnm'il pleaded with the woman to exercise patience until evening when he would be able to pay her all the money he was owing her. When asked how he would be able to do this, Qnlnm)l explained that flgj was his father in-law and that he was going to cast If for FljU that very day. He said that he would add as paft of the gbg materials 10, 000 cowries with which he would be able to pay her. The woman was very elated knowing that Qrunmll had never made any promise that he did not keep, with this, she left, promising to return in the evening.
Unknown to Qrnm'il, all the discussion with the eko seller was overheard by Yngb. She was infuriated when she learnt that Qrunm'ila relied on her father to pay his debt. She had been looking for ways and means of humiliating Qrrlnm'll for a long time but without success. She was aware of all the debts her husband was owing but simply refused to assist him. She was however, elated that she overheard this discussion. She then vowed that Qrunm'll would never be able to get that money from her
311
father. She planned to rush to her father and tell him that Qrrlnmll had
planned to rip him off by adding 10,000 cowres to the qbg materials. She vowed that she would dissuade her father from consulting If from Qrnmll anymore as he was a fraudulent and untrustwofthy person.
Wth all her plans in place, she went to QrnmTl, asking for permission to visit her father that morning for an impoftant matter, she was asked to wait since Qrnm)l too would be going there the same day, in order for them to go together. She refused, claiming that her discussion with her father could not wait as she was going for an urgent matter Qrunm'll asked her to go.
lMwQn qdn mo nl pa AlwQn gdn mo nl pa Ero llgt<q bdt'r katg L fi gg abq gun lrl
I)lfnYngb
Tff sgmq flj-nl-pQrg Eyt tO lun fAwo geedn
Fbq niwQn nl kge
Translation
The traveller tolQkg was the one who after packing his load Stuck the tips of a knife into the load These were If's declaration to Yngb The daughter of Elju, the Qba of Eju Who planned to humiliate an Awo She was advised to offer qbg
Knowing that Qrnm'ila was not exactly an easy person to plan against, Yngb went to the Awo mentioned above to enquire about how best to tackle the matter so that she would be able to ridicule Qrrtnmlla in a way that he would notforget in a hurry.
The Babalwo however told her to be very careful and not to embark on what she had in mind to do, lest she regretted her action. She was also told to offer gbg against pestilence in her father's household. She was then advised to offer one he-goat and the dress she wearing on that day. She was asked to return home immediately, remove the dress and bring 312
i\
ou"i
same to the Awo for immediate gbg. She was asked to offer one goat to appeal to If for forgiveness; to feed Eg with one cock and feed Qbalwaye with one cock, palmwine, roasted yam, roasted beans, palm-oil and so on. She was also advised to add lOrOO0 cowries to the gbg materials so that she would not witness calamity in her father's household and her father's household would not witness same over her. The Awo urged that the gbg must be offered on that very day as delay was dangerous.
The mere mention of the 10,000 cowries made her fully determined never to have anything to do with the gbg or the advice of the Awo. She concluded in her mind that her husband must have been to the Awo to influence them. For this reason, she quickened her pace and rushed to her father's palace to narrate her story. She convinced her father never to patronize Qrnmlla again as he was a cheat and unworthy of trust. Her father told her to be patient and waitfor Qrnmlla's arrival so as to hearwhat he had to say.
at [lj's palace Flej had fully made up his mind never to offer gbg, no matter what Qrrlnmlla had to say. When Qnlnmlla knocked at the door of the palace, FliU asked Yngb to go and hide herself within earshot but away from where Qrnmlla could see her. Flj asked Qrtlnmlla to cast If'for him. Qrrlnm'ila did, and 0df-M3) was revealed. Qrrlnm'lla asked FIj to offer gbg immediately in order to guide against pestilence in his household and community. Qrnmlla told him that this cannot wait as Qbalway, the Deity in charge of pestilence was already on his way to the community. He asked Fli to offer gbg with one he-goat and 10,000 cowries. He asked Fli to feed Egu Qdara with one cock and feed Qbalway with one cock, roasted Y?ffi, roasted beans,
By the time Qrnm)la arrived
palm-oil, and palm-wine.

Flej asked Qrnmlla to go home. He promised to call on Qrnmlla to come and offer the qbg for him whenever he was ready. Qrnmlla, who knew that danger was close at hand due to the revelation of If' pleaded with
Flj to offer the gbg immediately as was his(flQj) usual practise. Flej refused, thinking that the main concern of QrnmIla was to collect the 10,000 cowries with which to offset his indebtedness to the woman
313
supplyng ekg to him Qrunmlla left with heavy
heafi.
Meanwhile, Obalwaye, the Deity in charge of pestilence had already set out on his journey to EjU town to go and inflict the community with air-borne and waterborne diseases. On his way, he met Eg Qdara. Had it been that flj offered the gbg, EgU Odara would have been the one to plead, on behalf of the community, with Obalway not to inflict pestilence on them. But it was the same EgU Odara urging Obalway to go and peform his duty since they had refused to offer gbg.
A few moments after Orrlnm'lla left flj's palace, Obalway struck. The first victim and casualty was Yngb. She was struck with, and died of
small pox and convulsion. Several others in the community and flj's palace were struck with small pox, chicken pox, polio, and measles and so on. All of them trooped to flj's palace because the suddenness and severity of the afflictions were unprecedented. There were wailing,
weeping and gnashng of teeth. Flj was sad and confused.
After sometimes, flj asked his subordinates to go and fetch Qnlnmlla for him, wherever Qrnmlla might be at that time. They did. On arrival, Qrnmlla met several corpses in front of flj's compound, (which was in itself an abomination, as an Qba must not see a corpse). when he learnt that Yngb, his wife was among the dead, he broke down. But EgU Qdara came and said that instead of weeping, Orrinmlla ought to listen to what Flej had to say. Flj asked Qrrlnmlla to help offer the gbg as he Flej, was ready to do so. Qrnm)la did. After this, Eg Qdara went to fetch all the agogo (If'gongs) of Qrunmlla and his students in his house. They began to singlyQrQ songs saying :
Kln la sun o?
! kn Yngb la sun g I kn Yngb la sun

Translation
What shall we weep over? It is the misfoftune which had befallen Yngb
314
ii oo,r",,
We shall weep over Yngb's demise.
They then began to sing and dance since it was, and still is, a taboo for a Babalwo to weep over the death of anyone, fufther, it was possible for Qrrlnm'ila to offset his debt in the end and as he had promised.
tltllwQngdn monl pa Alwgn gdn mo nl pa Ero ltgtq l dl'ro kalg tf ggabggun lrt
DlfnOrnmll Babajl nl ktkt

Baba o lw kan ygq n Fbg niwQn nl k9e gb'Qbo,
rrl'bo DlfnYngb Tll sgmg Flj-nlpqr Tll gaya Qrrtnmll T lun fAwo gedn fibg ni wqn nl k
s,e
'
ko,tl Qgbgnhin sbg loun fAwo gesln fira r fitn lkrt pa Yngba, ara rq lo flse
Yngb Kin la sun o fkn Yngb la sun o fkn Yngb la sun
Translation
315
The traveller to'llQkQ was the one who after packing his load Stuck the tip of a knife into the load These were lf's declarations to Qrnmll When he woke up early in the morning Without any money to spend He was advised to offer gbg He compled The same was declared to Yngb The daughter of Flj, the Qba of EjU The wife of Qrnmll When she planned to humiliate an Awo She was advised to offer gbg She refused to comply Yngb who planned to humiliate an Awo Handed herself over to Death Yngb, you had just harmed yourself Yngb What shall we weep over? It is the misfoftune which had befallen Yngb We shall weep over Yngb's demise
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall never be humiliated by anyone. Those who plan to humiliate him shall live to regret such plan. If says that he must never rely on anyone for help or think that anyone would pull him out of any problem. Only Oldmar and If can do that for him.
A woman planning to humilitate her husband needs to stop it as she may meet with terrible repercussion. The person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg against pestilence and other related illness and afflictions.
Aboru Aboye.
316
il
oo,r",
B.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ODT-MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THE OD DURING ITELD OR IKOSEOAYE
Odl-meT children are assured of the protection of If through four major Od - EJi-Ogb, Qyekr:-M;T, IwO-M) and Odf-mJl. They have the tendency to Iive to their old age. As long as they uphold If tenets and codes of conduct, so long will their chances of living long be enhanced.
OCt-t"tel children will not only live to their old age, they also have the potential of being blessed with all the good things of life - good home, wealth, good children and other essentials of life. They however need to show gratitude to Oldmar and be contented with their achievements in life; the unique thing about the success of Odl-Mil children is that they have the tendency to acquire all the good things of life in fours - four children (at least), four houses, four cars, four business concerns and so on. Consequently, they will never lack any Ire in life.
These children thrive best in their Iocal environment and not when they travel outside their home base. OCt-t"tei male children thrive best as Babalwo, medical or para-medical practitioners and related fields. They will surely have a street, foundation, institution or establishment named after them in recognition of their worth. And their female counterpafts will succeed best in the area of merchandising. They too will have recognition and honour in this field. No matter how successful they may be, male or female, they should be in their local environment.
Odl-Mji children are usually very amiable and God-fearing. They usually
show appreciation when someone did anything good for them. They also pay back good with good. If they are doing anything bad and they are corrected, the tendency is that they will change their bad deeds for good. This is one of the major reasons why Odl-Mj children have the tendency to be suppofted and surrounded by responsible people who will never abandon them in their period of need.
jointventureswith others need to exhibit transparency at all times in order for the undertaking to succeed. In the
Odl-Mii children who engage
in
317
Odl-Mji couples need to cooperate with one another, eschew extra-marital activities in order to succeed and make a stable home and have children. Honesty and sincerity are their keys to success and
same ven,
achievement.
These children will succeed where others had f-ailed. They will also overcome their enemies. They need to be using their mouths boldly to ward off oppositions. As long as they do not allow anyone to cow or intimidate them, so long will their victory over adversary be guaranteed. They need to be using their mouth to save themselves by talking and even bragging themselves out of trouble. By so doing, their enemies will also fearto confrontthem.
Odl-Mjl, male children are most likely going to meet two prospective paftners at the same time, one a beautiful lady,
In the area of mate selection,
and the other from a prosperous home. Both of them are good and if the culture of their area permts t, they can marry both of them. It will lead to huge success and achievement. For the female Children, they are great home makers. They have the tendency of satisffing their paftners but
must be advised against anything that will make them leave their
matrimonial home at the slightest excuse. They also have the problem of setting their children against each other or planning to disgnce their men. These attitudes need to be guarded against as they may prove to be their eventual undoing. Outside these shoftcomings, they are interesting, loving, caring and lovable partners.
Odl-Mil children also have the potential to see through conspincy and smash same with their afticulate ways of presenting their cases. If they
have any case, the tendency is high that they will come out victorious since they are surrounded by spirits which make it possible for people to win cases. It is therefore not advisable to engage in legaltussle with Odl-Mjl children as such as person or group is not likely to win their cases in that they usually ensure that they are not wrong in the first place. In case of any litigation, it is usually notdifficultto explain themselves outof trouble.
When Odl-Mii children are in trouble they do not need to rely on anyone for assistance. This is because their assistance will come from Oldmar, 318
ii oo,r",,
their Ori and If. Wth all these; they do not need to rely on anyone for help. The assistance of Oldmare is greater than that of one people puttogether.
million
t,
c.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
AFFTLTATED TRUNM9LF AND ORISA OF
oD-MEJI
CHILDREN
- for overall prosperity and long life Egu-Qdara - for overall lre, prosperity and long life Orl - for protection, assistance and for ensuring that they are surrounded by responsible people and overcome loneliness OgUn - for victory and protection against adversary $agO - for victory and protection against adversary Od - for childbearing Oke - for prosperity and achievement Egngn - for childbearing. Fgbg - for leadership and accomplishment
If
D. TABOOS OF ODT-MEJI CHILDREN

Must never use Olbr bird - to avoid difficulty in getting victory over adversary. Must not leave his/her Iocality for other places in search of fortune to avoid disappointment and hardship The couple must avoid insincerity - for there to be peace harmony; for there to be success and children Must avoid the use of beetles for anything -to avoid people desefting or going against him/her. Female children must desist from humiliating or disgracing their men- to avoid being visited with calamity Must never eat snails- to avoid losing cases or being implicated in litigious matters. Must not eat tree hyrax or use same for anything- to avoid difficulty in getting victory over
and
adversary.
319
8. 9.
10. 11. 12.
Women to desist from setting their children aganst each other- to avoid lackof peaceof mind. Must not eat or use any paft of an elephant - to avoid untimely death. Must not eat or use any part of a buffalo- to avoid untimely death. Must not use palm-kernel oil -to avoid pestilence Must not eat or use crab- to avoid loss of intelligence.
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OD-MEJI CHILDREN DURING IKOSEOAVE
. Males 1. Ajlgunw - He who wakes up in majestic splendor 2. IfakQya - If rejects suffering for me 3. Ifdre - If exornerates me 4. Odblyl - Od begets this 5. Myaff - Do not depart from me . Female 1. Oknt - Energy and vitality 2. Awojre - Awo is vindicated 3. Myed - Do not depart from me
ABQR(I ABQYF
324
Chapter 5
InOSN-MEI
ll
I I
I I
lt ll
II
Chapter Four
Inoslrl-MEI
A.
1.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be very successful in life. If says that the chosen career of this person is If. If he/she cannot study If as a profession, however, there is the need for him/her to be feeding If regularly on his/her chosen career. He/she is advised never to abandon If as it is the Deity in which his/her success resides. If also says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer ?b? with three white pigeons and money. He/she needs to feed If with one matured goat. On these,If says:Ahr o ktl,lwo nlkan soso nln oko fr o ba ab nfj ai5q ojo b rQ Kl ahr t di glQni o Dl fn Egbe-Qpg Tff S'gmg blbl inu AgbgnnlregUn fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Gently, Ahr, the farmhouse, you are the only one in the farm. Ab, the Barn, exercises no fear in the wilderness It is the day when rainfall is experienced That the farm-house will have companions These were lfa's declarations to Egbe-QpQ When coming from Qrun to Aye He was advised to offer ebo
Egbe-Qpe, the backing of the Holy palm tree, was coming into the world, He was going to become Ornmll's son. Before his depafture in heaven, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation to determine how his
322
tl
success chances would be while on eafth: Would he live long? able to acquire all the good things of life? These questions and others were what preoccupied the mind of Egbe-Qpe. The Awo assured him that he would live to his old age on eafth. He was told that he would be very wealthy and influential. He was also assured that he
*Jfi:;:
would be able to acquire all the good things of life. He was however informed that his chosen career from Oldmar was for him to become a Babalwo. If he could do this, he was told that he would be extremely successful on earth. He was advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. He was also told to feed If with one matured goat, He complied and set out on his journey into the world.
Egbe-QpQ began to learn If as a toddler. By the time he was 20 years, he was well versed in the Aft. When he was asked by Qrnmll his father, to stand on his own, he was already an accomplished Babalwo. He was known and respected from far and near. He was very successful and was able to acquire all the good things of life - all through his reputation as a competent Babalwo.
Ahr o krl,lwg nlkan sogo nln oko Fr O ba ab ni'j d'jq jo b rQ Kl ahre to di elni o D,l firn Egb-Qp Tll g'gmg blbl inu Agbgnnlrgun Fbq niwQn nl k 9e gb'Qbg, r'bg jq owo tl n 9e l n'If B'ff b hu mjlrma tg Qkan Owo tl n o se la n'lf B'lf b hu Qkan, ma tg jl Owo tl n o se l n'If
Translation
Gently, Ahr, the farmhouse, you are the only one in the farm Ab, the Barn, exercises no fear in the wilderness It is the day when rainfall is experienced That the farm-house will have companions
323
These were lf's declarations to Egbe-QpQ The child of Agbgnn)regn When coming from Orun to Aye He was advised to offer gbg He complied The business I will do to succeed is If If If remains two, I will imprint one The business I will do to succeed is If If If remains one, I will imprint two The business I will do to succeed is I
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed in life in his/her chosen career. He/she is advised to adhereto, and embrace If.
2.
If says that all the good things of life shall be handed over to the pigeons, two hens, hro guinea fowls, turo cocks, four rats, fourfish and money. On these,If says:Akercse Qwlnnl Owlnnf n Akerese
person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she shail not lack any Ire in life. If advises him/her to offer gbg with hro
fitn orfwr
9mg OjO OwrO tf nb'lwO n'ln Igbatl sunkrtn Oun r1re gbogbo fbg ni wQn nf k 9e
Translation
Akerese is Owlnnl Qn)innt is Akerese These were the Awo who cast Ifa for Onfwr The offspring of the early morning rainfall which infuriates the rich When he was weeping because of his inability to secure all the ire in life He was advised to offer gbq
on'iwr, the Qba oflwr town was a very poor Qba. Apart from the fact that he was the Qba of his town, he had nothing else to show in terms of achievement - no money, no wife, no child, no authority, and no good
324
tosun
uei
health. In fact, he was the laughing stock of his subjects. He was never taken serious in anything he said. His directives were simply ignored. Tired of this, he went to the two Babalwo mentioned above for Ifa
consultation: Would he be able to command the respect of his subjects? Would he be prosperous in life? Would he have wives of his own? Would the wives give him children for him to leave an heir behind when he died? Would he havegood health? Would he live long?
The two Awo assured Offwr that he would be blessed withallthe good things of life. He was told that his success would be beyond his wildest dreams. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above. Onlwr struggled to gather all the materials together and the Awo offered the gbg for him. He was advised to go home and see what If had in store for him. He complied.
hithefto abandoned his palace were coming to pay their daily homage. Later, allthe villages adjoining his town were coming to pay their tributes to him. He soon became rich. Some of his chiefs arranged for wives for him. He got married to these women and later the wives gave bfth to several children for him. His palace was renovated by his subjects. His health improved. He was given a horse for his personal usage. He lived very long on the throne of his ancestors. By the time that he died, he was a contented Qba
indeed.
Akerese Qwlnnl Qwlnnl n Akerese Dl fitn onlwere Qmg ojo owro tl b'lw n'ln Igbatl sunkn oun o r'lre gbogbo fbg ni wQn nl k 9e je Aj wg'l mi w o Akerese Qwlnnl Owlnnl n Akerese Aya wg'l mi w o Akerese Qwlnnl Qwlnnl n Akerese Qmq wg'l mi w o Akerese Owlnnl
Soon after this, he discovered that
all his chiefs who had
325
Owlnnl na Akerese Alk wo'l mi w o Akerese Owlnnl Qwlnnl n Akerese Ire gbogbo wg'l mi w o Akerese Owlnnl Qwlnnl n Akerese
Translation
Akerese is Qwlnn'l Qwt-nnl is Akerese These were the Awo who cast If for Offwr The offspring of the early morning rainfrll which infuriates the rich When he was weeping for his inability to secure all the ire in life He was advised to offer ebo. He complied Now, wealth enters my home Akerese is Owlnnl And Owlnnl is Akerese Spouse enters my home Akerese is Qwlnnl And Qwlnnl is Akerese Children enter my home Akerese is Qwlnnl And QWlnnI is Akerese Longevity enters my home Akerese is Owlnnl And Qwlnnl is Akerese All Ire in life enter my home Akerese is Qwlnnl And QWlnnI is Akerese
If says that all the good things of life shall be gven to the person for whom this Od is revealed. He/she was not destined to lack any Ire in
life.
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed ought to be taking care of other people's matter than his/her own. If says that if he/she could do this, then If itself would be looking after his/her own affars for him/her. If says that the person for whom
326
lI ,.*,
r",
this Od is revealed shall be properlytaken care of by If. But he/she i s also expected to take care of other people. The more this is done, the better the chances of him/her being protected a nd pa mpered by If. People like this are very good in the hospitality fields such as medicine, public relations, and welfare establishments like motherless babies home, old people home, mentally retarded people's home and so on.
There is however the need to offer gbg with two pigeons, two guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one hen and palm oil. On these, If says:Akrtkg fogbe lQbQlgbQ ge'yl Dl fin Opflllkl Tl y f tne dle Ti y maa gbQ ti gni glgni kiri ay fbg ni wgn nl k 9e
Translation
The cock uses its comb to add to its honour This was the Ifa cast for OpT'llfl(l Who left his own affairs And was taking care of other people's matters the world over He was advised to offer gbg
to settle quarrels and misunderstandings, feed the poor/ assist the

handicapped and give to the needy. He could go hungry for days just to asslst others. As he was doing these things, some people began to abuse him as someone who would never mind his business. Some saw him as a person who loved to poke his nose into what was none of his business. Yet others saw him as a busybody. Soon his relations began to warn him to leave other people alone with their affairs and face his own problems.
Opllllld was always ensuring that other people were comfoftable. He used
In order to know what steps to take in his life without making mistakes, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Was he doing the right thing? Was there any hope in it for him? Did he need to change and
face his own business? What was the position of If on what he was doing?
327
lfa Dida: An nvtaon to lfa Consultation
The Awo told him that he should contnue to help other people and Aagunml himself would repay him all his good deeds. He was advised against listening to slanderers and backbiters as they could only lead him astray. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He
dd.
Before long, he was blessed with all the good things of life. He had wealth, stable home, peace of mind, happiness, good health and long life. He was thus singing, dancing and giving praisesto Ifa and Oldmar: Akokg f'ogbe nbelebe ge'yl Dl fitn Opflllkl Tl y fi tirQ sllQ Tt yo ma gbQ ti gni qlQni kiri aye Eyl tl Ajagunmab y maa wo'l d Sbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbo, r'bg jg tani y b mi tn'wa a tmi ge o QrUnmll, Bara a m EHgl-AlQ Ni y b mi tn'w tmi se o
Translation
The cock uses its comb to add to its honour This was the Ifa cast for Oplllfld Who left his own affairs And was taking care of other people's matter the world over And whom Aagunmal would be taking care of his own home in his absence He was advised to offer gbg He complied Nory who will help me repair and improve my destiny? Qrunm)la, my father, also known as Ertgt-Alo, was the one who will help me repair and improve my destiny
If says that Qrrlnmll himself shall help the person for whom this Od is revealed to shape his/her destiny for the better. If says also that Ajagunml, the ohiwo in heaven will be looking after his/her home in his/her absence. He/she needs to continue to do good as the reward for that is guaranteed. He/she will never regret his/her actions in life. The Deities
are on his/her side.
328
*h
uosun
uei
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have his/her own period of recognition and success in life. People will be able to identify his/her good deeds and reward him/her accordingly. He/she will never be forgotten.
If says that he/she is about to go to somewhere on business or to go and assist other people. If says that he/she should go as the place will be very rewarding to him/her. If says that he/she may experience initial setback or hardship, that should not deter him/her as the reward will surely come and he/she would be honoured.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with two pigeons, okro and garden eggs and money. On these, a stanza inlrosn-MJi says:Itarukr l'awo ltarukrt Itarrkr I'awo ltarrkr Rkrk tataata Dl firn lgba TI g'awo r'ode QyQ fbg ni wqn nl k ge
Translation
Itark is the Awo of Itark And lterk is the Awo of Itaruku Rkrk ttaata They were the Awo who cast If forlgba When going to QyQ on Ifa business He was advised to offer ebo
Igba was a very prominent Babalwo. He was known for his competence and his ability to diagnose problems and provide solutions. So, when the
inhabitants of QyQ town were experiencing series of problems ranging from childlessness, economic decay and stagnation, failed harvest, emotional instability to internal strive, they summonedlgb for If consultation. They asked him to come to their town with the intention of making it his permanentabode.
Whenlgb received their message however,

329
he went to the Awo mentioned
above for If consultaton. How would his stay in Qyg turn out to be? would he be able to realize his full potentials in QyQ? would he be respected there? would history give him a space in QyQ? would the inhabitants of Qyo town appreciate all the good things that he would do for them? These questions and many more were what pre-occupied the mind oflgb when he wentfor If consultation.
The Awo informedlgba that he would be very successful in QyQ town: that he would be able to realize his full potentials there; that he would be highly honoured and respected; that the inhabitants of OyQ would appreciate all his good deeds for them; and that his name would be written in gold by history. His position of honour among the inhabitants of QyQ was assured, Igba was told. He was however warned that he would initially experience hardship in his proposed abode, but after someiimes, t would be
enjoymentwithoutend.
Igba was advised to offer gbg with plenty of okro, garden-e99sr two pigeons and money. He complied. shortly after, he set out on his journeyto QyQ town.
While in OyQ, he met the inhabitants of this town with series of problems. They were poor due to unsuccessfulcrop-yield, they were sick due to failed expectation and they were unhappy.Igba went into action immediately; as he was consulting If forthem on individual basis, so was he doing on group basis and even doing same for the whole town in general. As he was offering gbg, so was he doing ett and offering Ips for the Elders of the night. After all these had been done, everyone waited to see the outcome his efforts.
Meanwhile,Igb himself was faced with the problem of what to eat, drink and wean He was quite aware of the problems of the inhabitants of QyO. In order not to add to their burden therefore, he moved to a small village. He cultivated a small farm and was living there. He maintained a low profile in this village. He was fully determined to endure all the hardship he was already experiencing in the village because he had already been told by If that such would be his lot initially before his situation would change for the
better. 330
'hh
msrn u"
In QyQ however, the situation began to change for the better, there was abundant rainfall. Farm products and crops improved, the inhabitants had surplus havest that year, which brought about improved economy. Wth improved economy, there was better and stronger bargaining power. The people concentrated on their farm work and other businesses such as
craftsmanship, trading and so on, therefore reducing joblessness. These gave them less time to plot against their leaders, thereby reducing internal strives. Before long, there were smiles on everybody's face. were so happy and they began to jubilate. They sang, danced and gave praises to Oldmar. They then decided that they must send people to go and bring Igba who had made it possible for them to experience the progress in their community. So they sent people with If gongs to go and bring backlgba to QyQ, The emissary went along with a new dress, new cap, and new sandals for )gba to wear when coming to the town. The delegates leftfor the village wherelgb was living.
One day, the inhabitants of QyQ gathered in front of the Qba's market. They
Igba was however on his farm working. On sighting him, they began to beatthe agogo (If gongs) and were singing that:Itarrkr ta Itarrku ta RknkU tataata , QVq nil o Igb, emi lo w d'ko o?
Translation
Itarr:ktl ta Itaruku ta
Rkrk tataata QyQ is your home Igb, what are you looking for in the village?
They were all dancing and singing. )gb, on hearing whatthey were saying threw down his hoe and joined them. They told him that the town asked them to go and bring him. They explained to him that everything had changed for the better as he had predicted. They asked him to go and take
331
lfa Dida: An invtaton to tfa Consuttation
his bath so that they woufd be abfe to return to Qy the same day. when he tofd them that.ie had on, they faughrer and gave him the ir! thar thev hrd!;oyghr for alf burst into him from Qvq, It was one of the materals us onry ov'tlgh and other successfuf businessmen in Qvq. Igb surprised Jnd erated. They returned to Qyg that night.
;; d d,.I,;'il;},
;i"f,
ili:ffi"ff
In Qyq, Igba was made the resident Babafwo of the Qba of Qyq. He was
:':fl 'ildol-T,:[TiX;1ffi;?"wha'reoioiorrhem
Itaruku |,awo ltark Itark t,awo ttarJLJ
Itark ta Itarukr ta
Rkrrfk tataata Df firn lgb Tl g'awo r,ode Oy fbq ni wqn nf to je gb'gbo,, r,bIgba r,1 o lgba rrl'kn Bf a b w,y gni A a ngla ni
RkrUk tataata gyq nt o lgb, emi lo w d,ko o?
Transfation
Itarrku is the Awo of ltaruku And ltaruku is the nwo ofle ltark RkrUk tataata They were the Awo who cast Ifa forlgb When going to Oyq on td busness He was advised to offer eb Igb offered Okro And offered garden-eggs When we come into t world We surefy.will have orir".ron (of success) Now,ItarUkr: ta
-He
complied
i-
332
'htr
rc*nu"'
And
ltark ta
And Rkrk tataata O, YQ is Your home What utt yo' looking for in the village?
od is reveared shail surery have If says that the person for whom this Initiar setback should his/her own season of success and achievement.succeed' effort to not deter nm/neifrm putting in more
5.
for whom this od is revealed shall make Ifa s says that the person -n./she shall surely succeed in life' If however profit in niir,"i i oi denying all the go:9 things warns that this person ,, ,n1. habit matter how successful he/she which If had done for himer. No that no improvement had had been, he/she would rtili chim!ry is not good enough' The occurred in his/her life. rr savs thatthis to imbibe the value of person for whm this Od is rvealed needs had given assistance one way or showing upr"ition to those who
the other.
gbg with three pigeons and If says that this person needs to offer
money.He/shea|soneedstobemoreappreciative.onthese,If
says:
Ad kq? Ad r'oko Ad k? Ada r'odo Ada wa m forojngn Dl fin Flqkq ldere TI Y I'QrQ k'le t le Fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
How is Ada, the cutlass? Ada has gone to the farm And how is Ada Ada has gone to the Stream Ada is now very sharP-edged
333
This was the If cast for the fkg seller of ldere town Who shall become wealthy before evening time She was advised to offer gbg
Idere was a very popular town in the olden days. This town was the centre of many activities in Yorb land. The population of this town was also reasonable, compared to other towns at that particular time. There was however this woman n the town who was selling eko, corn meal. She was very popular in the town, but she was always complaining that her sales were not moving as t ought to be. Consequent upon this, she went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation.
The Awo told her that her sales would improve. She was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. She complied. After this, she was advised to cultivate the habit of exercising patience at all times. She was told not to expect that her Qkg would be sold immediately it was prepared because it would still be very hot at that time, rather, for her to be patient for it to be cold so that it would be hard and agreeable for people to buy and eat. She was also cautioned that when she began to make profit, she should not deny or hide the blessings of If, After this, she went home.
A few days after she offered the gbg, her sales picked up, she used to prepared one basked full of Qkg and sell them for three days. After the gbg, she was selling five baskets of Qkg daily. It later increased to L2, and thn to 16 baskets full. Before long, she began to wear new dresses. At a stage she would wear a black wrapper, a red bb (blouse), she would wear a white head-gear and use a green loin to tie the dress - all new dresses. Her shoes and bag were usuallythe latest. However, when anyone approached her, she would be complaining that her sales had not improved
One day, her complaints were so much that the Awo who assisted her in offering the gbg decided to pay her a visit. When they did, they discovered that she had really changed and that the manifestation of wealth was all over her, and yet she complained bitterly that what they did for her had not worked. The Awo left with the determination to teach her a little lesson.
The following day, the Awo in company of their students went to her stall with agogo and drum and began to sing thus: 334
trI
rosu, u"i
El'kg ldere $ebl o l jr O r'gg dd o r'99 pupa A faffga w'r{ O l kenk O l kenk
O
Fl'ekg ldere $ebl o lO j'ere
firln
p'eeke
Fl'kg ldere Sebl o lO j'er
Translation
The Qkg seller of Idere I thought you sad you made no profit The Qkq seller of Idere You complained you made no profit Your wear a black dress And tie a red wrapper You use a green dress as head-gear You sit majestically And you wear a broad smile The gkg seller of ldere Yet you complain of making no profit When she saw what the Awo had done, she simply stood up and joined them in singing and dancing forgetting her initial complaints,
Ad kq? Ad r'oko Ad k? Ad r'odo Ada wa mu forojangn Dl firn Flekq ldere Tl y I'QrQ k'lQ t le fbq ni wqn n| k qe gb'Qbo, r'bg Nje HQkg ldere
335
Sebf o lO j'r O r'gg ddr O r'gg pupa
o fafiga w'rl
O l kenk O l kenk O fedn p'eeke Flkq ldere
$ebf o lO j'r
Translation
How is Ada, the cutlass? Ad has gone to the farm And how ]s Ada? Ada has gone to the Stream Ada is now very sharp-edged This was the If cast for the lkg seller of Idere town Who shall become wealthy before evening time She was advised to offer gbq She complied Now, the fkg seller of Idere I thought you said you made no profit The Ekq seller of Idere You complained you made no profit Your wear a black dress And tie a red wrapper You use a green dress as head-gear You sit rnajestically And you wear a broad smile The !k9 seller of Idere Yet you complain of making no profit
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall make profit and become very successful in his/her business. He/she is however warned aganst hiding or denying the blessings of If in his/her life.
6.
Ifa says that the Of of the person for whom this Od is revealed will support him/her. The person is in a state of confusion. He/she needs guidance, support and protection. Of will provide all these for the person for whom this Od is revealed. No Ofiga, Egrlngrln (ancestor)
336
or Irnmgle can do this but his/her
Of. Consequerr,, ,nJjJ;il:
need for this client to offer gbg with two pigeons, hffo ducks, two guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to serve his/her Ol
with one white pigeon, one guinea fowl, one duck and money. If all these can be done, the life of this client will change for the better. On these If says:
Enl poroporo l g'd Ejl poroporo l g'sn Dd frf n Baba bo-ljQ-o-b-Ipln-re-wl Tl rrbq nlgb rye osko f;bg ni wQn nl k 9e
translation
One at a time do we pound a motar And in twos do we pound cam-wood These were lf's declarations to he whose name was lf-you-haveny When he was in utter dilemma and confusion He was advised to offer gbg
r- Desti
prob lem-consu lt-you
Baba-bo-ljQ-o-b-Ipin-rg-, was in a state of utter confusion. He did not know what work to do in order to succeed in his life; the type of wife to marry to be a happy man; the type of children he would beget in his life; how long he would live on eafth; the positions he would occupy in life; and so on. He had gone to feed several Deities and Egrfngn but his confusion was still there. One day, he decided to carry his matter to the Babalawo stated above for If consultation. The Awo told him that he was a confused man. They said that what was causing his confusion could not be addressed by any Ofiga, Irrlnmgl or Egngn. Rather, itwas his Of which would help him solve his problems and throw light into his life. The Awo stated fufther that what he wanted to know was what his destiny had chosen from heaven and how to ensure that he followed the path of his destiny. He was advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea fowls, two ducks and money. He was also asked to serve his Of with one white pigeon, one guinea fowl, one duck and money. He complied.
337
The Awo then explained to him that he was destined to be a prosperous person, he would have peace of mind and he would be honoured. He was told that his Ori would guide him to where he would be able to realize his destiny. When he returned home, he went into trading and he was successful. He got married and he was blessed with many children. His wives took good care of him. Together with his family, they built several houses. He bought a horsefor his usage. He Iived long and lived and died a happy man.
Enl poroporo l g'd Ejl poroporo l g'sUn Dl fir n Baba bo-ljQ-o-b-Ipln-rg-vu{ Tl be nlgb ry osko lbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbo, r'bg KO p, kO jlnna Ire gbogbo w ya dttru QrQ O kan Egrtngrln o K kan Orls Fleda gni I'Qrn kn
Translation
One at a time do we pound a moftar And in twos do we pound cam-wood These were lf's declarations to he whose name was "ifyou-have-problem-consu lt-you r- Desti ny" When he was in utter dilemma and confusion He was advised to offer gbg He complied Before long, not too far All Ire came to him in abundance This matter does not concern Egngn (ancestor) Neither does it concern the Origa It is one's Destiny the matter concerns
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be guided to where he/she would be able to realize his/her destiny. He/she needs to continue to serue his/her Of regularly. There lies the secret to his/her success. His/her O shall show him/her the way out of dilemma and
338
ilfr
ti
lrosun Meii
confuson.
If says that it shall not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to go astray. All he/she needs to do is follow the advice of If especally on how to serve his/herO.
7.
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall acquire all the Ire of life which he/she lacked. If says that he/she shall not suffer for long before there is relative comfort in his/her life. If says thatthe way he/she carries himself/herself, people thinkthat he/she is a wicked person. For that reason, people find it difficult to move close to him/her for discussion or to give assistance. If says that the mind of this person is pure and he/she harbours no evil against anyone. If says that with appropriate gbg, the situation will change and the client will experience comfort in his/her life and live a happy life.
If says that this person needs to offer ebg with a pg and serue If with shear butter and palm-oil. If these can be done, before long, the person shall have cause to celebrate. On these, a stanza inlrosn
Mfl says: Lasnlsan ni Olsn-Mjl g'oj lsanlsn Bl eni t l'r nln Be nlrosn-Mjl O nl 'k nln Dl firn osun-Mil T f'e,yln tl m'mi ojrl snrhn ire gbogbo fbg ni wgn nl k ge
Translation
The face of Olsn-M) was merely uninviting Like someone who has wickedness within Butlrosn-MjT harbours no malice against anyone This was lf's verdict to Irosn-MI When lamenting his inability to acquire any ire in life He was advised to offer ebo
339
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to
lfa Consultation
As a Babalwo, OlosUn-M;T (Irosn-MT) was well trained. He underwent
all the rudimentary and highly esoteric aspects of the training from
Qrnmll himself. Atthe end of this training, he came out as one of the best 16 disciples of Qrrlnm)l. In spite of this however,Irosn-M) had nothing to show for it - no money, no wife, no child, no house of his own, no peace of mind, no comfoft, no respect in the community, no friends etc. He was indeed a very sad man. Many people ran away from him because they considered him a wicked man. They believed that he could harm them if they moved close to him because his face was tough and uninviting.
One day, as Olsn-M| was ruminating over his life, he came to the conclusion that if the situation continued to go the way it was going, he would surely die as a sad and unfulfilled man. Determined to change all these, he went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; why was his life the way it was? Was he destined to live and die a poor man? Was he doing something wrong that made people run away from him? What could he do to change his life for the better and turn his destiny around?
The Awo told him that he was destined to be great in life. He was also told that his chosen career was the greatest and most rewarding of all professions. He was told that his main problems are two fold: one, people were afraid to move close to him because they considered him a wicked man who could inflict on them serious harm if they moved too close to him; two, he did not have peace of mind and comfort. He was told that his looks made people feel that he was wicked but that If said that he harboured no illfeeling toward anyone. He was also told that he needed to offer gbQ and serve If n order that people's attitude toward him would change for the better and for him to have comfort and peace of mind. If said that if these could be done, he would live a fulfilled life. He would stop complaining and would be highly respected for his wofth.
He was advised to offer gbg with one big pig and money. He was also advised to feed If with palm-oil and shear butter mixed together and used to serve If. To get the money with which to purchase all the materials became a serious problem. Eventually, he did. He invited the Awo to come and help him offer the gbg and serue his If. All these were done, he began 340
tri
,.*, r",
i
to wait for what If would do for
him.
Immediately after offering the gbg, Esu Qdara went out in the form of man asking people to go and try frosn-M) that he was a very competent Babalwo. He convinced all those who had reseruations against lrosnM;T and told them that only lrosn-M) could solve their problems for them. Then, one by one they began to go to his (Irosun-MT ) house, and one by one he was solving their problems. Those who felt thatlrosn-M3T was a wicked man soon changed their opinions towards him. Before long, his house became a beehive of activities. He got several students who assisting him. Soon after this, he got a wife of his choice and after sometime, the wife gave bfth to children for him. He became a worthy member of Idere where he was living. He was indeed a very happy and comfoftable man. He was thus singing and dancing and giving praises to Oldmar and his Awo. lsnlsn ni Olosn-Mjl g'ojr lsanlsan Bl gni t l'r nln Bee ni Irosn-MJT o nl 'k nlnrt Dl frn olsn-Mjl T fQyln tl m'mi ojrt snrahn ire gbogbo fibg ni wgn nl k 9e gb'gbo, ff'bg Ald w fglQdQ rubg GbedQ, I'ara maa dQ ml lg cbQdQgbqdq nll rg'gb epo GbQdQ, I'ara maa dQ ml lg GbQdQgbedg nff rg'gb Or{ Gbede, I'ara ma dQ ml lg o Enit b f'glede r'bg o Gbeder I'ara maa dQ wqn o
Gbede
were
Translation
The face of Olsn-M) was merely uninviting Like someone who has wickedness withn Butlrosn-Mjl harbours no malice against anyone This was lf's verdict to frosUn-Me) When lamenting his inability to acquire any ire in life He was advised to offer ebo
341
He complied Nory Ald had offered a pg as ebg With ease, shall we acqure comfort and convenience A calabash of palm-oil is known for its convenience Wth ease, shall we acquire comfoft and convenience A calabash of shea-butter we acquire comfoft and convenience Whoever offered a pig as ebg With ease shall he acquire comfort and convenience
If says that the person for whom this od is revealed shall acqure peace and comfoft in his/her life.
8.
If says that it foresees the gift of a child for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that it is essential to know what to use as gbg materials here and at the same time, know the number to use in order to achieve the required result. If says that if these can be done, the woman for whom this Od is revealed shall be
blessed wlth a bouncing baby.
If says that this woman needs to offer gbg for child-bearing with six bats and money. The moment this is done, Ifa will bless her with a baby. A stanza in this od laying emphasis on this aspect
says: Ada fgwq fg'jrt erwqn Dl fitn onldr Qmq afdn g'gbg gmg Igb t fyln tI m'jrr gkrrn sngbr qmq fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
Ada f'gwg fg'jrl gwQn He was the Awo who cast If for Onfdr Ofilspring of those who uses bats to offer qbg for child-bearing When he was lamenting her inability to bear a child He was advised to offer gbg
on'idr was the Qba ofldr town. He had many wives, he was strong and popular, but he had no child. None of his wives ever conceived at any time. 342
\l r** u" He therefore called the Awo mentoned above for If consultation in order to determine what he needed to do in order for his wives to become pregnant.
When the Awo came to Offdr's palace, If was consulted. The Awo told him that his wives would become pregnant and they would give bifth to many children. He was advised to offer gbo with six bats and money. When Onfdr heard this, he was very angry because he had been told several times to offer gbg with a bat and he had done so several times without any success. The Awo however explained to him that his gbg had not been accepted because the correct number of materials had not been used. He advised Offdr to buy six bats at the same time, and wait for the outcome. Offdr did. The ebo was offered. He did it for each of the wives.
various
Three months after, Offdr's wives became pregnant and they all had safe deliveries. Offdr became a proud father of several children in one year. He was thus praising his Awo for a job well done.
Ada fgwq fe5 Dla fUn Onldr 9mq afdn g'ebg gmg Igb t f,yln tl m'jr gkn sngbr gmg fbg ni wqn nl k w Se gb'gbo, ru'bg Igb dn ti je Qkan La O r'Qmg bl Igba oJqqtq dn di me,fa Ni're omo d
e,wqn
Translation
Ada f'gwg fg'jt1 gwgn He was the Awo who cast If for Onldr Offspring of those who uses bats to offer ebo for child-bearing When he was lamenting her inability to bear a child He was advised to offer gbg He complied When we used only one bat There was no child But when the bats became six in
number
We got the Ire of children
If says that the person for whom this If is cast shall be blessed with child. The person shall never leave this world without his/her own chld.
9.
If says that it foresees victory over Death, Affliction, Litigation and Loss for the person for whom this Od is revealed. Ifsays that this person needs to feed the O'i of his/her child because it is the Of of this child that will help overcome this adversary. If the person for whom this If is revealed has more than one child, then there is the need for the Awo to find out whom among the children If is referring to,
already surrounded this person, they will have no power to harm him/her because the Ori of his/her child being referred to by If s simply too powedul.
If says that even though all these four Ajogun had
If says also that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to be taking proper care of all his/her children, biological or otherwise, to love them and act in a way that these children will love and adore him/her back. This will bring happiness and progress and when trouble comes, the O of the children will naturally rise up in his/her
defense.
If says that there is need for the person for whom this od is revealed to ofter gbg with four cocks and money. There is also the need to serve the Ol of his/her child with whatever If prescribes.
The Awo needs to confirm from If the specific item to use in order to ensure this victory and protection. On these, If says:
Agilltl nll gb'ko nilp'rl KOkO nll gb'dO ta plpltl Altakn nff gb'ko nfl rn,w Oglnnlrtglnnl Dd firn ojtjl Tl y bl E| I'Qmg Nfjq Ajogun ka mQ't pttipttl 344
hh
rc*,
u"i
lbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Agfllfrltl, the monitor reptile, lives in the farm and develops baldhead And KgkQ, the Bull-frog, lives in the brook and hops about While Altakn, the Spider, lives in the farm and spins threads fit for Qg'lnn'lg)nnl clothes These were lf's declarations to O)jf, the Shadow Who gave birth to fh And who was living in the midst of Ajogun She was advised to offer gbg
When OJifl was very young, she had been told to love everyone as she would love herself. She had also been advised that whatever she knew that when done to her would pain her, she must never do to anyone. Ever since her youth, she had been abiding by these advices. She loved all. She cared forall. In turn, all loved her.
When she grew up and was getting married, it was a very big ceremony. Several people turned up to felicitate with her and to congratulate the familyof her husband on their luckfor marrying such a well-trained lady.
Soon after, her wedding ceremony, she became pregnant. When it was getting to the time of her delivery she went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would she deliver safely? What soft of baby would she have? What would be the baby's do's and don'ts, especially the taboos?
O)fi was assured that she would be delivered of her baby safely and that the baby would be greater than the two parents when the baby grew up. When the baby was delivered, it was a male and was named fla. O)jf was again advised to ensure that this baby was properly trained and shown the
ways of Oldmar and the lrnmglQ. She was advised to show love to the baby without compromising discipline. All these, OJ dd. When ths child was growing up, he had been showing the traits of being great. Then one day, Oj[i had a terrible dream. Worried over this dream, she went for If consultation and the samefrosn-M) was revealed. That
345
day, the group of Awo told her that four Ajogun were crowding ove her: Death to kill her; Affliction to tie her down for Death to kill; Litigation to give her emotional trauma for Affliction to tie down; and Loss to ensure that all she had laboured for in her life were in vain. She was however assured that the four Ajogun would fail in their effofts. She was told that because she had given fla her child all the love a good parent ought to give, the Ori of her child was ready to protect her as the O felt that the child still needed her Iove and affection and cannot afford to miss such things atthe moment. She offered the gbg and at the same time seved the Of of her child.
As soon as all these processes were completed, her child's
Of rose stoutly
in her defense. The O warded off Ikrl, Arn, $Q and Ofo whch had already stationed in her home. She thus became free of all the Ajogun
which had hitherto been pestering her life. She was therefore singing and dancing and giving praisesto herAwo,If and Oldmar. Agiflrrtl nll gb'ko nif p'rf KOkO nll gb'd ta pltlpltl Altakn nff gb'ko nll rn'wrl Oglnnlglnnl Dl fin ojljl Tl y bl Ela I'Qmg Nfjq Ajogun kaa m{'le pltipltl Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbo, r'bg Ikl t l'un o pa Ojlil Ko lee pa mq o fla gmg rQ ni j o, Fla Arn t l'un O 9e OiH
KOleFem0o Fla gmq re ni o je o, Fla Fjq t l'un o qe Oilil
Ofo to l'un o qe Ojlil
Koleegemqo fla gmg r ni o je o, Fla

KOlegemqo Fla gmq re ni o je o, Fla
Translation
Aginn, the monitor reptile, lives in the farm and develops bald-
346
ii
trosun Mej
head And KQnkQ, the Bull-frog, lives in the brook and hops While Altakn, the Spider, lives in the farm and spins threads fit for Ag)nnlginn) clothes These were lfa's declarations to Olj, the Shadow Who gave brth to pb And who was living in the midst of Ajogun She was advised to offer gbg She complied Ik, Death, which plans to kill 01fi Cannot do so again It is lla her child who made it impossible Arn, Affliction, which plans to strike Oljf Cannot do so again It is pa her child who made it impossible EjQ, Litigaton, which plans to run Oll down Cannot do so again It is Fla her child who made it impossible OfO, Loss, which plans to strip OIjl naked Cannot do so again It is fla her child who made it impossible
about
If says that it will be impossible for lkrl, Arn, Fjq and 0f to affect the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she is luc$ to have
been blessed with a powerful child who guards and protects the parents.
10. If says that it shall not allow the person for whom this Od is
revealed to fall into the ditch of death and misery. If says that many people had fallen into this ditch to meet their untimely death but that this client shall not fall into it and if he/she eventually fell into ditch, it shall be padded and he/she would be able to survive the So says If. If says that because of the person for whom this Od is revealed, the ditch of death and misery shall be filled and nobody will be harmed again.
the fal!.
Ifa advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer one matured he-goat, plenty of cotton wool and money as gbg. If
this can be done the problem shall be overcome. A stanza in this Od in support of this asseftion
says:
347
tfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consuftation
Ara sObf nll pgn'mi filn wgn nl yangl fg'Sq Oio o rQ m, Yangl di aPata Dl fn QlQgbun'Aylk fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
The thunder fetches water for those on the rocky areas rock When ie rain stopped falling, the mud-stone turns to solid where This was the Ifa cast for gqbun-Afk, owner of the ditch PeoPle fall and die He was advised to offer gbg
the ditch into several people had lost their lives inside the QlQgbun-Ayiktl, Babalwo for which peopte fall and die, One day, glQgbul-Allrrwentto his inside the If consultation: How could he stop people from falling and dying he succeed in this ditch? what were the materials needed to do so? would die would bid? He was assured that the ditch into which people fall and was advised to become the ditch into which people fall and survive. He money' He offer sacrifice with a matured he-goat, plenty of cotton wool and complied. As he was unknown to him, he was to be the next victim of this ditch. cotton wool passing close to ii is ditch, he slipped and fell into the ditch. The he *ni.n e had offered as gbg was used by Egu Qdara to pad the ditch and That was was not wounded in any way when he landed inside the ditch. ditch after him how he was able to survve te fall. Those who fell into the harmless and no longer died in the ditch. That was how the ditch became people survive the fall.
Ara sobl nll pgn'mi filn wgn nl yangl fg'99 Oio o rQ mQ, Yangl di aPata Dl fitn QlQgbun-Ay'kt Tll y Pad w di QQgbun-AYlYe fbg ni wqn nl k $e gb'gbg, nl'bg Ko P' Ko flna E w b ni llkl kangiri
Translation
The thunder fetches water for those on the rocky areas
348
tri msu, uei

When the rain stopped falling, the mud-stone turns to solid rock This was the If cast for QlQgbun-Ayrk, owner of the ditch where people fall and die Who will later become the owner of the ditch into which people fall and suruive He was advised to offer gbg He complied Not too late, not too far loin us where we enjoy victory over death
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be protected
aganst violent and/or untimely death. The client shall live long and in relative peace and comfoft.
11. If advises some members
of the same family or generation to offer to identifu something which they use in common and which has turned to a subject of debate and controversy. When they identfy t, they need to stop using it at least for some period of time as it could tear the whole family apaft. This may be a family land, family house, family business or any other item of joint inheritance. All of them, without any exception need to stop using whatever it is, so that peace and harmony could be restored in the family.
gbQ against misunderstandng. There is the need for them
There is also the need for the whole family to offer qbg with a matured he-goat, feed Esu with a cock and feed their common progenitor with matured goat. offering this gbg is impoftant, but not as impoftant as heeding the advice of If as contained in this stanza. On these, If
says: Bggre l yq
Il
Atgrlsua b ye Qdede AkOdl kan gbrgd-gbaragada l yg mi Oun n l ye lran-n mi o Dl fn wgn L'Epe Jlg Nll a l t wg'nrt Qya Afe qkq tele fg mqgqnmQ Ede awgn I y'ra wgn ni wQn d'f st !b9 ni wEn nl kl wQn ge
349
Translation
Bggre, the roof thatching grass, is what befits a house Ater'igb, the linted, is what befits a balcony And AkOdi, a big, spacious room is what befits me And befits my generations These were If's declarations to them at Erlpe-Jlga In the home of those who float gingerly on Qya River And use the spear to strike the ground while speaking forcefully in strange tongues When looking for ways of ending their misunderstanding They were advised to offer gbg
The progenitor of the people of Epe-Jlg was a very hard-working and successful man. He had severalwves and children. When he died, he left behind a lot of propefty and other businesses. None of his wives and children was n want as a result of the death of the bread-winner. When the time came to share the man's propertes, it was done without any rancour. Some of the elders however counselled that it was advisable to leave some landed property for their common usage. They saw reason and left these
lands for communal use.
Before long however, some of the family members began to have different dreams on how to make the best use of the lands; some felt they would be good for farm cultivation; some said they would serve better as recreaton land; some felt that turning some of them to market place would be more profitable; while yet another group consdered that erecting houses on them would serve everyone better. Before long, controversy erupted. Wth this controversy came bitter struggle for supremacy which nearly tore the whole family apaft. In the end, the head of the family went to the group of Awo stated above for If consultation: What would the family do to end the raging misunderstanding and controversy? What would he personally do to ensure that the family did not break up during his own time? Would peace and tranquility return to his family during his tenure as the head of the family and soonest too?. The Awo inform him that there was controversy in his family and that the misunderstanding emanated from land issue. The Awo stated fufther that the land problem had led the distrust and bad-blood among his kith and kin. 350
hi
,.*, r"j,
For this reason therefore, it was in the best interest of all concerned to identifywhich pafticular land was involved and then stop using italtogether. This must be done in the interest of peace and harmony. The Awo also informed him that there was also the need to offer ebo with one matured he-goat and money. After this, the family needed to feed Egu with one cock and feed their common progenitor with a matured goat. The Awo however, emphasized that even f 10 goats were used to feed their ancestor or 10 goats were offered as, gbg, they were not as effective as heeding the warning of If. The head of the family summoned the whole extended family and informed them of what If had said. They all offered the gbg, feed Eg and their common progenitor. After this, they held several meetings and concluded never to use the land in question until fufther notice. Before long, all warning pafties embraced peace and everything returned to normal. There was progress in the family and everyone experienced relative comfoft and harmony. They were all singing and dancing and praising If. When asked how they were able to restore peace into the family, they responded that If settled the problem for them by speaking to them in the language they understood.
Bqqre
ly9Il
Atqrtgba |oyeQdgde Akodl kan gbragd-gbaragada l yg mi Oun na lyglran-n mi o Dlfinwgn L'EnpeJlga Ni'l a l t wg'nu Qya Afedl qkq telQ fq mqgqnmQ Ede awgn ly'ra wgn niwqn d'f sf fbg niwQn nl kl wQn ge WQn gb'gbo, wQn r'bg Kp, Kjln Ire gbogbo w ya d ttru QpenfgTpa f ogbQ ni o
Qpe
rfsrp
f gbQnio
351
Translation
Bggrg, the roof thatching grass, is what befits a house Atgfgba, the linted, is what befits a balcony And Akodl , a big, spacious room is what befits me And befits my generations These were If's declarations to them at Enpe-Jlga In the home of those who float gingerly on Qya River And use the spear to strike the ground while speaking forcefully in strange tongues When looking for ways of ending their misunderstanding They were advised to offer gbg They complied Before long, not too far loin us in the midst of all Ire QpQ, the Holy palm tree speaks Tp language Only you do not hear Truly, QpQ speaks Tapa language But you never comprehend
If says happiness, peace and harmony shall be restored into the home of the person for whom this Od is revealed. There is a strong need for those involved to heed the advice of If.
L2. If says that there is a lady where ths If is revealed who is too
fashion-conscous. She believed so much in her beauty to the extent that she feels that any man can be manipulated to abide by whatever she wants at any time. She feels that good looks are evefihing that matters in this life. Forthis reason therefore, she i s always found in front of any mirror trying to determine how good looking she is at any pont in time. If says that what she consders her major preoccupation is how nice she looks, smells and feels. Anything which could enhance her good looks is pursued with unbelievable vigour. If warns however that this
will never bring her any reward as there is no future in it.
If says that this lady needs to settle down, look for a suitable partner and get married in order to have her own children. If says that her wealth, good looks, nice smells and general well-being are her future children. If says that without children, she will live a poor and
352
ii t.*n u.
miserable life in future. In this wise, If says that she needs to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, hro hens and money. She also needs to seve Egu witlr one cock and money. After this, all her cosmetics, mirror, lipsticks, eye lashes, powder, perfume etc needed to be dumped at Eg shrine. This is very essential here. On these, a stanza in Irosn-MT says: Awo qT ko ge gbQrQggd, Ka fi ri'ran mQdn Dl firn 9lqmg Awo-ilgl T fQylntl m'Jrt gkn snrhn gmg Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
No matter how big a mirror may be It cannot be used to foresees the future This was If's declaration to Qlgmg Awofgfl, the mirror looker When lameting her inability to bear a child She was advised to offer gbg
The lady If referred to as Awojgfi, the mirror-looker in this Od was a strikingly beautiful person she was well-propoftioned and with right bodily assets in the right places. Her smiles were tempting; her looks, inviting; her movements, seductive; and her gesticulations, suggestive. As a matter of fact, her whole body was captivating. She was very conscious of her looks. For this reason, she used to spend quite a considerable period of time in front of the mirror to ensure that she continued to look good and smell nice.
No cosmetic was too expensive for her to use.
Instead of using this gift of Oldmar for the common good, she saw her asset as a means of enslaving men. She used to flift around and seduce men, high and low to her side, whenever she needed anything, she would begin to plan how to twist the arm of her various lovers to get what she wanted. When it was suggested to her to get married she considered the idea as a major disadvantage. She reasoned that if she got married she would be arm-strong in the home of one man and she would not be able to flaunt her beauty to the admiration of other people. She turned down the suggestion; she considered her friends and colleagues who got married as fools. She used to advise them not to marry at all, what of staying
353
permanently in one man's house, cooking, sweepng, washng, obeying stupid laws of one man, straining oneself and spoiling one's hands, nails and figure with household chores. After advice notwithstanding, her friends got married. They begari'to bear children, males and females. Awofgf remained single and unattached. By the time her contemporaries became proud mothers of four, five children, she had none. By this time, Awoj'igfi was
approaching 40 years.
As a result of the attitude of AwoJigfi toward life in general and men in pafticular, people began to give her socialdistance. If any man approached her for any serious relationship, others would call the man and warn him seriously against such move. They would show the man some men whom Awojigi had ruined over the years. Such a man would quickly beat a retreat. By the time she was 40 years, she had become a lonely woman.
One day, AwoJigf stood in front of the mirror as her usual practice. She took an intense look at herself and discovered to chagrin that she was getting old, she was so afraid for herself and herfuture. She was realistic enough to know that with her lifestyle, without her beauty, she had no future. She began to think seriously. She began to develop head-aches and wrinkles. She was getting older and older by the day. She became a very sad woman indeed.
Soon after this encounter with reality, some of her childhood friends whom she had hithefto considered to be fools began to invite her to the wedding party of their own children. Some were inviting her to the graduation ceremony of their children. It suddenly dawned on her that those friends of hers had managed to build relatively stable homes for themselves. They were happy and contented. This made her realized that her friends had not been foolish after all, she was the big fool.
One day, a friend of hers who gave bfth to a set of twins as her first delivery and wanted to marry out the children, both females to another set of twins born by another contemporary of theirs, invited her to the ceremony. All the friends were there with their husbands and children. Awofgfi came alone. Those who had seen her for a long time were asking for her husband and children. She was ashamed to reply them that she had none. While
354
'\tr
r**u"
the ceremony was going on, Awoflgf went to a corner and wept bitterly.
There and then, she made up her mind to get married and have children, she was however aware of the fact that men were running away from her as a result of her attitude towards them and that she was no longer as attractive as she used to be. In order to find solution to her problem, she went to the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation: Would she be able to get married now? Would she be able to have her own children? Would she beas happy as her friends? Would she have respect and honour as her friends? The Awo told her that she had almost ruined her life as a result of her pursuance of trivial things at the expense of her future security. She was told that it was not yet too late for her to mend her ways however. She was advised to take the issue of securing a home seriously so as to have her own children. She was also asked to offer ebo with four rats, four fish, two hens and money, She was also advised to serve Egu wittr one cock and money. The Awo told her to go and bring all her cosmetics and other things she was using to enhance her beauty. She did. All the gbg was offered and the cosmeticswere placed in Eg shrine. Shethen leftfor home.
Before long, she met a man who was interested in her. Soon after, they got married. She became pregnant and gave b'th to a baby girl. The baby was in her true likeness. She began to admire the work of Oldmar in her baby. She was so proud of the baby. She then realized that no mirror was as good as one's own child. The baby was even more beautiful and more attractive that her. She was thus singing and dancing and praising Old ma r for everyth ing. Awo 9i'ji ko ge gbQrQgQdQ Ka fi ri'ran amdn Dl filn Qlqmq Awo-jlgl T f,ylntl m'Jrt gkn snrhn gmg [bg ni wQn nl k 9e gbg'bg, d r'bg r|gl kan ko sl Qmg ni jlgl gni o
355
Translation
No matter how big a mirror may be It cannot be used to foresees the future This was lf's declaration to elgmq AwoJig, the mirror looker When lamenting her inability to bear a child She was advised to offer gbg She complied There is no mirror anywhere One's child is one's true mirror
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with her own true mirror in life.
13. If says that all the Ajogun giving problems in the home of the person
for whom this Od is revealed shall go. If says that these problems could have gone for a long time but for the fact that either due to lack of competence on the part of the Awo who had been handling the case or due to outright mischief and wickedness, the problems still persist. If says that it was the materials that they had been using to serve If which had not.made the problems to abate. If says that they ought notto feed If with any life animal or bird which will entail dropping the blood on If, but rather a dried big rat ought to be used to feed If. By so doing, If says thatthe Ajogun wilr go. Irosn-M) is an Od which abhors blood. Care must therefore be taken to ensure that as much as possible, blood is avoided on this If. One stanza in this Od in suppoft of this asseftion says:
Aj dd mg okg alro Agbo dd mg ookg ldoko Aasq irin gbgd-gbagada Ni wn fi ge llQkn Olkun K'y Olkun m baa lu Dl fitn wgn lgbaa lgbo Oun If Kiriblti Mjq Ajogun k wgn mQ't pitipiti fbg ni wQn nl kl wgn ge
3s6
tl
l,h
rc",, uri
Translation
A black dog knows the name of a clothe And a black ram knows that of a painter A strong big iron door Is what was used to bolt the door of Olkun For the life of Olkun not to be in jeopardy These were lf's declarations to them at Agb Igbo and ll-Ife When Ajogun invaded their home They were advised to offer qbg
dyer
The inhabitants of Agb Igbo and ll-Ife were experencing series of unfortunate mishaps rangng from untimely deaths, incurable illnesses, pestilence, failed crop yields losses, natural disasters, witches problem and so on. They went for If consultations several times. They had offered several ebQ and feed If with rams, goats, he-goats, pigs, cows, guinea-fowls, hens and so on, all to no avail. At a stage, they got fed up.
One day however, they were advised to go and meet the group of Awo stated above for If consultation. They went. The Awo consulted If for them. They were however assured that alltheir problems would disappear. They were told that the wrong prescription had hithefto been recommended for them, and that was why the problems persisted. They were told never to kill any life animal on their If again. They were advised to offer gbg with three cocks. They were also advised to serve If with one dried big rat and palm-oil. They complied. Before long, they discovered that all the bad things happening in the community had abated to a manageable level. They were thus full of praises for theirAwo.
Aj drd mg oOkg alr Agbo ddr mg ookg ldoko Aasq irin gbgd-gbagada Ni wqn fi ge llQkn olkun K'y Olkun m baa lu Dl filn wgn lgba lgbo oun IfQ Kiriblti MjQ Ajogun k wgn mqrl ptpt fibg ni wqn nl kl wqn ge WQn 9b'bg, w{n r'bg lyin agba, Agb Igbo un IfQ Kiribltl Okete n'rf gb
357
se'p If gb'eran o?
Translation
A black dog knows the name of a clothe dyer And a black ram knows that of a painter A strong big iron door Is what was used to bolt the door of Olkun For the life of Olkun not to be in jeopardy These were lf's declarations to them at Agb lgbO and ll-Ife When Ajogun invaded their home They were advised to offer gbg They complied Now, you elders of Agb IgbO and ll-Ife If demanded for a (dried) big rat Why did you say that If demanded for a goat?
If warns the Awo here not to cause avoidable problem or perpetuate one due to his own greedness and lack of consderation for the feeling and suffering of others. If warns the Awo to desist from this act lest he meet with the wrath of the Deities.
t4. If also says that all Ajogun will leave the home of the person for
whom this Od is revealed.
If says that no blood must be spilled on If and that as long as they continue to do this, so long will the problem persist. If says that all the blood on the Ifa must be cleaned off and in its place; palm-oil must be poured on t. After this, kola-nut must be split for If. That is all If needs to drive away all Ajogun in the home and life of this client. On this, If says:
Ara klwq nfl pgn'mi fitn wgn lrli yangrl Ojo O rq mq yangl d'pta o Dl filn Ywqpa Tll 9'9mg Qljeq Okogo Eyl tl b b | sn Tr b bi I il Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e o
'Il m"rn u"i
Translation
The thunder fetches wgter for those on the rocky areas When the rain stops falling, the mudstone turns to rock This was the If cast for Ywqpa The offspring of Qbjee 0ko9o Who was sleeping in the midst of evil And waking in the midst of evil He was advised to offer gbg
Ywqpa was a descendant of sculptors whose family business was to carue woods in various shapes designs. They specalzed in caruing the image of masquerades, house and palace piilars, household furniture, images of all Deities and so on. For these works of Aft, the family was highly respected and honoured.
One day however, YwQpa woke up only to discover that most of the carued images in his home were making funny sounds. Some were even upturnng the items placed on them. Some had fallen down while yet others had broken into two. He too had been having series of nightmares. He had gone to several Babalwo for solution to his problems. The Awo told him that he was sleeping and waking up in the midst of Ajogun. However, the Awo felt that truly If needed kola-nuts in order to solve his problems for him, but the Awo felt that there was nothing in that for him to eat. Instead, the Awo recommended a goat. Ywpa bought the goat but the problems persisted. He killed several animals withut any solution to his problems.
This had been going on before YwQpa was introduced to the Awo stated above. The Awo analyzed his problems for him. They also asked him to offer gbg with one cock and money. He was then asked to go home and split two kolanuts for his If. He did. Surprisingly, all the Ajogun left his house. His life returned to normal. He lived the rest of his Iife a happy man.
Ara krllwq nff pgn'mi filn wgn lr{i yangl Ojo o rQ mq yangl d'aph o Dl filn YwQpa Tff q'gmq gtjqe Okoqo Eyl tl b ib | sn Tl b b r il lbg ni wQn nl k 9e o gb'Qbg, r'bg 359
Igba tl a nl g Y'wQ pa'bi f ge y'wQ p'gran o?
Translation
The thunder fetches water for those on the rocky areas When the rain stops falling, the mudstone turns to rock This was the If cast for YwQpa The offspring of Qbjee Okogo Who was sleeping in the midst of evil And waking in the midst of evil He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now that we asked you to quickly split a kolanut Why did you quickly split (the throat of) a goat
p.roblems of the client here persst because of the greedness and dishonesty of those he/she relied upon for solution to his/her problems. If says that he/she shall meet those who would be of assstance and the problems shall disappear. If however warns those dishonest people thattheir day of reckonng is at hand.
If says that the
15.
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to desist from his plan to snatch another man's wife and if he had already done so, he needs to return the wife to the owner lest he meets with terrible consequence. If says that the husband of the woman he intends to snatch is more powerful and ruthless than him. If he loves his life, he needs to desist from his plan. If he refuses to heed this warning. If says that he will live to regret this action for the rest of his life.
If says that the person in question is light in complexion while the husband of the woman he intend to snatch is dark-complexion. If
also warn a woman who intends to elope from her husband's home to another man's house not to do so in her own interest. If says that the person she plans to elope with may end up losing his life and she will be blamed forthis disaster bythe relation of the deceased.
If says that the person who intend to snatch another man's wife need to, in addition to desisting from this act, offer gbg with one
360
lh matured he-goat and money. On this, If says:

Egin nll sr ktpa klp wQ'hl Eeyan mi mg lrtn knkn nl rlrln Dla fun Ina Tl lg re f IOjOI, gmg Oldmar lbg ni wQn nl k 9e
msun
u"i
Translation
fgin, the Horse, is he who gallops into the town My relation does not know how to traverse in the dark This was lf's declaration to In, the Fire When going to snatch JOjOI, the daughter of Olodumare He was advised to offer ebo
The lady in question here was an extremely beautiful woman. She had a soft tender skn. Her skin was so smooth and so delicate that one could easly mistaken it for that of a new born baby. Her face had the innocent look of an infant. She was looking far younger than her age. As a result of these attributes, those who knew her believed that she must be a mermaid of some sot. To crown it all, she hailed from a highly influential family. For these reasons, people who were close to her named her 'J0j0l 9mg Oldmar' meaning 'JOjl, the new-bon, the daughter of Oldmar' she was well loved and respected by everybody in her community.
When she was old enough to get married many suitors wanted her as their wife. In the end, she got married to Ojo, Rainfall. 0o was a darkcomplexioned man.
He was generous and he did not discriminate when he wished to give out water to a community. He used to give it out to both friends and foes alike.
His influence extended to all corners of the world. He was also very powerful and was reknowned to be ruthless and destructive whenever he
chose
to,
His ruthlessness was equally recognised by all.
When ljl got married to Ojo, everyone in the community was happy. They thought that it would be a perfect match. Unknown to most people howeve; J0j0l was never a faithful woman. Since the time she got married
361
to Ojo, she had been dating In, the Fire, steadily. At a stage, In and
J0j0l planned to run away together and staft a new life elsewhere. When they concluded this plan, they went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If cosultation.
The Awo warned In never to do what he had in mind to do. They told him that he could never do anything secretly for others not to notice. They said that even in the dar( there was nowhere that Ina would pass that others would not see him. In this wise therefore, eloping with JjOl would be an exercise in futility. He was also warned thatthe husband of Jjl, Ojo, was more powerful than him and that if he should carry out his plan, he risked losing his life in the process. In was also advised to offer gbg with one matured he-goat as gbg against calamity for ever contemplating such an immoralact.
when In heard all these, he grew annoyed. He told Awo that he would never offer the gbg as they prescribed. Not only that, he boasted that he would snatch J0j0l away from her husband. He said that he was not afraid of her husband since he, In, was a very powerful person too. He claimed that he was more ruthless and more destructive than Ojo. He said that nothing and nobody should dare stand in his way. Having said these, he stormed out of the house of the Awo. He asked JOjl to go and pack all her essential needs as they would be moving atthe shortest notice. JOjOI dd.
on the day of their depafture, what they would thought that they were
doing secretly was exposed to all as wherever they passed through, In, the Fire, was sending out enough illumination for all to see them. When people realised that In was running away with Jjl, the wife of Ojo, they went and alefted Ojo. Oo was so furious that anyone could dare do that to him. He went out in fury in search of Ina. when he saw In, he engaged him in a fierce battle. Before long, it was clear to all that the battle was one-sided as In was no match to OjO. Within a few minutes, In was a dead man. Before his death, he remembered the warnings of the Awo, but alas, it was too late to make an amendment.
fgin nll sr ktpa ktitp wQ'hl

362
itr
r**
u"
Eeyan mi O mg lrln knkn nl rtrln Dl fn In Tl lg r f JOiOI' gmg Oldmar Fbg ni wQn nl ko ge kg'tl Qgbgnhin s'qbg In puPa beli
oio dd bqloiq Kaka kl n fQ In

Ma lg ree
fjo
Oi gldlsldl In gb g nf'yw lg
Ojo gttgt Eyin gbQn o
lyin O tilq mg'ran fyin o mQ wlp oio niy r'yln In n

Oio sldlsldl
Translation
fgin, the Horse, is he who gallops intq the town My relation does not know how to traverse in the dark This was lf's declaration to In, the Fire When going to snatch J0j0l, the daughter of Olodumare He was advised to offer gbg He bluntly refused In, the light-complexioned man And Ojo, the dark-complexioned man Instead of getting married to In I would rather prefer Ojo The strong Ojo In is eloping with Your wife The ruthless O'o Don't you know? Can't you realise? Can't you see that Oj is the one to eliminate In The rnighty 0j0
If warns a woman not to cause the death of her lover as a result of her infidelity. If also warns everyone concerned in this Od to be faithful and sncere to their loved ones.
363
lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consuftation
16.
If warns a person or group to be careful with whatever they intends to do lest they regret their action for the remaining paft of their lives. If says that there was an action they were about to take which could lead toweeping and gnashing of teeth. If alsowarnsthatthe person for whom this Od is revealed should not do any favour for those who will harm them in the end. The person or persons for whom this Od is revealed is being advised against this action but had bluntly refused to listen to wise counselng. Ifa says that only regrets will be the outcome of this action.
If advises that there is the need to offer qbq with one matured hegoat and money where this Od is revealed. There is also the need to serve Egu Qdar with one cock here. On these, If has this to
say:
Abamq,aoge
A ge'k tttn
Ikrt d'ariwo
Dl fiin Ekt Il Tl lg r fi Olgbo j'oy f;bg ni wQn nl kl wgn ge
Translation
Had we known, we would not have embarked on this After coufting death Death became a commotion These were lf's declarations to Ekrlte-Il, the Mice When going to honour Olgb, the Cat, with a chieftaincy titile They were advised to offer gbg
Ekrte-tle, the Mice, were living in the house with human beings. In fact, they far out-numbered human beings. But they had a problem, Olgb, the Cat usually came from the forest to attack and kill some of the mice in the house. The incursions of Olgb soon became a major head-ache of the whole mice community. They therefore assembled together to find a lasting solution to their common problem. During their deliberations they came up with the ingenious plan to invite Olgb into the house to live with them. They also planned to give him a
364
lnl
rc"rn u"
chieftaincy title as the leader and protector of all rats and other rodents. Their reasoning was that if they did this, the Catwould no longer be morally be justified to kill them as they would be under his care and protection, All of them hailed this decision and they were so proud to have come up with this plan. After this, there was yet another problem how to convince human beings, the owner of the houses they were living to accept OIgbO into their homes. They summoned courage and laid their plan to invite the Cat to their hosts. When they did, human being told them that their ancestors recognized Cats as their enemies and they never coufted their friendship. They warned that inviting Olgb into their midst amounted to nothing but an open invitation to calamity. All the rats refused to listen. In the end, they had their way. They went to invite the Cat to come and live in the house with them. They conferred on him the chieftaincy title as promised. It was with pomp and pageantry thatthe Cat was ushered into the house to Iive with Mice. The very day that the cat came into the home, he went on rampage. He went on killing spree. He killed, and killed, and killed. It was like the cat could not stop killing rats when he sighted them. Before the year ran to an end, the cat had reduced the rats population drastically. The Cat went and brought his colleagues from the forest into the house. From that day onwards, the rats had known no peace.
One day, the Mice, went to the human beings to plead with them to please send the Cataway. The human beings howeversaid thattheir requestcould not be granted for two reason; one, ever since the advent of the Cats into their homes, wanton destruction of clothes, food, furniture and so on being perpetrated by the mice had reduced drastically and two, the Mice had hitherto been warned against their action but they refused. In this wise, they were advised to learn how to live with their misfoftune. And since that day till today, the Rat had never been able to learn how to live with the cat without the Rat suffering for it.
Abamgraoge
A ge'k tn
fi
Ik d'ariwo Dl firn Ekt rl

rrg r
fi Olgb0 j'oy
365
lla Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultation
!b9 ni wQn nl kl wgn ge WQn kg'tf Qgboyln s'ebq Ekt-rI b tet mo

b t w garfin ebg
KO b
tt mo
Translation
Had we known, we would not have embarked on this After cou.ting death Death became a commotion These were lf's declarations to Ekr:te-Il, the Mice When going to honour Ol9b0, the Cat, with a chieftaincy title They were advised to offer gbg They bluntly refused to comply Had Ekute-Ib known on time They would have rushed to offer their prescribed gbg Had they but known in time
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be allowed to do somethng he/she would regret for the rest of his/her (or their) lives.
If advises that to heed advice is more rewarding than thinking that one is the wisest person on earth.
Abgru AUgye
366
Itr
ro"u,
u.i
B.
SIGNIFICANCE OF IROSUN.MEJI TO THOSE BORN BY THIS ODU DURING ITELODU OR ITOSEOAYE
Irosn-Mfl children have the capacity to rise from grass to grace and
remain at the very top of their chosen careers for the rest of their lives. If is always giving its backing to thern because they are children of Qrnmll right from heaven. When Irosn-M;) children succeeds, their success is always beyond anybody's imagination. In fact true lrosn-Mjl children are not known as failures in life. They also live long and happily.
Irosn-Mjl children are however known to be selfish and self-centered.

But If says that if they can discard this attitude and embrace taking care of others by looking after their welfare, If itself will take charge of their lives
and reward them plentifully. Irosn-Mjl children excel in hospitality fields such as being Babalwo or )ynff, medical doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, public relations officel social psychologist, welfare officer, attending to motherless babies, old people, mentally retarded people, working in disaster zones and so on. By so doing, they will have wealth,
recognition, honour, prestige, stable homes, peace of mind, sound physical and mental health and long life. They should also do good to others as they will never go unrecognized and unrewarded.
In business, no matter how successful lrosn-Mil chldren may be, or

how much profit they make, they are in the habit of complaining that the situation is not good for them. Even though people show them appreciation for whatever they do, they in turn find it difficult to show appreciation to others who had done good deeds for them. This attitude is in-born and difficult to change. lrosn-M) children are however advisd to show appreciation for Iittle favours done to them by Oldmar, the Deities and their fellow human beings. If they do this, their lives will continue to improve and their happiness, progress and success will know no bound.
boldness and truthfulness of lrosn-Mjl children as wickedness. People maytherefore be running away from them. This may affect their financial and business
367
It is very easy for people to confuse the fothrightness,
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultaon
chances but with time things will surely change for the better and they will be able to realize their destinies.
Irosn-Mjl children are usually blessed with children. These children are
usually successful and impoftant in their societies. There is however usually one of these children whose destiny is so strong and overbearing that the parents (that is,Irosn-Mil children) need to serue his/her Ori in order to acquire resounding victory over any form of adversary be it death, affliction, litigation, loss, envious individuals, enemies, backbiters or witches/wizards. These children, when identified needed to be treated specially and with caution. This is however not to suggest that they should be over-pampered at the expense of other children in the family. It is worthy of note however that his child's destiny (or) will protect every member of lrosn-Mjl ,children's familles.
frosn-Mjl children have the ability to survive where other people had
died, to succeed where others had failed and to gain where others had lost out woefully. They also have the capacity to help other people overcome the miseries of their lives. Those who are born by this Od need not fight or quarell over any legacy as this is not in line with their destiny. Instead, they should always look for amicable settlement of all matters pertaining to inheritance materials, especially landed properties. If amicable settlement ftils, then lrosnMil children are advised to hand off the matter. conscious. They find it difficult to settle down and get married and when they do they are not that loyal to their husbands. They needed to be advised against this as this attitude may affect them and make it difficult for them to get children when they want to have them. At the same time ti may lead to trauma for them as their secret lovers may end up losing their lives over this illicit attitude. Irosun-ttejl male children are also warned against snatching other people's wives as this may lead to their untimely and violent death.
Irosn-Mjl female children are usually fashion
Irosn-Mil chldren, males and females are very stubborn. They find it
difficult to listen to wise counseling. When they have made up their minds
368
Itr
,.*,
r.,
(
on something, good or bad, it is difficultto change their minds. This is not a good attitude as some of their decisions may lead to regrets and
calamity.
Again, IrosUn-Mjl children must never use any animalto serue their If. They must not put blood on their If as this may Iead to more problems for them. If they must do so, they need to ask If over and over again before this is done. When in problem, it is advisable to feed If with dried big rat and kolanuts and the problems will disappear.
In all, Irosrn-Mjl children are born achieves. They get results
where
others fail. They have the capacty to keep on going and struggling where others retreated. It is this quality in them that guarantees success and accomplishmentforthem. True lrosn-Mjl children are not known to die a violent deaths. True lrosn-Mil children live and die peacefully.
C.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5 6. 7. 8. 9.
Affiliated Irnmqle and Orlqa of lrosn-Mjl

If - for progress, comfoft, projection and success Orl - for direction, protection against all Ajogun, for fulfilment
destiny
Equ
of
Qdar for overall achievement and protection against
all evil
Q+un - for child bearing QbaHl - for child bearing and protection Fgb - for success and achievement, for suppott Egngun - forancestralsuppoft
$ngo-forsupportandachievement Orlg Oko - forfinancial success and
progress
D. Taboos Of lrosn Mjl Children 1. Must never eat dog - to avoid being plagued by Ajogun 2. Must never eat ram - to avoid being plagued by Ajogun 3. Must never show ingratitude - to avoid anger of the Deities 4. Must never be deceitful - to avoid anger of the Deities
369
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12.
Must never be in a hurry - to avoid missing his/her chances Must never eat monitor - to avoid missing the protection of his/her child's Oi Must never eat bull-frog - to avoid missing the protection of his/her child's Ol Must never use a spider - to avoid missing the protection of his/her child's Of
Must never be too fashion-conscious
- to avoid problem of
childlessness Must never eat cock - to avold missing the protection of the Deities Must not fight over landed property or other legacy - to avoid family confl ict and misunderstanding Must not put blood in his/her If - to avoid incessant problem in his/her life
E.
1. 2, 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Possible names of lrosn-Mjl children during
Ikesedy
Males
Qlnlgba Honour has its period of manifestation
Ifgbuyl If is prestigious Dqpgm I hold unto the Holy palm tree

EgbQpQ The outcome of If's support Iftrlsln If deserues beig propitiated
Females
Aynlgba Events in the world have their periods of occurrence Oynlran Titles have heredity Qlbmid Honour came into the world with me fkndayQ Lacrimation turns to felicity
9menrilgl
My child is my mirror
Abor Aboye
37A
Chapter 6
OWNRTN MEI
t
illl lr ll ll ll
Chapter Six
OwNRIN MEJI
A.
1. If says that it foreseen the ire of success and achievement for the person whom this Od is revealed. If says that life will be profitable to him/her and there is no aspect of his/her life that will not bring fruitful reward. If says that apaft from the person for whom this Od is revealed, several other people will also benefit from
for
him/her.
If enjoins the person from whom this Od is revealed to

honourable, noble and highly respected in the society.
rely
absolutely on If. By so doing, all the good things of life shall be his/hers. He/she shall lack nothing in life. He/she shall be wealthy,
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guinea fowls and money, there is also the need to serue If. There is need to ask If what it will like to take and then use same to serue If. On allthese, QwQnn MJisays:
Eku snyln Fja sanyln
Tl y maa rln t'aj fbg ni wqn nf k 9e
DrfitnQpe Fuju
t'aje
Translation
The strong rat And the strong fish
372
l,l, o*onnn
*",,
They were the Awo who cast If for the Palmtree of the wilderness Who shall be filled with wealth He was advised to offer gbg
Qpg fluju, the Palm tree of the wilderness, was comng from heaven into the world, he planned to reside in the wilderness. He went to the two Awo mentioned above to determine his success chances on eafth; would he succeed here on eafth? Would he command respect and honour in life? Would he be able to influence and benefit other people? Would he live a comfoftable and contented life? The Awo assured him that he would be very successful in life. He was told that he would be extremely wealthy and that no paft of his body shall be without fetching money. He was also told that everything in his body shall be of benefit to mankind. He was advised to offer gbg and feed If as stated above. He complied. Soon after this, Qpg Flj came into the world. His palm-fronds were cut and turned into brooms. Money was realized. His Palm kernels were used to make Palm-oil. Money was realized. The palm-nuts were broken and the shells were used as fuel. Money was realized. The nuts were grinded and palm-kernel oil was extracted. Money was realized. Other chose to extract palm-wine from the palm-tree instead of palm-kernel. Money was realized. The trunk was used to make rafters and small bridges, money was made. The palm-nut was also used to make Lgfdfgba beads which women used to adorn their waists. Money was realized, the newly-spronted palm-fronds were used to decorate several shrines. Ikin was also extracted from some palm trees which Babalwo use for If consultation. A lot of money was realized. The Ikin was also used to guide, protect, advise, direct and mould people's characters. In shoft, there is no paft of the palm tree which is of no benefit to the human race. The palm tree became the most useful tree on eafth.
Eku sanyln Fja sanyln Dlfiln Qpg llujrt Tl y maa rln t'aje fbgniwgn nl k9e
t'aj
373
gb'gbgr'bg
Qpe lo I'epo
QpQll'adln,
Ape l I'emu QpQ lofun mi nlllQkQ b'qdl Qpg lo fitn mi I'gwq gb,lQ If lfiln mi l'po tl mo m j'qgu Ohun QpQ qefitn mi m mQ nl gbgb Ohun ll n'If rlgefiln mi o
Translation
The strong rat And the strong fish They were the Awo who cast If for Qpe FIUjU Who shall be filled with wealth He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied It is QpQ who owns palm-oil And owns palm-kernel oil And owns palm-wine Qpe was itwhich gave me beadsto adorn mywast And palm-oil which I used to eatyam All what Opg had done for me, I cannotforget Greatthings, If had done for me
If says that it had done great things in the life of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she shall never be disappointed by the people around him/her if he/she places hope and asprations on If. Life shall be fruitful and beneficialto him/her, so says If.
2.
If says that the business of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall prosper. He/She shall become very wealthy because he/she shall make more proft than others. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to make his/her goods and servces more expensive than those of his competitors even if they are of the same
qualty.
If says that the business lines most suitable for this client are sales of Afticle of Ostentation such as Jewelries, perfumes, specially designed 374
o**r, *",, materials, designer shoes and bags, wrstwatches and the latest electronics and automobiles. He/she may also establish an exquisite salon and restaurant where tasty and expensve dishes which give the people the impression thatthe more expensive the materials, the better its quality. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. On this, If says:
Qwon ow a n'w mini QwQn omi la m'Qsun Qpqhpq qwqn onj9la p nl'yn Dl fitn Oun-yO-wQn Tll q'gmg Qba l'f;yQ-Aiorl Fbg gla ni wqn nl k 9e
l,l,
Transactions
Scarcity of money makes one to find atternative Scarcity of water makes one to fetch water-drips Too much waterscarcity is known asfamine These were lf's declarations to Oun'yO-wQn
That-Which-Is-Scarce-And- Expensive A Princess in Qyg city She was advised to offer gbg of prosperity
Expensive was a pri ncess i n QyQ cty. She was also a trader. Her business was not moving well. She therefore, went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation on what to do to make her business succeed. She wanted to know what she needs to do for her to make huge profit. The Awo advised her to be selling afticles which are not very common and/or rare to get. She was also advised to make her goods very expensive- and in fact, more expensive than all her competitors. She was then asked to offer ebo with three white pigeons and money. She complied. Soon after, customers, young and old, were trooping to her stallto purchase things from her - even when they knew that her wares were more expensive than those of her colleagues. The customers were of the opinion that her wares were of the best quality money could buy and that was why they were more expensive than the ones being sold by others, that was how Oun-y-wQn became richer and more successful than all her colleagues. She was thus singing and dancing
Ou
n-y-wQn, That-Wh
ich -Is-Sca rce-And
375
and giving prases to herAwo and If:

Qwqn ow la n'w mini Qwqn omi l m'Qsun Qpqhpq qwQn orlnjg la p nl'yn
Fbq q| ni wqn nl k 9e
filn oun-yo-wQn Tll ggmg Qba I'fyq-Ajorf gb'gborr'bg
At'we, t'gb nfl ra'j Oun- yO- wQn F sr w, g wa ra',j omgba o
! srw, gw ra'j gmg'ba
Translation
Scarcity of money makes one to find alternative Scarcity of water makes one to fetch water-drips Too much water scarcity is known as famine These were lf's declarations to Oun-y-wQn That-Wh ich -Is-Sca rce-And - Expensive A Princess in QyQ city She was advised to offer gbg of prosperity
Shecomplied. Rush here to buy the wares of a princess Both old and young buy goods that are scarce and Expensive from Oun-yO-wQn Rush here to buy the wares of a princess
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall make huge proft in his/her business. If says that even after making his/her goods and/or sevices very expensive, people both young and old will still find
reasons for patronizing him/her.
3.
be
blessed with money, a good spouse, good children and long live. At the same time, If says that death, affrications, litigation and loss shall be warded off from him/her. If says that he/she needs to offer gbg with three white pigeons for financial success, three hens for a good spouse, three rats and three fish for good children and three cocks and idi leaves
376
!|,
**rn
r",,
.i
for victory over death, afflictions, litigation and loss. There is also the need forthis clientto feed If with one matured goat. On says:
Qrnmll l rl drln yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu L'rl apta egbrnsel Qrrlnmll nl kln l rl drlnyunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? WQn nl Aj t'Awo yo nll n Qrunmll nl kl wQn gllQkn f'loj rere
these,If
KwolAwow
Translation
Qrrlnmll declared that itwas rumbling
And itwas humming consistently On top of the rockof Agbrsah Qrnm'il queried that what was rumbl ing?
And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the wealth that The disciple of If would acquire QnJnm'il asked them to open the door for a good To enterthe house ofan Awo
visito
Qrnmll heard persstent rumbling and humming and wondered along about what was making such on the rock of Agbrsl, on the way from heaven was wealth going to the home of his disciple that was making such sound. QrUnm'il asked them to open the door for the good visitor to enter
the home of his disciple. His disciple thus became a wealthy
person.
{
Qrr:nmtla l drln yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu Lf pta gbrsl Qrrtnm)l nl kin l dtln yunmuyuninu? T kn yunmuyunmu? WQn rf aya t'Awoy lff ni Qrunm'll nl l( wgn gllQkn f'lojO rere
KwelAwow
Translation
Qrnmll declared that it was
rumbling
377
And itwas humming consistently On top of the rockof Agbrsl Qrtl nml l quered that what was rumbl ing? And humming on rockofAgbrnsal ? They responded that if was the spouse thatthe Disciple of If will marry
Qrrf nm)l asked
To
enterthe
them to open the doorfor a good visitor home of an Awo
Again, Qrnm)l contnued to hear the rumbling and persstent humming on top of the rock of Agbrsl. Again he asked about what was making such sound; he was informed that it was the spouse that his disciple would marry that was making the sound. Again, Qrnmll asked them to open the door for the good visitor to enter the home of his disciple. His disciple thus because proud husband of a good wife.
Qrnmll l rt drln yunmuyunmu r krn yunmuyunmu L'r{ apta gbrsl Qrrlnmll nl kln l drln yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu?
WQn nl
gmgt'Awoy bl n
Qrunmll nl kl wQn qllQkn flojO ner
KwolAwow
Translation
Qn:nm'll declared that itwas rumbling And itwas hummng consistently On top of the rock of Agbrnsal Qnlnmll queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockofAgbrnsl ? They responded that it was the child that the disciple of If willbeget Qrrlnm'll asked then to open the doorfor a good visitor To enterthe home of an Awo
And again Qrnm)l noticed that the sound that was coming from the top of Agbrsl rock had not abated. He again enquired about what was makng the sound. He was informed that it was the child that his disciple would beget. Orrinmll quickly ordered that the door be opened for the
378
ii
o**,n u"
(
good visitor to enter the home of his disciple. His disciple thus becamse a proud
parent.
Qrrnmll l rf drf n yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu L'il apta agbrsel Qrrnmll nl kln l drtn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? WQn nl ire gbogbo t'Awo y nl n Qrrlnmll nl kl wqn gilQkn flojO rere KwolAwow
Translation
Qrrlnmlla declared that itwas rumbling
And itwas humming consistently
On top of the rockof Agbrsl
Qrunmll queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrsal ? They responded that it was all the ire in life that The disciple of If would acquire Qrrf nmll asked them to open the door for a good visitor To enterthe home of an
Awo
'
Yet again, Qrrlnmll heard the rumbling and humming of sound being made on top of the rock of Agbrsl and yet agan, he demanded to know what was making such sound. He was informed that there were all the ire in life which his disciple would get that were making such sound. Qrnmll ordered them to open door for them to enter the home of his disciple. That was how the disciple of Qrnm'il lacked nothing in his life. He had money, a good spouse, good children, stable home, peace of mind, happiness, comfoft
long life.
QrUnmll l drln yunmuyunmu n <un yunmuyunmu L'd epta agbrsal Qrrtnmll nl kln l dn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbrsl? Wn nl lkr t rt w Awo bO ni
ad
379
lfa Dda: An invtation to lfa Consultation
Qrnmll nl dl ni Y dlktl Awo Tl ko nlie k lewgl
Translation
that it was ru mbling And itwas humming consistentlY On top of the rockof Agbrsl Qrnml l queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockofAgbrsl ? They responded that it was the death which Had come in search of the disciple of If Qrrlnmlla declared thatldf would block death outfor an Awo And will not allow it to enter his home
Qrrl nmll declared
After all the good things of life had entered the home of Qrrlnmll 's disciple, Qrrlnmll obserued thatthe sound had not abated. He then asked If to know what was making the sound again. He was informed that it was the death which was about to kill his disciple. Qrunmll quickly looked for Idf leaves, pounded the leaves together and mixed same with soap. He gave the soap to his disciple to bath with. He then declared that Idf would block out death from the home of his disciple. That was how his disciple escaped untimely death.
Qrunmll l dn Yunmuyunmu t krn yunmuyunmu L'd apta agbrsal Qrrtnmll nl kln lO n drnyunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'orl Apata Agbrsl? WOn nl rn t w Awo bQ ni Qrnmll nl ldl ni yo d'rn Awo Tl ko nfl j k le wgl
Translation
Orunm'lla declared that it was ru mbling And itwas humming consistentlY On top of the rockof Agbrsl
Qrnmll queried that what was rumbling? And humming consistentlY On top of the rock of Agbrsab ? They responded that it was the affliction of If
380
l,l, o*onn ue
Ornmlla declared that Idf would block affliction out for an Awo
(
After death had been prevented from entering the home of Qrrfnm)l 's disciple, Qrnm)l again heard the rumbling and humming sound emanatng from the top of the rock of Agbrsl. Qrnm)l agan asked what sound was that. He was informed that it was the affliction coming to infirm his disciple. Orrlnmll again decreed it out of the life of his disciple afflicted with infirmty.
Qrunmlla l drtn yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu L',r| apta agbrseH Qrunmll nl kln l dn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbrsl? WQn nl qjQ t w Awo bQ ni Qrrrnmll nl Idl ni y d'jQ Awo tl ko nl jq k lee wg|
i
Translation
Qrnmll declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming On top of the rock of Agbrsl Qrnmll queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the disciple of If Orrtnmll declared thatldl would block litigation outofan Awo And would not allow it to enter his home
consistently
When death and affliction had been successfully taken care of litigation reared its head up on the rock of Agbrr1sl, when Qrunmll enquiry on what was still rumbling and humming on top of the Agbarasl rock, he was informed that it was litigation which planned to find its way into the home of Akp. Qrnmll decreed that it must never find aces into the home of his disciple. That was how Qrnmll was able to protect his disciple against all forms of litigation.
Qrunmlla l rt drln yunmuyunmu n kon yunmuyunmu L'd apta gbrsl
made
|
381
QrUnmll nl kln l drlnyunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbrsal? WQn nl Ofot w Awo bQ ni Qrnmll nl ldl ni y dl OfAwo Tl ko nl jQ k le wgl
Translation
Qrnmll declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrnsab Qrnm)l queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockofAgbrnsal ? They responded that it was the loss which had come in search of the disciple of If Qrnmll declared that Idl would block loss out for an Awo And would not allow it to enter his home
Qnfnmll said that he again head rumblng and humming on top of Agbrsl rock. And again he asked to know what was making such sound. He was informed that it was the loss which was searchng for the home of his disciple. Qrunm)l's disciple. And so with approprate gbg as prescribed above, Qrr:nmll was able to give to his disciples all the good thingsfrom enterng Akp's home.
Qrrf nmll l drln yunmuyunmu n krn yunmuyunmu
L'rl apta gbrsl Qrrtnmll nl kln l drln yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbarsl? WQn nl Ajt'Awoy nfl n Qrrlnmll nl kl wgn qllgkrln flojO rere
KwglAwow
Qrnmll l drln yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu L'd apta gbrsl QrUnmlla nl kln l drln yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'r Apta Ag bara sala? wgn nl aya t'Awo y nff n
382
IT tl
ll
Owonrin Meji
Qrnmll nl kl wQn qllQknflojo rere
KwglAwow
QrUnmll l rt drtn yunmuyunmu r kun yunmuyunmu L'd epta gbrsl Qrunmll nl kln l dn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'Orl Apata Ag b rsl? WQn nl gmgt'Awoy bll ni Qrunmlla nl kl wQn g{l$kun flojO rere
KwglAwow
Qrunmll l drtn yunmuyunmu r krn yunmuyunmu L'rt apta agbrsal Qrnmll nl kln l drtn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'orl Apata Ag ba ra sala ? WOn nl ire gbogbo t'Awo yoo nl ni Qrnmll nl kl wQn gllQkn flojo rere
KwolAwow
Qrrlnmll l drln yunmuyunmu n kun yunmuyunmu L'rl apta gbrsl Qrnmll nl kln l rl drlnyunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbaransah? WQn nl ik t w Awo bQ ni Qrrtnmll nl idl ni y dlkrl Awo
Tl ko nl jQ k lewgl Qrrtnmll l l dn yunmuyunmu n krn yunmuyunmu L'r{ apta gbrsl Qrnmll nl Hn l rt drln yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'rt Apta Ag brs la? WQn nl rn t rt w Awo bQ ni Qrrtnmll l rl dn yunmuyunmu n krn yunmuyunmu L'rf pta gbrsl Qrrrnmll nl kln l drn yunmuyunmu? T kn yunmuyunmu? L'or{ Apata Agbransala?
383
lfa Dda: An nvtaton to lfa Consultaton
Ornmll nl idl niyod'jeAwo Tl ko nl jQ k lewgl Qrnmll l drlnyunmuyunmu n krnyunmuyunmu

T knyunmuyunmu? L'rl Apta Agbrasl? Wn nl OfO t w Awo b ni Qrrtnmlla ni ldl ni y dl OfOAwo Tl ko nl jQ k lewgl Nje dt dt mi tsty oko Qna ibi ni kl o b mi dl Kl of'n If sfle Idl dl mileslya oko
WQn nl eiq t w Awo bQ ni
L'rl epta agbrsal Qrunmll nl kln l dn yunmuyunmu?
Translation
Qrrlnmlla declared that itwas rumbling And it was humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrsl OrrlnmIl queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rock of Agbrr1sl ? They responded that it was the wealth Thatthe disciple of If would acquire Orrlnmll asked them to open the door for a good visitor To enter the house of an Awo Qrnm'il declared that it was rumbling And it was humming consistently On top of the rockof Agbrnsal QrUnmlla queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rock of Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the spouse that The disciple of If would marry Orrinmll asked them to open the door for a good visitor To enterthe home of an Awo Orrlnm'il declared that it was rumbling And it was humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrsl Qrrtnm)la queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrnsal ? They responded that it was the child that
384
tl II
ll
Owonrin Meji
The disciple of If would beget Qrunm'll asked them to open the door for a god visitor To enterthe home of an Awo Qrunm)la declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrhsl Qrnm)l queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was all the Ire in life Thatthe disciple of If would a, Qrunmlh asked tham to open the door for a good visitor To enter home of an Awo Qrunmlla declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrnsah Qnlnmll queried that what was rumbl ing? And humming on rockof Agbrnsal ? They responded that it was the death which had come in search of the disciple of If Qrnm)l declared that Idl would block death out for an Awo And would notallow itto enter his home Qrrlnmll declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrsl Qrnm)l queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the affliction Which had come in search of the disciple of If Qrrf nmll declared that Idf would blockaffliction Outof Awo And would notallow itto enter his house QrUnmll declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrnsal Qrunm)l queried that what was rumbling? And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the litigation Which had come search of the disciple of If Qrunmll declared that Idl would block Litigation out for an Awo And would not allow itto enter his home Qrrlnm)l declared that itwas rumbling And itwas humming consistently On top of the rock of Agbrsab
acquire
385
Qnf nmll quered thatwhatwas rumblng? And humming on rockof Agbrsl ? They responded that it was the loss which Had come in search of an Awo Qrunrnlla declared that Id1 would block loss out for an Awo And would not allow it to enter his home. Idl please block and send my misfortune to the farmland. It's my evil path I beg of you to block and leave the path of luck untouched Idf please block and send my misfoftune to the farmland
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all the good things of Iife and shall block all the evils of life such as death, affliction, litigation or loss. For the person for whom this Od is revealed, there is the need to pound Idf leaves into water for her to bath with in order to ensure that all Ajogun are permanently at bay.
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall get
assstant on what he/she is doing, even if he has no money. If says that help will come from people who will raise him/her up and ensure his/her success in life. To the person for whom this Od is revealed, money is not everything. He/she will succeed more if the right approach to people is cultivated on this, If says;
Ad-ohl-kQ $awoo r'Ode Ailke-olr Adtut $awo r'Ode AilfQnQ-rere-lQ
DlfilnOrunmll
rtgawo lg sqna t jln gbungbungbun WQn nl k r'bg Kl Qn ajo rQ ledra
Translation
Ad-oh1-kQ was going on
If mission toAjfkg-olu town
And Adtut was going on If mission to Aflfgrg-rere-lQ town
They were the Awo who cast If for Qrnmll When going on If mission to a far distant destination He was advised to offer gbg Forthe journeyto be fruitful
QrUnmIl was planning to go on If mission to a far distant place; Where he was going, he had never been to for a long, long time. He therefore went
386
il
oro*in u'i
to the two Awo mentioned above for If consultation in order to determine how his success chances would be in that place. The Awo assured him that he would definitely succeed in his new abode and that without money, he would be able to achieve a great deal, even greater than what those who had money could achieve. He was however advised to be accommodating, respectful, truthful, honest, and humble at all times. He was also advised to make himself available to people at all times. He was told to be ready to assist people who are in need and that in like name; people would be ready to assist him too. He was assured that by so doing, he would be able to attain a great height and be highly respected and in his new abode, he was also advised to offer gbg with one goat and money, this goat was to be killed and its flesh shared raw among people. He was also to sen/e If with one goat. He was to feed his Ori with whatever If prescribed during consultation. Qnfnm)l complied with all the recommendations of the Awo. Soon after wards he set out on the journey. In his abode, Qrnmll quickly adapted himself to the customs of the people he met there he was respectful, loyal, dedicated to the course of the people and he was always willing to assist them. Before long, his qualities were recognized by the citizens because he had no house of his own he was easily accommodated bythe people he met in thistown.
These people fed and clothed him without much money of his own, he was eating the best food and was wearing the latest dresses. In order to tie him down to this town, some people advised him to look for a suitable woman to marry. And without money, without relations, without anyone who could easily trace where he came from, some of the citizen of this town gave to him a baby. The citizens of this town gave him a piece of land on which to build his own house they all assisted him and he became a proud house owner, he lived very happily in this town.
One day, QrUnmIl sat down and was ruminating over his progress in this town. He discovered that he stafted from grass and rose up to grace. He came into this town with nothing and ended up having everything he needed. He was the only person who came into this town and he ended up be coming a family man with children, in-laws, friends, and acquaintances.
387
When he thought about how all these were made possble to him. He then concluded that truly, wealth and other good things of life resides with people and good things of life reside with people and not in a person's pocket, banks, save house vault or any other place. He was thus singing and dancing and giving praisesto Oldmar and histwoAwo saying:
Ad-oh-k gawoo r'Ode Ajlkg-ol AdtutU rt9awo o r'Ode AjlfQrQ-rere-le Dl firn Qrrtnmll Tl gawo lg sqna t jln gbungbungbun WQn nl k r'bg KI Qn ajO rQ le dra
gb'Qborrrt'bg Njq nlbo I'ow wa? Lra nlyn I'ow w Mbo l'gmgw? lranlyn I'gmgw
l{lboni'lw? Lranlyn ni'lwa

Mbo ni're gbogbo we Lra nlyn ni're gbogbo w
Translation
Ad-oh1-kQ was going on If mission to Akg-oltt
town
And Adtut was going on If mission to Affqrg-rere-lQ town They were the Awo who cast If for QrUnm'il When going on If mission toa fardistantdestination
He was advised to offer gbg For the journey to be fruitful He complied Now, where is money?
Money resides with people And where isspouse? Spouse resides with people And where is child Children resides with people And where is house? House resides with people And where are all ire in life All ire in life resideswith people
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with
388
,1,
o*onrin
u.i
all the good things of life. He/she only needs to remember that all the good things of life resdes with people. He/she therefore needs to strive hard to
be in the good books of people. By so doing, wealth is assured, a good spouse is assured, all the good things of life are assured.
5.
If says thatthere is need for person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg and feed many people so that human beings will not use their mouths to destroy his orden There is need to ensure that people speak well of him in oder to ensure an uninterrupted progress and achievement in life. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed need to offer a he-goat and money as gbg. After this, he/she needs to throw a feast where their will be plenty of food to eat. The soup ought to be prepared with [grrg ltoo. After eating and drinking, the invited guests are to pray for him/her. The prayer so offered will be upheld by deities. If these steps are taken, the sky is the limit for the progress of the person for whom this Od is revealed. A stanza in this Od in Support of these asseftions says:
AgbQngbn, Awo wgn l'de llor Agba yngldl, Awo ode lieg 9knrin yngldl-yangidi tt wQn d| latlpa I,| fitn Lwsl Qkqml Qmg am lto ge'win bg lgbatl bq nlgbanrye osko fbg niwQn nl kge
Translation
Agbngbn, the Awo ofllor town Agb yng'ldi, the clumsy elder, the Awo ofljEga land The clumsy man who was tied with tip They were the Awo who cast If for Lws'l QkQrni Offspring of those who propitiate all divinities with)t0, melon as people Propitiate the Deities When he was in pawn age without hope of freedom He was advised to offer ebo Lwsl Qkqrnt borrowed money from a pawnbroker he was thus serving his
'
389
master until the day he would be lucky enough to refund the money he owed and regan his freedom. unfortunately, this day never came, he had been in pawn age for upward of 16 Years and he was just dreaming of freedom without its coming to reality. Those who had known him knew that he could never regain his freedom. Because people had been saying this, his guardian spirits upheld their opinions and there was nothing he did that worked for him. He was however, determined not to die in his present condition. in pursuance of his problem.
freedom. Some of the Awo he approached advised him to serve Egrlngn Il, the masquerade of the
He was assured that he would regain his
house. He did, there was no improvement in his life. Some advised him to serve onga oj, the market onga. He did. There was no improvement in this life. some advised him to serve his He did. There was no improvement. Yet other advised him to continue to serue his Of He did, until his Ol became completely bald. There was no improvement in his life. Another group advised him to serve Il, the mother of earth. He served IIQ repeatedly until the spot had a mark like a small hole. Yet there was no improvement in his life. when he was complaining to people that he had gone to several places for solution to no avail. He went to the three Babalwo mentioned above fortrialand possible solution.
of.
The Awo assured Lws'l QkQnf that his problems would disappear in time. They said that he had not offered the correct gbg all the time he had been moving from one Babalwo to another, He was told that he would need to setve olbqbOJiribQ, the father of all gbg. when he heard this, he became confused. He told the Awo that he recognized as of, and IIQ as Il; he recognized that one's father was Egngrln Il; and one's mother was Oflga Oj, but that he did not know what was called OhlbQbQtiribQ, the father of all [bg. He was then informed that the mouth of human beings was known as the olbQbQtiribQ, the father of allebo, he was told that the gbg he was about to offer was the one that would change public opinion towards him for the better. It was meant for those who had hithefto concluded that he could never regain his freedom to change their mind and use their mouth to effect his freedom. They told him that if people pray for and says it in unison, his guardlan spirits would uphold what they had said and his luck would shine and he would be able to pay what he was owing his
ol
390
ll,
***r",,
pawnbroker. He was therefore advised to throw a big feast where there would be plenty to drink. He was told to cook the soup with Itoo melon, which was the sacred melon of his forefathers. He was told that at the end of feasting, he should ensure that those who were present prayed for him and that they should direct their prayers towards his regaining his freedom
from his pawn broker.
Lwsl QkQrnl returned home, determined to do exactly as the Babalwo had advised. He however had no money. He wentto borrow more money for this purpose. He prepared assofted food items, together with different types of drinks. He invited several people to come and feast with him. He used Itoo melon to cook the soup. Several people turned up for the ceremony. They all ate and drank to their satisfaction. At the end of it all, everybody prayed for him and his guardian spirits upheld their prayers. Before they departed, EF Qdara entered into the minds of the guest and
suggested to them to contribute money for their host as a sign of appreciation of his hospitality. Everyone present saw this as a wise action to take. They contributed money. The amount they contributed was more than enough to offset the money he borrowed for the feast. That same day, he went to pay off his debt.
Soon after this period, luck smiled on him. Everything he did proved positive towards his determination to offset the money he borrowed from the pawnbroker, he was being recommended well bythe high and mighty in the society. All those he came in contact with spoke well of him. He made additional money. He began to keep the amount he made untilthe money was adequate for him to buy his freedom. He did and became a free man. He was a very happy man. He then realized that human mouth, public. opinion, and recommendation of human beings were truly the father of all ebg. Feeding multitude of people in order for them to have a positive opinion towards one was simply the greatest of all the offerings anyone could make. It was a happy LwsI QkQrnf who began praising his Awo and giving thanks to Oldmar: AgbQngbQn, Awo wgn l'de llor Agba yngldl, Awo ode ljqga Qknrin yangldl-yangidi wQn dl latlpa Dl filn Lwsl Qkqml qmq am ltO ge'win bg
391
Igbatl
bg nlgbnry osko Fbg ni wQn nl k qe
won nl k'bg Egn l

bg Egn l
Fbq rQ kfin WOn nl k'bg Oofa Oja
b booo$a 9ja
Fbq rQ koda Wn nl k'boOrl bg Ort, Orl pa WQn nl k'bg IIQ bg lle, rhe Iu WQn nl k'bgOhbQbqtiribQ baba lbg nl oun mg Orf, nl Orl Oun mg Il, nl IIQ Oun mg'p baba gni I'Eegun Il Iy fni l'Oog oj nl qgbn Oun mgoun jOlrtbQbQtiribo, baba Fbq WQn nl gnu u wgn fnu u wgn nl je OlbqboliribQ, baba ebq g tthta bq n'lfe
fnu wgn f;nuwgn la bgn'ffg Enu wgn Mofitn Ign Mofiln lja fnu wgn lnu wgn ko me l rl mi b ja fnu wgn Mofilnar il Mofilnt'ode fnu wgn lnu wgn la rrbg n'ffg Enu won
Translation:
Agbngbn, the Awo oflloree town Agba yng'idl, the clumsy elder, the Awo ofljgga land The clumsy man who wastied with Apa They were the Awo who cast lfa for Lwsl QkQnf Offspring of those who propitiate all divinities with'lt0, melon as people propitiate the Deities
392
lrl, owonn ue
When he was in pawnage without hope of freedom He was advised to offergbg They advised hm to feed Egn Il He fed Egn Il His offerings were not accepted They advised him to feed OOFa Qja Hefed OoFa OJa His Offerings were not accepted He was asked to feed his O He fed his O until he became a bald man They asked him to feed IIQ He fed IlQ, untilthe ground caved-in They advised him to feed OhlbQbOJiribQ, the father of all gbg He responded that he recognized O as Of And IlQ, as the mother earth He know that one's father was Egn Il And one's motherwas OOga Oa But he did not know what is known as OhlbQbOjiribQ the father of all gbg They told him that it was their mouth Their mouth was OhlbQbQtiribQ baba [b9 And what do we propitiate in IfQ? Their mouth Their mouth is what we propitiate in IfQ I gave to the vulture And to the spirits Their mouth Their mouth cannot affect me adversely I gave to my relations And to outsiders Their mouth Their mouth is what we propitiate in IfQ Their mouth
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be weighed down by negative public opnion. If says that he/she will be spoken well of, and by so doing, he/she shall remove the bondage n his/her life. If says that this person needs to be mindful of what people say about him/her always as what people can use their mouth to make or break in his/her Iife is higher than what any ORga can do in'his/her life. If public opinion is in his/her favor, the sky is the beginning of his/her success in life.
393
6.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg against slanderers. He/she is presently
suffering, but yet those who have a lot to gain from his/her suffering will ensure that he/she is kept in perpetual bondage. If says that if such a person is an apprentice, there is need for him/her to offer ebo so that the head of the training establishment will consent to his/her graduation. If he/she is seruing under someone, it may be very difficult for him/her to gain independence because the person under whom he/she is seruing has a lot to gain by keeping him/her in perpetual seruitude.
If says that, for a person occupying a position of influence and authority, he/she needs to offer gbg and be careful not to add to the suffering of anyone under his/her command. If says that he/she needs to be objective and considerate, lest he/she is
disgraced.
If says that the person for whom Qwnln-Mjl is revealed needs to place his/her hope on If at all times. All the sufferings shall give way to joy in due course. If says that miracle shall happen in his/her life. If there is the chance, such a person can go into
poultry business or can be rearing a hen in his/her compound.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three cocks, three pigeons and money. He/she also need to feed EgU wittr one cock and feed Ol with one white pigeon. After these had been done, he/she needs to be patient and expect the miracle of If in hi6/her life. On these, a stanza in QwQnfn- M) says:
Atgle,wq ni hu'run hQrIhQ Dl fin Mofenl T rr be harn Os,llrl Tl b9 lrin lpqnju T w lg r k'w lQdQq Kllfenl pbg ni wqn nl k 9e
394
fl
|
| ouronrin
Meii
Translation
The palm of the hand does not grow hair This was the If cast for MofQQff, I wish to succeed Who was in the midst of povefi And in the midst of suffering Who went to borrow money on pawn, in the house of Kfffeff, he who never wishes other to succeed He was advised to offer gbg. MofQQnf was suffering. Nothing he did seemed to work, he tried all things and failed, he had no money, no good cloth, no wife. In fact, he was living in abject povey. Ironically however, Mofff was a very strong, able-bodied man. He was very ambitious. He had big dreams about his future. He
Successful, honourable and noble man in his community. Unfoftunately for him, all his dreams remained what they were; mere dreams.
prayed
to become a very
One day, his mother
died. As a first son of his mother, culture demanded ceftain responsbilities from him, he had no money to meet these responsibilities. He was therefore left with no alternative but to go and
borrow money from a pawnbroker. Consequently upon this, he went to Kfifeff to borrow money. He was given the money with the understanding that he would move to Kllfgff's house immediately after the burial ceremony and begin to work in the pawnbrokers farm until the day he would be able to refund this money.
Before he went to borrow this money however, he had gone to the Awo mentioned above. He had been told that his pawnbroker would like to keep him in perpetual servitude. He had been advised to offer gbg with three cocks, three pigeons and money. He had been advised to serue E9 Qdara with one cock and he had been advised to serve his Ol with one pigeon. All these he complied with. The Awo also advised him to be rearing hen. He therefore bought one for that purpose. When going to KIffQrf 's house, MofQQrf wentwith his hen. He was feeding the hen daily. Atthe same time he was working on the farm of KIffQnf, tilling the soil, making heaps for
YOffi, CaSSaVa and maize.
MofQQff soon proved
to be a very hard working pawn. He used to work

395
from sunrise to sunset nonstop, before long, he had cleared all the farm, planted maize, cassava and yam. He was attending to the farm daily. When he got home in the evening, he would wash the dresses of Klffeni, his wife and children. He would do this until late in the night. Very early in the morning of the following day, he would sweep the ground, wash dirty plates and calabashes before heading forthe farm.
Meanwhile, Mofqqn'i's hen began to lay eggs. The first time, it laid 12 eggs and hatched 10. All the 10 chicks survived. Soon after this, the hen began to lay another set of eggs. This time around, it laid 11 eggs and hatched 10.Again, all the 10 chicks sulvived. The third time, the hen laid 11 eggs and again it hatched 10. And yet again, the 10 chicks sutvived. Mofggnl who came into the house of KlffQrf with one fowl now had 31 fowls.
one day, ffifeff saw MofQQrf feeding his fowls and asked him what he (MofQQtf) intended to do with all the fowls. MofgQnf responded that he
intended to sell off the fowls in three days time. That time was the market day of their town. Mofggff explained further that he intended to pay off his debt that day since he was sure to realize more money from the sale than the amount he was owing KIffQrf. When he finished feeding the fowls, MofQQtf wentto the farm.
Throughout that day, Klffgff was not a normal person. He was just preoccupied with one thing: how to prevent MofQQrf from leavlng his house. He knew that truly. The amount he would realize from the sale of the fowls would be more than enough to pay for his freedom. This was what Klffeff was determined to ensure that MofQQnl was not able to do. He was bent on keeping MofQQnl worked; it would be a great loss to him if he should open his eyes and allow MofQQrf to buy his freedom. Consequently, KlffQrf came up with an ingenious plan of eliminating the entire fowls at one fell swoop, and at the same time escape detection. That day, he pefected his evil plan. He waited for night to fall. He watched where the fowls wentto sleep and noted the placed well.
In the dead of the night, Kiiferf sneaked out of the house. He went to where the fowls laid asleep. He simply fell the fence on them and the 31 fowls died instantly, withoutsparing one for MofQQn'i. In the morning of the
396
**nn r",, following day, MofgQrf went to feed his fowls, only to discover that they were all dead. He burst into tears. He wept and wept.
While he was weeping, everyone passing by took pity on him. They prayed for him to be able to overcome his problem. Egu Qdara also came in the form of man. He asked MofQff to explain to him exactly what had happened. Mofnl narrated everything to him amid sobs. EpU Qdara however told him that his present predicament might in fact turn out to be a blessing in disguise. EEU Qdara then advised MofQSrf to pick up the dead fowls, roast them and preserued them. Mofqqnf, in his state of confusion, began to pick up the dead fowls. Those who were present helped him to remove the rubbles on top of the dead fowls. He roasted the 31 fowls and keptthem in a safe place.
l,l,
Soon after this incident, the heir apparent to the Alr stool became seriously ill. All known medications proved ineffective. A Babalwo was subsequently invited. The Awo assured them thatAlr's first son would be well. He advised them to go and look for 10 dead fowls hatched on the same day by the same mother-hen and which died on the same day, He stressed that those fowls were the materials to use to prepare the remedy for Alr's son's ailment. Failure to procure the dead fowls that night could lead to the death of Alr's son. Alr quickly dispatched every able bodied youth in his palace to go in search of the dead fowls.
While they were in search of these materials, Eg Qdara approached them and directed them to the home of Kiifeani. He told them that MofQQn'i, Klfeff's pawn had what they were looking for. At the same time, Eg Qdara approached MofQQnf, and told him that some people were searching for 10 dead fowls hatched on the same day by the same mother-hen and which died on the same day. He said that those coming were sent by Alr of llara-Ekltl. ESU Qdara stressed that they were very rich people. He asked MofQfnf to charge them four million cowries for each dead fowl. He assured MofQQrf that they could afford the amount and that they would be willing to pay.
When the delegates of Alr arrived at KIffQrf 's home, they asked for Mofff. Kfifeff wanted to know what they were looking for his pawn for.
397
They responded that they learnt that he had some fowls in the house. Before they finished their statement, Klffeff responded that he had no more fowls to sell as they all died the same day. The delegates stated that they had come to buy the dead fowls which died the same day and not live ones. They went to Mofggnl. He insisted that each dead fowl would cost them four million cowries. They gladly paid. Kffeff, who knew that MofQQff owed him only fifty thousand cowries, was indeed a very sad man. He was full of envy when he saw the delegates paying money to his pawn. He wentto a corner and wept bitterly.
That same day, the first son of Ajer took ill. A Babalwo was invited. The same recommendation was made. They rushed to KIffQn'i's house. ESU Qdara toH MofQQn'i to insist on six million cowries for each dead fowl. The delegates paid. In the afternoon, the first son of Qwrngrln-Aga took ill. They consulted lfa, the same recommendations were made. They came in search of KffQff's house. ESU Qdara toH MofQQn'i to insist on eight million cowries for each of the dead fowls because Qwrngrtn-Aga was richer than both Alr and Ajer. The delegates gladly paid. In the evening, of the same day, the QQni of IfQ himself took They went for If consultatlon. The Awo told them to go and look for a mother-hen which had given birth to 10 chicks three consecutive times before and had died together with all the 30 chicks in one day. Egu Qdara directed them to MofQQnf The same Egu Qdara advised MofQQff to insist on One hundred million cowries for the dead mother-hen. The delegates gladly paid. MofQQtf, who was without a single cowry in the morning of that day became a proud ownerof two hundred and eighty million cowries in the evening.
ill.
On the other hand, Kfffenf who woke up in the morning of that day feeling that he had successfully aborted the plan of MofQQn'i to buy his freedom ended up realizing that Oldmar had peformed a great miracle in the life of his pawn. Kfffeff was a disgraced, humiliated and subdued man in the evening of that same day.
In the end, KfifQff became one of those working in the farm of
MofQQnf
MofQQnl became richer, happier, more influential and more honourable than
every body living in his community. He was thus singing, dancing and giving praisesto oldmar and If for making him such a happy man in his
398
ll
o**r,n *",,
(
Many people benefitted from his wealth and influence. He was richer than his
life.
wildestdreams.
Atelewq ni o hu'run hQhQ Dl filn Mofnl Tl be lrin Os,firl Tl be lrin lpqnj T w lg r k'w QdQq Kllf$nl [b9 niwqn nl k Se gb'Qbg, r'bg K f, kO jlnne Ire gbogbo w ya d ttru Njg aronipin o m'Qla o Bl a o k,lge kO tln Aronipin kO m'Qla o
Translation
The palm of the hand does not grow hair This was the If cast for MofQfff Who was in the midst of povefi And in the midst of suffering Who went to borrow money in the house of He was advised to offer ebo He complied Before long, not too late All good things of life came in abundance Those who write others off, you know not tomorrow When there is life, there is hope Those who write others off, you know not tomorrow.
KlffQnl
If says thatthose who write others off shall end up being surprised. Those who under-estimate others shall be humiliated. Those who are at disadvantage today will rise to poston of authority and command tomorrow. When there is life, boundless hope still exists. Opportunities are still available for those who still lives, no mater the condition.
7.
If says that it foresees the ire of honour and recognton for the
person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person shall be given prestge and authority in the community. He/she shall be recommended for this positon, not because of the money 399
which
he/she has, but because

understanding.
of
his/her wisdom, experence
and
If also says that there s a vacant position where this Od is

revealed. If enjoins the community, establishment, organization or society where the vacant position exists, not to consider money, wealth, or influence as paft of the criteria for filling the position, but rather, they need to consider wisdom, organizational capability,
experience, honesty, dedication, understanding and human consideration as paft of their criteria. If says that by so doing, life will be more rewarding and interesting when the position is filled.
Anything outside this is not good enough.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer ebq with two ducks, haro guinea fowls, two pigeons, two horse-tails and money. He/She also needs to feed If with one hen and money. On these QwQnf n-M) says:
Qwqn irin nff mrl abgrQ wg'n Qwqn omi nff mt akergb sgn QwQn gmg nll m gmq wqn j'a|e Tl wgn fi rrp ebi l pa l'de Id fti r pq tl ko gbQn K krtk fi wqn w ynyun nfn oko
Dl fiin QwQn Tl wgn fi j'oy ile baba ry f;bg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Scarcity of iron makes one to melt needles Deafth of water makes the bottle-calabash to get lost Inability to get another child makes the child to steal For them to say the child was feeling hungry and only looking for food inldo town Thosewhoare in multitude butwho lacked wisdom Let us liken them to ynyun grass of the farmland These were lf's declarations to QwQn Who shall be installed to the vacant stool of his ancestors He was advised to offier ebo
400
il, o**n, *",,
QwQn (QwQnln) was the son of the Qba of his community. QwQn was not known for his wealth because he only had enough for his bare suruival. He was however known for his wisdom, humility, understanding, hard-work, sympathy and consideration for others. When his father died, many people wanted him to ascend the throne of his forefathers, this group felt that with his wisdom and other qualities, he would be able to steer the ship of their community to peace, progress and prosperity. There was another group however who felt that without money, QwQn was not fit to ascend the throne. Among this group were the kingmakers and the other person they
had in mind. This person knew that he was not entitled to the stool but because he had money, he and his suppofters believed that money could do anything and everything. In the case of QwQn, he told the people not to agitate for him to become the Qba because he did not have the money expected of him to spend before he assumed the throne. His suppofters said that he was being proposed because of his sterling qualities. The kingmakers demanded for and got money from the other group and made the other man the Qba. Before long, the whole town was engulfed in chaos. There were internal strives and external aggression, the economy of the town was in shambles. Where they were expected to use diplomacy, they would employ confrontation. Where they were to use dialogue, they would prefer military expedition, where they were to be magnanimous; they would twistthe arm of the citizenry. It reached a stage where everybody was fed up with the Qba and his council of chiefs. The community was waging war on several fronts. Other communities feared and loathed the king. When the matter reached a head, the citizens of this community grouped together and banished the Qba and his chiefs. Once again, they went to beg QwQn to assume the throne. He again comptained of lack of money. This time around, the whole community told QwQn that the community was not looking for his wealth but his wisdom and sense of organization. Soon after this encounter, they made him their Qba. Immediately after ascending the throne, he went into action. Al military campaigns were stopped and in their stead, they opted for dialogue. They resolved all external problems with dialogue and refined diplomary. They resolved internal strives with honesty of purpose,
401
magnanmity and benevolence. Before long, economy began to improve. The community then realized that it was not possble for economy to improve where there was war, strive and conflict. Everybody had more than enough to eat, drink and wear. They were all praising QwQn. They were equally condemning those who hithefto felt money could buy progress and happiness forthe community.
Qwqn irin nll m abr wg'n Qwqn omi nll m akregbe sgn Qwqn gmg nff m gmgwqn j'ale Tl wqn fi rrpeb l rr pa l'deId fnil pQtl kogbQn K kk fi wqn wynyun nlnr oko tx firn owQn Tl wgn fi j'oy ile baba rg fibg niwQn nl k9e
gb'gborr'bg
Amr QwQnrln j'oy, ired A ma m m Qwqnrtn j'oyg ar t w A mrl Qwqnrln'oy l rqw Eni t bl'mg bl Y l r'Qmg bl Eeyan t bl'mg t gq l pdn gmg Am Qwqnrln j'oye, iregbogbo knlewa o
Translation
Scarcity of iron makes one to melt needles Deafth of water makes the bottle-calabash to get lost Inability to get another child makes the only child to steal For one to say that the child was feeling hungry and was looking for food inldo town Those who'are in multitude but who lacked wisdom Let us liken them to yrlnyun grass of the farmland These were If's declarationsto QwQnfn Who shall be installed to the vacant stool of his ancestors He was advised to offer gbq He complied We installed Qwgnn, and all ire arrived We installed Qwqnn, and there was peace and harmony We installed Qwgnln and we have convenience
442
l,i He whose chld is wise is he who has a chld And he whose chld is a fool has lostthe child We installed QwQnf n, all ire filled our homes.
o*onrn uej
If says thatthere will be peace, progress and prosperity in the home of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the whole community where he/she lives will benefitfrom allthe ire thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed will bring into the community,
8.
If says that four Ajogun were being experienced where this Od is revealed. In the light of this, If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer appropriate ebo so as to drive away all these
Ajogun.
If says there is need to offer ebe with two chewing-sticks and money by each person in the household of the person for whom this
Od is revealed. Where chewing sticks are not readily available, each
person needs to offer gbg with hvo tooth-brush and tooth pastes. The momentthis is done, all evils will abate where this Od is revealed. On this, If says:
K ma lg byff K ma bQ byll
Mbi gdn gbe n jg wqn w jl ljoojumq kg'minu Ajogun fbg ni wqn nl kl wgn ge
Dlfifnwgn n'llgwQn
Translation
Let us be going this way And then return thisway This was the If cast for them atllgwQn Wherethe annualfestival was at hand And wheretheywoke up in anticipation of Ajogun
Theywere advised to offergbg
The inhabitants ofllgwqn were once a happy people. There were progress,
443
peace, harmony and cooperaton in their town. In order to show their apprecation to their Origa, they set a day aside in a year when they celebrate the annual festival of their town. This day was known asllowon day. Wheneverllgwgn day was to be celebrated, allllgwgn citizens from far and near would return home. The celebration was always very grand. There came a time however that the inhabitants of Ilgwgn began to experience mysterious death, strange afflictions, inexplicable losses and litigations. For this reasons, many of them who were outside the town decided not to return home for fear of being attacked by this Ajogun.
This had made the elders gathered together for deliberation and to fashion out a course of action. They invited the Awo mentioned above for If
consultation. The Awo informed them that there were Ajogun in the community who were responsible for all their problems, They were however assured that the Ajogun would leave their midst if they could offer appropriates gbg. They were asked to inform all true sons and daughters ofllgwgn both at home and outside the town and the resident in the town who were not citizens of the town that each of them needed to offer trro chewing sticks and money in order to ensure that the Ajogun left their
community.
The elders sent messages to everywhere and there was huge response within three days. The Awo offered the gbg for them and true to prediction all the Ajogun left their town when they saw the chewing sticks. Egu Qdara turned the chewing sticks to whips and used them to chase the Ajogun away from all the homes of all those who offered the gbg. That was how the problem of Ajogun was solved in )lowQn. when the next )lgwgn Day festival was celebrated, it was with pomp and pageantry. There returned happiness, peace, progress, harmony, and cooperation tollgwqn.
K ma lgbyll K ma bQbyll
Ildfitnwgn n'llowqn Nlbigdn gb j9 Wn w tt jl ljoojmQ kg'minu Ajogun fbg niwgn nl kl wQn 9e WQn gb'Qbg wqn r'bg Awa o ma rf Ajogun n'llgwgn mO o 404
l,l,
*-nr
r.,,
{
Gbogbo wgn l ti lg o GbogboQwQn lt r L'Ajogun b lgo
mil-mil
Translation
Let us be going this way And then return this way This was the If cast for them atllgwQn Where the annual festival was at hand And whereThey woke up in anticipation of Ajogun
Theywere advised to offergbg
Theycomplied
Wedo notexperienceAjogun inllgwQn any more Allof them had left All inhabitants of QwQn had offered two chewing-sticks each as gbg And theAjogun simply left
If says that Ajogun wll leave the home and environment of the person for whom this Od is cast. If says that in its place will be happiness and progress. The person for whom this Od is revealed shall be happy and shallsucceed in Iife.
{
9.
If says that for the person for whom this Od is revealed to enjoy his/her potentials in life, there is the need for him/her to change
his/her name and be bearing an alias or pet-name of his/her choice. If this can be done, he/she will live an interesting life. He/she will be happy and successful. He/she shall also have peace of mind in life.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three white pigeons, three guinea fowls, three cocks, three hens and money, On this aspect,
QwQnln M) says:
KkrO jogbo ni o j'rt i kooko gb Dla fn Wgngan Ttl $'gmg gknrin lbb Wn nl k r'bo K l ba j'fif kg ire l'y
405
Translation
The insect which eats hard woods are the ones preventing Kooko tied around the neck to last long This was the If cast for Wgngan The son of the chidden places He was advised to offer gbg So as to be able to answer a good name in life
Wgngan was full of potentials. He was resourceful, brilliant, energetc, hardworking, unassumng and intelligent. Yet he had nothing to show for all his assets. One day, he was advised to go for If consultation. He did. He approached the Awo mentoned above for solution to his problems; would he be a successful person in his life? Would he be able to realize his full potentials in life? Was there anything he needed to do to make his life very rewarding? The Awo told him that he had a lot of potentials in his life. He was told that as much as he tried to harness all his potentials and other resources together, he had little to show for it in terms of achievement. He was told that he needed to change his name and assume an alias before he could realize his full potentials in llfe. He was assured that his guardian spirits in charge of success and achievement were not favourably disposed towards his answering his real name. That was why he had not achieved much in his life. He was also advised to offer three white pigeons, three guinea fowls, three cocks, three hens and money. He complied. That same day, he changed his name to QwQn.
Soon after he did this, his business picked up he began to make profit. wth money, he got married to a good wife. Together with his wife, he got many children. Together with his wife and children they erected their own house. Wth a good house, he bought a horse and tied it to a stable in his house. He had all the good things of life. He was very happy and very grateful to Olodumarefor making him a successful person in life.
jogbo ni O j'rf i kooko gb Dl fin wgngan Tll g'gmq gknrin lbb WQn nl k r'bg K l baa j'fkg ire l'y gb'Qbg, rrl'bg E b ni l'tOl ire
KOkOTO
406
Irl
owonrin Mei
Translation
The insects which eat hard wood are the ones preventing kooko tied round the reck of dog to last This was the Ifa cast for Wgngan The son of the hidden Places He was advised to offer gbg So as to be able to answer a good name in life Hecomplied Before long, nottoo late Join us in the midstof all ire in life
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all the good things of life. If says that he/she has potentials and knows how to harness allthese potentials together. What he/she needs is for If to make it possible for mother-luckto smile on him/her. To make this happen quickly, there is the need to offer gbg as prescribed above and to change his/her name progress. There lies success. There lies accomplishment. And there lies victory over wants, disappointment and disillusionment.
10. If says that it foresees ire for a couple who were planning to get
married. If says that both of them had been destined to be husband and wife from heaven. If says that both of them shall live together until their old age. If says that they must never contemplate separation or divorce as the consequences would be very grave for them and more especially for the woman. If says that there may be
series of oppositions from several quarters against their relationship, as long as they choose to stay together, there is nothing any one can do to separate them.
If says that there is the need for this couple to offer gbg with two cocks each, two hens each and two guinea fowls each. If this is done they will live happily. They must also never dream of separating or divorcing each other. On this aspect a stanza in
QwQnr'in-M) says:
Eroltoo
407
Eroltaa DlfilnAkrgbe Tl trlg r gb lmu nlyw lbq ni wqn nl k qe
Translation
Travelerstolto
And travellers toltaa hey were the Awo who cast If for Akeregb, the bottle-calabash (gourd) When going to have the hand of fmu, the palmwine, as wife He was advised to offer ebo.
Akrgb was planning to get married. He wanted to marry his sweetheaft from youth. He therefore went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would they live happily together? would they last long? would they be able to give bfth to many children? Would they make people happy? would they leave a good legary? All these the Awo answered in the affirmative. They also advised Akrgb to offer gbg with two cocks, two hens, two guinea fowls and money. He complied.
Eroltoo Eroltaa
Df frln fmu l1 rllq sll gkg wrQ '11 nla r g'aya Akrgb [b9 niwqn nf k Se
Translation
Travellers tolto And travellerstoltaa They were the Awo who cast If for f,mu, the palm wine When planning to becgme the wife of Akrgb, the gourd She was advised to offergbg
Fmu, the palm wine, wanted to know how her relationship with Akrgb would be. She went to the same group of Awo whom Akrgb consulted. She asked the same questions. She was given the same answers, she was also advised to offer the same gbg, she also complied. She was warned never to leave her husband as the consequence was too grave for her. She heeded the admonition of the Awo. She and her husband Akrgb lived 408
l,l o*on, u.
happily for a long, long time. after. Nobody was to separate them.
Eroltoo
Erolua
DlfinAkrgb
Tl lg re gb lmu nlYw Fbg niwqn nl k 9e
gb'Qborr'bg. Eroltoo
Tl rtlqsllegkowrQ Tl nlg r g'aya Akrgbe
Erclua Dlfn fmu
fibg niwQn nl k9e
Kopekoflnn F w b ni b'w,I w wo're o fyinogbQno fyin o mQ'rn fyin mg wlp Akrgb ni y $'gkg f mu dal$dalq?
Translation
Travelers toltoo And travellers toltaa
They were the Awo who cast If for Akeregbe, the bottle-calabash
(gourd) When going to have the hand of f mu, the palmwine, as wife He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied
Travellers toltO And travellers toIffia Theywerethe Awo who castlf for f mu, the palm wine
When planning to become the wife of Akrgb, the gourd She was advised to offer qbg She complied Before long, and nottoo late Join us in the midst of beauty and ire You are notwise Surely, you are not knowledgeable Don't you know that it is Akrgb that will be f mu's husband till death dothem Paft?
If says that person for whom this Od is revealed and his/her paftner shall
409
live happily until their Old age. Both of them are compatible. They will share many things in common and they shall compliment each other in many respects. They must however not contemplate separation or divorce as this step is not in their best interest. Such step can only bring sorrow and regrets.
11. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never
snatch another man's wife. If warns that if he does, his life will be destroyed; he will live in shame and anguish for the rest of his life: For this reason therefore, he must never think of having any love affair with a married woman - talk less of getting married to one. If says that if he had been doing this, he needs to offer gbo with one matured he-goat and money. He must also sever the relationship fotth with. Failure to do so will only lead to sadness and regrets. On these,If says:
Oj or kO r'j n fka lqwu grn Dl firn Owlwl Tl rrlq re 9b oblnrin OgblgbO rl 9e Qbja 9y9 lbg ni wQn ni k 9e
Translation
A wicked face
cannottransact good business
One's garments needs enumeration This was the If cast for Owlwl, the Owl
When going to snatch the wife of Ogb'igb, the hoopoe Who was the chief mercantile superuisor within the birds kingdom He was advised to offer gbg
Owiw the Owl, was a very proud, pompous, prosperous and adulterous man. He had the money to pursue his lascivious date for illicit love affair. There was no young unmarried woman he was not ready to sleep with. One day, he saw the wife of Ogblgb and took immediate fancy of her. They soon established a secret love pact. They used to meet at a rendezvous known to only the two love-birds. At a stage, they could not
414
l,l' *onnr
r.,,
hide emotions for each other any onger. They began to make love passes at each other openly. If's wise counselng to Owlwi to desist fell on deaf ears. Those who know Ogb'lgb to be a very influential person in the community called Owlwi and warned him seriously to desist. He bluntly refused. Soon afterthis, thetwo love-birds planned to get married. Owlwi asked OgblgbO's wife to pack out of her husband's house and come to live with him. The wife packed and moved into Owiwi's house. Immediately this was done, pandemonium set in. Every where was made inhabitable for Owwi by other birds. They reasoned that itwas bad enough for Owlwi to be having illicit love affair with the wife of their leader, he had the effrontery to snatch the wife altogether. Anywhere the other birds saw Owlwi, they would stone him. He ran away from that community. When he reached another place, the birds there began to stone him too. He was given several slaps on the face. He developed eyes problems. At a stage, he could no longer walk in the day light for fear of being mobbed and as a result of his bad eyes. Owlwi then resolved to be moving about only at night. Even at that, he was always fearful that he might be spotted and beaten up. His lover soon deserted him.
One day, OWlwwas ruminating over his life where he had stafted from and where he now ended his career in life. He regretted ever refusing to listen to wise counseling. He regretted ever going after married woman when there were several single ladies at his beck and call. He realized to his shame that he was the architect of his misfortune. He wished that the hand of the clock of time could be rewound so that he would make amends. But alas, it was impossible and too late to make any amendment. He soon learned to live with his regrets and share for the rest of his wofthless life, Oju oro ko r'oja na !t<a tgwu grn Dl fn Owlwl Tl lq r 9boblnrin Ogblgbo Tl Se Qlja eyg fbg niwn ni koqe kg'tl Qgbgnhln s'bg Njq Owlwl o d O, eJe ajoru Tl a b rl g lQsn-n O d'eyg algba
411
lfa Dida: An intaton to lfa Consultation
Owlwl
o d O, eyg
aioru o
Translation
A wicked face cannot transact good business One's garment needs enumeration
These was the If cast for Owlwi When going to snatch the wife of OgDgb Who was the chief mercantile superuisor within kingdom He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Here comes Owlwi, the night bird If we seeyou during day-time You shall become a bird of prey Here comes Owlwi, the night bird.
the
birds
If says that the spirit.of the person for whom this Od is revealed is against adultery. He must never snatch another man's wife. If says that he should be contented with his own wife if he does not bargain for disgrace, humiliation and restlessness in his life. If says that it shall not allow this person to live a sad life. He is created by Oldmar to live a pious life. There lies his happiness.
L2.
If says that it foresees the ire of multiple children for the couple for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the chances of giving bfth to twins and/or triplets are very high, If says that apaft irom multiple bitths, the couple also have a high propensity to have several children in life. If says that all the children they beget will be useful children. If also warns the woman for whom this Od is revealed not to push her husband too much for him to do what does not come from his mind or do what is not normal for the man to do. If says that the woman for whom this Od is revealed is fond of ensuring that she has her way, either good or bad. She also love to pester her husband to do what she wants at all times. She may cry beg, threaten or shout at her husband in order to have her way. There is no trick she cannot
412
ll,
a,norri, uei
employto ensure thatwhat she wants was done by her husband. If however, advises the husband to always be on his guard, weigh anything his wife says carefully and consent to only do the reasonable ones. It is by so doing that he will save himself from embarrassment.
If says that the couple needs to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two hens, hro cocks and money. They also need to seve If with four ratsfourfish and hen. On these, If says: fl$rgrq k$rgrg
ElrrO krOr
D,|filnOblQpe
AbfnAkg
Awgn mjejl mmi ojrl sngbre gmg fbg niwqn nl kl wQn ge
Translation
flQrgrg kQrgrg
And ElrrO kr0r0
They weretheAwo who castlf forthe female palm tree And also forthe male palm tree When theywere weeping in lamentation of theirfailure to begetchildren They were advised to offergbg
Both male and female palm tree were married for a long time. They loved each other. But they were not blessed with children. This was a constant cause for worry and crying for the couple. One day, they decided to go to the house of the two Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation. Would they be able to beget their own children as other trees in the forest do? Would they be able to live a family life? Would luck smile on them soon? Would their children be useful to them?
The Awo assured them that they would soon give bifth to their own children. They were advised to offer gbg and feed If as stated above. They complied. After this, the Awo prepared a herbal soup for the wife to eat immediately she reached home. The couple was assured that the soup would open the womb of the wife and she would become pregnant in no time. The couple left the home of the Awo, believing that their problem
would soon be over. 413
When they reached home, the female palm tree opened the soup contaner to eat. She complained that the soup must be very bitter because of the way it looked. The male palm tree advised her to over-look that aspect and eat the soup. She asked her husband to taste the soup and confirm what she had observed. The husband refused, claiming that the soup was meant for a woman. The wife simply burst into tears. She accused her husband of not bothering about her welfare. She said that they offered the gbg together, they were looking for the baby together and they had been worried about their childlessness together; but now that it was time to eat a bitter soup, she was left to suffer alone. She claimed that when the child comes, they would at-least claim it together, she concluded that her husband's love for her had reduced considerably and that what had just happened simply confirmed her suspicjons without doubt. The male palm tree tried to explain himself but his wife shouted him down. She soon began to pack her loads, claiming that she could not continue to live in the same house with someone who does not have her love and welfare in mind. In a state of confusion, and just to convince his wife that he cared for her, the male palm tree reluctantly agreed to taste the soup. Wth more tric( persuasion and threat, they both ate the soup and finished ittogether. Three months after, both the male and female palm tree became pregnant. Both of them delivered at the same time. Since that time, both male and female palm trees used to become pregnant and deliver several young ones atthe sametime. flQrgrg krg ElrOrO krOr0 Dl filn Obl Qpe
AbfinAko
Awgn mejejl mmi oj sngbr gmq lbg ni wqn nl kl wqn fe WQn gb'Qbo, wQn r'bq Aj$ takq-tabo t'QpQ blmg o A kll rl 9n nlnu gpg Tako-tabo I'Qpe blmgo
Translation
flQrgrg kQrgrg And Elr0r krOr
414
il, o*orn, *",,

They were the Awo who cast If for the female palm tree And also forthe male Palm tree When they were weeping in lamentation of their failure to beget children Theywere advised to offer ebQ They complied Both male and female palm trees beget children There was no barren anruhere Both male and female palm tree beget children.
If says that the couple for whom this Od is revealed shallhaeth*.own children. They need to offer gbg' feed lfa and feed the Deity of Twins.
13. If says that if foresees the ire of a child for the person for whom this
for 16 days. After this, they shall be blessed with a baby.
Od is revealed. If says that there is need for him/her to offer gbg
with four rats, four fish, two hens and money. After this, the couple needs to rub every part of their bodies with a life chameleon
If also says that there is a person where this Od is revealed who is experiencing serious hardship. If says that the hardship is as a result of his/her destiny from heaven. If says that only gbq can change the destiny if the person in question to good. He/she needs to consult If and offer gbq regularly. By so doing, his/her destiny shall improve and change for better. If says that this person needs to ofter gbg with three white pigeons for prosperity' three hens for a good spouse, three guinea fowls for peace of mind, prestige and honour, three rats, three fish for children, three cocks for victory long life and sound health and money for all the the good things of life. On all these, a stanza in Qwgnn-M) says:
Agbgn ml jla$ m j Dl fitn Bayew T fe, ylntl m'jrl gkn snrhun gmo Fbg niwQn nl kge
Translation
Agbgn, the coconut, shook violently without Droopping from the tree
415
This wasthe If castfor BaywU When weepng in lamentation of his inabilityto begeta child He was advised to offer gbg
Bayew had most things a man wanted in life; a good work, good health, good family background, but no child. He and his wife tried everythng they knew without success. Then one day, they approached Agbgn mI Tfl m j a prominent Babalwo in their community for If consultation and possible solution to their problem of childlessness. The Awo consulted If and told the couple that there was nothing wrong with them physiologically. He claimed that there was a spiritual problem which was inhibiting them from having a baby. He however assured them that the problem would abate. He advised them to offer gbg with four rats. four fish, two hens and money. They complied. when they were about to return to their home, he gave them one life chameleon and ask them to use it to rub their bodies for 16 days. He asked them to pray while doing He asseted that ' ab alggmQ b d, ni Onga-Oke gb,' meaning, "the wishes of the chameleon are always upheld and accepted by the divinity'l He told them that they would be blessed with a baby boy soon.
it.
The couple did exactly as they were instructed. Soon afte6 true to whatthe Babalwo said, Bayw's wife became pregnant that same month. Ten months after consulting If, on their problem of childlessness; they were blessed with a bouncing baby boy. Three days after, duringlkgsqdayd, the Awo proposed that the name of the child ought to be "Qgrara"-*a baby born after the parents used Qga, chameleon to rub their bodies". The parents accepted the name and the baby was known and called Qgrara
byall.
Qganrara lo wa t IkqE Qrun be w'y N kOm irekankandnl de'le aye fttn Il ay rQg w le kokooko bl qta w tg wgn In Awo Il lq tg awgn Oorun Awo Ode lg In Awo Il, k maa q0 je, k maa gq jeo Oorrn Awo Ode, k ma gg je, k maa gq je o
416
ll'
o*onn ue
wqn m baa fi ibi mrr-m kan m-m Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e

KI
Translation
Qgrara was coming from heaven to eafth He did not bring along any ire with him When he reached the earth, his life was extremely difficult to cope with He them approached In fire, the Awo of the house And approached 00rn, sun, the Awo of the main street. Let In, the Awo of the house be selective in where he looks for food And 00rn the Awo of the main street be careful with where he associates with others Lest they allow two hot substances to get in contact with each other They advised him to offer gbg
When Qgrara came into the world, as a youth, he had been showing the sign of someone who had forgotten all the good things of life in heaven. He
was very ugly; he had no good health; he irritated people except hs parents and he was despised by others. When he grew up and became a matured man, the situation became worse. Nobody wanted him around them. He had no friends except his other junior siblings. He had no confidant out side his parent's home. He was the subject of ridicule by everybody. He could not mix with people. He therefore had no reasonable work he was doing. He had no money; he had no strength, no good health, and no sense of direction in life. When all his age mates were getting married and becoming proud parents, he dare not entertain such desire. Soon after, his junior brother and sister got married and left him in the family house, yet, he could not think of propositioning any woman. He soon became lonely man. Tired of these, he approached the two Babalwo mentioned above. They cast If for him and advised him to offer gbq. He did. He was asked to go and continue to pray because his was not a problem that would disappear in one swoop. He agreed and continued to pray. When he learnt that the problem that he had was that he had not brought any ire from heaven, he was realistic enough to know that the problem would not disappear in one day. Since he had also been told that he needed constant If consultation and offering of ebo to solve his problem, he was fully determined to do just that. Because his parents were rich, he was ready to spend. Waiting for some time, he went in search of otherAwo.
417
lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultaon
tg lwgnr{nwQn Awo oko lg tg Aaam Awo eb ogri lg AwQrlnwn Awo oko, k ma g'je, k ma gjg Alem Awo $b ogiri, k ma gje, k ma fje Kl wqn m b fi bi hlhl kan htht fbg ni wgn nl kge
Translation
He
wenttoAwQnr{nwqn, the Iguana, the Awo of the farm
And went to Alam, the Lizard, the Awo of the Wall-side Let AwqnnwQn, the Awo of the farm be selective in where he looks for food And Alaamu, the Awo of the wall-side be careful with Where he associates with others Lest they allow two scaly substances to get n contact With each other He was advised to offer ebq
After waiting patiently for results to come out and he could not easily perceive any, he approached the two Awo mentoned above. They too advised him to contnue to offer gbg as that was the only solution to his problems. They perseverance, there would be solution to his problem. He offered the prescribed gbg and contnued to pray to Oldmar. He was
totally convinced that one day, his problems would be solved.
tqOgeeyeaylq
tg rowe e, yg Qrun lg Ogeeygay,kma Sqje, kma gq je Kow eyg Orun, k ma gq jg, kO maa gq je K'JeQbarlga mejl ma baafoju kan'raawgn fbgni wQn nl k9e
Translation
He
wentto 0g, the bird of the world
And wentto Kow, the bird of the high heavens Let Oge the bird of the world be selective in where he looks for food And Kowee, the bird of the high heavens, be careful with where he associates with others Lest two birds of Qbr'lg, get in contact with each other
418
i.l'
o**,
ue
He was advised to offer
ebo
I
After waiting for sometime, he approached the two Babalwo mentioned above. They also advised him to continue to consult If and offer gbg as frequently as possible. They asked him to offer ceftain 9b9. He did. He was asked to go home and continue praying and went for the benevolence of Oldmar. He continued to pray. He was more determined, than ever
before, to solve his problems.
tg tkun nff fagbrl ge'l lg Kelenrbe nllfQn ojun Ete oke, tlslQ |a fl k ha, ho Qpoju ikn nll bo ob mqh Dl fun Qgrlrara Tll g'gmq Bayew
g'odo
Tti jaylekkk Ttijayele kokooko bl o,ta fbg niwqn nl kge
Translation
He went to
"the Mucus makes the skull its And went to "Phlegm makes the throat its abode" And went to "the upper and lower lips are used to shout haa-hoo" And to overgrown belly is it that covers a woman'vagina" They were the Awo who castlf for Qgrara The son of Bayw Whowas living a life of hardshiP And living a life as difficult as a pebble-stone He was advised to offer gbg
home"
Qgarara went to the four Awo mentoned above for If consultation i problems. The Awo also his to for his solution search of continuation advised him to continue to cast If regularly and offer all the appropriate ebq. He also compled. When they were discussing and analyzing his journey through life, he mentioned to the four Awo that he had once been to six other Babalwo for solution to his problem. The four Awo then contacted the other six Awo whom Qgrara mentioned and together the 10 of them deliberated on the best solution to his problem. While they were discussing, they asked him about the circumstances of his birth. He explained to them. There and then the Awo consulted If and QwQnfn- ( 419
in
agan. They then explained to Qgrlrara that he was a direct son of Oldmar himself. And that since a chameleon was used before he was born, the power which Oldmar gave chameleon to attract any colour to itself resided in him. He was asked to go home and
M) was revealed
wish for anything in life and Oldmar would surely uphold it. There was nothing that he would fervently wish for that would not be given to him by Oldmar. He was told to always put it in mind that, " ab alggmg bd, ni Orig Oke n gba" meaning; the wishes of the chameleon are always upheld and accepted by the divinity". Qgarara was asked to go home and continue to wish for all the ire in life in a realistic manner. Reaching home, Qgrlrara placed all his needs on a scale of priority. He concluded that his immediate priority is for him to be loved by all and for him to love all in return. He continued to wish for this earnestly. Soon, other people who had hitheto hated him began to see some good qualities in him. He began to have friends. He could move freely among his peers, soon after this he wished for a regular means of livelihood. He went into farming. His newly cultivated friends assisted him, he made a huge success of it. He began to wish for money and he made money. Soon after this, he began to wish for a spouse and before long, he had his own wife. Later, he began to wish for children and he soon had severalchildren. As a matter of fact, his wife's first delivery was a set of twins. Afterthis, he began to wish for his house and together with his wife and children they were able to erect a big mansion, furnish to his taste. In short, there was nothing he asked for that he did not get. If says there is nothings that the person whom this Od is revealed wish for that will not come his/her way. If says that the present hardship which he/she going through is but a transient experience. After sun comes rainfall.
Agbgn ml jlajla m j Dl filn Bayew Tfylntl m'jrt gkn snrhun gmg lbg ni wQn nl k 9e
g'b$borr'bg WQn nl k mafqga r'ara Kopekoilne L b fi qmq na bl gknrin

Omo a bl
424
I,l,
o*orn u.
TlanfiQgar'ara
K ma pe nl Qgrara Qgrara l w t IkQl Qrun bq w'y N kO mrl ire kankan dnl
de'leaytn
Il ay rQg w le kokooko bl o, ta wa tg wen In Awo Il lg tg awgn Oorun Awo Ode 19 In Awo Il, k ma qQ jg, k ma fq je o orun AwoOde, k ma SQ je, k ma Fqjeo Kl wn m ba fi ibi m-m kan m-mrlrl fbg niwqn nl k 9e
gbg'borr'bg tq lwqnrlnwqn Awo oko lg tq Aaam Awo Qb Ogiri lg
Awqrfnwqn Awo oko, k ma S'je, k ma s:qje Alam Awo Qb Ogiri, k maa g'je, k ma s:ie Kl wQn m ba f b hlhl kan hlhf f bg ni wqn nl k 9e
gb'bgrr'bg
tq oge eyg ay lg tg xowe e, yq Qrun lq Ogeeyqay, k ma Sq jer k maSqiQ KoweyqQrun, k ma fQje, k ma SE je K'yqQbrlg mjl m baafoit kan'raawgn Fbg niwqn nl kge
Ogb'Qborr'bg tg tkun nll fagbrf ge'l lg

KqlQnrbQ nll f'Qn Qfun s,'do Ete ote, etelsale l fil k ha, ho Qpojr ikn nll bo obo mqle
Dlfun Qganrara Tll g'gmg Bayewu T ti jay le kkk Tti jay ele kokooko bl gta fibg niwqn nl k 9e
gb'$bgrr'bg jelfE w mfl nl o
Qgrara o, Olgngnml Oww mff nl o Oldmar fitn mi o Qgarara o, Olgngnml

421
Aya w mff feo Oldmar fitn mi o Qgrara o, Olgngnmab Qmow mll bl o Oldmar fn mi o Qgrara o, Olgngnmdl Il w mff kS o Oldmar fitn mi o Qganrara o, Olgngnml Iregbogbow mtl nl o Oldmarfiln mi o Qgrtrara o, Olgngnml Gbogboab tl alggmg b d Ni Ortga-ok gba Qgrara o, Olgngnml
Translation
Agbqn, the coconut, shook violently without Droopping from the tree This was the If cast for Bayw When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto beget a child He was advised to offer ebO He complied
Afterthegbg He was told to use chameleon to rub his body (together with his wife)
They did as they were told Before long, and nottoofar They gave birth to a baby boy The baby born after rubbing the body with a live chameleon Letthe baby be known as Qgrlrara Qganrara was coming from heaven to eath He did not bring along any ire with him When he reached the eafth He approached In, the Awo ofthe House And approached Oorun, theAwo of the main street Let In, the Awo of the House, be selective in when he look for food
And Oorun, the Awo of the main street be careful with where he
associateswith others Lest they allow two hot substances to get in contact with ecah other Theyadvised him to offergbg He complied He went to Awgnnwgn, the Guiana, the Awo of the farm
422
l,l, o*on, u"j
And went to Alam, the Lizard, the Awo of the Wall-side LetAwQnf nwqn, the Awo of the farm be selectve in where he looksforfood And Alaamu, the Awo of the wall-side be careful with
Where he associates with others Lestthey allow two scaly substances to get in contact With each other Hewas advised to offergbg Hecomplied He wentto Og, the bird of the world And wentto Kow, the bird of the high heavens Let Oge the brd of the world be selective in where he looks for food And Kow, the bird of the high heavens, be careful with where he associates with others Lesttwo birds of Qbflg, get in contact with each other He was advsed to offer gbo He complied He also wentto"the mucus makers the skull its home" And to "the phlegm makes the throat its abode" And to"the upper and lower lips are used to shout haa-hoo" And to "overgrown belly is it that covers a woman's vagna" They werethe Awo who castlf for Qgarara The son ofBayew Who was lining a life as tough as a pebble-stone He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now, I wish to love and be loved Oldmar, please let it be so for me Qgrara o, Olgngnml I wish to have my own wife Oldmar, please let it be so for me Qgrara, Olg0ngnml I wish to have my own children Oldmar, please let it be so for me Qgrara, Olgngnmale I wish to have my own house Oldmar, please let it be so for me Qgrara, Olgngnml I wish to have all the ire in life Oldmar, please let it be so for me Qgrara, olgngnml The wishes of the chameleon
423
Are always upheld and accepted by the Divinity
Qgrara, Olgngnml
If says that all the wishes of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be upheld and accepted by oldmar. All he/she needs to do is to pray feruently for his/her needs, be realistic with such wishes and wait patiently forthe bounty of Oldmar. The promises of the world may go unfulfilled but what If promises will never pass unfulfilled,
L4. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall gain the
profit of a parent over his/her children. If says that all the children wiil be wofthy children without exception. If says that there is the need for him/her to give the children proper training and good moral upbringing. He/she also needs to walk in the path of Oldmar so as to enable the children to emulate his/her good ways. If says that with proper moral and education upbringing, her/she will have peace of mind over his/her children; he/she wi nver regret ever begetting any of the children. The children will however emulate their parent in most of their attitudes and outlook towards life. That is why it is very imperative for him/her to behave well and have the fear of
Oldmar at heartatalltimes. On this aspect, Qwgnr1n-Mfl says:
Okuta a l ma g'eje Dl filn Qwq Qmga bl marn-n jrnln fibg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
The pebble which was broken but did not bleed That was the If cast for QWQ, the hand Who shall give bifth to five children and made profitfrom the five She was advised to offer gbg
QwQ, the hand went to Babalwo for If consultation. She was advised to offer gbg with two guinea fowls so that she would be able to benefit from all the children she would beget. She complied. She was also told to give
her children the best moral upbringing when they arrived. She was informed that her children would not listen to what she said only but would
424
l,l o*onrn r",,
copy more from what she did. Eventually, she gave bfth to five fingers and they were all usefulto her. She gave them the best upbringing and she peace of mind over them. None of the children died in his/her youth. She was a very happy mother.
okta a la m g'eie
Ef fn gsg
had
Qmg abl mrun-n jr rn pbg ni wQn nf k 9e
Translation
The pebble which was broken but did not bleed Thatwasthe If castfor FsQ, the Leg Who shall gve birth to five children and made profit from the five He was advised to offer gbg
[sQ, the Leg, also went to the same Babalwo. He was gven the same advice as gwQ. He too did as he was told by the Awo. He too gave bifth to five toes. The children were also very useful to him. None of the children died in his/her youth. Ese was also a very happy father. They realized that they succeeded because they offered gbg and they behaved according the dictates of Oldmar and theirAwo: Okrttaa la m g'ie Dl filn QwQ Qmqa bl mrn-n jrrrln fbgniwqn nl kge gb'bq. r'bg Qmqabl mrn-n jrrrln Sbg ni wQn nl k 9e gb'Qborrrl'bg Qmg QwQ kll k l'jtl Qw , Qmg FsQ kll t'ojrl Fse r'Qrun Iw klit'ojtt onlw baie
to
Okrtaa|mg'eie Dlfiln gsg
Translation
The pebble was broken, but it did not bleed That was the If cast for
QwQ
425
lfa Dida: An nvitaon to lfa Consultation
Who shallgive birth to five chidren and made profitfrom the five He was advised to offer gbq Hecomplied The chidren of QwQ (fingers) will not die while QwQ is still alive And the children of fsQ (toes) will not die before the toes. One's character cannot be spoilt in the presence of the owner of the character
If says that the children of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not die while he/she is still alive. If says that he/she shall enjoy all his/her chidren.
15.
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to show respect to elders, consttuted authorities, his/her fore-fathers, the ancestors, ORga, Irtlnmol and Oldmar at all times. Doing this, is the course of action that will ensure success. Failure to do this will never augur wellfor him/her.
If says that the person in question has already achieved
some
degree of success. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed have the tendency to show off and be rude to those above him/her, his/her parents, constituted authorities and/or ancestors. If says that there had hithefto been relative peace and harmony where this Od is revealed, and that changes came for the worse as a result of the rudeness and insubordination of the person for whom this Od is revealed. In order to correct this anomaly therefore, there is need to offer gbg with three cocks three hens, three guinea fowls, three white pigeons and money. After doing this, he/she needs to respect his/her ancestors and those in positions of authority over him/her. On this, If says:
IdklsJ Qn ntl rejo l'yln Dl filn sgin
Wqn g'awo lg sll QQni Aln-kn-Esur fbg ni wqn nl H wQn ge
AbfinAgbo
426
TI
ll Translation
o*o*in u"i
The hollow paft of a well-trekked path is t which breaks the
backofa snake Thiswasthe If castfor pgin, the horse When going on If mission to the palace of QQni of IfQ Theywere advised to offergbg
Fgin, the Horse and Agb, the Ram, were prominent Babalwo.' Their reputaton had reached far beyond the communty they lived in and everybody sighted them at alltimes. Then one day, QQniAlana-kn-Es, the 9ba of Il-IfQ summoned them to his palace for If consulation. Before they went to answer the Qba's call, they contacted the Awo mentioned above for If consulatation. They wished to know how their trip to the Qba's palace would be: would it be successful? Would they achive what they went there for? Would they be able to satisff the QQni?
The Awo told them that the QQn invited them because things had gone from good to bad and from bad to worse in his domain. The Awo told them that the QQni was the architect of his misfoftune. He said that he had once been paying homage to his ancestors, the Origa and IrnmglQ of Il-Ife witnessed peace, progress, harmony, economic, political and spiritual stability. But the QQn allowed the success he had recorded to enter into his head. He began to equate himself with the ancestors, OFlga, IntnmglQ and Oldmar himself. He saw no reason why he should pay any respect to traditionalism. Since that time, the foftune of that town had turned upside down. There was the need for them to lay emphasis on respect to the constituted authorities if the 9Qn wanted the situation to change for the better. He asked the Awo to offer gbg with two pigeons each. They complied. He also asked them to serve their If with one hen each. They also complied.After this, they set out on their journey to the QQni's palace. As soon as they reached ll-Ife, tall-tail signs of confussion and uncertainty were everywhere. People were looking sad, sacred and unsure of themselves. They were suspicious of everything and everyone. They looked and felt hungry and unkept. Even the palace was not exempted. The palace which was usually a beehive of activities was silent. By the time the Awo were ushered in to the presence of the QQni Alna-kan-Es, it was clear that everything was wrong with the Qba and his subjects.
At'qgin, t'AgbO Awo Il QQni Aln-kn-Esr
427
Dl firn gQni Alana-kn-Esur
L'jqtl krlba ilebaba rqm0 lbg ni wEn nl k9e
Translation
Both [gin and AgbOthe residentAwo of QQniAln-kn-Esr] They were the ones who cast Ifa for Qgni Alan-kn-Esrl When he did not pay homage to his ancestors anymore He was advised to offergbg
When gQni Aln-kn-Esurl consulted If, the two Awo told him in their terms that he was the architect of the hardships being experienced by the citizenry. He was informed that he had stopped paying homage and respect to his ancestors because he had equated himself to the Divinities and his ancestors. Theytold him that not until he changed this attitude and paid his homage and obeisance to elders, his ancestors, the Oga, IrnmglQ and Oldmar, the problem would not abate. They also told him
to offer gbg with three pigeons, three cocks, three hens, three
guinea fowls and money. After this, he was to feed his ancestorc as If dictated.
The QQni agreed to do as the two Awo prescribed. The Qba changed his attitude to life, to his elders, to his ancestors, to OFig, to lntnmglQ, to treat everybody, high and low, with consideration and respect. He cultivated the habit of treating everyone with the fear of oldmar at heaft; he also serued his ancestors, Oga, and lrrtnmglQ regularly.
Soon after this situation, Il-IfQ began to change for the better, the citizens began to feed well, shottly after, they regained their self confidence. Happiness retuned. Prosperity returned. Peace returned. QQn Alnkn-EsrJ made the two Awo his resident Babalwo. Every citizen of Il-IfQ and non-citizens who resided there gavethe Qba more honour and respect. For all the residents of ll-Ife, life was wofth living.
AbfilnAgbo
Idklsj Qn nll r ejo I'Qyln IXfiln figin

Wqn rr g'awo lg sll QQniAln-kn-Es !b9 ni wqn nl kl wQn ge
428
1,1,
o*onnr
r",,
WQn gb'QbgwQn
n'bq
At'ggin, t'AgboAwo Il QQni Aln-kn-Esu Dl filn gQni Aln-kn-Es
L'jq korlba ilebaba remq fbg niwQn nl kge gb'qborrrl'bg Ibaa Bbo IbaaYeyeo
Iba Ohwo o Iba Araba l'le lfe IbaAkd IbaAged Mo jba Ojgbqna Af'eyl mo d ge o
Translation
of a well-trekked path is which breaks the backofa snake This was the If cast for fgin, the horse When going on If mission to the palace of QQni of IfQ They were advised to offer gbg Theycomplied Both fgin and AgbOthe residentAwo of QQniAln-kn-Esr Theywerethe ones who castIft for QQniAln-kn-Es When he did not pay homage to his ancestors anymore He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied I pay homage to my father Homageto my mother Homageto myOhlwo Homageto myArb of IfQ HomagetoAkQd HomagetoAsQd I pay homageto OjgbQna Unless I act without recognition and homage to elders and spiritual forces May I succeed in all I do.
The hollow paft
it
If says that the situation of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall improve for the better. All he/she needs to do is to accord due recogniton and respect to elders and constituted authorities. By so doing, joy and success shall follow him/her for the rest of his/her life. 429
ffa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
16. If warns a person who is erecting a property, or who had just

acquired one, or who had just completed one to offer ebg so that something serious in form of disaster may not drive him/her away from this propefi. The person involved where this Od is revealed is either the person for whom this Od is cast or someone very close to him/her. If says that the disaster may be in form of fire outbreak, flood, earthquake, landslide, riot, spillage of hazardous substance, collapsed building and so on.
If says that there is the need for the person involved to offer gbg with two matured he-goats and money. He/she also needs to feed the Elders of the night (witches). The Awo needs to ask If what the Elders of the night want to take and give it to them as soon as the gbg is offered. This is very serious here. On this, If says:
Etlpgn l f gbgrq-g bQre-g bgrg Dl firn ldlndi Tl y mg'l Tl konl lgbe fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Epgnl creeps and crawls about This was the If castforldindi, the cricket Who shall erect his house Butwould not be ableto live in it He was advised to offer qbg
Idlndi, the cricket, was hardworking, energetic and averagely wealthy. He had enough money with which to erect his own house and he set about doing just that. He was building it in an open field. When he was about to complete that house, he went for If consultation to find out how peaceful he and his family would be able to live in the house, the Awo however told him to offer gbg so that something serious would not drive him out of the house after completion. He was advised to offer gbg with two matured hegoats and money. He was also asked to serve the night people. This infuriated him and he simply ignored the advice of the Awo. He was convinced that the Awo was a cheat who was looking for he-goat to eat. He was fully determined to demonstrate to the Awo that he, the Awo, was a
430
il,
**rr r",,
thief and a dishonest man. Soon after this encounter with the Babalwo, Idlndi, the cricket moved into his house, together with his family. During the dry season, the farmers wanted to clear their farms. The farmer on whose farm the Cricket built his house sent his son to go and clear the farm in preparation for the new planning season. The son simply set fire on the farm. This forced the Cricket to abandon the farm temporarily. Soon after this, the farmer cleared the remaining shrubs on his farm and began to cultivate the land. While the farmer was tilling the soil, the house of the Cricket was completely demolished. This made him to abandon the house completely. That was when the Cricket remembered the warnings of the Awo, but alas, it was too late to make any amendment.
Etl pgnla f 9 bgrg-g bQrQ-gbgrg Dla fin ldlndi Tl y mg'l Tl kO nl legbe Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e ko,tl Qgbgnhln s'ebq
Ipln alaltubQ, Qgb ltr IrQ l mg'ltl ko d'be mQ llgbo

Etlpgnla creeps and crawls about This was the If cast forldlndi, the cricket Who shall erect his house But would not be able to live n it He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Refusalto offergbg
Translation
The cricket built his house but could not go there again.
If says that it shall not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to build or acquire a property he/she will not be able to live in. He/she is advised to offer qbg as prescribed.
AB9RABOJE
431
B. SIGNIFICANCE
OF QWONRIN-MEJI FORTHOSE BORN
BYTHIS ODU DURING IKOSEDAYE ORITELODU

Qwqnrln-Mil children succeed in life through sheer-gut, determinaton, hardwork, dedication and perseverance. They rise more often than not,
from grass to grace, from want to surplus, from nothing to abundance and from obscurity to prominence. To them, success does not come easily. They sweat and toil for it. Once at the top however, they quickly forget their road to success and allow their achievement to enter their heads. They sometimes misbehave and are rude to elders and constituted authorities. This is why it is in the best interest of Qwqnrfn-Mi children to imbibe humility and respect for elders right from their youths. Once this is done, the sky is the beginning of their success.
These children are very good in the fields of agriculture, arable and pastoral politics, trading in expensive materials such as jewelries, state of the art afticles, designer dresses, shoes and bags, perfumes, wrist watches, highclass supermarkets, salons and so on. They make more profit than others in the same business line simply by giving the impression that their own goods and services are of better quality and taste than those of others. When they make their money, QwQnrln-Mi children are known for their kind-heaftedness and generousity. Several people around them will surely benefit from their wealth. This attitude makes people to give them regard, honour and respect.
For
Qwqnrln-Mjl children, what easily makes or breaks them is human
mouth, other people's opinion about them. What people wish for them or say about them really matters a lot. If they wish them well, success shall be theirs in no time. But if people speak badly of them or wish them bad, then failure will not be too far from them. This is why Qwqnrln-Mjl children should be very careful in their dealings with people and should be wary of doing things which will bring them into the bad books of others. They should in fact be looking for the favour and approval of people in their close vicinity. By so doing, success is assured.
It
is difficult to give what rightly belongs to QwQnln-M) children to others. If this is done, even without agitation, the person(s) who
432
il, o*ora, uti
fraudulently took what belonged to Qwqnrln-Mjl children shatl never know peace. Nobody will teach these people before they hand over what they had fraudulently taken. In the case of a position or title, those who usurped it will either abdicate the throne or position or be chased out. In the end, Qwqnrfn-Mil children, whom the position rightly belonged tq will be invited to come and occupy the position. If they do, peace and harmony will reign. This is because Qwqnrfn-Mjl children are highly intelligent and are good organizers of people and events. They have human
consideration,
hu mi
I
ity wisdom
nd u ndersta nd ing.
QwQnrln-Mil children strive best when they have, in addition to their

real names, aliases or pet-names. They should try to ensure that everybody addresses them by their pet names. By so doing, success will be accelerated. They will make more progress than if they use only their real names. Their guardian spirits are more favourably disposed towards their usage of aliases andlor pet names than that of real names.
however need to ensure that their spouses do not push them to do what they will live to regret for the rest of their lives. This is because they are usually blessed with wives who shall be demanding for too much from them. Their wives want to be pet, cajoled, pampered and spoiled. In the process, the wives employ series of tactics such as crying, bullying, pleading, threatening, cursing and intimidation to twist the arms of their husbands to do their bids. QwQnrln-Mjl children need to look out for such tricks and comply with only those which may not cause regrets later. another man's wife as nothing good will come out of it. Only regrets, pain and anguish will be the result. For Qwqnrln-Mjl female children, they should be faithful and loyal to their husbands at all times. There may be misunderstanding they should find a means of resolving them. They stand to lose everything if they are not loyal or if they allow separation to take place between them and their husband. The day palmwine leaves the bottle-gourd, it is either consumed or it spilled away and is of no benefit to anyone. This is why Qwqnrfn-Mil female children need to stickto their 433
Qwqnrln-Mjl, males and females make good spouses and they live happily in their matrimonial homes. Male Qwqnr{n-Mjl children
At the same time, QwQnrln-Mil male children must never snatch
lfa Dida: An invitaton to ffa Consuftation
husbands, o mater the hardship experenced there. OwQnrin-MJl children, males and females had been created by oldmare to enjoy marital lives. They must be contented with their spouse and no-one else.
That
is
the secret of their matrimonial happiness.
Qwqnrln-MT children are also blessed with good children. All Qwgnrln-Mit children have the potentials to be useful parents. That is why QwQnrln-Mjl children need to teach their kids in the way of the
Deities and oldmar before they grow up to maturity. They also have the luck of not experiencing the death of their young ones, especialty their biological children. They can be sure that all of their children wilt still be alive when they grow old and die. Qwgnr{n-Mjl children too have a great propensity to live long and grow old before they die. it comes to the issue of accommodation or acquisition of propefties. Appropriate gbg needs to be offered so as to ensure that they are able to live in the property they acquire.
Qwqnrln-Mil children need to be careful when
In all, Qwqnrln-Mjl childrn will live long and enjoy relatively peaceful lives. No matter the hardship they face, it is just a temporary situation. They will be happy and they will enjoy the fruit of their labour.
C. Affiliated Orlga And lrnmgQ Of Qwgnr{n-Mjl

1.
2.
3. 4.
5. 6. 7.
for progress, prosperity, protection, victory love, children and longevity and protection aga inst Ajog u n orl - for protection against slanderers, and for progress, success, and freedom from bondage, for honour and recognition. Egu Qdara for success and victory for prosperity and protection
If
against slanderers.
Ibejl (Diety of Twins) - for children
and especially for multiple
births. OgUn - for victory against adversary. Fleyg (witches) for favourable public opinion Od for protection against ailments
i,?' owonrn
u"
8, 9.
gbatl
and success. Fgb - for leadership, success and accomplishment
- for child-bearing
D.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10.
Taboos Of Qwqnrfn-Mjl
Mustnoteatcoconut
- toavoidchild-bearingproblems Must not be envious of other people's achievements - to avoid being

humi Iiated and disgraced. Must never snatch other people's spouses
- to avoid humiliation and
disgrace. Must not maltreat strangers - to avoid missing help from strangers to avoid disaster which willl Must not use tipgnl for anything drive him/her from home. Must not eat rats - to avoid reduction in progress Must not eat catfish - to avoid reduction in progress to avoid Must not be rude to elders and constituted authority collapse in his/her progress and to avoid everlasting regrets. to avoid Must not allow himself to be pushed by his spouse everlasting regrets Must never underestimate others - to avoid being disgraced.
E.
Male
Possible Names Of QwQnrln-Mjl Children During Ikqsgdy
I. i i iv v
Female
FkyQd If bringsjoy Fdllsl - If sparesthis child

Fqeyltn If does
me a greatfavour
Orlgl - The Ori of honour
QpQlr - If is profitable
I. .
Fgbuyl - If is prestigious Fdre - If vindicates me

435
lfa Dida: An invitation to tfa Consuttation
i. Fbnm - If gves me this iv. odgbfibl - od assists me n giving bfth to this v. Adtut - The crown is coor and comfortabre
AB9R AB9YE
436
Chapter 7
OBARA
ilil ll ll ll ll
tl
I MEI
Chapter 7 OgARA I MEJI

A.
1. If says that it foresees the ire of prosperity for the person for whom
this Od is revealed. If says that he/she brought his/her destiny of being a prosperous person from heaven. If says that he/she shall prosper and the whole world will know If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with three white pigeons and feed with one hen. On this Qbara-M| hasthisto say.
If
Eyl wesewese n dffa Eyl wesewese rt dTbO OrOrqwgn l'gb nlnrt Gbogbo wgn ni wqn nd wsewse nlbi awo qlge Gbogbowgn ni wQn rl dradra
Dlfn Ejl-Qbara
Tlyoot'ojrl QlQrun l w'ybl gba erekg fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
The tiny ones are casting If And the small ones are holding thelbO determinants Or00rg birds have no elders among them They are all tiny and of the same size while performing If rituals They are all beautiful to look at These were lf's declarations to E)-Qbara Who shall come to eafth with prosperity from heaven Asthe Qba of riches He was advised to offergbg
When the entire sixteen principal Od were coming into the world from heaven, they all went to AjalamQpln to choose their various destinies. EI438
*l ooara u"
Qbara chose as paft of his own destiny boundless prosperty. After this, he went to the Awo mentioned above to determine his capability to manage and control the prosperity he had chosen. The Awo assured him that he would be successful in managing his success. He would also be so prosperous that he would be compared to the Qba of Riches. He was therefore advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons. Because he was a
disciple
of If and because his prosperity would manifest most as a

hen.
He complied and set
Babalawo, he was advised to serve If with one out on his journey into the world,
While on eafth, he took to If practice as his profession in accordance with his destiny. Before long, he was so successful and prosperous that everyone was looking for him. When asked how he made it so rich like that, he responded that his prosperitywas not by accident. He had been a prosperous person from heaven because he was destined to be so. When he responded thus, those close to him had no option but to make a comparison between him and Qba Frke, the Qba of riches. They concluded that Efl-Qbara and Qba Frke were equal in wealth and prosperity.
Eyl wsewese n d'lfa Ey{ wsewsert dTbO Orrqwgn l'gb nf nu Gbogbo wgn ni wQn rtd wsewse nlbi awo gfge
Gbogbowgn niwQn rl dradra Dlfiln Ejl-Qbara Tl yt'ojrl QlQrun l w'y bl gba ereke Sbgniwqn nl k9e
gb'gborr'bg Kopekojlnn f wa b ninl jQbrlt ire
Translation
The tiny ones are casting If And the small ones are holding thelb determinants Or0r birds have no elders among them They are alltiny and of the same size while performing If rituals They are all beautiful to look at These were lf's declarations to E)-Qbr
439
Who shal I come to earth wth prosperity from heaven As the Qba of riches He was advised to offer gbg He complied Nottoo late, and nottoo far Join us in the midst of all ire
If says that it is the part of the destiny of the person for whom this Od is revealed to be very prosperous. Even if there were initial financial hardship, he/she will still triump. He/she will use money to perform wonders in life. He/she only needs to offer gbg so as to enable him/her manage the prosperity when it comes.
2.
If says that it foresees prosperity for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that for this prosperity to come, he/she needs to take his/her personal matter more seriously than that of a group. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is too group conscious and that he/she is doing that atthe expence of his/her own personal safety, comfort and/or success chances. If says that even though there are benefits in doing group job or taking the interest of a group at heart, there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to always take time off to attend to his/her own welfare. If says that if this person wentto consult If with a group on a project or any undeftaking affecting the group, there is the need for him to consult If again on the same subject but this time around on an individual basis. If says that there is the chance that he/she will excel as an individual where the group has failed. If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer ebo
with three white pigeons, three guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to serue If with four rats, four fish, one hen and money. He/she then needs to be more individualistic in
approach and reduce his/her involvement in group activities. There lies his/her success and prosperity. On these If says:
A O m'orf afjrt l'gb A O m'gsg o$ka l'na A m'orf oly l'wjg
444
* oura ue
filn Ejl-Erlndlnlgn Ord wqn lg rge'bgr nll91,fn Fbq niwqn ff kl wqn qe

Dl
Translation
We know notthe head of the blind in a guild And we know notthe leg of the wicked on the road And we know notthe head of a title-holder in an assembly These were the If cast for the 16 principal Od
When going on If mission to QlQfin's palace They were advised to offer qbg
The QlQfin of Ife was experencng some undisclosed problems.

Consequent upon this, he summoned the 16 princlpals Od to his palace for If consultation. As a resultof QlQfin's invitation, the 16 principalOd went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; Would they succeed where they were going? Would they be able to satisff Qlqfin? Would they be able to solve his problems? Would QlQfin accord them their due respect and recognition? Would luck smile on them at the end of their mission? The Awo assured them that they would succeed in their mission; that they would be able to satisfy QlQfin; that they would be able to solve his problems; that would surely accord them their due respect and recognition and that Iuck would smile on them all at the end of their mission in Olfin's palace. They were all advised to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guinea fowls, and money. They were equally advised to feed If with four rats, four fish, one hen and money. They all complied. When they left the house of the Babalwo they fixed a time to assemble for their depafture to QlQfin's palace, On his way back home, Qbara-Uet had an urge to cast an individual If on their trip to OlQfin's palace. He therefore went to consu lt the following Awo :
Awgn t'ara eni l t0 T'ara gni l j Awon bl onltirt Qla kll'r{ b9 Nff m Babalwo d'lf ojooj mQ 441
Awgn Qn gl ko jlnn K'rl gb'ni d'be l gro fitn Ejl-Qbara Tl rrlq r g'bgru nll QlJn fbg ni wqn nl kge
Translation
That which concerns one is right (to give priority) Thatwhich concernsone is more impoftant And as we find today Tomorrow will not be That is what prompts Babalwo to cast If on a daily basis And "the road to success is notfar" "What is important is for our destiny to lead us there" TheyweretheAwo who castlf for E'l-Qbara When going on If mission toQlQfin's palace He was advised to offer ebo
The three Awo mentioned above told Qbara-M| that he would succeed where he was going and that he would be the one to save his other colleagues from disgrace and humiliation. He was informed that where he was going to, there were three main problems; one, the first chd and the heir apparent of QlQfin was very ill and he was in the verge of death. He told him of the appropriate ebo to offer in order to ensure a quick recovery of the sick son; two, one of QlQfin's wives was pregnant and was about to deliver, he recommended what to do to ensure a safe delivery; and three, QlQfin wished to know what to do to live long on the throne of his ancestors. He also recommended appropriate ebo to ensure that QlQfin lived long on thethrone. In order to make it possible for EI-Qbr to succeed in Olfin's palace, the Awo advised him to offer gbg with three white pigeons, three guinea fowls, white clothe, red clothe, black clothe and money. He was also advised to serue If with four rats, four fish, one hen and money. He complied. After this, he was advised not to go on the trip to QlQfin's palace with the group. He was told to go alone after all the other 15 principal Od had set out on the trip.
While at home, E)-Qbara decided to feed If as prescribed by the 442
Awo. In
l,i
the period that he was doing this, all the remaining 15 principd Oiloi*: waiting for him at the agreed meetng point. When they did not see him, they decided to go and call him so that all of them could leave together at the sametime.
They met E)-Qbara seruing If with four rats, four fish and one hen. He told the others that he was busy and there was no need for them to wait for him to finish what he was doing. He asked them to proceed to QlQfin's palace and that he would join them there as soon as he finished serving If. The others left for QlQfin's palace and Efl-Qbr continued to feed If.
At the QlQfin's palace, the remaining 15 princlpal Od consulted If for QlQRn. They predicted the ire of wealth, good spouse, brighter success chances and many more children for QlQfin. They advised him to offer gbg with rat, fish, ewes, goats and pigeons. Olqfin agreed to do so but he was not completely satisfied as those were not the reasons why he summoned the Awo for If consultaion. QlQfin ordered his aides to procure allthe ebo materials for the Babalawo. The materials were procured. As soon as this was done, the Babalwo wanted to offer the gbg. As they were preparing to do this, ET-Qbr entered QlQfin's palace. When the other principal Od informed him that they had consulted If for Qlqfin and Qbara-M) was revealed, E)-Qbara toH QlQfin that he had summoned allthe principalOd because of three major developments in his life; one, his first son was ill; two, one of his wives was on the verge of giving bfth and he was nursing the fear that all might not be well with her; and three, he wanted to know what he needed to do in order for him to live long and happily on the throne of his ancestors. He advised QlQfin to offer gbg with a he-goat for his first son to get well; another he-goat for his wife to deliver safely; and yet, another he-goat for him to have victory over untimely death. Qlqfin ordered his aides to go and procure the three he-goats immediately. He then declared that those were truly the three reasons why he had summoned the 16 principal Od for If consultation. He showered his praises on Qbara-M) for his competence. He insisted that he would want Qbara-lVel and no one else, to offer the gbg for him. Efl-Qbara offered the qbg as requested by QlQfin. All those present agreed that the 16 principal Od succeeded in diagnosing all the problems being faced by QlQfin, but that if not for Efl-Qbara, they would not have succeeded.
443
Qlqfin feasted the 16 principal Od to a lavish dinner. They ate and drankto their satisfaction. At the end of it all, he gave them dresses, several expensive ornaments, beads, money and drinks. He also made a personal gift of three horses to Qbara-MT, one white, one red and one black. That was how all the 16 principal Od succeeded in their mission to QlQfin's palace, but E:l-Qbr excelled and became more recognized and more prosperousthan allthe other 15 principal Od.
A O m'orf afjrt l'gb A O m'ese O$k I'Qn A O m'orl oly l'wjg
Dl fitn Ejl-Erlndlnlgrln Ord wqn rrlg r g'bgr nll gl.f n fbg ni wgn nl kl wqn ge WQn gb'Qbg, wgn rrt'bg Awgn t'ara gni ltQ
T'ara gni lj Awon blOnltirl Qla kll d be l{ff mu Babalwo d1f ojoojmQ Awgn qna gle ko jlnn K'rl gb'ni d'bQ l goto filn Ejl-Qbara Tl lg r g'bgnl nll 9l, fn Fbg niwgn nl k 9e
gb'Qbgr'bg Qbara nlkan lo ru'bgapesln Njg Qbara gb'qgin drtdrl gn fgin ddrl Qbara gb'ggin pupa gn fgin pupa Njg Qbara gb'99in funfun gn f;ginfunfun QlQbara l re'l qlQfn lqq le w'l Er lpo, ero Qfa f w b ni nl tl ire o
Translation
We know notthe head of the blind in a guild And we know notthe leg of the wicked on the road And we know notthe head of a title-holder in an assembly
444
i
These were the If cast forthe 16 principal Od When going on If mssion to Qlqfin's palace Theywere advised to offergbg
oo"r" ue
Theycomplied That which concerns one s right (to give priority) Thatwhich concerns one is more impoftant And aswefind today Tomorrow will not be That is what prompts Babalwo to cast Ifa on a daily basis And "the road to success is notfar" "What is impoftant is for our destiny to lead us there" They were the Awo who cast If for When going on If mission to QlQfin's palace He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied
E-Qbara
of
Only Ej'l-Qbara offered the ebq

multitude of people Now Qbara ride on this black horse
being served by the
Averyblackhorse
And ride on this red (brown) horse Avery red (brown) horse And on this white horse
Averywhite
Qbara
is he who went to
horse
QlQfin's palace and became very
prosperous Travellers tolpo and Qfa Join us in the midstof all ire in life
If says that allthe good things of life shall come the way of the person for whom this Od is revealed. Please note the relationshp between the white, red and black clothes which EI-Qbara added as paft of his gbg materials and the gift of white, red (brown) and black horses Qqfn. This shows that there is always a relationship between the gbg materials offered and the reward of If to those who offered the gbg. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will excel more as an individual than is being paft of a group. He/she shall be adequately rewarded and showered with gifts as an individual.
by
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not experience hardship for long in his/her life. If says that if he/she is
{
445
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
suffering presently, the suffering will soon disappear. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a man, he needs to be listening to his wife regulady because it is through his wife that his prosperity will come. And for a woman, she needs to encourage and urge her husband onto success. If she continues to do this, before long, success shall cometheirway in a big way.
If says that the work that both husband and wife were doing
presently is not their dream work. They however need to persevere as luck will soon come their way and they will be able to do any work of their fancy. If says that the success being referred to is coming from three different ways. The success, when it comes, will be big enough to put an end to their suffering for the rest of their lives.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed is to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. After this, there is the need to feed If with one hen. On all these, a stanza in Qbara-Me)
says:
Iggl'omiarnl plpgn
Iy l'gl nl lllQ
K I'Qgl-l'Qgl K re'nlgbglQQfQ'w K f'gbe bgnu bl agegi Obl I'gmg eyen ta D{ fil n Q9u nfil nu nlJQ
Tll g'aya Agbgnnlgn Tl oun ti Qrnmll 9awo re'bi jt jln gbggrg bf ojq Fbq ni wQn nl kl wQn ge
Translation
Tribulation accounts for fetching blue-dye water And suffering accounts for grinding soaked corn After grinding the soaked corn without end For one to go to the forest to fetch leaves And then break into a howl like a wood-hewer Kolanuts are what responsible people sell These were the If cast for Qgunfnnl, yO
Thewifeof Qrrfnmll
When she and Qrnmll were going on If Business
446
l!
to a far, far place like the day itself Theywere advised to offergbg
ooara ue
Qrnm'il, in spite of his effectiveness and efficiency, was not successful. He was suffering. He had no money. He had very few customers. If he attended to one customer one day, it would take several days before another one would be attended to. If he had some amount one day, he would spend all and suffer for some more days before he got another money. Much as he tried, there was no improvement. He however knew that the situation would surely change for the better. He was sure that luck would soon smile on him, but how soon, he was not sure. He continued to persevere. He however had the dream of becoming a great man and an accomplished If priest in his He knew that he was the most knowledgeable Babalwo on eafth since he was the one who brought the Aft into the world, but he had few to show for his expeftise and in depth knowledge of the Aft. Hq was however ready to wait until that time when his wofth in the community would be commensurate with his knowledge of
life.
hiswork.
The poverty of Qrnmll had rubbed in on his wife, QgunfUnnlyQ. She was equally suffering. She had no money, she used to fetch blue-dye water and sell at an unbelievably cheap rate before she could eat. This was even not in great demand. She might find a customer today it would take several days before she found another. When the blue-dye water was not needed by her customers, she would go in search of those who had soaked corn to grind. If she found one, she would grind it for them at a token. This work was very demanding on her energy and her health. She had no option but to do it, except if she planned to starue. Sometimes after grinding the corn, she would go into the forest to fetch wrapping leaves for the owners of the soaked leaves for them to use to wrap their corn mealfor sale. All of these chores would be done at a ridiculous price. Sometimes, it may be wood she would go into the forest to hew for others. This too used to attract small money for her. She could not change her cloths as the money she was making was not enough for such luxury. She however had her ambition of becoming a kola-nut seller. This ambition remained a mere dream since she had no money to translate her dream into reality.
One day, Qrnm'll got tired of life in his
locality. He decided to travel far
447
and try his luck elsewhere. He called his wife and informed her of his decision. On hearing this, QgunfrlnnlQyQ approached the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. This group was trained by Qrunm)l. She wanted to know how their intended new place of abode would be for them. She also wanted to know if it was wise or not for them to move outof their present location.
This Awo assured her that success was at hand; that it was so close that they could almost touch it; that it was wise for them to move out of their present location because the success was already waiting for them in their new location; that the success being referred to was coming to them from three different directions; and that such success would spell the end of their suffering and want in life. They however advised that Qrnmll needed to heed the advice and warnings of his wife as the success being referred to was coming to the couple through the wife. They also advised QgunfnnlQyQ to always guide her husband aright and be objective in all the advices she would be offering to her husband. They were equally informed that there was the need for them to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. The Awo also told them to serve If with one hen. It took the couple four long days before they could gather enough resources to buy the gbg materials. They offered the gbg, fed If and they set out on
theirjourney.
trekked. They really had no specific destination in mind. They continued to go and go. After many days of travelling, they decided to settle down in a community they arrived at. Qrrfnm'il resumed work as a Babalwo. QgunfrtnnlQyQ his wife resumed her work as a blue-dye water fetcher, soaked corn grinder, wrapper leaves fetcher, and wood hewer. Their situation did not change much from what they were experiencing where they came from. Both husband and wife were however determined to persevere until Oldmar answered their prayers.
however, the Qba wanted to determine who the greatest seer of his generation was. He therefore organized a test for all Babalawo, Herbalist, Clairuoyants and the occultists in his community and its environments. Several others from far and near were invited. They all
448
Since they could not afford a horse, they trekked, and
In this community
il*
ooara uei
came with various nstruments of divination. Qrunmlla was one of the compettors. The Qba ordered his aides to construct three huts in a nearby farm. The first hut was filled with money and sealed up; the second was filled with expensive beads and sealed up; and the third was filled with expensive and latest dresses for both men and women and sealed up. The three huts were constructed in an identical manner. The purpose of this competition was for the seers to come forward and identify the contents inside the three huts. A date was set for the competition proper. That day Qrnmll woke up early in the morning and set out for the Qba's palace while QgunfnnlQyQ his wife went to the forest in search of wrapping leaves. Unknown to her however, very close to where she was fetching the leaves was where the council of chiefs were making the last deliberations on how to set about the competition in an organized way and at the same time for them to be able to know when any of the competitors gave the correct information on what was inside the three identical huts. After much deliberation, they decided to mark the hut filled with money with chalk; that filled with expensive beads with cam-wood; and that filled with the lasted dressing materials with charcoal. While they were taking these decisions, QgunftlnnlyQ overheard everything. She quickly left the forest and headed for the Qba's palace. There, she looked for a way of passing her information to QrnmIl since she was not allowed to enter the competition venue. She sought and got permission to talk to her husband from where she was. She then chose to use IyQrQ to speak to him. She then shouted at the top of her voice, saying:Mo ltn o kun o, Qrnmll bara Agbgnnlregtn I9Q I'omi ar nl dld.....hgn Olw mir ly I'Ogl nl lllQ o...,..hgn K I'Qgl-l'Qgl tn K re'n lgb$ IQQ f$'w.... hgn K f'gbe bgnu bl agqgi ....hen
Qrrtnmll obl I'gmg yn t o.....hgn Dl fitn un QgunfitnnlyQ TI ng'aya lwg Agbgnnlrgrln.....hgn Tl rlblwg Qrrnmll g'awo re'bit jln gbqqrg bl ojQ o.....hqn f;bg ni wqn nl k'wgn ge....hgn Rntl wlpe a gb'gbg, a rrl'bg o,....hll
449
K w m'fun k f
tq'laj.,...hqn
olw mi, k m'sn k f tq'llQkQ o.,...hgn Ka m'du k fi tq'le agg.....hen Ar m lsowo qpe Ohun tl trbe nlbQ ni mo wl fitn g o .....hen
Listen attentively Qrr:nm'il the Baba Agbgnlregn Remembr'tribu lation accounts for fetching blue-dye water' My beloved, and 'suffering accounts for grinding soaked corn' And 'after grinding the soaked corn without end....yes For one to go to the forest to fetch leaves'....yes And 'to break into a howl like a wood hewer' ...yes And kola-nuts are what responsible people sell' Remember that these were the If cast for me Q$unfnnlyQ your wife....yes When I was to follow you on If business to a far, far place as far as the distance between the sun and eafth....yes They advised us to offer gbg....yes Remember that we did comply....yes And now they marked the hut filled with money with chalk....yes Remember, my love, they marked that of expensive beads with camwood...yes And that of latest clothing materials with charcoal ....yes My comrade in If practice I have just told you the contents there-in ....yes
Translation
Because QgunfrlnnlQy was communcatng to QrnmTl with If special songs, only Onf nmll understood all what she had just said. Wth herlyQrQ, she reminded Qrnmll about the Awo who cast If for them; her sufferings in his home; her dream of becoming kola-nut seller; the advice of the Awo; how they had complied with the advice; and the promise of If to them that their sufferings were about to come to an All these, OnJnml l understood perfectly. He waited patiently for his turn to tell the crowd what was inside the three huts.
end.
All the other seers tried but failed. When it was the turn of Qrnm'ila, he first made and elaborate show of He ensured that the attention of everyone there was attracted to himself. He then announced that the first hut marked with chalk was filled with money, the second ntarked with cam-
it.
450
il*
oo"r" u"i
wood was filled with expensve beads; while the third one marked with charcoal was filled with dresses. In the end, Qrnmll was declared the winner of the competition. The Qba then ordered that everything inside the three huts be given to Qrrlnmll for his personal use. The Qba also made Qrrlnmll his personal Babalwo. That was how the sufferings and tribulations of Qrnm)l and QgunfrlnnlQyQ his wife came to an end. Qrrlnmll became an accomplished Babalwo while his wife became a
successfu I kola-n ut magnate.
Igq I'omi ar nl plpgn Iy I'Ogl nl lllQ K I'Qgl-l'Qgl K re'nrllgbg IQQfQ'w K fi'gbe bgnu bl a999i Obl I'gmg eeyan te Ill filn Qgunfununl, yQ Tll g'ayaAgbgnnlrgun Tl oun ti Qrnml| iawo re'bi jt jln gbggrg bl oie fbg ni wqn ff kl wqn 9e WQn gb'bq wgn r'bg K w m'rfun k fi tQ'l aj olw mi, k m'sn k fi tq'llleke Ka m'ed kfit'QIagg Ar mlSowo qpe Gbogbo nkan tl bg nl yr t'Awo ni o
Translation
Tribulation accounts for fetching blue dye water And suffering is grinding soaked corn After grinding the soaked corn without end
Foronetogototheforesttofetch
leaves
And then howl like a wood-hewer Kola-nuts are what responsible people sell These were the If cast for Qgunfrf nnlQyQ
The wife of Qrunm)l When she and Qrunmll weregoing on If business to a far, far place like the distance between the sun and the earth Theywere advised to offergbg Theycomplied They marked the hut filled with money with chalk They marked the one filled with beads with cam-wood
i
451
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consuftaon
They marked the one filled with material with charcoal My comrades in If practice All the contents of the three huts belongs to Awo
If says that the tribulation and sufferings of the person for whom this Od is revealed and his/her spouse shall come to an end soon. If says that they will be able to actualize their potentials in life and that their dreams will come true. In fact, they will succeed more than they ever think possible in their wildest imaginations.
4.
If says that it foresees the ire of prosperity for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she needs not to be in a hurry as his/her prosperity shall come at the right time. If says that the work of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall make him/her great. If says that what he/she needs to do is to offer gbg for prosperity and wait patiently for his/her time to come.
If says that there
is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. After
this, he/she needs to serve If with pumpkin cooked with

melon. If says that with this gbg, truthfulness, perseverance and patience, the success of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall surely come. An aspect of Qbara-MJ| in suppot of this
asseftion says:
K m'_fun k fi tQ'l aj K m'sn k f tq'lileke K m'd k f tQ'l agg
Akqd orl wgn kll rre l'l oj Dlfiln Ejl-Qbara Tl y 9e lkeje Od wl ay Tl rl b wgn re'l Ql,fi n lg ree g'bg fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Let us markthe room filled with money with chalk And the room filled with beadswith cam-wood And the room filled with cloths with charcoal
452
fril ooara ue
The first corn meal can never linger for too long in the market These were the If cast for El-Qbara Who shall come into the world as the seventh Od
And who shall accompany others

mission He was advised to offer gbQ
to
QlQfin's palace
on
If
When the 16 principal Od were comng into the world from heaven, Qbara-Uef occuped the seventh position. He was advised to ensure that he maintained that postion at all times. He was advised never to aspire to be in any higher position than that as that position would bring boundless opportunities to him. He was also advised to await his turn after the senior principalOd, viz - E)-Ogb, Qykr1-M),Iwfl-M),Odf-me;l,Irosn-M;T and QwQnfn-M) had taken their turn in anything the group wished to do before he could come forward and take his own turn. He was advised never to be in a hurry in anything he planned to do. He took to these advises and lived by them.
While on eafth, he always ensured that his number seven position was maintained. He never demanded for a higher position. He used to take his turn in anything he did. He was never in haste for anything in life. So, when QlQfin invited the 16 principal Od again for If consultation he went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation o his own. He wanted to know what his success chances would be like in QlQfin's palace. The Awo informed him that he would once again be more successful than all his colleagues put together. He was advised to go alone, uphold the truth, take his turn and maintain decorum. He was also advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. He was told that he also needed to serve If with pumpkin. The Awo informed him that Qlqfin needed to serve If with pumpkin as well so that there would be comfort, peace, progress and development in his community.
In the palace of QlQfin, the 16 principal Od cast If for QlQfin. One by one, stafting from Eji-Ogb, they narrated the revelation of the oracle to QlQfin. They all predicted peace, progress, comfoft, development and general well-being for QlQfin and his subjects. They demanded for rams, goats, cows, sheep, pi9s, jewelries and expensive clothing materials from QlQfin. When it was the turn of El-Qbr, he too predicted progress, peace,
453
comfort and development for QlQfin and hs subjects. He told olqfin to offer gbg with three white pigeons and to serve If with pumpkins. After this, he rested his submissions. The remaining Awo continued with their predictions and they advised Qlgfin to offer gbg with big animal as the other
dd.
In the end, QlQfin was impressed with the level of humility and transparent honesty displayed by El-Qbr and decided to reward him accordingly. He gave all what the remaining principal Od advised him to offer as gbg such as ram, goat, sheep, he-goat pi9s, cows and so on to those who demanded for them and the number demanded for. He gave three big pumpkins to E)Qbara for his personal consumption and another three to help him feed If with as E)-Qbara has demanded. All of them left elgfin's palace and dispersed to their individual homes. All of them were making jest of E)Qbara for demanding for and receiving justthree pumpkins for all his effot. But surprisingly, E)-Qbara was very happy and satisfied with what he
received in OlQfin's palace.
Reaching home, E|-Qbara showed his wife what he got from olQfin, and explained to her what all other principals Od were given. The wife suppressed her anger towards her husband for demanding for only pumpkins. when E)-Qbara asked her to go and peel the three pumpkins meant for feeding If on behalf of QlQfin she bluntly refused, asking her husband who brought the pumpkins to peel and prepare them and use them to serve If all by himself. The wife said that she would not be a party to such display of folly. Hearing this from his wife, E)-Qbara decided to do it alone. He got hold of one of the pumpkins; he took his knife and sliced it into two. Surprisingly however, pure gold of Inestimable value spilled out. He tookthe second pumpkin and sliced it, expensive beads of various types spilled out, the third pumpkin produced various high quality stones and other ornaments. His wife did not allow him to cut the foufth pumpkin before she took over from him. The six pumpkins fetched them the prosperity that a whole community would use for a life time. It was a big surprise to them. The wife began to sing the praises of her husband for his foresight, wisdom, truthfulness, uprightness and honesty. E-Qbara and his wife lived happilyfor long, long time. unknown to the couple, however, QlQfin in appreciation of the honesty
onara u.i
displayed by E:l-Qbr dug holes in the pumpkns and filled the holes up with all the jewelries and ornaments found in them. All the 15 remaining principal Od came to felicitate with El-Qbr and his wife on their good Iuck and success, E;)-Qbara bought three other pumpkins to feed If for Qlqfn as requested by If. After this, he went to express his gratitude to the Monarch.
K m'qfun k fi tQ'l aj K m'sn k f tq'bllQke K m'd k fi tQ'l agg
gb'bqrrrl'bg , j kl l t to fi l'j Elgdmereni mottl mof l'i
Akqd orl wgn kll rre l'l I)lfirn Ejl-Qbara Tl y Se lkeje Od wl ay Tl rr b wgn re'l91,fn lg rg'bg fbq niwqn nl k 9e
oj
Translation
Letus markthe room filled with moneywith And the room filled with beadswith cam-wood And the room filled with cloths with charcoal The first prepared corn meal can never linger for too long in the market These were the If cast for E)-Qbara Who shall come into the world as the seventh Od And who shall accompany others to QlQfin's palace on If mission He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now what did you sell to become this wealthy It is pumpkins I sold to get my riches.
chalk
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed in a miraculous way there is need for cooperation between huchand,and wife where this Od is revealed. The greater the cooperaton, the better for the
couple.
5.
If advised the person for whom this Od is cast to offer ebo so that those who are in love with him/her will not abandon or turn against
455
him/her. In the same ven, If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbQ so that his/her spouse or people will not deseft him/her when they are most needed. If however assured the person for whom this Od is revealed that all those who had
abandoned him/her are coming backto embrace him/her.
If says that there is the need to offer qbg with three cocks, 1O lakosin or ago rats and money. He/she also needs to serve If with 10 lkQs'in or g rats, palm oil, alcohol and money. After this, there is the need to serve EgU witn one coclg palm oil, alcohol and money, The moment all these are done, victory and
success are assured. On these, If says:
Eefin gorl ja rrt gQbrrgqb Eefin-i paakun nii rin Kgro,yl-kQr,yl
DlfirnOkenrbl
Tl wqn fi l'd oy Tl wgn o pln l'gn Sbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
The smoke enters the ceiling and rises skywards The smoke of the attic rises in a winding manner This was the If cast for QtanmUt Who after being nominated forthe stool Was notshared any inheritance
He was advised
to offer gbg
Qfanrnbi was one of the children of QlQfin. He was the heir apparent to the throne of his father. When QQfin his father was alive, QlQfin was an Qba with vast resources. Qlqfin was the regent of Oldmar on eafth. He owned evefihing on eath. When glqfln joined his ancestors, QtanrnUt had travelled out of Il-IfQ during that time. Before he returned however, his brothers and sisters conspired against him and shared everything belonging to their father behind his back without leaving anything for him. When he returned, many people expected a show-down. They aligned with his other siblings against him. They thought that with nothing in his name, it would weaken him considerably when he finally assumed the throne of his father. His brothers became Oba in all the other towns and
456
fril
ooara uei
villages surrounding Ile-Ife.
Instead of putting up a fight, he chose to approach the two Awo mentloned above for If consultation: What would he do to gain respect as the neK QlQfin without anything to his name except the title? Would he be able to overcome the conspirary of the people? Would life be interesting to him as it was to his father? Would he be greater than his entire brothers who were Qba in all the surrounding areas? Would he be able to keep them all under his control? These and other questions were what agitated his mind before he went for If consultation. He wanted to be sure that the throne was worth ascending at all when he had been stripped naked by his siblings. The Awo assured him that he would succeed in life. He was told to go ahead and put all the processes of being installed as the Qlqnn in motion. He was told that he would be the one to inherit the world. He was also assured that he would be greater that all his siblings put together. He was advised to offer gbg, feed If and Egu Qdara as stated above. He complied. Soon afterthis period; hewas installed asthe nextQlqfin.
Soon after the installation, he summoned all his brothers and demanded for his own share of their father's belongings. He was informed that there was nothing left. Egu Qdara howeverturned to human being and reminded them that they had not given out the land to anyone. The other brothers thought that there was not much anyone could do on the land except to All of them decided to give the land to QlQfin. Epu Qdara farm on pleaded with QlQfin to accept the land in good faith. QlQfin did. All the brothers were happy and they all dispersed to their various destinations. As soon as they left, Egu Qdara told Ql,fin that he was the one who had been given the most invaluable asset: He told QlQfin that the implication of this was that all his brothers were mere tenants on his (QIqfin) land. EgU Qdara asked Qbfin to startto demand for rent immediately.
it.
About a week after their meeting Qkanrnbt sent his messengers out to all his brothers to bring to their notice that they were tenants on his land and that they needed to bring him rent-age on a yearly basis. That was when it dawned on them that they had inadvertently made Qkanrnff the inheritor of the whole world. They realized that anything they put up on the land
457
belonged to the owner of the land. Since that day, they all began to pay rent-age on Qkanrnbf's land. Those who could not afford the payment released part of the assets he inherited. These included crowns, jewelries, buildings, farm products, clothing materials, and other essential things of life. That was how Okanmbi became the greatest Qba of all generations. It was grateful Qkanrbl who was showering praises on his Awo, If and Oldmar; saying:
Eefin gort aja r gqbrgqb Eefin-i pkn nll rln Kqrgy{-kQro,yl fitn Okertrbl Tl wQn fi I'edU oy Tl wqn opln l'gn lbg ni wQn nl kge
gb'Qborr'bo
Nje e ya w o, g w sln Gbogbo gmg gni Gbogbo gmg gni
fywewsln
Translation
The smoke enters the ceiling and rises skywards The smoke of the attic rises in a winding manner This was the If cast for Qkanrnbf
Whoafter being nominated forthe stool Was notshared any inheritance He was advised to offer ebq
He complied
Come here and payyour homage All our children Come and pay your adoration All our children
If says that allthose who had abandoned the person for whom this Od is revealed shall eventually come and serue under him/her. If advises this person not to show anger, impatience or vengeance. He/she shall inherit the world.
6.
If says that it foresees two good things for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that it foresees the ire of a baby and that 458
iii
ooara uei
of prosperity for this person. If says that something is coming the way of this person. If advises him/her to acquire two of those things and not to think that he/she cannot handle two things at the same time. If it is business materials he/she needs to purchase two and if it is household material for which If is consulted, two ought to be purchased. By so doing, comfort is assured. If also says that if the person is in need of a baby, the baby shall come and prosperity shall
accompany it.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with pigeons and money. On these If says:
OnUa r nit'gmg aj lmlt b sanwo re ni y gbe lo
two
DlfilnQba
Tl y ra mejl lojq Fbq niwQn nl k 9e o
Translation
Intention to purchase is notenough to buy a puppy Whoever pays first is the one who wll take it away This was the If cast for Oba Who shall purchase two things in a day He was advised to offer qbg
Qba was poor and childless. He had been married for several years without an issue. All what he and his spouse did to have a baby proved aboftive. Their effofts towards making ends meet financially was also a failure. One
day however, some people came to show him some puppies of rare but beautiful breed for him to buy. He did not have any money to put on a project that might fail eventually. Consequent upon this, Qba went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in order to determine whether or not it would be wofth his while to purchase the puppy, rear it to adulthood and later begin to sell its puppies to others. The Awo told Qba that he was about to purchase something which he hoped to use as an investment. He was told not to only purchase it but ensure that he bought two of the items at the same time. The Awo assured him that his success is assured if he could do this. The Awo also told him
459
that if he bought two of these items, his wife who had hithefto been childless would become pregnant and would deliver a bouncing baby.
When Qba told the Awo that he was about to purchase a puppy, rear it and later sell the puppies to others in future; and that he had no money to buy at the same time. Qba said that he would go and buy one and tell the puppies' seller that he would come back later to buy another. The Awo however urge him to go and borrow money to ensure that he purchase two at the same time and that promise to purchase a puppy amounted to nothing as the person who brought his/her own cash or purchase it was the rightful owner who would go away with the puppy. He also advised Qba to offer gbg with two pigeons and money. All of these Qba did. He then went to borrow money and bought two bitches. He began to feed and take care of the dogs.
About one year later, the two became pregnant. Surprisingly, his wife became pregnant too. The two dogs gave bfth to 16 puppies between them. Within two years, they gave brth three times. Qba's wife also gave birth twice. Qba sold the puppies at exorbitant prices and used the profit realized to begin his own farm. He employed several able bodied men to help him till the land, cultivate and plant crops. Within three years of offering the gbg, Qba was already a rich man. He was very happy and fullof gratitudeto Oldmar and hisAwo.
OnUar nit'gmgaj lml to b sanw o re niyogbelo
DlfilnOba Tlyo ra mejl lojq lbg ni wQn nl k 9e o gb'Qborr'bg Igba Qba ra mil lojq
La di olwO La di glQmg
Igba Qba ra mejl lara t rq'ni o
Translation
Intention to purchase is not enough to buy a puppy Whoever pays first is the one who will take it away This was the If cast for Oba
460
ttr
Who would purchasetwothings in a day He was advised to offerebo Hecomplied It was when 9ba bought two in a day Thatwe were blessed with wealth And also blessed with children It was when Qba boughttwo Thatwe had peaceof mind
ooara uei
If says that this person shall have peace of mind. He/she shall be blessed with wealth and children. Even if this person is experiencng financial hardship now there is success, happiness, chldren and contentment n future.
If says that if a man for whom this Od is revealed is matured

enough to have his own wife and children, his priority at that time must be for him to get married and settle down. He should be impressed upon that living a single life is not in his best interest. If says that the person being referred to believe in accumulation of wealth and other expensive materials to show his class or position. This person also likes to show ofi, to smell nice and appear elegant at all times. If says that all these are all vanity. Such attitude will not bring him any profit. He needs to think about building his own family that will ensure that his future is guaranteed. If shall continue to provide wealth and security for him. He needs to think less about money, accumulation of wealth and/orfashion but rather plan to build a home for himself.
If says that this person needs to offer gbg with pat of his wears' his jewelries, shoes, bags, wrist watches, petfumes and other fashion related items. He also needs to feed If with four rats, fourfish, two hens and money. On allthese, a stanza in this
Od says: Amrkn I'Qyn-n Amsn l'ko
Dlfiln Orunmll If sawokonlAdlbo

461
fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Amkn atQyan town And Amosun atOnkotown Theywerethe Awo who castlf forQrnmll When hewas practicing without his own Adlb He was advised to offer qbg
Qrrlnm'il was very successful. He had all what a person could wish for, a good and spacious house, many horses, several dresses, assofted beads, shoes and sandals made of leather and beads and so many of other things such as expensive walking stick, elephanttusks and so on.
In splte of all these, he knew that something was missing in his life. He was however too busy with his work to have the time to attend to his personal
life.
One day, he sent messages to Amkn and Amsn in Qyn and Ok respectively to come and cast If for him. These two were his ex-students whom he trusts sincerely. After If consultation they declared that even though Qrnmll was an accomplished Babalwo, something was still lacking in his life because he did not have his own Adibo. They made it clear to him that even though he had a house, he still lacked a home. He did not have those who would accompany him in seruing If. They said that one's wife and children are one's Adibo. He was urged to begin to think seriously about having his own Adlb as there lied the future continuity in his life. He was advised to offer paft of the wealth he had accumulated as qbg. This included his wears, walking sticks, beads, sandals, shoes,'irQkQ beads and otherjewelries. Qrunmlla dd.
Soon afterthis, he got married and his wife gave brth to severalchildren for him. Anyday he planned to serve If, his wife would come with the tray containing kola-nuts and bitter-kola while his children would bring along the tray containing alligator pepper. He was thus an accomplished Babalwo in the true sense of it. His future was also guaranteed as he had those who would continue in his name after he might have departed.
ir
llfr Obara Meii
Amkn l'Qyn-n Amsn l'ko Dlfn Qrrtnmll
If sawoknlAdlbo Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e gb'bqr r'bg If t gege kl n I'Adlbotmi Ayagni I'AdIbOgni If t9e9 kl n I'Adlbotmi Qmq qni I'Adlbo eni rf tgegqkl n I'Adlbotmi
B b dlwoy{ ajQdn Byati gb'gb obl Qmq a ma gb'gb ata
Translation
Amrlkn atQyan town And Amosun atOnkotown TheyweretheAwo who cast If for Qrrlnmll When he was practicing without his own AdlbO He was advised to offer gbg He complied If it is high time I have my own Adlb One's wife is one's AdlbO If it is high time I have my own Adlb One's child is one's Adlb0 Bythistime of nextyear As my wife carries the kolanuttraY So also my child will carry the tray containing alligator peppers
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have his own Adlbo . That is when he needs to give gettng marred and having his own chi ld ren priority attention.
This person needs to settle down to family life and downplay search for and accumulation of materialwealth for now.
8.
If says that it foresees the ire of a baby for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the baby will bring joy and happiness for the couple involved. The name of this baby, when it arrives is 463
If brings joy. If advises that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with four rats, four fish and one hen. He also needs to serve If with four rats, four fish and one hen. On this If says:
FkyQd -
gldlgba nfi rln bl gni rrfor{ j Kkrogtdlgbe nff rln bl gnit nfldl j Dl fn FkyQdr gmg QUara-t'tejl Mgbatl rlt'Orun bQ w'l ay fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
KOkOTO
Translation
insectwalk as if dancing with its head And a small insectwalks as if dancing with its abdomen This was the declaration of If to FkyQd, the child of Qbr Mfl When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg
A big
The couples involved here were looking for a baby for a long time without success. It was during their efforts to get one that they approached the two Awo mentioned above for If consultation. During the consultation, Qbara-Uel was revealed. The Awo assured the couple that they would get what they were looking for and that the baby would bring joy into their lives and home. The Awo stated fufther that the baby they would get was the child of Qbara-Mfl from heaven. In this wise, there was the need to seve If along with the gbg they were to offer and then name the child FkyQd when it arrived. The Awo advised the couple to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, and one hen. They also asked the couple to feed If with four ratsrfourfish, and one hen. They complied.
Three months after they offered the gbg, the wife became pregnant. She later gave bifth to a baby boy. The baby was named as the Awo had advised. True to prediction, the baby brought boundless joy into their lives and home. They were so happy and gratefulto Oldmar for giving them their own child and for putting joy into their lives.
tl f'orl j Kokoro gldlgba nff rln bl gni t nfldl j Dl filn FkyQd, gmg Qbara-Mjl
KkOrO gldlgba nff rln bl qni
464
til Mgba t'Qrun bQ wa'| aye Fbg niwqn nl k9e WOn gb'gbo, wQn rrl'bg Njq klnniygb FkyQdfitn mi o obr-Mjl ni y gb FkyQd fn mi o
ooara uei
Translation
A big insect walks as if dancing with its head And a small insect walks as if dancing with its abdomen This was the declaration of Ifa to FkyQd, the child of Qbr-M;T
When coming from heaven to earth The couple was advised to offer gbg Theycomplied Now, whatis itthatwillbring FkyQd,If brings joyto me It is Qbara-M| that will bring joy to me
If says that If will bring joy into the life and home of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If willalso give him/her blessing of a baby.
9.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to serve Eriwo with kolanuts. By so doing, long life is guaranteed him/her. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will live long, grow old and enjoy the fruit of his/her labour. If says that he/she needs to be breaking kolanuts to serue Eriwo on a regular basis so that his/her chances of living to old age can be strengthened. On this a stanza in Qbara-M) says:
EerlAwoara Dlfin Ejl-Qbara
for
Tlypa'blfr{wojg
f;bg niwQn nl kge
Translation
Filth, the Awo of the body This was the If castfor Et-Qbara Who shall break kola-nutfor Ewo to consume He was advice to offer ebo
Efl-Qbara was one of the 16 principal

465
Od.
He occupied the seventh

(
lfa Dida: An invitation to tfa Consultation
positon. He was a prominent If practitoner. He was blessed with wealth, a good spouse, lovely children, immeasurable assets and potential to acquire more and more of allthe good things in life.
One day, E)-Qbara approached the Awo mentioned above to know what he needed to do in order to live long and comfoftable on earth. The Awo advised him to make it a point of dutyto be breaking the kola-nuts for Ewo to eat on a regular basis. He agreed. He began to do it as from that day. He was breaking kola-nuts for Elwo every seventeen days. He did this for a long, long time. He lived in comfoft and peace of mind for a long, long
time.
ErlAwoara Dlfirn Ejl-Qbara Tl y pa'bl f'Erlwo jg
gb'gborrrl'bg Njtal pa'bl frlwojg? Ejl-Qbara lo n pa'bl f Erlwo jq
fibg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Filth, theAwo of the body This was the If cast for E)-Qbara Who shall break kola-nut for Ewo to consume He was advised to offer gbg He complied Now, who was breaking kolanuts for Elwo to eat? E)-Qbara was the one breaking kolanuts for Efwo to eat.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be allowed to die young. He/she will not only live long, but will also be in relative peace and comfort.
10. If urges the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg so that
he/she may not witness or experience evil. If says that the person bringing this trouble is a big harbinger of undeserued punishment to others. The person in question who will bring this misfortune is described by If as someone with a big head, big mouth, and thick
466
il* oaara uei
lips. If advises that the person for whom this Od is revealed will do himself/herself a lot of good if appropriate gbg as prescribed here is
to be offered as gbg here. There is also the need to feed If with a goat. By so doing, this harbinger of misfortune will use his/her head to carrythe trouble. On this, Qbara-Mfl says:
is
offered. A he-goat and money
ldesun niO mu krgbd'Qrn Df fit n Agblg bonlwQnr n Tl y 9e gbgnegbgn Barapetu fibg ni wQn nl k w ge
Translation
Adrip of watercannotsubmerge a gourd to its neck This was lf's declaration to Agb)gbnlwQnrn, the Hoopoe Who shall be Qrnmll's coffin designer He was advised to offer qbg
carried his coffin to the house of Qnf nmll, he had already carried the same coffin to the houses of Alr, Ajer, Qwrngn and QlQyQq and had destroyed their homes. He had carried the coffin to the homes of several prominent people and had destroyed and scattered their hornes. Anyone he carried the coffin to his/her home, the head of that household would die and the entire household would be totally destroyed. Those who did not die would abandon the house altogether. This made the name of AgblgbOn'iwQnrn to signify terror, when people hear of his name; they would begin to panic and would be running helterskelter. One day, Agb'igbn'lwQnrn planned to fashion the same coffin for Qrnm'll. He was aware that QrUnmIl was a powerful person. He therefore went to the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation. The Babalwo warned him seriously not to attempt what he had the intention of doing, lest his evil designs turn back to bounce on him. He was advised to offer gbg with matured he-goat and money. He simply ignored the Awo thinking that harming Qrrlnmll should not entail such elaborate precautions. He intensifies his preparation.
Meanwhile, Qrnmlla had a dream. In the dream, he sensed that danger was lurking somewhere. Consequently, he went to the same Awo for If consultation. The Awo informed him that even though a person claiming to
By the time Agblgbnlwonran
be his friend was brnging misfoftune to his (Qrnmll) doorstep he would nonetheless overcome the evil design. Qrnmll was assured that the evil plans of this person would bounce back on the person. This person was described as having a big head, big mouth and thick lips. The Awo advised Qrunm)l to offer gbg with a matured he-goat and feed If with a goat. Qrn mI l com pl ied insta ntly.
A few days after Qrnm'll offered the gbg, he saw Agblgbn)wQnrn coming along the road with his coffin on his head; Qrunmll was well prepared for him. As he reached Qrnmll's house frontage, he attempted
to place the coffin down on the ground. Qnf nmll immediately ordered him to carry his coffin away as he (Qrnmll) was not interested in him and his luggage. AgblgbnlwQnrn wanted to forcefully place the coffin down but to his chargrin, the coffin got stuck to his head. That was how he had been
carrying the coffin about until this day. When AgblgbOn)wQnrn remembered the warnings of the Babalwo, he was full of regrets for not
heeding the advice. But alas, it was too late to make amends. On the other hand, when Qrrfnm'll remembered the advice of the Awo, he was full of gratitude for heeding their advice. He was singing, dancing and giving praisesto Oldmar.
Idesun ni O mu krgb d'Qrn Dl firn Agblg bonlwQn rn Tl yo 9e gbgnagbgn Barapetu fbg ni wqn nl k w ge kqtl Qgbgnhln s'bg
gbefinAlr IlAlrt gbefitn Ajero IlAjerOt gbefirn Qwarngrrn Aga Il Qwrngn-Aga trl gbefirn Qba lja-|je IlQba lja-ljet
IlQba ld-ldt w nl oun y gbe filn Qrrlnmll naa

f;bg niwgn nl kl Qrunmlla 9e QrUnmll gb'bg, r'bg
gbefrtn Qba ld-ld
468
fril ooan uei
Nje Ag blgbOnlwQnrn gb'gr rg o fl$r ma gbe lgo
Translation
A drip of water cannot submerge a gourd to its neck
This was lf's declaration to AgblgbnlwQnrn, the Hoopoe Who shall be Qrunm'll's coffin designer He was advised to offer ebo He ignored the advice He designed the coffin forAlr Alr's household scattered And designed it for AjerO Ajer's household scattered He designed for Qwarangn-aga QwarngUn-ga's household scattered He designed for market heads Their households scattered And forcrowned Qbas Their household scattered Then he planned to design one for QrUnmll Qrnmll was advised to offergbg Hecomplied Now, Agb'lgb0n)wQnrn, carry your load Loads are carried by their owners
If says that the planner of evil will carry his/her evil plans. In the same ven, If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed not to
contemplate any evil against anyone as the evil may end up in his/her own doorstep. As it is true that those who plan evil aganst him/her shall carry their evil, so it is true that any evil he/she plans against others shall equally be carried by him/her. It is betterfor him/hertothink no ev|, speaks no evil and do no evil for fear of repercursion.
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be consumed by any uprsing, war or upheaval. If says that this person and his/her entire household and communty shall be
protected.
If says that even though there are uprsings or threat of these
comng from three directions, nonetheless, all these shall be overcome and this person, his/her household, community or entire environment shall be left unaffected. If assured the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she and allthose close to him/her shall not be consumed by the fire of uprising, war or upheavat. He/she needs to put his/her mind at rest and the minds of those close to him/her. If says that instead of reduction, the community from where the person for whom this OdO is cast comes shall experience an unprecedented increase in population. There will be peace, harmony, good health and progress even though there is presently a threatto stability.
wine. On these a stanza in Qbara-M)
at least 16 bottles of dry gin, schnapps and/or good quality

says: Ogeregere lr Agba drOml Awo Dore-aba Lnll la O l'j odO o, Yba nkuku-nkuku Qla la I'aja odo o, Yaba nkuku-nkuku f;ginginemi l9eyln Tl g rt sare lemlje-lmlje? Egingin emi l geyln Tl e n sare lemlje-lmtje WQn nl wgn glJrt wo ap awgn OJrtn Ogun gba g per-epgrq bl ar o Awgn gl'j wo ap awgn Osl Ogun gba g pqrgpere bl aro Awgn qf'j woaarln-nrln wgn kooropQngb Ogun gba 9 pergpgre bl ar o WQn nl kl wqn skal, qbg ni qlge
If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and
Translation
The aftof swift running And the sluggish elder, theAwo of DOre-ba Today shall we settle the quarrel caused by the stubborn Yba river And tomorrow shall we settle the quarrel caused by the stubborn Yba river Houseflies what is the matter with you That makesyou to run helter-skelter?
470
ll
Housefleswhat iswrong with You That makes you run in confusion? They said thatwhen they glanced attheir right hand side Qba's army was tightly concentrated as indigo-dye And when they glanced attheir left hand side Qba's armywas as imminentas indigo-dye And when they looked stnight ahead of them Qba's army was as ceftain as blue-dye They were advised to offer qbg
ooara uei
Agrlnragba the FmQSq of the world and Amlragba the Fmegq of the smithery were apprehensive of war and uprisng from three different directions. The crises were so imminent that everyone in their communities believed that uprsng would break out at any given time. Yet Agrlnragba and Amlragba did not want any war to catch the communities they represent off-guard. At the same time, they wanted to ward off this
war before any serious damage could be caused.
to meet the group of Awo mentioned above. The Awo advised them to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and several kegs of alcohol. They complied. After this, the Awo advised them to go and call Agbe-ddrl, the offspring of dye-makers, Alko-dodood, the offspring of cam-wood pounders and OdfdgrQ-Mf, the offspring of OnlwOO-Atg, the King of Iw town. They went and called these three warriors. They explained the situation of eafth and heaven to them. These warriors divided their soldiers into three. Each group was headed by AgbeFor these reasons, they went
dd, Al k0-d0d00d0
nd odf dgre-Mof.
Agbe-dtld attacked the army on the right hand side, drove them into the wilderness and they never returned for a re-match. AlkO-dOddO engaged the army on the left hand side, chased the army into the forest and overpowered it completely. OdfdgrQ-Mf confronted the army stationed in front, defeated the army and chased it into the woods. Victory was thus assured. After these feats, they threw a big feast where everybody ate and drank to his/her satisfaction.
While this celebration was going on, they made a headcount and found out that the people whom Agnragba and Am)ragba represented were all
471
complete without losing any soul in the war. They also discovered that they were all bubbling with health and vitality. They realized also that there was more solidarity and cooperation among the inhabitants than ever before. Everybody was thus, dancing, singing and drinking. When they emptied some kegs of alcohol, they went to bring more. They began to praise both Agnragba and Amlragba that no war, uprising, pandemonium or crisis could ever overcome them. Since no war could overcome them, it followed that no war could overcome those whom they represented.
Ogeregere lr Agb dorOml Awo DOre-ba Lnll la I'aja od0 o, Yaba nkuku-nkuku Qla la I'aja odo o, Yba nkuku-nkuku fgingin emi l n geyln Tl g n sare lemlje-lmlje?
Ogun gba g perepere bl ar o Awgn qlj wo ap awgn Osl Ogun gba gu perepgrq bl ar o Awgn ql'j rt wo rfn-rtrtn wgn kooropQngba Ogun gba gu pgrgpgre bl aro WQn nl H wQn skale,
fginginemi lngeyln Tl e n sr lmlje-lmlje WQn nl wgnql'jrt woap awgn Qtn
lbg ni qfge WQn gb'Qbo, wQn r'bg WQn nl kl wqn rnge sl Agbe-ddrl
Tfi g'gmqOlyar Kl wgn rn$ sl Alko-dodoodo
Tiis'omo Olgsn Kl wgn rangQsl Odldgrg-Mof Tfi g'gmg Onlwoo-Atg Agbe-dd gmq Olyar d 999un ap qtn tigb-tigb lee w'oj lg knrin-kse Alko-dodoodo l g'gmg otgsun d
99gun ap osl tii-tfr leewg'j lg knrin-kse
Odldgrq-Mof omo Onlw-Ate d gQgun rln-rln en kooropQngb leewg'j lg Knrin-kse
472
fri
oo"r" u",
If nl a p Abl a op? Mola p prpr Bl igbalpre If nl a le

Tbl a le? Mo la le kokooko Bl qta inu omi If nl a gbyglygl Tbl a o9b VgVgl? Mo nl a gb yglygl kll ja k 9b iye od Ffurru-lele ffi ja k gb iye glg Dl fitn Agunragba Tff Se emesq Ay
Ijl
BlOgOdO-lr
AbfinAmlragba
Tll9e emQqqAgbede Fbq ni wQn nl kl won Se WQn 9b'bg, wQn r'bg Emi o ma d ogun tl ia Tll gbAgnragba o jgAgunragba o Amlragba o Otl If m tn o Qtl If k l'gb Agnragbao Amlragba o
'
Translation
The aftof swift running And the sluggish elder, the Awo of Today shall we settle the quarrel caused by the stubborn Yba And tomorrow shall we settle the quarrel caused by the stubborn Yba river Houseflies what isthe matterwith you That makesyou to run helter-skelter? Houseflies what is wrong with you That makesyou run in confusion? They said that when they glanced at their right hand side Qba's army was tightly concentrated as indigo-dye And when they glanced attheir left hand side Qba's army was as imminent as
DOre-ba
river
indigo-dye
473
And when they looked straightahead of them Qba's army was as ceftain as blue-dye
Theywere advised to offergbg Theycomplied They asked them to send a message to Agbe-ddr1 The offspring of the dye-makers And send a messagetoAlk0-d0d00d0 The offspring of cam-wood pounders And send a message to OdldgrQ-Mf The offspring of the Qba oflwo-Ate Agbe-ddu, the offtpring of dye-makers arrived And defeated the army on the right hand side And pursued them right into the wilderness Alk0-ddoOdo, the offspring of the cam-wood pounders arrived And defeated the army on the left hand side And chase them into the forest completely OdfdgrE-Mof the offspring of OnlwOO-Atg arrived And defeated the army right in front of them And chased them intothewoods If asked, 'aie you complete Or are you not complete?' We responded that we are complete Even as 200 small snails If asked again! Are you healthy Or are you not healthy?' We responded thatwe are healthy Even as the river pebbles If asked, 'are you really energetic Or are you not energetic?' We responded thatwe are energetic Even as a matured horse No storm will blow and carry a moftar And no breeze will blow and then carry a grinding stone These were If's declarations to Agrf nragba The fmQgQ of theworld And toAm)ragba The EmQggof thesmithery I do not see any war that would be waged That wou ld ovenryhel m Agnragba Now, Agnragba, we hailthee And Amlragba, we praisethee The alcohol of If is notyetexhausted Drinks stll remain inside the keg
474
iil
All hailAgnragba AndAm'lragba
ooara
u'i
If says that no uprsng, upheaval, war, crsis or conspiracy will ever

overwhelm the person for whom this Od is revealed or his/her loved ones. If says that this person shall be spared the bitter experience of facing defeat or being at the receiving end of any evil as long as he/she had not taken conscous steps to cause trouble.
L2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must not go
into agriculture as his/her profession. If says that it is not good for this person. He/she may however go into dairy or grocery business where he/she will be selling mil( fruits and other farm products but never going into the farm to plant, till the soil or cultivate the land. If says this person must not be brushing his body against the early morning dew. He/she is also good as Babalwo or lyrff. It will lead to success but never as a farmer.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with two hens and plenty of palm-oil. One of the hens will be spilt open from the ches$ a lot of palm-oil will be poured into it and placed by Eg shrine. The second hen will be given to him/herto use to serve If. If he/she has no personal If, then the Babalwo or Iyfff will assist in seruing the If in his/her house. On this, If
says: Ogberinl kll sQrQ F wo e, yg jlngblnnl I'Qrn 99in D,l filn lblleP Tll g'gmg blbl inr Agbgnnlregrrn Igbatl t'Qrun bqw'Y Fbgniwqn nl kge
Translation
A big bull makes no noise See the splendid decoration round a horse's neck
These were If's declarations tolbilgpq The true child of Ornmll
475
When coming from heaven to the world He was advised to offer qbg
When Ibllqpg was comng nto the world he had been told that he was an offspring of Qnlnmll. He was also informed that he was not expected to be a farmer as nothing good would ever come out of t. He was equally warned against leaving his house very early in the morning as he was not expected to be brushing his legs against the early morning dew. The Awo advised him that part of what he could do to succeed in life was to become a Babalwo. The Awo offered the gbg for him as prescribed above. While on eafth,Ibf lqpq took to If as his profession. He never Ieft his house very early. He complied with all the advice of the Awo. He was so great that several people came from far and near for If consultation from him. He also became very wealthy and influential in his society. He lived a fulfilled life and died a happy and accomplished man. Ogberinl kff sQrQ ! wo eyg jlngblnnl l'qrn egn Dffirn lbllqpe Tll g'gmg blbl inr Agbgnnlrgrln Igba t'Qrun bQwa'ye fbg ni wqn nl k s, e
B b rrl'bgtn WQn nl kO gbedQ lo s'ko Ko gbqdQfgsEgbgngnini gb'$bg r'bg Ko pe ko jlnn F b ni nl wQwQ ire gbogbo
Translation
A big bull makes no noise See the splendid decoration round a horse's neck
These were If's declarations tolMlqpQ Thetrue offspring of QrUnmIl When coming from heaven to the world He was advised to offergbg Afteroffering the gbg He was warned not to go to the farm Or brush his legs againstthe early morning dew
476
il ooara uei
He complied
And nottoo late, nottoo far loin us in the midst of all ire
Ifa says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed n
his/her chosen career. He/she will live an accomplished life. He/she will be very happy and satisfied.
13. If says that some youths had gone to take their hands to bring
trouble into their lives. If says that through their speeches, conducts and countenance, problems had stated and these
problems are beyond their capacity. If says that due to stubbornness and tightfistedness, they had invited misfoftune into their lives and these are already affecting others who knew nothing about the problem. If says that a lot of gbg and Etut ought to be peormed in orderthatthese problems will abate if not disappear altogether. purge themselves of their stubbornness and recalcitrance as these will do them no good. They also need to do the following: offer gbg with one matured he-goat, feed Ogun with one dog, feed Ogu with one cock, feed QSun with two snails, feed Od with two pigeons, feed the night people (witches) with hro big rats, two hedgehogs kolanuts and palm-oil, feed If with two matured goats, buy at least 16 bottles of assoed alcohol and wine for Awo present to drink to their satisfaction. If says that it is by so doing that darkness will leave the environment of those for whom this Od is revealed. On these, a stanza in Qbara-MJi says:
If says that the youths involved ought to be warned to
san p9, sn pe
ygtrr, ygtrr Flkanfikan gba'lAy

Drlgb$dgbQ gb'ode Qrun kan Akrinl'p nll g'gmg Ogrn Ogrn ljl nl ktkto Lo na'wQlja a re lahala
Llj9
Ll mu
477
Ll mOkn Ll fe l krO l'wjg K'lrtje o rtbi jg'unjg rq o
Awgn ktktbl Atar pOnn ni ti dr
Igbl niroya Mo b wgn gb'hnAljogun Yly ni moya Mo b wgn pln eran elk Eyl wegewegwqn d'f Eyl wsewsewqn d'lbo
Arlra Qrun Osn Awo il QlQyg-moyin Awre ml jg mu in I'QwQ Awre ml j moorn I'ese Awreml bl perere bl pqqpqg bl Aga-Drtdrl WQnfi j'oyOl-Igb bl Qlqpapairage WQn fi j'oye Olu-Qdan
blAklnbgkn
Afiderg'mg
WQnfi j'gba nl Saww-l Qrunmlla lo di gbggbqqgbg If mo ldi gbggbqqgbg lla Sara e mi Agbgnnlrgrtn Gbggbgggbg 19wq rryg q j'orl Gbggbgggbg l'gsQ yg Q j'Qn Gbggbgggbg I'Qgungun Okre yg ju lhl Awgn l dlf filn gmgd krkrkr Il-IfQ wqn Sawo lg sl lfe Akelrbebebe wQn nl kl wQn gba apa aja K wqn fi filn ogun Kl wqn gba kkgQtan gahja Kl wQn fifiln Og Kl wgn gba lgbin mjl ajlra KlwQnfi fin Qgun-$Qngef Oloye lyn
Kl wQn gba qygl mjl sJsJworrg-sJslwgws Kl wqn fifitn Odu-lgbo-Oj
478
ill
Elynj eg Kl wQn gba apata Okt !91 aaka
ooara ue
Okoro-koroobl
Algblagb epo Kl wqn fi fitn Iya a mi Qknrn nl'yQg Tl jQapa'ni m gbagn Kl wgn gba lg gtl ml gnrnhn-garanhun Kl wQn fi filn omg-Awo Kl gmg-Awo rlhun jg Kl gmg-Awo rlhun mu Kl wQn gba ewUrq mjl ab'im rgdgrgdq l'bg Klwn fi filn Qrunmll, bara a mi Agbgnnlrgn
Translation
cracked suddenly And appeared fantly Crisis enveloped the whole world And pandemonium engulfed the skies He who carried iron about was the offspring of Ogun Ogun was he whowoke up early in the morning And raised his hands (for war) threateningly
It
Withouteating And withoutdrinking And without hiding anywhere And without giving way in the assembly Forthose who wished to eatto do so The shoft person called ktkt nbl And the big-headed man It was a big forest I branched into on my way And I heard the voice of Aljogun And because I branched I paftook in consuming the flesh of immoftality The tiny ones were casting If And the lttle ones were holding thelbo The thunder did not strike The residentAwo of Q|QyQ-moyin Mygood luckcharm was so effective Itcarried fire in its hands Mygood luckcharm was so effective It carried sunshine in its legs Mygood luckcharm gave birth to several children Itgave bifth to Aga-ddr1
479
And itwas madethe head of theforest And gave birth to QlqpapanrAga And itwas madethe head of the savannah And gave bifth toAl(nbQkn He was made the Qba of $ww-Il Qrr:nmll declared that'up it went in its tallness' I responded that'up it went in its tallness' f la, my father known as Agbonnlregn Clearly do the hands appear taller than the head And clearly do the legs appear longer that the foot path Clearly do the Arb trees from a far appear taller than the buildings in a
town
These were the declarations of If to the youth of IfQ When going on spiritual mission to Il-IfQ Theyweretold totakean arm of a dog And givetoOgrtn And a big matured cock And givetoOg And two bg snails To give to Qgun-gQgege, the owners of the comb made of coral beads She who uses brass to placate a baby And two healthy pigeons To give to OdU lgbO-j Ownerof the delicate eye balls And then two big rats And two hedgehogs Strong kola-nuts And plentyof palm-oil To give to my mothers, owners of strong plumes Also known as those who kill without confiscating the victims' belongings (witches) And then take several bottles of alcohol And givetotheAwo For Awo to see something to eat And to drink And take two goats with massive breasts To give to Qrunmll, Agbgnn)regn my father
When the youths of ll-Ife were gong on spiritual mission, the elders gave to them the followings; an arm of a dog to give to Ogn, a big cock to give to Ot, two snails to give to Qgun, two pigeons to give to Od, two big rats, two hedgehogs, kola-nuts and palm-oil to give to the witches, several
480
fr ooara uei
bottles of alcohol to give to the councl of Awo present, and two matured goats to give to Qrnmll. The youths convefted all to their own personal
usg.
When EgU-Qdara heard this, he considered the action of the youths to be greedy, indolent, disrespectful, dishonest and unbecoming of those aspiring to be leaders of the future. Egu-Qdara then ordered the darkness of misfortune to cover their lives in front and the cloud of disaster to cover their lives from behind. By so doing, crises enveloped the world and pandemonium engulfed the skies. Series of accidents master minded by Ogun began to occur in the community. There was chaos; there was upheaval; there was restlessness; there was unceftainty and there was untimely death everywhere. As a result of these, nobody was sure of what to expect next. There was panic everywhere. When these misfotunes continued to occur without abating, the youths knew that they were in serious trouble. In order to get out of these problems, they now approached the following Babalwo for If consultation.
fkn I'awoojrl
fwQ I'awo ara Qta rd-rOdO-rd in omi Wgn mQ wlp OOrn pa lyl de Awgn ni wQn d'lf fin gmg krkrkre Wqn f 'awo lg sl lfe AkQlubqbebe
ll-Ifq l'ekejl
Translation
Tear istheAwo of the eyes And bathing is the Awo of the body
The small pebbles in the river They are not aware that sunshine affects those outside They were the anes who cast If for the youths of Il-IfQ the second time When gong again on spiritual mission to Il-IfQ.
This time around they were given all materials they gave them before and they ensured that everything was done as they were told to do. Noticing that the youths had repented, Egu-Qdara ordered the darkness of misfo*une which had hithefto covered their lives in front to shift base and
481
lfa Dda: An nvtation to lfa Consuftaton
go to cover the trees in the forest. He also ordered the cloud of disaster which covered their lives from behind to go and engulf hills in the grassland. That was how normalcy returned and the youths were able to enjoy their
lives.
sn per
sn pee
yqtororo, yqtrr Flkanfikan gba'lAy

DgbQdgbQ gb'ode Qrun kan Akrinl'p nll g'gmg Ogrtn
Ogn
Lo
lil nl ktkt
a re
ll je
na'wglja
lalaala
Ll mu Ll mOOkn Ll ge l krO l'wjg K'ljq r{b jg'njg rg o
Awon ktktbl Atafi pQnn ni ti dr Igb l ni ntoya Mo b wgn gb'hnAljogun Yly ni moy Mo b wgn pln gran lkrl Eyl wgwgwqn d'f Eyl wsewse wQn rf dTbO Arlr run Osn Awo ilQlgyg-moyin Awrlre e ml jQ mr ina I'gwQ Awrf re ml jQ morn l'gsQ Awrtreml bl perere bl pgqpqq bl Aga-Dudrt WQnfi j'oyeOl-Igb
blglqpaparega
Wqn fi j'oye Olu-Qdan

WQn fi
u nmnukn j'gba nl $ww-l Qrnmll l d gbggbqggbq If mo lodi gbggbgqgbq lla Bara e mi Agbgnnlrgrtn
482
t* ooao u"
Gbggbgggbg lo, wq yg Q j'orf Gbggbgggbg l'gsQ yg q j'qna Gbggbgggbg I'Qgungun kr nyg jull Awgn l dlf filn gmgd kkrkr Il-IfQ WQn $awo lg s{ IfQAkelbebeebe WQn nl kl wQn gba ap aj Kl wqn fifitn Ogun Kl wEn gba kkgJn galaja
KlwqnfifitnOgrl
Afidgre'mg
KlwQn gbalgbln mjl ajlra Kl wQn fi filn Qgun-$Qnge9e Oloy lyn
Kl wQn gba eygl mjl sJsJwgwg-sJsJwo,wg Kl wQn fi fin Odu-lgbo-oj
llgyinj gsg
Kl wqn gba apata Okt
lgt aaka Okoro-koroobl

Algblagb epo Kl wQn fi firn Iy a mi Qknrn nl'yqq Tl rljapa'ni m gbagn Kl wQn gba lg gtl ml ganrenhn-garanhun KI wQn fi filn qmo-Awo Kl gmg-Awo rlhun jg Kl gmg-Awo rlhun mu l(| wQn gba ewUre mjl ab'mrl rqdgrgdg l'be Kl wn fi filn Qrnmll, bara a mi Agbgnnlrgn wqn w gba ap aj Wqn fitn gun WQn gba kkg Jn gahja Wgn ofg WQn gbalgbln mjl ajlra Wgn O filn Qgun-$Q9esq, OlOy-Iyn Afidg re'mg WQn gba eyglg mjl sjsJwgwg-sJsJwo,wg Wqn ofiln Od lgbO-Oj filyinj 99Q WQn gba apata Okt !91 aaka
Okoro-koroobl
Algblagb epo Wgn ofi filnlya a mi Qknrn nl-yQQ
483
Tr je apa'ni m gbagn WQn gba lg o, tl ml gnrnhn-ganranhun
Wen fitn omo-Awo Kl gmgAwo rlhun jq Kl gmg Awo rlhun mu WQn gba ewr mejl abam rgd9r9d9lbQ Wen O fn Qrnmll bara miAgbgnnlrgn Egu Qdara nt kl bb j K bo'le nlwjrl
Bbaaj
bo'lQ nlwaj Egu Qdara nt kt bbaa
ja
K bo'le l,yln
Okorokoroobl Alagbahgb epo WQn w fi fn Iy a mi Qkanrn-nlyQQ Tl jgapa'ni mgbgn wQn w gba lgo o, tl mal gnrnhn-ganranhun WQn fi fin omo-Awo 484
Fkn I'awoojrt Iw I'awo ara Ota rd-rod0-rd intl omi Wgn O mgwlpeOOrn palyl Ode Awgn ni wqn trn d'lf fn Qmgd kre-kr-kr WQn tn g'awo lg sl Ife Akelbeb, ebe WOn w gba ap aj WQn fi fin Ogun WQn w gba ekkg Qten gelaj WQn fi firn OgrI WQn w gba gbln mejl ajlra WQn fi fitn Qgun Sg99, Oloy iyn Afide rg'mq WQn gba eygl mjl sJsJwo,wg-sJglwgwg WQn w fi fin Od logboo-Oje fleyinj ggQ Wenw gba apata Okt lgl aaka
Baabaaj lgyln Qngotrrnkn bgQnio QrQOknkon I'Egf 'bOwqn lj birikiti Awgn fkn I'awo oj e ma geun o
bo'lQ
ll-Ife
i* odara uei
K'QmgAwo rf hun jg K'QmgAwo rlhun mu WOn w gba ewrq mjl abm rgdgredq lb$ WOnfifn Qrrrnmlla bara miAgbgnnlr91n Egu Qdara nl bbtj T bo'le nlwjtl nf ks{ Klg rbo'gioko Babaat j T bo'le lQyln nl kql K lq r bo Ok mQlQo Qroooya bqenio QrQ ooye I'Eg fi rr y wqn li peregede Awa kilg'awolkQkQ Awa kff s'awolbb Yml l'j nrlno Orly Yml l'ju nrln Orlya
Translation
Itcracked suddenly
And appeared faintly Crises enveloped the whole world
And pandemonium engulfed the skies He who carried iron about was the offspring of Ogun Ogun was he who woke up early in the morning And raised his hands (for war) threateningly
Withouteating
And withoutdrinkng And without hiding anywhere And without giving way in the assembly Forthose who wished to eatto do so
The shoft person called Ktkt nbl And the big-headed man It was a big forest I branched to on my way And I heard the voice of Aljogun And because I branched I partook in the consumption of the flesh of immotality The tiny ones were casting If And the little ones were holding theIbO The thunder did not strike
485
The resident Awo of Slqye-moyin My good-luck charm was so effective Itcarried fire in its hands My good-luckcharm was so effective Itcarried sunshne in its legs My good-luck charm gave bifth to several children It gave bifth to Aga-dd'J And itwas made the head of the forest And gave bifth to QlQpaparaga And itwas madethe head of the savannah And gave bifth toAl(nbQkn He was made the Qba of Sww-Il Qrrf nmth declared that up itwent in itstallness I responded that up it went in its tallness f la, my father known as Agbgnn)regn Clearly do the hands appear taller than the head And clearly do the legs appear longer thatthe foot path Clearly do the Arb trees from a far appear taller than the buildings in a town These were the declarations of If to the youths of Ile-IfQ When going on spiritual mission to Ifg Akel'f-bebeebe They were told to take an arm of a dog And give to OgUn And a big matured cock And givetoOg And two big snails To give to Qgun $Qngege, the owners of the comb made of corel beads She who uses brass to placate a baby And two healthypigeons To give to Od lgbO-Oj Owner of the delicate eye balls And then two big rats And two hedgehogs Strong kola-nuts And plentyof palm-oil To give to my mothers, owners of strong plumes Also known as those who kill without confiscating the victims' belongings (witches) And then take several bottles of alcohol And givetotheAwo ForAwo to see something to eat And to drnk And take two goats with massive breasts
486
{|il o0"," u"
To give to QrrJnmll, Agbgnn)rgr1n my father They collected the arm of a dog They did not give it to Ogun And collected a big matured cock But did not give t to OSU And collected two big snails But did not give them to Qpun $Qgs, the owner of comb made of coral beads She whom uses brass to placate a baby They collected two pigeons But did not give them to Od lgbO-j Owner of the delicate eye-balls They collected two big rats Two hedgehogs And strong kola-nuts Plenty of palm-oil But did not give them to my mothers, owners of the strong plumes Also known as those who kill without confiscating the victims' belongings They collected several bottles of alcohol But they did not give them to the Awo For the Awo to see something to eat And to drink They collected two goats with massive breasts But they refused to give to Qrnmll, Agbgnnlrgrln my father Egu Qdara ordered that darkness of misfoftune should cover their lives in front Darkness 0f misfortune covered their lives in front He ordered the cloud of disaster to cover their lives from behind And cloud of disaster covered their lives from behind Egu Qdara declared that it was matter of darkness It was darkness that Eg Qdara used to cover their lives We are however grateful to 'Tear is the Awo of the eyes' And 'Bathing is the Awo of the body' 'The small pebbles in the river bed They are not aware that sunshine affecB the pebbles outside the river' They were the ones who cast If for the youths of lle-Ife the second time When going again on spiritual mission to IfQ Akel-bebeebe They now collected an arm of a dog And gave to Ogun They collected a big matured cock And gave to Og
487
They collected two big snails And gave to Qgun Sengege the owner of the comb made of coral beads She who uses brass to placate a baby They collected two healthy pigeons And gave to Od lgbO-j Owner of the delicate eye-balls They collected two big rats And two hedgehogs Big strong kola-nuts And plenty of palm-oil And gave to my mothers, the owners of the strong plumes Those who kill without confiscating the victims' belongings They collected several bottles of alcohol And gave to the Awo For Awo to see something eat And to drink They collected two matured goats with massive breasts And gave to Qrrlnm)l, Agbgnn)regn my father Eg ordered that the darkness of misfoftune which covered their lives in front The darkness should move To go and cover the hills in the forest He ordered the cloud of disaster which covers their lives from behind They cloud should move To go and cover the hills in the savannah Epu Qdara declared that it was a matter of brightness It was brightness that Eg Qdara used to open their eyes We never practice If in the dark Neither do we practice If n a secret place Open my eyes for me to see Brightness Please open my eyes for me to see Brightness
If promises that all the misfortunes and disaster in the lives of those for whom this Od is revealed shall soon give way to brightness, peace,
progress and prosperty. If warns however, that these people should not go and invite problem through greediness, lackof consideraton, dishonesty and self-centeredness.
,
488
i otara
uei
t4.
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to desist from being too boastful unnecessarily. If says thatthis person brags a lot; he/she complaints too much, he/she promises people, especially his/her opponents, fire and brimstone when he/she had no power
whatsoever to effect the th reats.
If says that because of his/her bragging, those who would have helped him/her thought that he/she was self-sufficient capable of fending for himself/herself. As a result of his/her incessant
complaints, those who could have taken a sympathetic view on his matter considered him/her an habitual complainant, and they did not have anything to do with him lher, because of the fact that he/she boasts that he/she had the capacity to wreck havoc on his/her opponents. Those against him/her always over-estimated his/her capabilities and whenever they plan against him/her it was always an over-kill. They always end up wrecking more havoc on him/her than they originally intended.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed will do himself/herself a lot of good if he/she can stop being boastful, or
reduce his/her incessant complaints. If also advises this person to offer gbq with three pigeons, three cocks, three guinea-fowls, three hens and money, After this, he/she needs to stop going about looking for trouble. On these, If says;
OjO pa abahun t',w t'aSg Dl fifn Baba Ajl-han-bl-agogo Igbe rrge oun gbogbo Qkan kO f;bg niwQn nl k qe
yg'rl
Translation
The rain soaks the tortoise with its shell This was the If cast for Baba A!-han-b1-agogo, he who forms the habit of screaming like a gong When doing all things without succeeding in any He was advised to offer gbg
Baba AJi-han-bi-agogo was in serious dilemma. There was nothing he set his hands upon that came out well. He was loathed by several people. He
489
was beng avoded by many more. He was a very poor person. He had no friends. He had no wife. As a matter of fact, no woman wanted to be seen by his side. Of course, he had no child; even his family members avoid him like a leech.
Everyone knew why he was loathed by others - except Baba Ajf-han-biagogo himself. If anyone did a little thing to him, without proper investigation he would conclude that it was done deliberately and in order to scream to slight him. He would scream at the person. He would begin to complain against the person. He would report the person to whoever cared to listen. He would take the person before the highest authority. He would do it until his complaints began to irritate people around him. If those people did not blame or punish the person he complained against, he would accuse them of taking sides with his opponent. In shoft, there was nothing any one could say or do, that would satisfli him. If they blame his opponent, he would accuse them of making jest of him. That was why people tried everything to avoid him. Anyone he considered as his enemy was in trouble. He would pester the life of that person; he would tell everyone who cared to listen that he would deal with this opponent. He would let them know that he had procured some deadly charms, knives, cudgels and arrows with which to finish his opponent. He would boast that he was coming to attack his opponent at night. In orderto pre-empt him, the perceived enemy could go and waylay him and beat him to a pulp. He would then start another round of complaints. Several times, he had used his mouth to put himself into trouble.
One day, he met a young girl and propositioned her. The girl told him to go and meet her parents if he was serious. He flew into an unbelievable anger. He accused the girl of intimidating him with her parents. He promised to teach her and her parents some lessons they would never forget in a hurry. In the end, his matter was taken before the Qba. He was fined and warned to be of good behavioul While he was contemplating whether to leave his community and travel elsewhere or remain where he was, he decided to go to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation on his situation.
490
ooara uei
The Awo assured him that he came with success from heaven but that he had used his mouth to spoil his success chances. He was informed that his refusalto behave decently caused all his problems for him. He was advised to be tolerant, accommodating, and less boastful and be more considerate at all times. He was asked to stop complaining against any little thing that happened to him and to always give others the benefit of the doubt. He was asked not to think that every step taken by others was designed to intimidate him. He was advised to always see the positive side of everything first and de-emphasize the negative. He was also advised to offer gbg with
three pigeons, three cocks, three hens, three guinea fowls and money. After this, he was asked never to forget to caution himself in his thoughts, speeches and deeds at all times. He complied. He was also
determined to turn a new leaf and make a success of his life.
A few days after his encounter with this Babalwo, he overhead
his
neighbours discussing about cooperative labour which they were about to embark upon. He approached them and begged to be included. Knowing his antecedents they refused bluntly. He however pleaded with them to please include him. He assured them that he had changed for the better. He appealed to them to help him to change. After much pleading, they decided to give him a chance. He proved to be very humble and cooperative. He was able to see genuine smile on people's faces. He too began to smile genuinely. He saw real love and he too gave real love back to people. He began to accumulate wealth. Afterthis, many people began to enjoy his company. He no longer complained about anything or everything, anybody or everybody. His face glowed all the time. He soon met a woman of his choice and propositioned her. People who saw this change in him encouraged him to go ahead. They also stood suretyfor him 'in the proposed wife's house. They soon got married. Soon after, the wife gave b'th. He built his own house. He bought his own horse. He lived happily. He died happily.
OjO pa abahun t'Qw t'agg Dl fitn Baba Ajl-han-bl-agogo lgba tl rtge oun gbogbo tl Qkan kO yg'r{ lbg ni wqn nl k ge gb'Qbg rrt'bg
Igba tl qnu rq ml
491
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftaon
Ni mo l'j OjO pa abahun t'Qw-t'agg Igba tl gnu rQ ml Ni mo l'ya Ojo pa abahun t'w-t'agg Igba tl gnu rQ ml Ni mo bl'mg o OjO pa abahun t',w-t'agg Igba gnu rQ ml Ni mo kq'l Ojo pa abahun t'Qw-t'agg Igba tl gnu rQ ml Ni mo I'Q9in Ojo pa abahun t'rw-t'agg Igba gnu 'Q ml Ni mo nl're gbogbo OjO pa abahun t',w-t'agg
Translation
The rain soaked the totoise with its shell This was the If cast for Baba Ajl-han-bl-agogo When doing all things without succeeding in any He was advised to offer gbg He complied Not until I cautioned my self Did I have wealth All praises to OjO pa abahun t'Qw t'agg Not until I cautioned my self
Didlhaveaspouse
All praises to Oo pa abahun t'Qw t'agg Not until I cautioned myself
Ddlbecomeafather All praises to OjO pa abahun t'Qw t'agg Not until I cautioned myself
Did I build my own house All praises to OjO pa abahun t'Qw fagg Not until I cautioned myself Did I acquire my own horse All praises to OjO pa abahun t'Qw fagg Not until I cautioned myself Did I acquire all the good things of life All praises to OjO pa abahun t'ew fago
il*
obara Meji
If says that with cauton, humility, cooperation, consideration for others, accommodation and love, all the good things of life shall be for the person for whom this Od is revealed just for the taking. If assured that he/she had brought the destiny of success right from heaven. That is why it is not in his/her own interest to allow trivial things which he/she can help to preclude him/her from attaining his/her
highest potentials.
15.
If says that person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer qbQ against unforeseen events which spoils what he/she had spent most of his/her life planning towards. If also says that this person or group for whom this Od is revealed also needs to offer gbg so that he/she or even the group would be able to achieve his/her/their hea's desires.
If says that the chances of making a success of their plans are high. At the same time, the chances of these plans to be spoilt by unforeseen mishaps are equally high.
If says that there is the need to offer three white pigeons' one matured goat and money as gbg and at the same time feed Egu Qdara with one cock, for him/her or the group to be able to achieve their set goals. They also need to offer gbg with one matured hegoat and money, and at the same time feed Eg Qdara with one cock for their plans not to be spoilt by unforeseen misfoftune. On
these two situations, If says:
Mo jl, mo b erin nlnu igb Mo nl erin pQlg o, alwg g mQduru mQduru Moil mo b e,fQn I'Qdn Mo nl efQn pgl o, alawg 9 pasjpasJ Mo jl mo b gbQnrln nln igb Mo nf egbQnrf pQl o, alwQ g medrtrb Mo jl mo b er l'bt Mo nl er pele o, alwQ klnnlklnnl Il so ogn, l g s'de rr
493
Ikn so g9bQn, iken won a re lbaylgbO Dl fn Qrlnljg gmg eranko Fbg eb-e, yln n wqn nl kl wgn w 9e
Translation
Waking up, I met the elephant in the forest I said my greetings to the elephant, owner of mud-like skin Waking up, I met the buffalo in the grass land I sald my greetings to the buffalo, owner of the skin, the colour of tree-back Waking up, I met the deer, in the forest I said my greetings to the deer owner of the stripped skin Waking up, I met the boa conscriptor in the swampy riverside I said my greeting to the boa conscriptor, owner of the spotted skin The okro bore 20 fruits, and went to Orere And the egg- plant bore 30 fruits, and went to lbayigbo These were lf's declarations to the 164 animals When they were advised to offer gbg against unforeseen disaster
The entire anmal kingdom had become sck and tired of the activities of the hunters. The hunters hunted, chased animal and killed the animal without any justifiable reason. They used their skins to decorate their homes, to make their bags and shoes and even to make straps. They ate their flesh. Any time the wife of a hunter gave bfth to a new baby, one of the animals or more would be sentenced to death. Sometimes it might be the celebraton of chieftaincy title, conferment, it might be an ordnary birthday or thanksgiving, the hunter would make sure that at least one animal was murdered for each celebration. In short, any time human beings wished to express their joy or celebrate any event, they would wreck havoc and sorrow on the animals. In order to find solution to the hunters' menace, they chose one hundred and sixty-four (164) representatives among them to see to their welfare. The representatives deliberated, and part of the outcome of their deliberation was for them to move away totally from the vicinity of the hunters and to establish their own market. They suggested that it would be wise to be living close to the market so that they would effectively severe all relationship with the hunters in pafticular and human beings in general. The entire animal kingdom up held these suggestions. They moved away from the towns and villages. They established their own market. Before long the market grew very big. One day, the representatives of the animals went to the of Awo 494
ili
ooara uei
mentoned for If consultation in order to deter mine what they needed to do their market to expand the more and business to flourish better for them and their future generations.
The Awo told them that their business would flourish and their market would expand. They were advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons, one goat and money. They were also advised to feed Ep Qdara with one cock. After this, they were advised to offer gbg against any unforeseen disaster which may cost them their lives. They were advised to use one hegoat and money for the gbg and feed Eg Qdara with one cock.
The representatives felt that an unforeseen disaster could ever befall them as they had already taken care of such eventualities. They had moved far away from human population and therefore no harm could befall them from any other quafter. They offered the first qbg for progress and ignored the second. Awgn wyerye Awo il Qrnmll Dl fifn awo Qdg ltar6 WQn g'gdg-$'qdq wgn r'gran pa fbg ni wQn nl kl wQn ge
Translation
The careful observers and analysts, the resident Awo of Qrnmll They were the Awo who cast If for the hunter of Ikarq Where they hunted without killing any game They were advised to offer gbg
The hunters of Ikare were frustrated lots. For good six to seven months, they had not been able to kill a single animal. Many of them were contemplating a change of profession. Some had already taken to farming as a means of keeping body and soul together. Others had taken to fishing. A few had taken to trading, while yet another group had begun handicraft work. The few ones left were hungry sad, restless and frustrated. They put heads together and concluded that as a last resolt, they needed to see the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation: Would they witness an improvement in their business? Would they be able to kill games as they used to do before? Was it wise for them to change their profession if they
495
had no hope of killing animals anymore? What types of business lines could they follow that would be rewarding? The Awo however asked them to puttheir minds at rest. They were assured that they would be able to kill animals more than ever before. They were asked to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. They were also asked to feed If with one cock. Theycomplied. A few days after, the hunters organized a hunting expedition. ESU Qdara joined them in the form of man. He asked them to go far into the forest. The hunters agreed. unknown to them; Eg Qdara was leading them to the animals' market. Three days later, they arrived at the market. But it was already late in the night. ESU Odara showed the hunters the footprints of the animals and advised them to hide somewhere until the next morning. They agreed. The next morning, the animals came to transact business in their market. The hunters waited until the market was filled with animals. They then began to kill them. Some of the hunters used arrows, some used spears, some used javelins, some used clubs, some used knives, and others used traps. At the end of the day, several animals laid dead. Since that day, the solidarity among the animals got broken. They remembered the warnings of their Awo that they needed to offer gbg against unforeseen disaster, but it was already too late to do anything about it. The animals learntto live with their regrets up till today.
Mo jl, mo b erin nln igbo Mo nl erin pQlg o, alwQ g mQduru mQduru Mo jl mo b gfQn I'Qdn Mo nl gfQn pQlQ o, alwQ 9 pasJpasJ Mo jl mo b gbQnrfn nlnu igbo Mo nl agbQnrl pQl o, alwQ g medrfbtt Mo jl mo b er l'bl Mo nl ere pele o, alwQ klnnlklnnl Il so ogn, l trg s'de orr Ikn so ggbQn, ikan won a re lbaylgbO Dl fitn Qrlnljg gmg granko WQn nl kl wqn rbg eb-Jln WQn l'wgn O I'ebg q r
Awgn w0yerye Awo il Qrrtnmll Dl firn awo Qdg Ikarq WQn g'gdg-g'qdg wgn r'gran pa 496
il
ooara uei
fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn ge
WQn gb'bg, wn r'bo Ko pe ko jlnn lwa b ni nl jQbrlt ire gbogbo
Translation
Waking up, I met the elephant in the forest I said my greetings to the elephant, owner of the mud-like skin Waking up, I met the buffalo in the grassland I said my greetings to the buffalo, owner of the skin, the colour of tree bark Waking up I met the deer in the forest I said my greetings to the deer, owner of the stripped skin Waking up, I met the boa conscriptor in the swampy river-side I said my greetings to the boa conscriptor owner of the sothed skin The okro bore 20 fruits, and went to Orere And egg-plant bore 30, and went to lbayigb0 These were lf's declarations to the 164 animals When they were advised to offer gbg against unforeseen disaster They refused to comply The careful obseruers and analyst, the resident Awo of Qrunmll They were the ones who cast If for the hunters of Ikarq When they hunted without klling any game They were advised to offer gbg They compiled And not too late, not too far Join us in the midst of prosperity
If says that it shall not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to suffer from unforeseen calamity. If also says that what this person had been struggling for, without success, for a long time, shall be realzed in due course of time.
16.
If says that there is a person where this Od is revealed who had been given a responsiblty to perform but this person is using the privileges attached to this responsbility to perpetrate atrocities. If says that this person has been pursuing his/her own personal designs to the detriment of the responsibility given to him/her. If however warns this person to desist before he/she is humiliated and
disgraced.
497
If warns aganst someone either embezzling public fund; or usng his/her poston to intimidate others; or to take advantage of the inadequacies of others. If says that if he/she did not desist, he/she
is a sure candidate
for disgrace and public ridicule.
This person is advised to offer gbg with three cocks and money. He was also advised to desist from doing anything that would put him/her to shame. A stanza in this Od giving credence to this asseftion says:
Ksekse l rr r{ A O tfl r{ ksks Ksks rt bQ l,yln Baba ksekse Dl filn Agblgb0nlwQnrn Tl rrh re da'dg nll Ql,fin fbg ni wqn nl k ge
Translation
Success is what we are seeing We have not seen disgrace Disgrace is coming along the way The father of success (i.e, the effect of disgrace is more profound than that of success) This was the declaration of If to AgblgbnlwQnrn (hoopoe) When going to perfume QSun ritual in QlQfin's palace. He was advised to offer gbg
AgblgbnIwnrn was very good in the aft and rituals of Qgun worshipping and healing. For these reasons many people sought his assistance whenever they wanted to serve Qpun. They would either come to his house or he would go to theirs. Unknown to many people however, there was nowhere he would go that he would not make sure that he made love to their wives. He always took advantage of his positon as a veteran Qgun follower to perpetrate his disgraceful act. Whenever a child was ill, he would recommend Qgun feeding for the mother in his house. When the mother brought the baby, he would insist on making love to the mother before treating the child and seving Qgun for her child. If someone else prescribed serving QSun for people, he would ensure that all the women
498
*il
oura uei
involved were made love to before he would be satisfied. After making love to them, he would threaten them with terrible consequences if they should tell anyone. If a woman was sick, he would make love to her before treating her. He used to do this even in the women's matrimonial homes. He had no respect for anybody when it comes to this. Because people got the required result and because of the fear of being ruthlessly dealt with, none of his victims ever confessed to anybody what AgblgbnlwQnrn had done to her.
One day, one of QlQfin's wives was seriously ill. All the medicines they administered on her proved ineffective. She looked emaciated. She could not eat or drink. As a last resoft, AgHgbOn)wQnrn was invited. In orderto succeed in his assignment, he wentto theAwo mentioned above for If consultation: what did he need to do to be able to heal QlQfin's wife of her ailment? Would he be recognized and praised by QlQfin? Would Qlqfin compensate him adequately for a job well done if he succeeded in healing his wife? The Awo assured Agblgbn)wQnrn that healing QlQfin's wife was not a problem but that he needed to offer gbq so that he would not be humiliated. The Awo told him that even though he was a competent healer and Qgun practitioner but he was nonetheless acting in violation of social morality. He was warned to desist from this act if he did not want to be humiliated and disgraced. He was advised to offer gbg with three cock and money.
When AgblgbnlwQnrn heard this, he was angry. He told the Awo that the gbg he prescribed for him was not necessary as he knew his ways. He
accused the Awo of being envious of his achievements in life. He challenged the Awo to wait and see how he would maneuver his ways in QlQfin's palace. He stormed outof theAwo's house after.
When he got to 9lQfin's palace, he was taken to the room of the sick woman. He tested her and assured QIQRn that she would soon be well. He told QlQfin that there was an urgent need for him to peform ceftain rituals for her. He told every body present to excuse him. They all got out of the room and Agb)gbnlwQnrn locked the door. He began to make love to QlQfin's wife even on her sick bed in her matrimonial home. He began to do
499
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consuftaton
this twice a day, on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, QlQfin made sure that Agb)gbnlwQnrn lacked nothing whatsoever. He was well-fed, well clothed and given the best quafter, reserved for QlQfin's most impoftant guests. After eating in the morning, he would go and make love to QlQfin's wife. After supper, he would also go and do the same all under the pretext that he was going there to administer medicines on her. He was so used to this illicit act that he began to think that if he administered the correct drugs on her with right dosages, the woman would soon recover and that might mean the end of his "enjoyment" in OlQfin's palace, he therefore devised a means of ensuring that he delayed medication for as long as possible.
One day, Olfin's wife complained to Agb'igbnlwQnrn that she had not notice much improvement in are physical condition. She said that she would not want him to continue to make love to her any more as she considered it against the ethics of his profession and a taboo on QlQfin's house. Agb)gbnlwQnrn became angry that she had the effrontery to preach morality to him. He told her that she had lost her right to complain as he was the only person who knew what was good for her and nobody else. The woman said that if he did not desist she would explain everything that had been happening to her husband. This made AgblgbnlwQnrn to panic. He threatened that if she should ever contemplate telling anyone, she would die a violent death instantly, even before she narrated her experience to whoever she planned to tell it to. He also threatened that if she should ever resist him, she would become paralyzed instantly. With these threats, he had his way and left her totally confused. That same day, she summoned courage and told her husband everything going on.
When QlQfin heard this, he became very furious and disappointed. He decided to catch Agb'igbn'lwQnrn in the act. QlQfin asked his wife when next Agb'igbn1wQnrn would return, and he was informed that he used to come to her room twice a day. So they expected and planned for him against evening when he would come for his illicit act. QlQfin organized for four able-bodied in his palace to be on standby. When AgblgbnlwQnrn returned in the evening, he suspected nothing. He removed his clothes.
500
frtr oo"o u"i
Before he could do anything the four men forced open the door and bundled AgblgbnIwQnrn out of the room completely naked. He was naked throughout the four comers of Il-Ife. Many women who had fallen victim of his illicit act were emboldened by what they saw. They came out openly and narrated their ordeals in his hands.
paraded
It was when everybody began to boo him and throw stones at him that he remembered the warnings of the Awo to him. He never contemplated in his wildest imagination that he could experience such a disgrace in his life. After being paraded throughout the length and breadth of ll-Ife, QQfin released AgdgbnlwQnrn to go and live with his shame. When the shame became unbearable for him, AgblgbnlwQnrn committed suicide. And
that broughtto an end the inglorious life of Agb'lgbnlwQnrn.
Ksekse le rf A O tfl rl ksks Kasakesa bQ lQyln Baba ksekse Dl fitn AgblgbOnlwonrn fi rrlg r da'dg nll QlO,fin lbg ni wgn nl k kg' Qgbgnhin s'ebq
i
i
9e
AgblgbonlwQnrn k d mi sllQ mQ Flfg nl fQ mi o
Translation
Success is what we are seeing We have not seen disgrace Disgrace is coming along the way The father of success (i.e, the effect of disgrace is more than that of This was the declaration of If to AgblgbOnlwQnrn (hoopoe) When going to perfume Qgun ritual in QlQfin's palace. He was advised to offer gbg He refused bluntly Agblgb0nIwOnrn is no longer applying remedy on me But he was instead making love to me
success)
profound
i
'
If says that disgrace is around the corner for someone who has perpetrated evil but who felt that all loopholes had been plugged.
501
If
t.
says that such a person should change his/her ways if he/she did not want to face public odium. If also says that someone or group who had hithefto been cheated by others would see through the evil designs of those cheating them and their person or persons cheating them will soon be disgraced.
Abgrrf, Abgye.
502
til
ooara uei
B.
STGNTFTCANCE OF qBAnA-FlEI rOn rHosE BoRN BY THIS OD DURING IKOSEDAYE OR ITELD

be verywealthy in life because they broughttheir
luck and success chances from heaven. No mater the initial tribulations, these people willtriumph in the end. Their success usually comes in a very miraculous manner. They however needed to be well groomed in the aft of success management. This is because success easily enters into their heads and it may lead them to misbehave or be rude to elders or
Qbara Mil children will
constituted authorities. Because success for Obara-Mil children
is
assured, education on success management and control is a must.

Even though success is guarateed for Qbara-Mjl children, they succeed more as an individual than in a group. They therefore need to take to such
These professions professions as the ones individuals can excel includes If practice, Medicines, Pharmacy, Sculpture work, fine aft, accountancy, or establish a one-man business enterprise. They can sell groceries and include pumpkins in their sales but can never succeed as a farmer.
foresight, uprightness, honesty and purity are paft of the qualities which enhances their success chances in life. Qbara-Mfl male children also need to listen to the good advices of their wives as the advices will surely pave the path to greatness to them. They also need to treat their wives with all considerations at all times and accord them due respects. Apaft from these, Qbara-uil children succeed more when they choose to handle . two things at a time than when they feel that they cannot handle two things at a go. Some measures of risk-taking are paft of the things that keep Qbara-Mjl children going. Further more, the more the number of children they have, the greater their prosperity and success,
in.
For EjIQbara children, humility, truthfulness, wisdom,
wars, uprisings, or upheavals, they will not only survive these they would also be responsible for the survival of their families and loved ones. This ability is inborn. This is why it is very rare to find Qbar-Mjt children dying violent deaths. It is however very useful for Qbara-Mil children to
503
Qbara-Mjl children have the unbelievable ability to survive calamities,
make it a point of duty to be breaking kola-nuts for Elwo to consume regularly. By so doing, long life is enhanced. They will live relatively long and n comfoft and peace of mind. That Qbara-Mjl children will survive disasters and upheavals is not a license to take undue risks or be reckless in their day-to-day activities. If does not protect anyone who behaves stupidly or recklessly.
These children,
in spite of their qualities, are born stubborn and
recalcitrant. They hardly wish to spend money unless it is compulsory for them to do so, These are palts of their attitudes which must be tamed to a manageable limit, if it cannot be totally eliminated. Quite a number of Qbara-Mjl children are also in the habit of daring elders and other constituted authorities. They love to deny elders what rightly belongs to them. This attitude should also be discouraged as it will never augur well for them. They also tend to forget their sufferings and their difficult roads to success once they reach the top. They brag, complain and intimidate people. By so doing, they end up accumulating oppositions and enemies. If these can also be stopped, Qbara-M) children will be loved, respected and exalted in the community.
Some of them also love to go after other people's wives; this can only bring disgrace and humiliation.
On the whole Qbara-Ui chldren will reach the zenith of their chosen careers but they are always threatened by unforeseen setback which may reduce all their achievements in life to naught. Qbara-Mil chldren are fashion-conscious and they pursued wealth and recognition to the exclusion of a settled family life. Once they settled down however, they make good husbands and wives, good fathers and mothers and good companion to their families and friends. For Qbara-Mjl children, the world willtremble and bow.
c,
1.
If
2.
for success longevity, protection, progress and victory. EgU Qdara for victory over adversary financial success and rescue from danger.
frl
oaara uej
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Orf for support, longevity, financial success,
vctory and over all
well-being. Q;un for achievement Ogrtn for victory and achievement Od for victory and achievement Q+un for child-bearing, victory and achievement.
. Must never be rude to elders or constituted authority - to avoid blockade of his/her success chances. . Must never go after other people's wives to avoid being humiliated and disgraced. ii. Must never appear drty or neglect personal hygiene - to avoid untimely death. iv. Must never take advantage of other people's misfoftune or inadequacies to avoid humiliation and disgrace v. Must never eat iguana to avoid difficulty in child- bearing. vi. Must never ignore useful advice of his wife to avoid missing his success chances. vii. Must not use orore birds for anything to avoid missing his/her
Vi.
D.
Taboos of Qbara-Mjl
ix. x. xi.
success chances. Must not eat ewe to avoid missing his/her success chances Must not use toftoise for anything to avoid living a loveless life. Must never use Agbe, Aluko and OdldgrQ birds - to avoid difficulty in overcoming adversary and getting victory over enemies. Must never be a farmer to avoid poverlry and failure.
E.
Possible names for Qbare-Mjl Chitdren During
Ikgsgdy
1. Males . Fkyqd - If brings joy i. IbllqpE - Consanguinity deserves gratitude . Fdr If pedorms wonders iv. Odql The Od of honour
505
v.
Qladimejl Honour has become two
Females 2. . Qmgladn - Chld is sweet I. Ibllqpg - Consanguinity is my source of gratitude . Olhundldn - Owner of sweet things iv. AyQbmi - Joy has come to me V. Aygdjl - Joy has become two
Aboru Aboye.
506
Chapter 8
OKANRAN MEI
I
ll lt ll lt il ll
I
Chapter 8
QKANRAN MEJI
1.
If says that it foresees the Ire of comfoft and acceptability for the person for whom Oknrn M;T is revealed. If says that the person
for whom this Od is revealed shall be loved and adored and sought after by all and sundry. If says also that this person shall be given the chance to exeft his/her potentials to the maximum in life. The person for whom this Od is revealed shall have honour and respect and shall be held in a high exteem in the society. He/she cannot be ignored or resisted in the community. This is very sure. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbQ with three white pigeons, three ducks and money. On this aspect,
Qknrn-M) says:
AwoQmu ldlfQmrl 9m 'tQrun bg walAYe nraygbj fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Qkan belabaH
Translation
Thatwhich swings and is adored That was the If cast for Qm, the Breast When coming forQrun, HeaventoAy, Eafth And was coming to enjoy the life of being caressed She was advised to offerqbg
When a new-born baby was coming into the world, she was accompanied by Blood and Weeping. About forty days later, Laughter came into the world to meet the new-born baby. The baby thus knew how to laugh, smile and giggle. About five months after the bifth of the baby, Patience came to join ef She was thus being taught the viftues of being patient at all times. 508
14
ox"ron u"i
When the child grew up and was around 11 years old, Qm the Breast, decided to go and live with the child on eafth. She therefore went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would her stay on eafth be fruitful? Would she be given honour and respect? Would she be adored by all while on eafth? Would she be placed in a conspicuous place in the body? Would it be better for her to stay with a male or a female? Allthese questions and more were the things which pre-occupied the mind of Qmu before she went for If consultation.
The Awo assured Qmu that her stay on eafth would not only be fruitful, but would equally be exciting and challenging. She was assured that she would be accorded her due honour and respect. She was also told that her significance would be elevated over and above other parts of the body and she would occupy a most conspicuous place in the human body. She was advised to stay with a female gender. By so doing, she was assured that she would be the easiest paft of the female's body which would be used to identifu a woman. Qm was told that she would be able to enhance the feminity, attractiveness and desirablty of a woman. Without her; she was assured, a woman would be incomplete. In addition to these, Qm was told that she would be the one who would be relied upon to nurse human babies exclusively in the first few months in life. She was also told that even when she grew old and feeble she would always be given honourable roles to play.
Qmu was however advised to offer gbg with three white pigeon three ducks and money. She complied. Shortly afte'this, Qm set out on her journey into the world. When she came into the world, 9m settled on the chest of a young girl of between 11 and 12 years. Atfirst, she came as a smalldot. She later began to develop little by little. By the time the young girl attained 16 years of age, Qmu the Breast, had been given a conspicuous place on the chest. Those who saw the breast concluded that the young girl was getting physically matured and readyforthe marriage market.
Members of the opposite sex also saw Qm as something to hold, caress and fondle. They all began to look at the young girl invitingly as a result of her breast. Several ideas on how to cajole the young girl closer to them 509
were developed. Qmu arouses the lasciviousness in all males. She also enhances the sexuality of the female with whom she was residing. Even though Qm, like Oj (Eyes), Eti(Nose), Im (Nostrils), Ap (Arms) and fsg (Legs) came in pairs, each half complemented the other and one was not more importantthan the other.
By the time the owner of the Qm was being considered ready for the marriage market, the majoryardstick used forthe consideration, apaftfrom other social factors like education, character, moral and so on, was that when she became pregnant and was delivered of her own baby, she would be able to feed the new baby with her breast. And truly, 9mt1 was used to feed the new baby exclusively in the first few months of the baby on eath. Everything the new baby needed to survive on eafth and to continue living a healthy life afterwards had been supplied by Oldmar and stored in the milk which Qmu produces. No other part of the body could be used to substitute Qmu in this noble role. If says also that like If, as the fount of knowledge and origin of all things, living, non-living, visible, non-visible, those which has essence and those which has not, perceivable and non-perceivable, contains a pair of sixteen Od each which could be combined according to the will of Oldmar on any subject concerned; so also did Qmu has a pair of sixteen holes in her nipple which served as the "founts' from where all the essential ingredients for the existence of a new baby were supplied. The "founts" in each breast were opened and closed for use according to the need, destiny, character and their desirability. Essentially, anyone who could study which part of the sixteen holes in each Qm of any woman which supplied the milk for feeding a new baby while on eafth, such a person could easily chaft the distinguishing characteristics of such baby and by extension predict what roles the baby had come into the world to play. Thus, only If and Qmu could play these roles successfully - to nurture and sustain atthe same time.
When Qmr had performed these roles and had grown old and feeble, she was highly respected as that paft of the body which had brought up all members of the human race-kings and slaves, noblemen and commoners, high and lory highly sought after and the ignored.
510
ll or"ror r", This was how Qm lived a fulfilled life on eafth. She was adored, caressed, fondled, sought-after, respected and given her due honour and recognition. She was thus singing and dancing and giving praises to Oldmar for giving her such a noble role to play in the lives of all the members of the human race.
Okan balabale
AwoQmrt ldlfOmr 9m 'tQrun bgwlAy nrayeagbj fbg ni wqn ff k w 9e gb'$bg, r'bg Kop,rkoflnna ! w b'ni b', w E w wo're o
Translation
Thatwhich swings and is adored That was the If cast for Qm, the Breast When coming for Qrun to Ay And was coming to enjoythe life of being caressed She was advised to offer ebo Shecomplied Before long, nottoo far Join us in the midstof beauty Come and behold all the Ire in life
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be respected, honoured and sought after by all. This person shall live a very conspicuous and fulfilled life on eafth. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed should however not flaunt his/her prominence too much lest he/she is accused of being too fliftatious and solicitous in his/her activities.
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be so

successful on eafth that his/her success shallvibrate to high heavens. If says that this person is closely related to $ng. He/she shall be made a leader. He shall be held in high exteem and people shall fear and respect him/her. This person is advised to offer gbg with three
511
Ita Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultation
cocks and three white pgeons. He/she is also advised to feed $ang with one cock. On this aspect, If says:
Ayn nff r'gg ptfp Altakn nll gba'j OdOOdo Dlfiln $ang
' Tl y d'Orlg l'lde Qrun nl kge lbgniwqn
Tlyj'gba l'y
Translation
Ayn, the cockroach, is itthatwraps itself in a miniature dress And Altakn, the Spider, is it that suspends itself with its sash This was the If castfor $ngo Who shall become a king on Eafth And an ORSa n Heaven He was advised to offer gbg
When Abifin was coming from Heaven into the world, he chose, as part of his destiny, to become a very poweffilland influential person on eafth. He also prayed to have a very strong personality. And when he was about to
move into the world, he went for If consultation; would he be able to achieve his destiny without hinderance? Would he be respected and feared by all-both friends and foes? Would he live a fulfilled life while on eafth? The two Awo he approached assured him that he would surely achieve his destiny. He would be feared and respected by his subjects. He would also live a fulfilled life. He was told that to achieve all these, he would be born into a royal home and he would become a king while on eafth. Abffin was also assured that his personality would be so strong while on eafth that even after his death, his spirit would be turned into an OSa and would be worshipped byall.
Abffin was advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons and a lot of money. He was also informed that his destiny was closely associated to $ngo. He was therefore advised to feed Sango with one cock and all other accompanying ritual materials. He complied and left for the world.
Afffin was born on Jkta day and into the family of the reigning Alfin Aganjrl n QyQ. During his IkgsQdy, his parents were informed that he 512
fil ox"rran u"i
was closely associated to $ng and that was paftly responsible for the reason why he was born on Jakta day - the day when $ng was being worshipped. Ever since he grew up to his adolescent ages, he would never initiate anything unless it was during Jktlta day. His personality was so strong, he was so stubborn and rascally that everybody who knew him and his ways of life concluded that he must be a $ng reincarnate. He was soon nicknamed Sng. When AIfin Aganj, his father died, he was chosen asthe nextAlfin of Qyq. During his reign as the Alfin, nobody remembered his name anymore. Everyone chose to address him as Alfin $ng. He was held in a very high esteem partly due to fear and paftly due to respect. He was regarded as both a temporal and spiritual leader. He had several followers during his reign. When he died, he was deified. It reached a stage that several people could not differentiate between AMfin who was nicknamed $ngO and the original $ngO who was an IrnmglQ. That was how Abffin, otherwise known as $ng was able to achieve his destiny of becoming a king on eafth and an Ortg in heaven.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is a born leader. He/she shall achieve his/her ambition in life. He/she needs to serve Sang at all times. There lies his/her success, progress and accomplishment.
Ayn nff r'gg pp Altakn nff gba'j OdOdo Dlfirn $ang
Tlyj'gba l'y
Tl y d'Orlg l'lde Qrun f bg ni wqn nl k Se
gb'gbo, rrt'bg $angw j'gba l'y sld'Orlg I'grun Gbogbotgowo QpQ I w b ni b'yQ ! w wo're o
513
Translation
Ayn, the cockroach, is itthatwraps itself in a miniature dress And Altakn, the Spider, is itthatsuspends ibelf with its sash This was the If cast for $ng Whoshallbecomea king on Eafth And an Onga in Heaven He was advised to offergbg He complied $ng became a king on Eafth And an Orlga in Heaven Allfollowersof the Holy Palm-tree Come and meet us in the midst of happiness Come and behold Ire
If says Ire shall follow the person fof whom this Od is revealed for the rest of his/her life. He/she shallsurely live a fulfilled life.
3.
If says that it foresees the Ire of prosperity for the person for whom Qknrn-M) is revealed during consultation. If says that this person shall succeed in trading or any other related business. If says that his/her chances are brighter at that particular point in time than at any other moment. If says that the door of financial success shall be opened for him/her if he/she endeavours to offer the appropriate gbg in this Od. If advises this person to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money as prescribed by the Awo. On this aspect;If says:
Eni t rn ni nl'ge
NlafabQQfiln Dl filn Ejl-Qkanran Tl yO fi frinw g'OwO Tl y j're ggbQrin Qkg Sbgniwqn nl kge
Translation
Whoever sends one on an errand Is the person one reports backto This was lf's declaration to E)-Qknrn
514
Fi
ox"no, u"i
Who shall trade wth 400 cowries And make a proft of 800 bags of cowries He was advised to offer gbg
E:l-Qkanran (otherwise known as Skanran-MT) was planning to start off in life. He deliberated on what to do for a living for a long time, sought the advice of others and consulted If before settling for trading as his means of livelihood. Having decided thus, he began to gather money that would be enough for him to staft the business. Much as he tried he was only able to gather 400 pieces of cowries. He knew that such an amount was too meagre to carry him far, but nonetheless he was determined to face the odds head-on. Consequent upon this, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he be able to attain the zenith of his chosen career with the little amount he was stafting with? Would he be in a position to attain his full potentials in life? Would luck smile on him in his chosen business? Would he be able to overcome his initial setback and forge ahead to become a greattrader in future? Would he not become the laughing stock of others? Would his business succeed where those of others failed? These and many more questions especially those arising as a result of the fear of unceftainties of life were at the back of El-Qkanrn's mind before going for If consultation. During If consultation, QkanranMT was revealed.
The Awo assured him that he had nothing to fear at all. He was told that the door of success had been opened wide for him at that time. The Awo urged him to take the risk at that time as he would have nothing to regret whatsoever. In order to optimize his chance, he was advised to offer gbg with three white pigeons and money. He was also advised to serue If with one white pigeon. All these he complied with before setting out on his first business venturd. E)-Qknrn choseto be travelling from one location to the other as his own trading method. His first venture was to travel from ll-Ife to Ado-Ekltl. He bought many wearing apparels from their manufacturers in Il-IfQ which were far in excess of the 400 pieces of cowries that he had on him. However, with his good-will, he deposited the amount he had and promised to come and pay the balance immediately he returned from his business trip. The manufacturers agreed. The following day, he set out on his journey, placing his hope absolutely on the prediction of If that he would
515
succeed.
By the time ElT-Qknran arrved at Ad-Eldti it was during the period they were preparing for their New Yam festival. Most inhabitants of Ad-Eldtl
and its environment realized a bumper haruest that ydar. They were therefore planning to celebrate it is in a grand style. The actual day of the festival was merely about six weeks away. Eji-Qkanran showed them his
wares and was able to convince the inhabitants of Ad-Eldti that they were
the most appropriate apparels with which to celebrate the New Yam Festival. Everybody planned to buy. Sensing their mood, E)-Qkanran
jerked up the price. They gladly agreed. Within a few moments, all his wares had been sold out. Those who could not get were disappointed. E)Qkanran however struck a deal with them that he would quickly go and order for their own stuff. With that assurance, they were all happy, many people gave him advance payment before he left. Realizing that it would be difficult for ET-Qkanran to carry everything they would need all by himselfi, they quickly arranged for 20 additional hands of able-bodied men to assist him. That same day, the convoy set out for Il-IfQ. The manufacturers began to produce the wearing apparels immediately. Shortly after, they returned to Ad-Eld. On getting there, E)-Qknrn doubled the price of his wares. Because of the increase in price many more people became interested because they interpreted it to mean superiorty in quality. That same day, everything was bought up. Many more people ordered for their own wares and paid the advance fees. E)-Qknran asked for 50 hands to assist him. Because he paid the 20 people who followed him to lle-Ife the first time generously, he found it very easy to get volunteers to follow him. By the time he returned to Ad-Eldtl, he not only made more profit but the news of this great trader had spread to other areas such as Ikgle-Ehti, Ikgrg-Eki, fytn-Eldti, sl-Ekt, ffon-Alaaye, Armgkg-Eklti, Akrlrq, Itaognolu, Ikarg-Akk, okl-Pupa and so on. Everybody began to order for his/her own. Those outside these areas sent delegatesto E)-Qkanran to negotiate with him. He gladly obliged them.
Before long, anybody in the Ekitl, Akoko,Ilajg, Ond and AkurQ areas who did not have any of the appreals of ET-Qkanran in his/her collections was considered as not moving with the trend of time and therefore unappreciative of modern fashion. By the time EI-Qkanran settled down to 516
Il ox"ron u"i do the account of his business, he had made a profit of 800 bags of cowries which was 16 million cowries. This was a business he stafted with only 400 cowries and all within one year. E|-Qknrn was ovenryhelmed with joy. He was dancing and singing and giving praises to his Awo, If and Oldmar that through him, his community became successful in business and he became the richest man in his community. He had a large family and a big household.
However, any time he returned from any trip he would go to his Awo and explain his encounters to If, saying that whoever sends one on an errands is the one to repoft back to. He said that it was If who sent him to go into trading and gave him all the backing. In this wise, it was If he needed to report all his progress to.
fnit rn ninl'g N|a fabq Qfiln
filn Ejl-Qkanran
Tl yf lrinwg'wO Tl y j're ggbQrin QkQ Sbg ni wgn nl k 9e
gb'gbo,
Ko
rrt'bg p,Qnaojln
f w b'ni b'yQ f w wo're o Translation

Whoeversends one on an errand Isthe person one repofts backto This was If's declaration to E)-Qkanran Who shalltrade with 400 cowries And make a profitof 800 bags of cowries He was advised to offer gbg He complied Before long and nottoofar Come and join us in the midstofjoy And come and behold Ire
If says that the person for whom this Od is reveated shall be fabulously rich as a trader. If says that he/she has the suppoft of If in this venture. His/her chances are very bright at that time and it is advisable for this
517
person to grab this advantage with both hands. Barring any self-nflicted pain or problem this client had no reason to regret.
4.
If says that the person for whom this OdO is revealed shall succeed in life. There is no argument about that. But it must be noted that he/she will not realize this success where he/she was born. He/she would succeed outside his/her place of bifth. This success would be so great that it is advisable to offer ebQ for this person now so that he/she would remember his/her place of bifth when the success
arrives.
he/she was traveling to. He/she would be well known and more popular outside than in his/her native place of bifth. If advises that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guinea fowls and money, There is also the need to offer gbg with three cocks and money for this person to remember his/her home when the success comes. This is very important too in order to avoid a situation where this client will be developing other areas at the expense of his/her own place of birth. On these aspect, If says:
B'lbgO pe'ni Alw Oyg'ni o
If says also that it foresees success for the person going on a business trip outside his/her domain. If says that before long, he/she shall be the one controlling the business life of the place
9r0tl
O kan'ni Kankan-ankan l ran'j Dl firn Eil-Qkanran
Tt tg it Tl rllg re gba'l lttlg tant<an-ankan I'QwQ q pbg ni wqn nl k w ge
Ie
wqn
Translation
If a client does not invite one to come and offer ebg (for him/her) Going to demand for it is unethical Any matter that does not concern one One may be accused of prying one's eyes (if one is too inquisitive about it)
518
li
This was the If cast for EI-Qknrn
on"nor
r,,,
When gong to)lQ land

And who shall completelytake He was advised to offergbg
overltilg land from the original lnhabitants
ET-Qknrn was a very brilliant Babalwo. He studied extensively and mastered all the various aspects and intricacies of If. Yet, he had nothing to show for it, he had no money, no wife, no child, no house of his own as he was living in his family compound inside the house built by his own father in Il-Ife, no cultivated farmland, no good dresses and infact, nothing to show forthe vast knowledge he possessed.
Instead of praises, he was being jeered at by other Babalwo whom he was looking up to for moral suppoft. The other Awo saw no reason why anyone should endeavour to study as hard and as extensively as E)-Qkanran. They claimed that with all his knowledge, he remained a poor and an unaccomplished Babalwo. Other people in Il-IfQ saw no reason whythey should patronize him, claiming that f he was that competent and knowledgeable, he ought to have found a solution to at least one of his many problems. El-Qknrn thus became the laughing stock of his professionalcolleagues and the general public in Il-IfQ, his home town.
Tired of this kind of living, EI-Qkanran went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above; would he ever succeed in his life? Would he beget his own children to whom he would pass on the vast
knowledge which he possessed? Would he be able to stand on his own and raise his head high in public? Allthese were his immediate sources of worry before he wentfor consultation. The Awo informed Ejt-Qtanran that he would surely succeed in life - even beyond his wildest dream. He was assured that he would be one of the greatest Awo who had ever lived. He was however advised that he would never succeed where he was born. He was told that he had been contemplating a change of environment. He was advised to do so as the move would be to his advantage. He was also told that when he reached his new destination, he must never go to the extent of putting pressure on any client to come and offer gbg which he had hithefto prescribed for them. He was advised to ensure that his self-dignity was maintained at all times as
519
lfa Dida: An nvtaton to lfa Consultaton
that was the only honourable course of action to take. Truly, E)-Qkanran had been contemplating moving from ll-Ife his home town toltilQ to live. He was not sure if such move would be in his favour. Hearing the message of If as explained by the Awo, he made up his mind to take the risk. And truly too, he was in the habit of going to the homes of the few clients he had whenever they failed to come and offer the gbg he recommended for them. Whenever he cast If for his clients, he would not be sure that they would come and offer the qbg, if he did not see them at the time they promised to come, he would go and visit them at home and mount pressure on them. By so doing, the clients would not only lose confidence in his so called competence but would also get angry over such display of lack of professional etiquette. More often than not, he would end up being chased out of their homes. From the day he consulted If, he made up his mind never to do this anymore. The Awo told him that it was better to die with one's dignity intact than to live without dignity. E:lQknrn chose to die with his dignity intact, if the need arose.
The Awo advised EI-Qknrn to offer gbg with three pigeons, three guinea fowls, three cocks and money. He was also advised to serue If with food and drink, He searched forthe moneyto purchase allthese materials and complied with the advice of If. Shoftly after this, he set out on his journey otltilQ, armed with his instruments of consultation and a lot of hope in If.
On his arrival
atltilq land, Efl-Qkanran lodged temporarily in the home of a
Babalwo. It dd not take long before it became clear to all that he was not only a first-class Awo, but an extremely dedicated one atthat. He followed all the aspects of If to thelr minute details. By the time he decided to stay on his own, his reputation had been established. Clients were coming from far and near to consult If n his house. He would wake up as early as the first cock crow at dawn everyday and would not have the chance to go to bed untilvery late at night. All these he enjoyed. He soon discovered that 'clients' patronage did not allow me to rest was far better than the world had totally forgotten about me'. Besides this, money and respect were coming to him on a daily basis. People soon gave him apprentices to learn If from him. In spite of his wealth and reputation, feeding well still
520
ll
ox"rr", uri
remaned his problem. He had no tme to prepare any food for himself. His friends however arranged for a wife for him. The wife took care of him and his feeding. He began to feed well and regularlytoo. His wife soon became pregnant. She gave bfth to many children for him, one after the other. Together with his children they built their own house atltilq-land. Before long after this all high and mighty inlttlg land became his clients. He soon became the Awo of the Qba. He was soon made the Arb of llb-land. Before long nobody dared take any decision in that town without consulting him. His respect and popularity were just next to that of the Qba of the Land, E)-Qkanran became a fabulously successful man in lttq-unA. He completely forgot Il-Ife his home land and made)tllQ his native land. As a matter of fact, nobody in ltllQ-land remembered that he was not born in their land and they never treated him as a non-indigene. All the people from far and near used to refer to him as 'E)-Qknrn, the inhabitant and owner ofltllQ-Land'. This title stuck until this day. B'glgbgOpe'ni Alw Oyg'nio QrQtl O kan'ni Kankan-ankan I ran'j Dlfin Ejl-Qkanran
Tr rq
fi
lltlh
lg re gba'l ltllq kankan-ankan I'QwQ q wgn lbg ni wqn nl k w ge gb'bg, r'bg Emi diEjl-Qkanran If je n gba'l ltllg kankan-ankan I'QwQ g wqn o
rf
Translation
If a client does not invite one to come and offer gbQ (for him/her) Going to demand for it is unethical Any matterthatdoes notconcern one One may be accused of prying one's eyes (if one is too inquisitive about it) This was the If cast for EI-Qkanran When going toltilq land And who shall completely take overltilE land from the original inhabitants He was advised to offer ebo He complied I now become E)-Qknran May If let me completely take overltllQ-Land from them.
521
If says that the person for whom this OdrJ is revealed shall succeed in life. This success shal however come outsde his/her place of bifth, All he/she needs to do is to maintain his/her dignity and self-respect. He/she must also stick to the ethics of his/her professional business or trade. There lies success; there lies respect; there lies honoun
5.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have many followers in life. He/she shall be highly honoured and
respected in the community. He/she shallalso become a role model.
If warns this person against eating the flesh of ewe (mutton) but recommends one ewe as the gbg material in this pafticular stanza. He/she also needs to offer a basket full of ss beans as ebq. On this
aspect, If says:
Bat l, abTdl dqqgl Dl filn O, ya Omlrin Tl sunkn gmg r'de Ajgbg f;bg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
The big Bt drum, with its large base This was the name of the Awo who cast If for O.ya Om)rin When weeping as a result of childlessness and travelling to the land of Aiqbq She was advised to offer gbg
$ng. They had married each other for several years but unfoftunately, their marriage was not blessed with any child. This was a source of concern to the couple and especially to Qya who saw
Qya OmIrin was the wife of
this as her own problem and not that of $ng, her husband.
One day, she decided to go to Nqbq town in order to go and meet a Babalwo who specialized in solving the problem of bareness in women. Before going, she went to consult If in the home of another Babalwo
whose pet-name was mentioned above.
522
\l
ox"nr"n u"i
The Awo assured her that she would have many followers in life who would later become her children. She was advised to use her vast potentials and capabilities for the improvement on her community. She was also advised to offer qbg as prescribed above. This she did before setting out on her
journey.
On getting to Ajqbg, she quickly established herself as a powerful and influential woman. She used her resources to organize people together in order to work towards the progress of the community. Before long, her followers were so many that it was difficult to know their exact number. Her admirers were even greater in number than that of her followers.
All of these people benefitted in one way or the other from the influence and energy of Qya Omlrin. They all considered themselves not only as her followers but also as her children. Thus, Qya Om'irin who came to Ajgbg land, a sad barren woman, later became a contented mother of the whole community. She was therefore singing, dancing and giving praises to Oldmar for allowing her to live a fulfilled life on eafth.
Baftt flrabTdl dqqgl Dl filn 9ya Omlrin Tl sunkrln gmq r'odeAjgbg $bg ni wQn nl k w ge gb'Qbo, r'bg Mo r m, fa ni mo ya lg o Igbatl mo r aguntan Tl mo r agbQn-qn ses Mo rti mgfa ni mo ya lq o Erolpo, EroQfq F w b ni b'yQ E w wo're o
Translation
The big Bt drum, with its large base This was the name of the Awo who cast If for Qya Omlrin When weeping as a result of childlessness and traveling to the land ofAjgbg She was advised to offergbg Shecomplied I offered my ebg before going
523
When I offered gbQwith one ewe And offered a basketfullof sse beans I offered my ebg before going Travellers tolpo and Qfa Join us in the midst of happiness And behold allthe Ire of life
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have reason to thank Oldmar, She must never lose hope. If she intends to travel outside her community in search of improved conditions n her life, she is advised to go, as happiness awats him/her at her destination.
6.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a good wife for the man for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the woman in question shall be working for the progress and protection of her man at all times. The relationship shall also be blessed with many beautiful children. The woman shall however be very jealous and shall not like to see any otherwoman near her husband.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with two hens, four rats, four fish, eight snails and money. He is also advised to find out from If what Od and If will take from him and serve them accordingly. On this, Oknrn M) says:
Olko mg ibi igu gbta OrlgbO nl npa I'Qrleb Dl firn Ejl-Qkanran Tl trlg r gb'do nl'yw [bg ni wqn nl kw ge
Translation
An experienced farmer knows exactly where a yam germinates But was only wandering round the cultivated farm-heap This was the If cast for E)-Qkanran When going to take the hand of Od as his wife
He was advised to offer gbg
E)-Qkanran was an accomplished If
priest.
He was well respected in his
ll
ox"rr"n uei
community. One day, he met Od and fell in love with her. Their relationship soon became very serious. He intended to have her as his wife. Consequent upon this, E;T-Qkanran went to the house of the
Babalawo mentioned above for If consulation. Would Od be suitable for him as a wife? Would it be beneficialto him to have her as his paftner for the rest of his life? Would they be compatible? Would she respect his family? Would she give bfth to children for him? Would she know how to cook his meals and those of his several Deities properly and at the right period? Would she be ready to support and complement his work at all times? Would she be a good mother and manage his home well? In shoft, would he find happiness in her? These were the questions which preoccupied the mind of E:l-Qkanrn before he wentfor If consultation. The Awo assured E)-Qknrn that Od would be suitable for him; that it would be rewarding for him to have her as his wife; that they would be compatible that Od would respect all his family; that she would give bifth to several children for him; that she already knew how to cook good food and how to prepare all Oga meals; that she would not only support him all the way, but would equally live her life for his progress; that she would be a good mother; that she would manage his home well and take care of him. The Awo told El-Qknrn that Od would make him happy and proud. He was however warned that Od would be an extremely jealous woman and must be respected forthat.
The Awo also advised E|-Qknrn to offer gbg with
two hens, four rats,
four fish, eight snails and money. (The client equally needs to serue
If and Od. The Awo will find out from If what If and Od will take from the client) El-Qkanrn complied.
Soon after this, they got married. Tiue to the predictions of If, Od became an asset of inestimable value to EI-Qknrn. She also gave bfth to several children. Her jealousy was put under check since she was respected and this weakness in her was never made a subject of argument or controversy. They lived happily for a very long time after.
Oko mg ibi igu gbta OrlgbO nl rtpa I'Qrleb
525
Dl
T trlq r
filn Ejl-Qkanran gb'd nl'yw

wercre wgrgrg
gbiodu nl'yw
gb'gbgrr'bg
Od Od Ejl-Qkanran l ti f, w w'gmg Od
fibg ni wQn nl k w ge
f w w'gmg f w w'gmo
wgrgre
Translation
An experienced farmer knows exactly where a yam germinates
Butwas onlywandering round the cultivated farm-heap This was the If cast for E)-Qknrn When going totakethe hand of Od as hiswife He was advised to offer ebo He complied Behold the children of Od Come and see the children of Od E)-Qkanran was he who tookthe hand of Od as his wife Behold the children of Od
If says that it foresees a good wife for the client for whom this Od is revealed. If says that their relationship shall be blessed with several children. The couple will also be happy and proud of each other. The man
in question is going to be lucky with his choice of spouse, even though the woman will be very jealous. This is not-withstanding however, with love, this weakness can be tamed. Love conquers all.
7.
If says that it foresees the Ire of happiness n marriage for a woman for whom this Od is revealed. If says that she will surely meet happiness and contentment n her husband's home. If says that the couple will compliment each other and that as she makes her husband and his family members happy so also willthe husband and his family make her have a sense of belonging. She will be loved, pampered and protected. If also says that she will give bifth to several children in her husbands' house. All these children will be very successful in life.
If advises this woman to offer gbg with one matured pig (a sow)
526
ll
ox"nr"n u"i
and money. If says that as pigs usually give bifth to several children, so also will she give bifth to many children. On these, a
stanza in Efl-Qkanrn says: Fmq nll je'ko w$l,w$l$ ap qtn Afebojo nff jq'ko ralral ap osl afin NapQnpqn Tfi g'gmg oblnrin lpool Eyltl rr9lqkgOwro Tl y sl fesq kan t'ilQ Tl y bl'mg kkiri gbogbo ay fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
fmg, the Brown Rat, is it which eats grass quietly on the right hand side And Afeebjo, the king rat, is it which eats grass voraciously on the left
hand side These werethe declarations of If to NnpQnpQn Their daughter in Ipool-land Who was going to her husband's house forthe firsttime Who shall support herself with one leg And shall give bifth to children the world over She was advised to offer ebg
NnpQnpQn was an indigene of lpool-land. She was very popular in Ipool. She was properly trained by her parents and she carred herself in a respectable manner always. When she grew up and was matured enough for the marriage market, many people desired to have her as wife. In the end, she was given out to someone outside her home town. Before the wedding day however, NanpQnpn went out for If consultation. She approached the If priests mentioned above in order to know beforehand how her chances would be in the home of her husband-to-be. Would she be accepted? Would she be loved? Would she make a good housewife? Would she be lucky in her new home? Would she be blessed with children? Would her arrival and stay in her husband's home bring foftune and happiness? Would her children be obedient, loving, Godfearing, gentle-headed, easy going and agreeable children? All these questions and many more were answered in the affirmative, she was told that she would not only be happy but would also have oppoftunity
527
to show and receive love, care and understanding. She was also assured that she would be highly respected and adored. She was assured that she would be blessed with many children whose popularity shall extend to every corner of the world. She was advised to put her mind at rest and discard all worries she might be enteftaining. The Awo informed her that happiness, love, care, honourand adoration would surely be hers. Shewas advised to offer gbg with a matured pig and money. Nanponpon complied. She was then cautioned never to engage in anything, be it thought, speech or action which might reduce or even inhibit her chances of attaining her goals and destiny in life. Armed with this advice, she left for
her husband's home on the day of the wedding. True to lf's predictions, she was loved, adored and respected in her new home. Because she had been properly trained in her parent's home. She had no problems adjusting herself properly in her husband's home. She showed care and respect for her husband's relations and they in turn reciprocated in like manner. Before long, nothing could be done in that household without her prior knowledge and contribution. She also became very popular in the community. She soon gave brth to many children and later settled down to the business of tralning the children in the proper way as she had prior been trained. When these children grew up, many of them left for strange lands far away from home. And again, because these children had been well trained, it was not difficult for them to adjust and settle down to normal life in their new environments. They soon became very successful there. Their popularity and success soon filtered back home to Nanponpon. Everybody was happy for her. They soon began to refer to her as'NrlpQnpQn their child in)pool-land, who shall suppoft herself with one leg, and give birth She never allowed her luck and children the world accomplishmentsto enter into her head and made her misbehave. Forthis reason, she lived happily and died a contented and fulfilled woman.
to
over'.
Fmq nll je'kow$lQwele ap oJn Afebojo nll jg'ko rlrl ap sl Dl firn Napqnpqn Tff g'gmg oblnrin Ipool
Eyltl rrlglgkgowro 528
\fi oxanra, ue
Tl ysl f'qsg kan t'ilQ
Tly bf'mg kkiri gbogboay [b9 niwQn nl k$e gb'gbg, r'bg ErIpo, EroOJa F w b'ni b'gwa E w wo're o
Translation
gnss quietly on the right hand side And AfeebOjO, the king rat, is it which eats grass voraciously on the left
f;mQ, the Brown Rat, is it which eats
hand side These were the declarations of If to NpQnpQn Their daughter in Ipool-land Who was going to her husband's house for the firsttime Who shallsupport herself with one leg And shall give birth to children the world over She was advised to offer ebo Shecomplied Travellers tolpo and Qfa Join us in the midstof beauty Comeand behold alllre in lfe
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with allthe good things of life in her new abode. Her good name shall outlive her. She is advised never to do anything that will tarnish her good name.
8.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a set of twins for the person for
whom this Od is revealed. If says that this woman needs to put her mind at rest as she will be blessed with a set of twins very soon. If the woman is having the problem of child-bearing, the problem will soon be over as she will soon became pregnant and will deliver a set of twins.
There is the need for this person to go and serve the Deity of Twins with black beans, bananas, groundnuts, pineapples, oranges and all other edible fruits. She is also to offer gbg with hnro rats, two fish, two hens and money. It is advisable for the person for whom this Od is revealed to always endeavour to buy ebg materials
529
lfa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultaton
in twos as she will be giving bifth to twins as from that Qkanran-M) says: Qkanran kan nlhln-in Qkanran kan lqhn-n B'Qknrn b di mjlra d'Ododo Dl fin Sdun, gl'yinj ggg feytntt m'jrl gkn snrhun omo fibg ni wqn nl kge
time. On this,
Translation
One leg of Qkanran here And one leg of Qkanrn there When Qknrn becomestwo, its predictions become reality This was If's declaration to fdun, the Ape, owner of the delicate eyeballs When weeping in lamentation of her own inability to give birth to any child She was advised to offergbg
She had very white set of teeth. But her beauty was more pronounced in her eye-balls. Her eyeballs was a little big and when seen from far, they
fdun, the Ape was a very beautiful woman. She was well-propoftioned.
appeared as if they were about to fall off their sockets. That was why people used to call her, 'fdun, the Ape, owner of the delicate eyeballs'.
fdun was married for about eight years but she had no child to show for it. She was always weeping in lamentation of her inability to beget a child for her husband. Tired of weeping everyday, she decided to go for If consultation in order to find solution to her problem. Consequently, she approached the Awo mentioned above. Would she be blessed with her own child in life? Would her womb be open to bear fruit? Would she have
children who would take care of her when she grew old and bury her when she died? Had she been doomed to be a barren woman in her life? What solution Iied for her to make her a proud and happy mother of her own children?
informed that Ifa foresees the Ire of children for her. The informed her that she would give bifth to a set of twins in life. advised to offer gbg with two rats, two fish, two hens and two guinea fowls. She was also advised to feed the Deity of Twins with black beans,
530
The Awo assured her that she would beget her own children in
life.
She was Awo also She was
\l
ox"nr"n u"j
banana and all fruits available which she could

complied.
afford.
She
Before long, fidun became pregnant. Ten months after, she gave bifth to a setof twins. Afterthis, she gave bfth to many more children alltwins. She wasfullof gratitudeto Oldmar and herAwo.
Qkanran kan nlhln-in Qknrn kan lQhn-rtn B'Qknrn b di mejl, a d'Ododo Dl filn pdun, el'yinj eg fgylntt m'jrl gkn snrhun gmg FbqniwQn nl kge gb'Qbo, r'bg jg ebq g kln'la r? Ebo Ejlgbd la ru 9mq g kln'la bl? 9mg Ejlgbd la bl
Translation
One leg of Qknrn here And one leg of Qkanrn there When Qkanrn becomestwo, its predictions become reality This was lf's declaration to fdun, the Ape, owner of the delicate eyeballs When weeping in lamentation of her own inability to give birth to any child She was advised to offer gbg Shecomplied Whattype of gbg did we offer? It was the gbg whose materials are in twos And whattype of children did we give bifth to? They are all sets of twins
If foresees the Ire of sets of twins for the person for whom this Od is revealed. He/she shall be blessed with several children most of whom shall be sets of twins. He/she therefore needs to serve the Twins Deity on a
regular basis.
9.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a safe delivery for a pregnant

531
woman for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this woman shall give birth to a bouncing baby boy. This child shalldo well in life. This baby when born needs to follow the directives of If in everything he does at alltimes. There must be regular If consultation for him ever before any step can be taken for the child and when he grows up, he must nevertake any major step without prior If consultation.
On the other hand, if Qknrn-MI is revealed during thelkgsgdy ceremony of a baby-boy, that boy had been ordained as a Babalwo from heaven. He will be very successfulas a Babalwo. He had also brought his name from heaven. That baby's name is AdgQkn from heaven.
Whichever one it is out of the two conditions, the baby in question shall grow up to be a popular and very successful If priest if he chooses this line of profession. He shall be well respected and his name shall be known from far and near.
There is the need to offer Qbg with two pigeons, two guineafowls, two hens and money. There is also the need to serve If with a matured goat. On these,If says:
Kllwg kn Kl mi kn DlfitnAdqQkn Tl t'Qrun bgw'lay Fbq ni wqn nl k w fe
Translation
Letyou show interest by touching And let me show interest by touching This was lf's declaration to AdgQkn When coming from Qrun, Heaven toAy, Eafth He was advised to offer gbg
AdgQkan was about to be born into a royal home when coming from Heaven to Earth. However, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in orderto determine how his sojourn on earth would be.
532
ll
ox.non uei
The Awo assured him that he would live a very successful life while on eafth. He was also told that he would be very wealthy; he would live long and have many children on eafth; he would also have many properties which would make him proud. He was also assured that he would have a strong health and would be highly respected in hiscommunity. The Awo advised him to take to If as his profession because that line would surely facilitate and enhance his chances of realizing his potentials and destiny to the fullest. He was advised to offer gbg with hro pigeons, two guinea fowls, two hens and money. He was also advised to serue If with one matured goat. All these he did before coming into the world.
On the third day of his bifth, his parents invited some Awo to perform the IkgsQdy rites on him. The Awo assured them that he would be a successful man on eafth. They said that he would not lack anything while on eafth - money, spouse, children, good health, happiness, success, prestige, honour, properties, long life, contentment, popularity and so on. His parents were told that he had already brought his name from heaven and ought to be named AdgQkn, the child of Qknrn-M). They were also advised to encourage the child to take the path of If as his profession, as that was where his destiny would manifest in the best way.
The parents were asked to offer gbg for the new-born baby with two hens, two guinea fowls, two pigeons and money. They were equally asked to serue If with a matured goat. They complied with
everything.
By the time AdgQkn attained the age of four, he was already studying If in the home of one of the best Ifa priests in the land. By the time he was 25,
he himself had become one of the most versatile If practitioners around. He was very dedicated and honest with his work. Everybody respected him and looked for him for If consultation.
By the time he was on his own, his name had already been established as a
very competent Babalwo. He had several clients. Most of his father's friends and chiefs became his clients. He was making good money. He soon became rich. Wth money came spouse; with spouse came children;
533
with children came his own personal house; with house came horses; with all these came prestige, honour and recognition; with these came happiness and contentment. He lived well. He died a happy and fulfilled
Babalwo.
Kllwo kn Kl mi kn DlfinAdqQkan Tl rtt'Qrun bgw'laye

$bg ni wQn nl k w ge
gb'gbo, rU'bg jgOwO nSel n'If Tl'f b hu mejl, mtQ'kan

OwO
tl
n o ge l
n'If
Tl'f b h'kan, ma
t'jl
Owotl nsel n'If
Translation
Letyou show interest bytouching And let me show interest bytouching This was If's declaration to AdgQkan When coming from Qrun, Heaven toAy, Earth He was advised to offer ebo He complied The business I shall do to succeed is If When If seeds remain two (in my palm), I shall imprintone (on
OpQn
If)
The business I shall do to succeed is lfa When If seeds remain one (in my palm), I shall imprinttwo (on If tray) The business I shall do to succeed is If
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed as a Babalwo. He shall lack nothing in his life. He will be highly respected and honoured. He will be happy and contented. His life shall be full of glory. As long as he is honest and straightfonruard in his work, the sky is the beginning of his success and accomplishment. He shall live and die a
happy man.
10. If says that it foresees the Ire of victory over adversary for the
534
ll
o*"nru,
,",
person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that those who are close to him/her had been plotting against him/her. If says that he/she shall survive the plot and all those who are involved in the scheme shall blame themselves for it.
If advises the person for whom Qkanran M) is revealed to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to serve Eg with another he-goat. Wth these, victory is assured. A stanza in this Od suppofting this asseftion says:
kn kn Dl frln Araba kan ptko 'Tl be l'arn qtl Fbg ni wqn nl k9e
Kl lwo KI mi
Translation
Letyou show interest bytouching And let me show interest by touching This was If's declaration for the big but clumsy Arb tree When in the midstof enemies He was advised to offer gbq
The Arb tree was full of life even though he considered himself as a poor tree. He was big and fat alright, but he felt that he was not as strong and able-bodied as othertrees in the forest. This not-withstanding however, he was quite contented with hls condition. He was very happy. He enjoyed life. He was never seen to be sad or downcast at any time.
Unknown to the Big Arba however, he was the subject of envy of other trees in the forest. They could not understand why the big Arba, who Was not as agile, strong and/or rich as them could be happier than them. They were not comfortable with the fact that he was not coming to them cap in hand to beg for his daily food. They concluded that the Big Arb was a very proud and disrespectful peson. They therefore began to plot against him.
One day, all the trees who wanted the downfall of the Big Araba went for a
meeting. They made Irk their Chairman. In this meeting, they

535
concluded that nothing would satisff them better than to see that the Big Arb was elminated. They however planned to execute their plan in such a way that the death of the Big Arb would not be traceable to them. Consequently, they sent Irk to the sawyers to come and fell the Big Arb. They convinced the sawyers that The Big Arb would be very good for roofing houses and for making bridges. They concluded that the earlier the sawyers came, the better. To crown it all, the sawyers were to cast away the Big Arb free of charge. The sawyers told them that they would come and do the job in hro days'time. All the conspirators went back in anticipation of the arrivalof the sawyers.
On the night of the same day, The Big Arb slept and had a terrible dream. In the dream he saw himself being sliced into pieces amidst cries of pain and anguish. He also saw several other trees clapping and dancing around him, jeering at him and making jest of him. He immediately woke his wife up and narrated the dream to her. The wife told him that she sensed danger. She insisted that he must go to his Awo and explain everything to him. He was not the type of person who used to take such things serious, claiming that he had done no evil against anyone but his wife would have none of that. She insisted that he did not need to offend or do evil against
anyone before others could perpetrate evil against him.

Very early in the morning of the nextday, his wife woke him up and ensured that he wentto the house of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: what was responsible for the type of dream he had just had? Dd t potend any negative consequence for him? If yes, what would he do to ne.utralize such negative effect? In the end, would he overcome?
The Awo told the Big Arb that he was right in the midst of enemies and that those who were close to him were the ones plotting against him. He was told that the plot had been concluded and had reached the execution stage. Consequently, he had no time to waste. He was however assured that he had nothing to fear as those involved in the plot would all have themselves to blame for it. He was told that the Deities were on his side.
The Awo advised him to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He was also asked to serve Eg with another he-goat, palm-oil and kolanut. He quickly complied that same day. Wth these done, the
536
l\ ox*on
u"i
Awo assured him of victory over adversary. The Big Arb returned home and narrated all what the Awo had told him to his wife. He thanked her profusely for her advice and action.
The next day, the savvyers arrived with their axes, cutlasses and saws. They went straight for the Big Arb. While they were making preparations to staft their work, EgU Qdara arrived. He asked them what they wanted to do. Theyexplained to him. Hetold them that itwould be betterforthem to test the trees first before felling the good and strong ones which would be useful to them.
The sawyers agreed. They used their axe to test Arb tree. The tree was very soft. E$ Qdara told them that it was clear that the Big Arb tree could not and would not be useful for purpose they wanted to use him for. The sawyers were extremely disappointed. They decided to return home. While they were deliberating on this, Eg Qdara charged them that to go home empty handed would amount to sheer waste of time, energy and resources. He advised the sawyers to try other trees whethr they would see the ones that would serve their specific purposes. He led them to the location wherelrk was and asked them that why can't they try their axe on lrk? They agreed. When they struck lrokO with their axe, he was very strong. EpU Qdara told them that Irok tree would meet their specification more than any other tree. The sawyers brought out their axes, cutlasses and saws. Among protests from lrk and all the surrounding trees who planned the conspiracy againstthe Big Arb tree,)rk was felled. The sawyers were very happy. Qdara, noticing that the Big Arb would never know peace as long as the other conspirators were still around, advised the sawyers to try other trees and check the ones they could use for roofing, windows, doors, frames, tables, chairs, benches and so on. The sawyers saw reason in the counselling of Eg Qdara. They tested all the other trees and marked other conspirators for felling. Egu Qdara urged them to fell them all that very day and then go home to plan how to come and carry them one by one at their convenient periods. The sawyers agreed. That was how Ap, Orr,
EgU
537
Abora, Kanran, Opepe, and Appe were felled together with Irk on the same day. Thus, the Big Arb who was consdered weak was left untouched while the strong conspirators lost their Iives. They went to invite those who would kll the Big Arb only for them to meet their own death through their own plot. The Big Arba was thus singing, dancing and giving praises to Oldmar for sparing his life from the evil plotters.
Kllwo kn
Kl mi kn Dl filn Arb kan pftlk Tl rrbe l'arin Qt fibg ni wQn nl k ge gb'gbg, rrl'bg
KwQ kw Arbe Ow mq Ojr ti lrk Kw, kw K kr, k kl OtosJ o k mq ojr t 9lQrQ K k, k k YO k sin Awo Ksal k sin Awo Eeyan l b'wo l'dl Y k sin Awo
Translation
Let you show interest by touching And let me show interest bytouching This was lf's declaration for the big but clumsy Arb tree
When in the midstof enemies He was advised to offer ebo He complied May he fall, let him fall Arb has failed to fall It is shame onlrk tree May he die, let him die The Poor has failed to die It is shame on the Rich
538
ll
He willdie before theAwo He will not fail to die before the Awo
ox"rr"n u"j
Whoever makes an Awo his enemy He will surely die before the Awo
If says that those conspring against the person for whom this Od
is
revealed shall surely meet calamity in the process of executing their evil designs. Conversely,lf warns the person for whom this Od is rvealed never to plan evil against anyone lest he/she will have the evil recoil on him/her. Whoever plans evil against another person will live to regret his/her plan. That is what Qknrn-M| says in this stanza. The person for whom this Od is revealed must never plan to victimize anyone on account of his/her strength, position, influence, economic or educational advantage over others lest he/she meets with calamity. The person for whom this Od is revealed must never think, plan, say or do evil or conspire with others to do so. If anyone plans it against him/her, such person is in for a rude shock of his/her life. The evil planner shall experience disaster. It is as sure as day light after darkness.
11. If says thatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed is facing cetain

problems whose source he/she had not yet been able to identify. If says that he/she would not only be able to identiff the source of this problem but would also be able to surmount it. If also says that the person close to him/her is the cause of the problems. If says that the person responsible for his/her problems shall be disgraced and humiliated.
The person responsible for all the problems of the person for whom this Od is revealed is one of the people frantically finding solutions to the problems. If says that the culprit shall be exposed.
If advises this client to offer gbg with three cocks, plenty of palm-oil and money. If says that two gbg will be prepared; one
will be placed at the Eg shrine while the second one will be placed at the site where the problem is happening. After this, the person for whom this od is revealed is expected to be extra vigilant. By so doing, the culprit shall be caught in the act and thoroughly
539
humiliated. On these, If says:

Qyq ni sn r Krukru ni od mQQmQQ ojo l d ni lkooko pa kQrQ-kQkQ-kqro
IXfilnAgbo
Tl oun $ang jq $'qrara wqn Fbq ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
The harmattan wind does notstrike thunder Thefog does notflash lightening The arrival of rainfall is it which makes the hyena crannies These were lf's declarations to Agb, the Ram Who was the friend of $ng He was advised to offer ebo
to hide in nooks and
Apart from $ng, Agb, the Ram, had no other friend and confidant. There was nothing he would like to do that $ng would not be aware of. Even when he planned to marry Agntn, the Ewe, $ng was the first person to know. Both of them were practically inseparable.
One day, Agb called $ng and informed him that he would like to engage in large-scale farming. Both of them went outto lookfor suitable farmland.
They took the soil sample and went for If consultation together. If responded that the farmland was good and that the land would yield profit for Agb. AgbO was very happy and he consdered this a step in the direction of success for the two of them. He began to plan how he and his friend would maximize their profit and improve their standard of living together. A few days after If consultation, Agb embarked on bush clearing. He engaged several hands to do the clearing. After this, he began land cultivation. Wth the first rainfall, he began to plant maize. After this, he planted cassava, yaffi, beans, bananas and pepper and tomatoes. The soil was indeed feftile. All the things,he planted yielded beautiful fruits. He was thus eagerly awaiting the time they would be ripe
enough for harvesting.
To his chargrin however, by the time his farm products were ripe, he
540
li
ox"non u"i
discovered that some people had gone to harvest more than half. He rushed to $ng's house to inform him of what he saw. gng, in utter disbelief, asked him to let them go and verifli together. They went, when $ang saw the extent of the damage, he consoled his friend and advised him to let them go for If consultation in order to unravel the mystery. They both wenttothe home of theAwo mentioned above.
There, the Awo informed them that they came because of a serious problem. They said that the problem was being caused by someone very close to them. They were assured that they would overcome their problem and that the culprit would be exposed. The Awo advised them to offer gbg with three cocks plenty of palm-oil and money. They complied.
The Awo asked them to place one gbg by Egu shrine and the other at the farm site where the stealing was taking place. They complied. The Awo however told Agb to watch over the gbg on his farm site for sometime before returning home. He was also determined to do so. Unknown to anyone the loss of the farm products was not considered as a personal loss by Agb, but rathe; as a terrible disappointment. His friend and confidant, $ng, was in a serious financial difficulty and he had determined to pull his friend out of the mess. The loss would hinder him from performing as much as he had determined. For this reason, he was ready to comply with anything that the Awo had told him to do and at the same time conceal his disappointment from gng. He went to the farm together with Sng and placed the gbg there. They watched over the gbg for about five hours and returned to their respective houses. Agb ate some food and returned to the farm late at night to continue his vigil alone. When he reached the farm, what he saw was beyond allcomprehension.
In utter disbelief, he saw his bosom friend and confidant, gng, as the leader of the bandits carting away his farm produce! Agb shouted in
agony. When $ng heard this, he charged at Agb who in turn gave him the fight of his life. They fought till daybreak and gang ran away.
Before long, the incident became the hottest news item in their town and environment. Those who were not as close to Agb as $ng went to
541
gang to ask him what would have led him to act in such a disgraceful manner. $ngo had no response whatsoever. When $ang could notcope with this shame and enquiries anymore, he ran away from the town and went to another town. Even in the next town, the news had spread to them. Anywhere $ng went, people would be looking at him with disdain. If he was passing on the road, he would feel that people were pryng at him. Sometimes, he would hear them hissing openly. He thus made up his mind to return to heaven to stay. $ng then went to the sky and made the place his permanent abode up till today. The deed had already been done and it was just too late to express any regret over it.
Qye nosn ara Krukru ni Od mQqmqq ojo l d nilkooko pa kqrq-kQkQ-kqrq
Tt Oun gang jq g'Qr$ara wgn fbg ni wQn nl k w se gb'Qbo, r'bg
DlfilnAgbo
Njqerukutrr Eruku trr Ija Agbo t l gang r'Qrun o
Translation
The harmattan wind does notstrikethunder The fog does notflash lightening The arrival of rainfall is it which makes the hyena to hide in nook and crannies These were lf's declarations to AgbO, the Ram Who was the friend of png He was advised to offerebg He complied The small dust raised during a quarrel And the big dust raised during a fight The consequence ofthe fight with Agb0 had chased Sang to heaven
If says that the person for whom this Od is cast will surely overcome a serious problem being caused by someone close to him/her. And conversely, the person for whom this Od is revealed is advised against perpetrating any atrocity against anyone close to him/her as this may leed to disgrace and humiliation for him/her. It will also subject him/her to public odium. Wherever he/she was expected to be respected, he/she
542
14 oxanran
uei
would be disgraced; where he/she was expected to be loved and adored, he/she would be hated and scorned; where he/she was expected to be honoured, he/she would be disdained. In a nutshell, the person for whom this Od is revealed is advised against abusing the trust reposed in him/her.
t2.
If says thatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed is experiencing the problem of unconsummated fortune. Ifa says that there is the need forthis clientto offer gbg, serue rf and Equ Qdar and then do)pesefor the Elders of the Nightforthis problem to abate. Ifa says that EgU Qdara and the Witches are responsible for his/her problems. If the Fbg,Ibq and Ipese could be done, If assures that the person for whom this Od is revealed will have peace of mind and will be able to conveft want to surplus, ill-luck to fortune, and sadness to joy. On this aspect, a stanza in Qkanran-M| says:
QrUnmll wl Otlrlp na'sQdln Ifwl Egu Qdara na'sdln Fbq niwqn nl kge
Translation
Qnfnmll declares that Oilp, the misfoftune had blocked the path of achievement with his legs If says E9u Qdara had blocked the path with his legs The victim, Akp was advised to offer gbg
Akpo had a lot of potentials. He was also very intelligent. To conveft his vast potentials and oppoftunities to success was not difficult for him. But this notwithstanding, he had nothing to show for his talents and personal qualities. He had no wife. He had no child. He had no house of his own. He was a sad man.
one day, he went to Qrunmlla to find out about himself: would he ever succeed in his life? QrUnm)l consulted If for him and Qkanran-M) was revealed. QrnmIl declared to him that Misfoftune had blocked his path to greatness. He was advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons for financial success, two guinea fowls for peace of mind, two hens for good spouse, two rats and huo fish for children and two cocks for
543
one hen, two rats and two fish. He was also to serve Egu Qdar who was responsble for his misfortune with one cock, palm-oil and alcohol. He complied.
victory.
He was also advised to seve If with
Qrunmlla wl Otlrlp narsQ dl'n If ml awgnly mi OgOrOnga, na'sQdl'n Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Qrunm)l declares that Otlpa had blocked the path with his legs
If says that Iy mi Ogr0g, the Witches had blocked the path with
their legs TheAkpO was advised tooffergbg
While they were analyzng the problems of the AkpO in order to proffer solutions to them, it was also discovered that there was the need for the AkpO to appease the Witches because they too had been contributing in no small measure in ensuring that his foftunes were not consummated. Consequently, Qnf nm'il advised the Akp to dolpes for the Elders of the Night (witches) with palm oil and one hen. He complied. When all these were done, his luck began to shine. He had many clients which soon translated into money. Wth money he was able to secure a spouse of his choice. The spouse gave bifth to many children. Together with the children, they erected their own building. He had peace of mind and happiness in life. He lived and died happily.
Qrrlnmll wl Otlrlpa na'sQ dln If wl E9u Qdara na'sQ dln Qrrlnmll wl Otlrlpa na'sQdl'n If ml wgnIy mi OgOrOnga, rd'sQdl'n fbgniwqn nl klAkpOs,e Igba a tu'bg Otlrlpaa na'sQ dl'n
L'araw ro'nio
Translation
Qntnm'll declares that Otlpa had blocked the path with his legs If says that Eg Qdara is the Otinpa who had blocked the path legs If declares that Opa had blocked the path with their legs
with his
14
ox"ron u"i
If says thatly mi Og0rr1g, the Witches had blocked the path with their legs The Akp was advised to offer gbg He complied It was after we offer gbg for the Qtlripa Who had blocked the path with their legs Beforewe had peace of mind and comfoft
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall have peace of mind, comfoft, success and happiness. It had been EgU Qdara and the witches who had hitherto been responsble for his unconsummated fortunes. If however warns that the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she should not do anything that will provoke Egu Qdara, If and the witches to turn against him/her and cause for him/her the problem of unconsu mmated foftunes.
13.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed had been cursed by his/her superiors. If says that he/she was the architect of his/her present state of misfoftune. The person for whom this Od is revealed is too forward in the midst of elders, even to the extent of
being impeftinent. His/her actions are being viewed as deliberately designed to expose elders and/or those in positions of authority to ridicule and shame.
If however assures that person for whom this Od is revealed that with all appropriate gbg and a change of attitude, all negativities shall give way to positivities. Sadness shall turn to joy. Disappointments shall be replaced with accomplishments. A stanza supporting these asseftions in Qkanrn-M) advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with a matured he-goat and money. After this, the client is to purchase a big cock and give to the Babalawo. The Awo in turn needs to pull all the tail feathers of the cock, grind the feathers until they turn into fine powder. After this, the Awo needs to spread the powder on QpQn If (If tray), use it to print the Od Qbar-M) and recite the wording of the Od stated below. While reciting this Od, the If tray is to be rotated until it turned upside-down while the imprinted Qbara-we becomes Qkanran545
M).
By so doing, it is sure that the curses being cast on the client
blessings when Qbara-me) turns to Qkanran MT, negative forces usually give way to positive, benevolent forces. On these,If says:
wll turn
to
$ekt mojlw Dl ftln Aku kg dlg O, te nge Tl g'awo r'Ode Qw Fbg ni wQn nl k w Se
ta
je
Translation
Sakt mjlw He was the Awo who cast If for Akkg'dig Qtanngalj, the Big cock When going on If mission tothe land of Qw He was advised to offer gbg
Akukg'dlg QtanngalaRja, the Big cock, was a very versatile and intelligent Babalwo. He stafted learning If from his infancy. By the time he was 22 years old, he had gathered the reputation of being a competent If priest. He was being sought from far and near. His major weakness however, was that he lacked respect for elders; especially those elderly Babalwo whom he felt were not as brilliant as himself. He considered this as laziness on their paft. He used to look down on them and viewed their activities with contempt. Several wise counseling for him to change his attitude towards the elders fell on deaf ears.
One day, the Qw, king
with several elderly Babalwo to his Palace for If consultation.
ofljgg land, invited AkUkg'dlg Qtanngalanja, along

He
considered his going to the Qw's palace as a soft of competition between him and all the other Babalwo who were invited along with him. He therefore wanted to know what he needed to do for him to steal the show from the hands of all the invited Babalwo on that day. Consequent upon this, he went to the house of gkt Mjalw, one of the few elderly Babalwo whom he respected for If consultation: would he be the Awo whose star would shine brightest in the Qw's palace? Would he be able to beat allthe other Babalwo hands down? Would he return home with more honours and financial success? Sakd MOjlw assured Akukg'dig
Fl
on",,"r r",,
Qtanngalrlj that he would return home with more honours and riches only on the condition that he compofted himself properly and accorded due respect to elders. He was advised not to be too fonryard where he was going and to always wait for those in positions of authority to invite him to take any step before he volunteered himself. He was assured that if he could keep to this simple rule, he would return with success and greater reputation. He was advised to offer gbq with one matured he-goat and
plenty of palm oil.

When he heard the warning of $akt Mjlw, Akkg'dle Qtanngahja considered it to mean that $akt Mjalaw had joined the league of those elderly Babalwo who found it difficult to allow up-and-coming If priests to display their potentials due to enw. There and then, he lost respect for $akt MOjlw. He made up his mind that he would go and offerthe gbq but would never step his house again. He purchased the he-goat and palm oil, returned to the house of $kt mjlw who offered the gbg for him. He left with the resolve that that day was the last time the elderly Babalwo would see him.
On the appointed period, he left for the Qw's palace with the
determination to show those elderly Babalwo that their time was up and that they ought to give way to younger generations of Babalwo to exhibit theirtalents.
At the home of Qw there were several Babalwo. Akukg'dlg Qtanngalanja was one of the youngest invited Babalwo. He was very excited and eager to display his vast knowledge in If. As soon as they stafted, he practically
took over proceedings in utter disregard for the laid-down rules in the conducts of If practice. He held the elders in unbelievable disdain. The elders felt insulted and highly humiliated. He was just jumping at any opportunity to display his talents. The elders left him to satisfy himself. At the end of the consultation, some of the Babalwo who were present gathered together and swore on him. They also invoked the rain to fall on
him, thereby spoiling his things and drawing negative elements into his life.
When he reached home, all his things got spoilt. Where he was hthefto being given respect, he was being viewed with scorn; where he was
547
hitherto being honoured, he was being humbled. His numerous customers began to notice that what he had hithefto been doing for them with good results were now being trailed by failure and disappointments, All his customers began to run away from him. His very few friends began to steer clear of him for fear of being afflicted with his bad-luck. In sheer desperation, AkUkg'dtg Qtangalanja rushed to the house of gkt mjlw for help. tAkt mOjlw consulted If for him. Qkanran-M) was revealed again. He told him that he was the cause of his problems and misfortune. He was informed that he had earlier been warned to no avail. He was told that if he could turn a new leaf, have respect for elders and constituted authorities and offer the appropriate gbg, his sadness would give way to joy: his misfoftune would be replaced with foftune and his disappointments would change to boundless oppotunities. Knowing fully well that his past actions and his refusal to heed wise counselling of the elderly and more experienced If priest had landed him in his condition, he made up his mind to follow the advice given to him. He informed Sakt mjlw that he was ready to change his attitudes and would definitely atone for all his previous misdeeds. Fakt mOjlw then advised him to offer gbg with one matured hegoat and plenty of palm-oil and money. He complied. After this, Sakt mjlw pulled all the tail feathers of AkUkg'dtq Qtanngalaja, ground same into fine powder and spread the powder into Qpgn-If. He used it as fyrosn to imprint Qbara-M). He recited this stanza in Qkanran MJ|. While reciting the stanza he was steering the QpQn-If until he turned the Qbara-M) into the opposite direction to form Qkanran-M). After this, he made nine incision marks on AkUkg'dig QHnnglja's head and used the powder to rub the marks, There and then, all the negative elements left him. He returned home a renewed and revitalized man. Soon after this, luck began to shine on him. His things began to take shape. His self-confidence returned. His clients began to return to him one by one. His fotunes began to rise together with his profiles as a highly competent Babalwo. He saw the need to accord elders their due respect. He was never too forward. He never did anything to slight elders. He never made
548
ll or"ro, *",,
any move without due consultation and permission from elders. From the day he began to do these, he lived happily ever after.
Sakt mojlw Dl fin Akkg'dlg Qtanngalana Tl $'awo r'Ode9w Fbg niwgn nf k w Se
gbbo, ru'bg paArurg lonff Oreldl doodl ASubiAwoa sl d'gure
Oo
Translation
Sakt mojlw He was the Awo who cast If for AkUkg'diq Qtanngalaja, the Big Cock When going on If mission tothe land of Qwa He was advised to offer ebe Hecomplied Rain had fallen on Akkg, the Cock, today The tail plume had serued its contrariness And the misfoftunes of the Awo had turned to oppoftunities
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to avoid being too forward in anything he/she is doing. He/she must avoid the temptation of
thinking that without him/her ceftain things cannot be do right or correctly lest he/she is exposed to physical, emotional and spiritual displeasure of elders. associated with the displeasure of elders, it is advisable for him/her to atone his when bad behaviours and then use the tail feathers of the cock and mark nine incisions on his/her head as explained above. If this is done correctly, misfoftune will surelyturn to foftune and sadness to joy.
If this had already happened and he/she is experiencing hardship
L4.
If says that something is about to get lost or had already been lost by the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she need not search for it too much. If he/she did, f he/she invites the law enforcement agent, or uses private investigators, or employed
549
spiritual means to search for it, the outcome wll not be in his/her favour. He/she will be worse off than ever before the item being
looked for got lost or missing.
If says however that the most realistic method to use was to THREATEN to either use the law enforcement agents, or private
investigators or use occult means or any other means available to him/her to search for the lost item, without carrying out the threat. If says that by so doing, it will lead to unbelievable financial success, more respect and honour for him/her.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with three pigeons, three cocks and money. He/she also needs to serue $ng with one cock, bitter cola and palmoil. If these can be done, success awaits this person. On this,If says:
Afefe nfffQ'gi oko ilglg-ilQlg lfuutu lQlQ nfl9e'w agbqnfiajla MrlwoQpQ ni Owlfn'ra wgntQlQ
Tlwgnfi ygo
Dl filn Aw-Itr-La T nl itrt Oun t sgn
Ounywa o lbg ni wqn nl kge
Translation
The breeze s it which blows the farm tress gently and quietly And the tempest is itwhich blowsthe coconut leaves strongly and violently The newly-sprout palm fronds do not inform each other Beforetheyspring up These were lfa's declarations to Aw-It-La (He-who-searched-for-hishe-goat-and-beca me prosperous-i n-the-process) Who said that his he-goatwhich got lost He must search for it He was advised to offer gbg
$ang had a very strong, big he-goat. Every morning, he would wake up only to find this he-goat by his door-step waiting for its food. After feeding, the he-goat would follow $ng around for sometimes before wandering
550
ll
ox"non u"i
around in the vicinity. The he-goat would repeat this ritual in the evenng. That was how this he-goat was doing everyday for a very long period of time, It reached a stage that everybody could easily recognize this he-goat as the property of $ngO.
One day however, $ng woke up in the morning but could not find his hegoat, This surprised him because he knew this was unusual. He quickly dressed up and called people to help him search for this he-goat, in the event that it fell into a ditch or was caught by a trap. They searched everywhere but the he-goat was nowhere to be found. It soon became
clear that the he-goat had been
stolen. This infuriated $ng
that
someone or group of people would have the effontery to steal his he-goat. He therefore resolved to teach the culprits a lesson which they would not forget easily. Before he did this, he wanted to identifo whoever stole the he-goat so as to mete out whatever punishment which would suit his fancy to him/her orthe group. Consequent upon this, he wentto the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo informed $ng that he had lost something very dear to him and he had made up his mind to find it by all means possible. The Awo however advised him not to look for the lost item too much and never take any punitive measure against the culprit. $ng was warned that looking for it too much or punishing the offender would not be in his own interest as the outcome would never be in his favour. He was advised that he could threaten to punish the offender(s) without necessarily carrying out this threat. If this could be done, he was assured that this would lead to unprecedented foftune for him. He was also advised to offer gbg with three pigeons, three cocks and money. He was also to serve his spirit ( for the client, he/she needs to serve $ang) with one cock, bitter kola and palm-oil. $ng complied. The next day, Eg Qdara came to $ng and asked him what plan he had to retrieve his he-goat from those who had stolen it from him. $ng responded that If had asked him not to look for the he-goat too much, not to punish the offenders but to threaten those who had done it. EgU Qdara told $ang that he (E9 Qdara) already had a plan for that. He urged $ng to dress up. Sng did. They headed for Alr's palace (the Qba of Ilara
551
Ehti). $ng informed Alr that some people had stolen his he-goat and
he planned to send thunder and brimstone to their homes to destroy them. Alr pleaded with him notto do so. After much persuasion $ng allowed himself to be persuaded and he told Alr that, but for his intervention he would have destroyed all the culprits and their relations. The next poft of call was the Palace of Ajer (Qba ofljerO El{ti). He repeated his threat and
he also allowed himself to be persuaded. After this, he headed for the palace of Qwrngrln of rl, Q|JQQ of QyQ, onrkoyi of lkOyi, AwjalQ of IgOu iand, Qlqfin Adlmula of Il-IfQ, Amngbo of RQmg land, OtrJw offw, Alktu of Ktu, QIQwQ of QwQ and so on. He threatened to destroy all his culprits and their relations. He also allowed himself to be persuaded against taking such action. Egu Qdara then asked him to return home. He
dd.
The next day, EgU Qdara wentto the palace of Alr and asked him what he wanted to do to compensate $ngo for heeding his advice. After much deliberation they concluded that it would be good and very befitting for Alr to send to $ng the equivalent amount of 100 he-goats. EgU Qdara also went to the palaces of AjerO, QwarngrJn and all the other Qba to whom they had earlier gone to report the matters. Three days after, while $ng was just ruminating over the fruitless journey he made to several places with Eg Qdara, the delegation of Alr arrived. They gave him the money with the appreciation of the Alr to a wofthy friend who would listen to the advice of his friend. A few moments after, the delegation of Ajer arrived with money and appreciation. All the other Qba sent in their own money and appreciation. $ang could not believe his luck. He had more money than anyone in his environment. He had money to buy more than 6,000 he-goats he was full of praises for his Awo, EgU Qdara and Oldmar. Those who were aware of the turn of event nicknamed him Aw-Itrl-l, he-who-searched-for-his-he-goat-andbecame-prosperous-inthe-process.
AfJe
Tlwgnfiygo
ntlge'w agbgn jlajla Mrlw Qpe n O wl fn'ra wgn tglQ
n|lfg'gi oko ilQlQ-ilQlQ

lQlQ
ffitufu
DlfilnAw-Itr-La
T nl itrl oun t sgn
552
ll
Oun y wa o fibg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'gbo, rubg Ko pr K jlnna f wa b ni byQ
ox"nn, uei
f wwo reo
Translation
The breeze is it which blows the farm tress gently and quietly And the tempest is it which blows the coconut leaves strongl and violently The newly-sprout palm fronds do not inform each other Beforetheyspring up These were lf's declarations to Aw-Itrf -L (He-who-searche -for-his-he-goat-and-beca me prosperous-in-the-process) Who said that his he-goatwhich got lost He must search for it He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Before long, nottoo far away loin us in the midstofjoy Come and behold
ire
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to be patent and avoid taking any puntive measure aganst anyone so as not to block his/her chances of prosperity and greatness
If says that taking punitive measure against people by the person for whom this Od is revealed can only lead to regret disappointments and
disaster for him/her.
15.
If says that there is the need to offer gbg for a strikingly beautiful lady where ths Od is revealed so that hers will not be a situation where she will known for only her beauty but not with children. If says that this lady's chance oi becoming barren woman for the rest of her life is very high. There is therefore the need for her to Iay less emphasis on her beauty which she really possessed but to struggle to
become a mother of children in her life.
If advises this lady to offer gbg with eight rats, eight fish,
553
three
i
!
hens, three cocks and plenty of money. If also advises her to

maintain chastity throughout her life and not to engage in selling her body and beauty. On this aspect a stanza in Qkanran-M) says:
Ojrl mg'nilpo Almg ni Qfa Oir kll rlgni tirQ k ma kti D,l fn Nlnl gmg Ere L'Apa Qmg lngwQ kagn bl igb agogo Ey tl wqn n| k fi ew sllQ Fbq qmg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
To have acquaintances
atfpo
And to lack one at Ofa One cannot see one's acquaintances and refuse to extend one's greetings to them
These were lf's declarations to Nlnl the daughter of the Boa conscriptorof Ap town
The offspring of those who pluck strong charms as

calabashes used in drumming She was advised to lay less emphasis on her beauty And offer qbg so as to bear children
if they were
Ninl was the favourite daughter of the great Boa Conscriptor of Ap town. She was very beautiful. She was also aware that she was blessed with good looks. She was therefore determined to explot this natural gift to the fullest. There was no extent she could not go in order to enhance her beauty and by extension, her marketability. There was no man she believed that she could not seduce. Those she could not do with her body. she would do with strong charms which her family possessed in abundance.
Anytime she seduced a man successfully, she considered it her personal conquest. She therefore concentrated on seducing the high and mighty in the community. After she had completely subdued her territory she e*ended her dragnet to neighbouring communities. It was success after success. She soon had a reputation of having her ways on any issue and with anybody in the community.
554
nI
ll
Okanran Meji
In order to maintain her status as the most desirable lady in her area, she went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo however
advised her to lay lass emphasis on her looks and concentrate on how to get married and build her own family. The Awo advised herto stickto only one man and drop all her chains of lovers and admirers. She was asked to get married before it would be too Iate for her to bear children again. She was also advised to offer gbg with eight rats, eightfish, three cocks, three
hens and money. When Nlnl heard these, she was extremely angry with Babalwo. She considered the advice as unprecedented insult on her person. As a princess of Ap, she feltthatthe Awo had gone beyond his bound by addressing her the way he did. As someone who hailed from a home where they specialized in the preparation of potent charms and medicines she felt that there was no problem the charms could not solve. As a beautiful lady, she felt that there was no man she could not have as husband whenever she was ready. She therefore concluded that the Awo was out to insult her out of envy. She also considered the gbg the Awo asked her to offer as a means of reaping where the Awo did not sow. She simply told the Awo to get lost. She stormed out of his house and vowed never to return there. She continued her way of life without looking back. She also refused to take caution from anyone.
To become pregnant was never a problem for
Mnl. The only snag was that she could not say with ceftainty who was responsible for the pregnancy
because of her chains of lovers. As a result of this, she never wasted time in
terminating the pregnancy. The herbs for doing this were well known to her becaise of her family background as strong herbalists. Whenever she was infected with veneral diseases, it never took her time to find remedies to her problems. She did these for a very long time. It brought her notoriety wealth and influence. At the same time, the strong herbs she had been using over time destroyed her womb and body.
By the time she proclaimed her readiness to get married; many prospective
husbands had turned their backs on her. She was however lucky to get somebody to marry her. Several years after marriage, she was not
555
pregnant. Her womb had been destroyed. She tried several herbs without success. Her father, the Qba of Ap invited several herbalists to cure her of her ailment, all to no avail. She soon realized that she had used her past actions to destroy her future. By the time she was that ready to go and offer the gbg hithefto prescribed for her so as to become pregnant, it was already too late. She was advised to learn how to live life which barren women live. It was a sad life she lived. She lived a lonely life, full of regrets
and painfu I reflections. Ojrl mg'nilpo Almg ni Qfa Ojr kll r{ gni tirQ k ma kli Dl filn Nlnl gmg Er L'Ap 9mq lno, wQ kagn bl igb agogo Eyl tf wqn nl kfi gwa sf$ Fbg qmg niwqn nl k ge Oun wa fi etl Jrln gbQ ebg f t'osl da n
Nlnlwdra Nlnlsunwqn ljo Arn lblmgtl rl9eOl'mg L'Ap yll kQ?
Translation
To have acquaintances
atlpo
to
And to lack one at Ofa One cannot see one's acquaintances and refuse extend one's greetings to them
These were If's declarations to lnl the daughter of the Boa conscriptorof Ap town The offspring of those who pluck strong charms as it they were calabashes used in drummingShe was advised to lay less emphasis on her beauty And offergbq in orderto bearchildren She heard the advice with her right ear And threw itoutwith her leftear Lo, NInI istruly beautiful And Nlnl is lovely as a snake But what about childlessness disease Which had afflicted the Chief daughter of Ap town?
If advises the lady for whom this Od is revealed to make the issue of
556
il ox"non u"i child-bearing her priority so as not to live a lonely worthless life in her old age. If says that no wealth, no acquaintance, no influence, no preparation can insure her aganst sadness and regrets at the twilight of her life on eafth-except heeding If's advice.
16. If advises that person for whom this Od is revealed to be very

careful in life in whatever he/she does. There are three things he/she needs to consider seriously. One, he/she needs to offer gbg against a situation where he/she will not be useful to himself/herself- that is a situation where he/she could expend all his/her energy for other people to success and accomplishment without achieving any success for himself/herselfi two, he/she needs to offer gbg against being pushed into doing what will eventually not be benefitial to him/her, but only those who goaded him/her; and three, he/she needs to offer gbg against being used and dumped by his/her presumed suppofters after they feel that he/she has outlived his/her usefulness to them - he/she may be removed from the position of authority or influence, he/she may be banned from ceftain areas and he/she may be eliminated altogether. There is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer
gbg with one big ram a red cap or headwear and money. He/she is also advised to sever Egu Qdara with one cock. He/she must never wear a red cap or headwear again in his/her life. It is
against his/her destiny. He/she may wear any other cap or headwear as long as it is not reddish in colour. On these,If says:
O-rQ' mi-slwj -fese-tere Dl filn In
Tl trlgrj'oye MaEte fibgniwqn nl k9e
Translation
He-who-wets-the-grou nd-on ly-to later-march-on-muddy Ground He was the Awo who cast If for In, the fire When going to be given the title of Mlt, the positio -h mself-i n-a va nta ge-place
i
557
la Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultation
He was advised to
offergbg
In, the fire, was an oftspring of OgUn. He was known to be a very fierce and over ambitions person. Unfoftunately, those who were close to him had come to realize that he was merely full of muscle but with little brain. In this wise, they decided to take advantage of his big weaknesses and exploit him to achieve their selfish end. They knew that Ina could help them in cooking, drying their food and in the preseruation of other things. He could also be of help in the provision of light and so on. They were also aware that he would do allthese chores to his own detriment but they never bothered to give consideration to how to compesate him. They were aware that, being inordinately ambitious, he himself would never consider his personal safety as Iong as he was flattered and made to fell impoftant enough. One day, Afefe-lele, the Gentle Breeze, Atggn the Air, FfrUfU-leQ, the Tempest, Afefe Afqyita, the Whirlwind, the Tornado, and so on approached Ina and intimated him on the fact that the elders in the community had deliberated for a long time on his activities and importance in the society. They had come to the realization that his influence in the society was so great that he was considered to be second to none. The elders had therefore decided to give him the leadership position of not only their community but of the whole world. All the elders of the world had been contacted and they had all agreed to honour him with the chieftaincy title known as the Malete-he-who-postions-himself-in a-vantage-place. They said that the elders of the whole world had sent them to come and convey their decision to him. Upon hearing this, In was completely overwhelmed. He was so happy and so proud of himself and his achievement that without thinking, he pledged his loyalty to them and assured them that he would not only meet their expectations, but would surely surpass them.
II,
When In arrived home, he explalned his good foftune and newly acquired impoftance to his wife. His wife advised him to go and consult If first before commiting himself futher. He therefore wentto the Awo mentioned above for If consultation even though his inordinate ambition had already blinded his eyes to see reason. He merely wished to satisfy his wife by going to the Awo because he believed that there was nothing anyone would say that would dissuade him from becoming the Mlt of the whole world.
558
f;f, or"ron
,",,
In the home of theAwo, If was consulted and Okanrn-M) was revealed. The Awo told Ina that he was about to be given a position of influence and that If advised against taking this position. He was also told that those who were urging him to take this position were doing so for their own selfish reasons and that nothing good would ever come out of it for In the holder of the title himself. In was also told that If advised him against allowing other people to push him into doing anything as those who were encouraging him would be the same people who would be instrumental to his destruction whenever they felt that he had outlived his usefulness. The Awo then advised In to think seriously before committing himself to anything and then offer qbg with one big ram, the red cap on his head and money. He was also advised to serue Egu Qdara with one cock. What angered In more than anything was the mention of his red cap which the Awo advised him to offer as gbq. He considered the Awo a thief for asking him to paft with his beautiful red cap. He also considered that the Awo was suffering from greed, propelled by excessive hunger by asking him to use one ram to offer gbg and one cock to serue E+u. He made up his mind never to waste his resource on this gbg. As regards the advice of the Awo that he should not take up the position, In told the Awo that he did not vie for the post and that those who knew his worth in the community grouped themselves together from all over the world and honoured him with the He told the Awo that if he, the Awo was envious of his achievement, then the Awo could go and meet the council of elders for his own title. He warned the Awo that if he or any other envious individuals or groups like him should try to stop him from becoming the Mlt of the world, he would spare no weapon at his disposal to use in their destruction.
title.
On the day fixed for the installation ceremony AfQfQ-lele, Fff-lQlQ, I!, Afefe-Afefik and so on were present. They installed In as the Mlt of the world with pomp and pageantry. In was extremely happy. He expended a lot of energy on that day to the satisfaction and advantage of his king-makers.
Since that day, In knows no rest. Neither did he know any day's peace of mind. He was working day and night. Yet In had nothing to show for it.
Others were enjoying, In was suffering. Others used him for cooking,
559
drying straightening or bending of metals, patching things, lighting and burning, etc. Afefe-lele, ffrfUfU-tele, IJI and so on, were the ones who urged him on to do all these. Sometimes, In overdid things by burning people's farms, houses and other propefties; those affected knew him to be
a notorious being.
It soon reached a stage that In was recognized by all with his red cap. Anywhere he was, instead of being liked and respected, he was being
feared and scorned. Those whom he was producing light for to see their ways through treated him with caution. In all these, In could not see
himself.
At a stage, he began to complain loudly. Those who installed him also began to see him as a big nuisance. Then, after they had used him to their satisfaction, they decided to dump him when he had outlived his usefulness. I), ffuufu-qq, Afefe-lele, and Ojo, the mighty Rainfall, combined together to put off the light of In. They produced a very strong mind which induced heavy rainfall who descended and removed the red
cap
ofln.
That was how In died in the hands of those who installed him. Shortly before his death, In remembered the warning of the Awo and his advice for him to use his red cap to offer gbg which he refused to do. He regretted that the red cap eventually became the reason why people loathed, feared and scorned him. It was also the thing which was instrumental to his untimely death. In died, full of regrets when it was just too late to make
amends.
O- rq' m
-slwj -fesQ-tgrQ
Itl fin In
Tl trlg
rj'oye Mlt
fbg niwQn nl kge fetf oJn gb'ebg
fit'osld n
ErolporerOQfa FO rl'f ij nnl bfltl Qeo Intow j'oyeeMaEt Eeyan tfi Q j'oy
Nn
lfggpao
560
n!
fil okanran
Mei
Translation
He-who-wets-the-g round-on ly-to-later-ma rch-on-muddy Ground He was the Awo who cast If for In, the fire When going to be given the title of Malete, the positio -himself-in-a vantage-place He was advised to offer gbg He heard the advice with is right ear And threw the advice awaywith his left Travelerstolpoand Qfa Just imagine the consequence of the advice (given by the Awo and reject by the client) In, who was given the title of Mebt Thosewho installed you Were the same people who blew you out of existence
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to be realstc at all times. He/she must never allow anyone to push him/her into doing anything and must not allow prase-sngers and flatterers to use sweet
tongues to cajole him/her into doing anything aganst his/her wish or that which is not in tune with reality. Those who flatter him/her to do this would be the same people who would eventually plan his/her downfall. This is because the people have no patriotic reason for urging him/her on except their own personal agenda. The moment he/she had outlived his/her usefulness to them, they would find a way to eliminate him/her and look for someone else to use for their selfish objectives.
AB9R
Asgvr
561
B.
SIGNTFTCANCE ITFLD
OF SKANRAN-MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THIS OD DURING ITOSEOAYE OR
Qkanran-Mjl children are by nature very lkeable people. They are usually loved and adored by all. They usually reached the peak of their achievements in life through their being loved by those around them. They
should however not forget that many people who love them may be for their own selfish end. In this wise, Qkanran-Mil children need to be sensible at all times and they need to reflect on all events as deeply as possible before they conclude that the love being shown to them by others are genuine love and not out of selfish desires.
The people born by this Od shall be very popular they shall succeed in life and their popularity shall extend far beyond their places of abode. They shall however not be able to reach the peak of their success where they were born, but rather, they shall succeed outside their places of bifth. Qknran-Mil children also have the tendency to owe their loyalty and allegiance to the areas where they succeed more than the areas where they were born. They are also usually at home anywhere they settle down to live. For this reason therefore, they do not find it difficult to make friends and acquaintances in a new environment. They also receive more honour; respect, care and recognition anywhere they settle than in the areas where they are born.
Qknran-Mjl children have leadership qualities due to to their close association with $ng, they tolerate people a lot. They are easily carried away with praises, flattery and sweet words. These notwithstanding however they can be very stubborn, obstinate and highly unreasonable if
they chose to be.
They are more often than not, unpredictable and highly emotionally unstable. For this reason they may blow cold one moment and the next momentthey may be seen blowing hot.
People born by this Od, males and females are great traders. They succeed in trading and merchandise. They are also great travellers. They 562
Ei
or"ron u'i
may go into, and succeed in marketing, purchasing and supplies, banking, farming, fishing and manufacturng. They may open stores and supermarkets. They may have their own warehouses and succeed in them. They can also succeed as If priests' medical herbalist, occultists and clairuoyants. They may also go nto medical or para-medical lines such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, mid-wivery, orthopaedic medicine, gynecology and neurology. But wh'atever line they choose, they must never forget that they need to guard jealously their professional ethics so as not to subject themselves to ridicu le a nd pu blic odi u m.
Qknrn-Mjl male children make good husbands. They know how to pet their wives. They also respect their wives feelings and emotions. In the
same vein. Qkanran-M) female children also make good housewives. They know how to take care of their husband's children and homes. They are very homily. They work hard and respect their husbands and their relatives. They also enjoy the suppoft of their husband's relations due to their own attitudes towards them. They are however prone to being very jealous but with understanding on the part of their husbands, this will never constitute any threat to their home and to the love they have for their husbands which their husbands also reciprocate. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Qkanran-Mjl children, males and females are bound to have a happy and rewarding married life.
They are also to have good and influential children. They also have the tendenry to give bifth to twins. These children will be popular and their reputations will extend beyond the shores of their communities. For the children of Qkanrn-Mjl, victory over adversary is assured. Those who conspire against them shall regret ever doing so. Those who plan to take advantage of their inadequacies shall also regret. In the same vein, they are not expect to take advantage of or conspire against anyone. If they do, they are bound to suffer.
Qkanrn-Mjl children also have the misfoftune of being betrayed or led astray by their confidants and trusted ones. For this reason therefore, it is
advisable for them to tarry a little before they place their trust in anyone. They should also not betray the trust that their confidants have in them.
563
Whoever does this shall suffer exposure and humiliation.
They also have the tendency to lose things very dear to their heaft. This may be stolen or misplaced by their trusted friends. It is advisable for them not to go all out in finding the lost item or the person(s) who had taken it. The consequence will not be pleasant. They may however threaten to find and expose the culprit and limit their effoft at that. This will lead to good foftune and success for them.
On the whole, Qkanran-M) children must never think evil, speak evil, do evil or be rude to elders. They must never treat elders or their colleagues with scorn or disdain. They must always show respect, care, love and understanding to elders and their colleagues. Their lies success and accomplishment. Their lies happlness and achievement. By so doing, they can never regret.
c.
AFFTLTATED rRNM9LF AND MEJI CHILDREN
oRISA OF SIGNRAN-
t. If - For protection, success, longevity and overall well-being 2. orf - For protection against adversary and for financial success.
3.
4.
5. 6. 7.
8.
9.
Also for suppoft and longevity $ng- For protection, for leadership, victory and for success. Also for child-bearing 9ya - For childbearing, for love and adoration and for leadership Egu Qdara'- For victory over adversary and for support Ibejl (Twins Deity) - Forchildbearing and forgenera|support pgbe- For childbearing, for genercl adortion and for support Egngn - For childbearing and generalsuccess Od For a good spouse, for financial success and for love and adoration.
D.
TABOOSOFQTGNRAN-MEJICHTLDREN
of $ng and Qya and to avoid childlessness
1. Must noteat sheep - (both ram and ewe) - to avoid losing the support
\l
or"non *",,
2. Must not eat cock - to avoid being curse by elders and those 3. 4.
5.
in
6.
postons of authority Must not touch cockroaches and spders - to avoid being deprived of leadership positions and other positions of responsibilities Must never conspire against anyone - to avoid being humiliated and disgraced Must never steal other people's property - to avoid being exposed and disgraced Must never expose self to rainfall, strong wind or tempest - to avoid
being led astray and being used to satisff other people's
selfish
designs and manipu lations 7. Must never eat any of the monkey family - to avoid the wrath of the Twins Deity. 8. Must not play with or kill ants - to avoid problem of childbearing. 9. Must not eat snake - to avoid the problem of chlldbearing (especially women) lO.Must not use red cap or headgear - to avoid being led astray or being used and dumped. To also avoid doing something that may lead to self destruction 11. Must not use paftridge - to avoid sickness for the whole household the same time 12.Must not use Brown or King Rat - to avoid childlessness
at
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OTANNAN.MEJI CHILDREN
Males
I. Adeggkan - The crown is one . Odublyff - Od begotthis . Ire-ni-n--kO - I willcome across ire iv. $ngblyff - Sang begotthis v. Ifgbnj - If has made me to dance
Females
i. .
Od9Qkn - Od is one
Odggl
OdU has made honour
565
lfa Dda: An nvtaton to lfa Consultaon
ii. iv. v.
Irwgl
- Ire has entered the house
Qk?l Omolhun - The child of the owner
566
Chapter 9
OCNOA MEI
ll ll ll ilil
Chapter Nine
OC(IruDA MEJI
(Alias: Ejl Oko)
A.
1.
If says that it foresees the Ire of accomplishment for the person for whom OgUnda-U) is revealed. If says that this person shall be wealthy; he/she shall be loved and adored; he/she shall be blessed with good children, shall have good health, and shall live long and in happiness.
If says that all the Ire of the person for whom this Od is revealed are in the hands of If. He/she needs to serue If diligently and If shall in turn shower blessings on him/her. There is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two hens, two cocks, two pigeons, two guinea-fowl and money. He/she also needs to serve If with two rats, two fish, one hen and one guinea fowl. On these,If says:
E
ma se s
Amawobigtigesl
Dl
filn Elrr Ogogo

l,
9mq abp ire gbogbo wqtl-wgnti Igbatl t'run bQ w'l ay fbg ni wgn nl k w $e
wQ Oldmar
Translation
Continue to do what you are doing We shall see whatyou shallaccomplish in it This was If's declaration to Elrer OgOgO Offspring of hewho hasthe bag fullof alllrefrom Oldmar When coming form Qrun toA
568
l!
ogunaa uei
Elrr Og0gO was comng from heaven into the world. He wentto choose his destiny. He was given all the Ire in life - a successful career, wealth, a loving and lovely spouse, good children, several houses, good health,
victory over adversary long life and happiness. In order to ensure the security of all these lre, they were placed in the hands of If for safe keep.
While on eafth, Elrr Og0g went to the Awo mentioned above to inquire about his success chances, would he succeed in life? How would he attain his success? How great would he be in his life? Would he have someone he would love sincerely and who would genuinely love him too? Would he be blessed with loving lovely and loveable children? Would he be blessed with good health and sound mental aleftness? Would he be wealthy enough to build his own house in his life? Would he live long?
fish, two hens, two pigeons, two cocks, two guinea fowls and money. He was gqually advised to serve If with hro rats, two fish, one hen, and one guinea fowls. Allthese, Elrr 0gOgO complied with. He
All these questions the Awo answered in the affirmative. They also told him that he would not only succeed in life, but other people would be gauging their own success with his own. Others would also be praying to Oldmar to make them as successful as Elrr 0gOgO. He was however advised to move close to If as all these achievements and all other Ire are in the hands of If. He was also advised to offer gbg with four rats, four
also became an ardent If follower. He was even fanatical about his belief in If. Those who noticed this began to watch him closely in order to see what would be the outcome of his close association with If. Elrr 0ggO on his part would never take any step without adequate If consultation. To his boundless joy, there was nothing he asked for, that he did not accomplish. It reached a stage that Elrr OgOg was nicknamed 'Elrr 0g0g gmg abp ire gbogbo wQti-wgnti I'QwQ Oldmar'
'Elrr 0gOgo, offspring of he who has the bag full of all Ire from Oldmar'. Everybody's belief was that whenever he needed anything he would simply go and deep his hands into the bag full of all the good things of life provided for him by Oldmar.
569
Before long, everybody began to use Elrr 0gOgO as their prayers reference to the Deites and Oldmar to give them as He had given Elrr 0g0g. Even if they wanted to get married or beget good children, or build a house, or even transact any business at all, they would pray to Oldmar to let these things be as successful as those of Elrr Og0g. Elrr Og0g in his own case was full of joy, and gratitude to his Awo, If and Oldmar.
A ma wo bigOti gees{ Dlfirn Elrrogog 9mg abpO ire gbogbo wQtl-wgnti I'Qwg Oldmar Igba rtt'Qrun bqw'lay Fbq ni wgn nl k w 9e gb'Qbgrrrl'bo MotQ'wg kl gfiln mi nl'reajt'mi o Elrere Ogogo o d o Qmq abpO irewqntl-wgnti I'qwq Oldmar Mo t'ewq K e filn mi nl're aya t'mi o Elrr OgOg o d o Qmq abapO ire wqntl-wgnti I'gwq Olodmar Mo tg'wq kl g fn mi nl're gmg t'mi Elrr OgOg o d o 9mg abapO ire wqntl-wgnti I'QwQ Oldmarc Mo te'wQ kl g filn mi nl're lkrl t'mi o Elrr Ogog o d o gmg abpo ire wOtl-wgnti l', wq Oldmare Mo tg'wq kl g fitn mi nl're gbogbo t'mi o Elrr OgOgo o d o gmq abapo re wqtl-wgnti I'qwq Oldmar
I maa Se g
Translation
Continue to do what you are doing We shall see whatyou shall accomplish in it This was If's declaration to Elrer OgOgo Offspring of he who has the bag full of Ire from Oldmar When coming from Qrun toAy He was advised to offergbg He complied I stretch my handsto receive myown wealth Here comes Elrr OgOgO
574
li
Offspring of hewho hasthe bag fullof irefrom Oldmar I stretch my hands to receive my own spouse Here comes Elrr Og0g. Offspring of hewho hasthe bag fullof Irefrom Oldmar I stretch my handsto receive myown children Here comes Elrr g0g Offspring of he who has the bag full of Ire from Oldmar I stretch my hands to receive my own longevity Here comes Elrr OgOgO Offspring of hewho hasthe bag fullof Iref:om Oldmar I stretch my hands to receive all the Ire in life Here comes Elrr Og0g Offspring of hewho hasthe bag fullof alllrefrom Oldmar
osunaa uei
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all the Ire in life. He/she only needs to move close to If at all times
as all these Ire are in the hands of If to be gven to him/her whenever and if ever he/she asks forthem.
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not only acqure all the Ire in life, but shall get them in a very delicious way and at the most appropriate time. If says that as If holds all the Ire in life securely for him/her, so also is it that Qbatl ensures that he/she get them at the most appropriate periods and in the most delicious manner. If saysthatthe life of the person forwhom OgUnda-wj is revealed shall be sweet and enjoyable. If says that Qbtl shall add honey into his/her life. He/she shall be able to attain his/her heat's desires at the time that he/she would enjoy them most. He/she shall never regret in life.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with honey, bananas, sugar, alcohol and all sweet fruits and money. He/she is also advised to serve If and QbaHl with 16 snals each and all-sweetfruits. On these aspects If says:
571
lfa Dida: An nvitaon to lfa Consultaton
Pank$rQwEnjqn-wqnjn Awo inu lgb Dl firn ooganla oseremagbo Tl yfi aldnfiln lrk f;bg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
PankQrQ wQnjqn-wQnjQn, the feeble
willow isthe Awo of the forest
He was the Awo who cast If for OOganla OsQQrQmagbO
Who shall give sweetness tolrk, the sugarcane He was advised to offergbg
Irk, the sugarcane, was specially chosen by ORganla QSQQTQmgbo as his favourite. He therefore planned to make her the sweetest of all the canes. For this reason, ORganla Qgeeremagb went for If consultation in the house of theAwo mentioned above.
The Awo advised Onsanla QpQQrQmgb to offer gbg with honey and all the sweet fruits he could lay his hands upon. He did. Soon after this, he was able to give Irk the sweetness that no other cane could ever boast of.
Irek had riches, she was sought after, she had her own appropriate
spouse and children atthe most appropriate period, she made the swampy and savannah areas her abode, she lived long; she was highly respected and honoured. Allthose who knewlrk were praying to Oldmar, If, and Ognl to make their lives as sweet as that oflrk. For these,Irk had every reason to be grateful to Oldmar her creator, If and Qbatl her benefactors who had specially chosen her for this rare favour and privileges. She was therefore singing, dancing and giving praises to them always.
PankgrQ wQnjQn-wQnjn Awo inu Dl firn ooganla Sgeeremagbo Tl y fi aldn fn lrek fibg niwQn nl k w ge
lgbo
gb'gborr'bg
Tl a b l'jgnil'O,wq $ebl aldn ara gni ni o orlgl QgQQrQmegbO l f aldn fin If je n r'drn ara mi jg o Bl a b l'ya gni n1l $ebl aldn ara eni ni o
lrk
572
il
Orlgrrl QggQrQmagbo lfaldn If je n r'dn ara a mi jq o Bl a b l'gmg gni n'll Sebl aldn ara eni ni o Orlganla QgQQrQmagbo l f atdn If jq n r'dn ara mi jg o Bl a b l'gbgni l'y $ebl aldn ara gni ni o orlgl Qqeeremagbo l f'aldn If jq n r'dn ara mi jg o Bl a b nl'regbogbo I'qwq $ebl aldn ara gni ni o Orlganla o+eeremagbo l f'aldn If j n r'dn ara mi jg o
ogunaa uei
fn lrk
filn lrk
filn lrk
fitn lrk
Translation
PankQrQ wqnjQn-wQnjQn, the
feeble willow
is
the Awo of the forest
He was the Awo who cast If for OOganl QgQQrQmagbO
Who shall give sweetness tolrk, the sugarcane He was advised to offer ebo
Hecomplied If one has one's wealth It is surelythe sweetness of one's person qbatl is he who has given sweetness tolrk Ifa please let me enjoythe sweetness of my person If one has one's own spouse It is surely the sweetness of one's person QbaHl is he who has given sweetness tolrk If please let me enjoy the sweetness of my person If one have one's own children in life It is surely the sweetness of one's person Qbaffil is he who has given sweetness tolrk If please let me enjoy the sweetness of my person If one has long life in one's life It is surely the sweetness of one's person Qbatl is he who has given sweetness tolreke If please let me enjoythe sweetness of my person If one has all the good thing of life It is surely the sweetness of one's person Qbatl is he who has given sweetness tolrk If please let me enjoythe sweetness of my person
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed in life
573
because he/she has been specially chosen by If and QbaHl. He/she shall live a very delicious life as his/her life shall be as sweet as sugarcane juice.
3.
If says that it foresees all the Ire in life for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she is expecting some great things that will change his/her life for the better; lf says that all of these things shall come to the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she shall get all these things within 30 days. If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with money and to serve If with one kolanut with four valves per day for 3O days. If says that before this ritual is completed, he/she would have achieved all what he/she had set outto achieve. On this, If says:
KanranjQngbQn I'gbawgn nfnU igb Dl fil n Baba-Af , yl ntl-j ggbQn-obl Igba sunkrln o, wq Oun t're fbg ni wqn nl ko ge
Translation
KanranjQngbQn rope is the king (of ropes) in the forest
This was the Awo who cast If for He-who-reclines and -consumesthirty-kolanuts When lamenting his inability to achieve all Ire in life He was advised to offer qbg
he-who- recl i nes-a nd-consu mes-th i rty-kola nuts had several things on his mind. He was pursuing many things but none of them had manifested. Much as he tried, all his effofts were to no avail. This brought frustration to set in. He was however advised to go and consult If. He did.
Ba ba
bQ n
-AfQt'l n -jqg
-ob),
The Awo told him that he would achieve all his heaft's desires within 30 days. He was advised to offer gbg with money and to serve If with one
574
i!
osunaa uei
kola nut per day for 30 days. He complied. As he began to serve If with one kola nut daily, all obstacles broke down and he was able to achieve all what he had set his mind and hands on. By the time it was 30 days he was already a very happy person. He was thus singing, dancing and praislng his Awo and If.
KanranjQngbgn l'gbawgn nlnu igb
Dl filn Baba-Af'$ylntl-jggbQn-obl Igba sunkn gwq un O tte Fbgniwgn nl k9e gb'gbo, rrl'bg Ero lpo, ero Qfa K t fqyln tl j'ggbQn obl tn Ire gbogbo a t', wQ Awo
Translation
KanranjQngbQn is the king of ropes in the forest This was the Awo who cast If for Baba-AfQt'in-jQgbQn-obl When lamenting his inabilityto achieve all Ire in life He was advised to offer gbg He complied Travellers tolpo and Qfa towns Before he reclined to complete eating the 30 kolanuts And Ire in life are within the reach of the Awo
If says that all ire in life shall be given to the person for whom this Od is revealed. All these Ire shall be achieved within 30 days. However, this is not to say that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not pursue his/her goals with as much zeal and enthusiasm as before in order to achieve his/her heaft' desires. This only means that all hindrances or obstacles shall give way and allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to exercise his/her energy and talents to make his/her dream come true.
4.
If says that the person from whom this Od is revealed is about to buy something to add to his/her business or this person is about to employ someone to the work force in his/her business. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed should not hesitate to do
so. What he/she has in mind shall not only bring success, fame and
575
popularity to him/her, it shall equally open his/her eyes to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
If says that there is the need to offer gbg with three pgeons, three hens, three guinea-fowls and money. After this, he/she needs to serve Qsanyln with one cock and two kola nuts. By so doing, Qsanytn will show him/her the path of success and
accomplishment. Astanza in Ogunda-M) says:
Gbinrin bl
Bl
D,l
ltl
ltl gbinrin
fitn Qrunmll
If lqQ ra Qsanyln I'Qr fbg ni wQn nf k 9e
Translation
Gbinrin bf l Bf )tl gbinrin These were the Awo who cast If for Qrnm)l When going to purchase Qsanyin as his slave He was advised to offer gbg Qrnmll was a very successful and highly accomplished Babatwo. He had several clients whom he used to attend to on a daily basis. It soon reached a stage that he could not cope with the daily chores all by himself. He therefore decided to go and buy a slave which would be assisting him in his day-to-day activities, Before he went to the slaves market, he summoned his two students mentioned above for If consultation: would it be wise for him to buy a slave at that time? Would the slave be of benefit to him? Would it not be wise for him to continue to cope as much as he could or to simply look out for apprentices who would be assisting him to run errands and look out for things for his numerous clients?
The Awo told Qrrlnmll that he was about to go and expend his money on something he wished to enhance the peformance of his business activities, he was urged to go ahead and do it as it would help him a great deal and would open his eyes to other technological aspect of his work. He was advised to offer gbg with three pigeons, three hens, three guinea 576
t It tl t,
Ogunda Meji
fowls and money. Qrnmll complied and set out

EIgbmgkn market.
on his way to
In the market, he saw Qsanyln in chains. He was brought into the market to be sold as slave. Qrnm'll made up his mind to buy him because they were related and they were colleagues right from heaven. They haggled over the price and eventually, he bought Qsanyln and brought him home. On their way home, he explained all what he had in mind before he decided to come to E)gbmgkn market to buy a slave to Qsnfln. Qsnyin told QrUnmIl that he would be ready to assist Qrnmll in his work and that he would forever be gratefulto QrrJnm)l that he was the one who bought him as a slave and not someone else. The following day, Qrunmll wanted to go out. He instructed Qsan$n to clear the weeds in his backyard so that snakes and other reptiles would not be creeping into the house. When Qrnmll returned home, he met, to his
utter surprise, the whole backyard weeds virtually untouched. He summoned Qsanyin to enquire from him why he failed to carry out his
instruction. gsanyln responded that he had not seen any weed to clear
because all the shrubs, weeds and grasses he found in Qrnmll's backyard
were of spiritual, medicinal or occult significance. He was asked to expatiate on his statements, Qsnt'in took Qrnmll to his backyard and
began to point out, one by one, all the weeds shrubs and roots there-in and
then told Qrnmll of their significance. Qsanyln said 'this is a leaf of prosperity, which one will I cut off?'. He would point to another leaf and say 'this one is for good health, which one will I cut off?' He would point to yet another and say. This is for long life, which one will I clear away?". He went on and on until he moved round the whole backyard. There was no lea[, root, shrub or weed that was of no significance.
Hitherto, Qrnmll had never employed the use of herbs, leaves, roots or shrubs in his work. He had all along been using lyQrosn and incantations to do his work. He then reasoned that it would not only be possible and practicable to combine herbs and roots with enabling incantation in his work, it would equally be useful and more effective. In this wise, Qrnmll convefted Qsn;iin from a slave to a business partner. Qsanyln then began to prepare herbs and roots for various ailments while Qrnmll would recite
577
the incantations in order to make them more effective than ever before. The result was unbelievable. It not only enhanced the efficacy of
Qrrlnm)l's works, it equally lifted him up in the society. This achievement came about as a result of Qsany'ln's introduction of herbs and root to Qrnm)l. As from that day until today, it is difficult to separate herbs and their enabling incantations. Anyone, be he/she, an If priest or priestess,
herbalist, occultist and so on that combines herbs and roots with incantation is simply making use of the combine effofts of esanyln and Qrunmll. Both of them were thus happy, singing and praising If and
Oldmar. Gbinrin bl ltl Bl ltl gbinrid Dl fn Qrrtnmll If rtlQq ra Qsanyln I'Qr fbg ni wQn nl k 9e gb'Qbo, r'bo Eyl ewe aje Gbinrin bl ltl Bl ltl gbinrin Ewo ni n ro n? Gbinrin bl ltl
Bl ltl gbinrif Eyl ewe aya Gbinrin bf ltl Bl ltl gbinrin Ewo ni n ro n?
Gbinrin bl
Bl
Ey,l
ltl gbinri{
ltl
Bl ltl gbinri{ Eyl ewe lku Gbinrin bl ltl Bl ltl gbinrin
ewe gmg Gbinrin bl ltl Bl ltl gbinrin Ewo ni n ro n? Gbinrin bl ltl
Ewo ni n ro n? Gbinrin bl ltl
578
I!
Bl
ogunaa uej
ltl gbinri{
Translation
Gbinrin bl ltl Bl Itl gbinrin These were the Awo who cast If for Qrrfnm'il When going to purchase O5ann as his slave He was advised to offer gbg He complied This one is the leaf of riches All hail Gbinrin bl ltl And Bi'l gbinrin Which one should I clear out All hail Gbinrin bl ltl And Bl )tl gbinrin This one is the leaf to acquire spouse All hail Gbinrin bl l And Bf 'l gbinrin Which one should I clear out? All hail Gbinrin bl l And Bf ltl gbinrin This one is the leaf of child bearing All hail Gbinrin bf ltl And Bf 'ltl gbinrin Which one should I clear out? All hail Gbinrin bl ]tl And Bf I gbinrin This one is the leaf of longevitY All hail Gbinrin bl l And Bi'ltl gbinrin Which one should I clear out? All hail Gbinrin bl ltl And Bi )ti gbinrin
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall benefit from a business proposal put forward by his/her subordinate. He/she should avail himself/herself of new ideas and new ways of doing things in order to reap ths benefit.
5.
If says that it foresees great accomplishment for the person whom this Od is revealed. If says that there is going to be huge success
579
lfa Dda: An nvitaton to lfa Consultation
in a joint venture in which he/she is involved. If says that for this venture to succeed, these must be available both technical and captal resources. The person for whom this Od is revealed has only one paft of the resources while his/her paftner has the other. Since one complements the othel there is the need for cooperation and mutual understanding. There should be no room for quarrel or disagreement. There is going to be success and accomplishment for the two people or groups involved in the venture. In the light of this, there is no reason why both of them should not be plain and honest in their dealings with each other. There is no reason why they should not be straight-fonruard when it comes to sharing the profit which accrue to them in this venture.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with two pigeons, two guinea fowls, two cocks and money.
There is also the need to serve Ogrln,
If and Orl with
one
catfish to serve the Ori of the person for whom the Od is revealed the
- the fish shall be cut into three parts the head shall be used
middle shall be used to serue Ogun; while the tail end shall be used to serve If. A stanza in support of these statements says: Iy l ab'arafunfun Dl firn Baba Anlb-ma-lQgbn-n Eyl t bq lrinlnir kk Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
The biglya ffee with its whitish bark He was the Awo who cast If for He-who-has-a-pond-but-did-not-havea-drainer When he was in the midst of trouble and ill health He was advised to offer gbg
Baba Aff bU-ma-lQgb n- n (He-who-has-a-pond-but-did-not-have-adrainer) was very ill. When he was at the verge of death, he went for If consultation on what to do for him to regain his health and vitality from Tya nla ab'ara funfun'. The Awo informed him that he would
580
!! ogunaa uei surely be well agan if he could offer gbg and serue his O. The Awo advised him to offer gbg with two cocks for victory over ailment, haro guinea fowls for comfoft and peace of mind and money. He was also advised to serue his Of with the head of a big catfish.
Baba Anf b-m-lQgbn-n secured allthe gbg materials that same day and the gbg was offered for him. He also sent his flrst son to his farm where he had a pond containing catfish to go and secure the fish for him to use to
serve his O. The son left for his farm immediately. The snag however was that he had nothing on him with which to drain the water in order to catch the fish in the pond. Iya l ab'arafunfun Dlfrn BabaAlQgbn-n m nllbrr E t fe, ylntl m'jrl gkn snrhn aj gunrugu fibg ni wQn nl kge
Translation
The biglya ffee with its whitish bark He was the Awo who cast If for He-who-has-a-drainer-but-does-nothave-a-pond When he was lamenting his inability to have wealth He was advised to offergbg
In the case of Baba AlQgbn-n-m-nfb (He who-has-a drainer-but-doesnot-have-a-pond) he had tried his hands on several business ventures without success. He was just living from hand to mouth. It reached a stage that to get the means to feed himself and his large family became a
great problem to him. Tired of this type of living, he went for Ifa consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above in order to find
solution to his problem; would he ever succeed financially in his life?
The Awo assured him that he would succeed in life and that all his problems shall soon be forgotten if he could endeavour to offer ebo. He was advised to offer gbg with two pigeons and money. There was also the need for him to serve If with the tail end of a big catfish. Baba AlQgbn-n-m-nlfb got the pigeons and money that same day and his Awo offered the ebo for him. He also sent his first son outto secure
581
,
t
lla Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultation
a big catfish for him with which to serve If. The snag here however was that even though he had a good drainer with which to drain water from a pond, there was no pond of his owr'l,
While he was ruminating over his problem he met the son of Baba Affbtlm-lQgbn-n who was also thinking furiously on whatto do to catch a big catfish for his father's usage. Both of them discussed and before long, they struck an agreement. Both of them went to the farm of Baba Anlbm-lQgbn-n to drain the pond with the implements of the son of Baba AlQgbn-n-m-nf brl in order to share the fish that they would catch at the end of the exercise. They reckoned thatthey would be able to catch at least 500 fish because it was a big pond. Before long, they set to work. They worked non-stop for several hours. When they completed the work, they found to their utter dismay, that there was only one big catfish in the pond-even though there were other types of fish therein. Seeing this development the son of Baba Affbr1-m-lggbn-r1n declared that it would only be fit and proper for him to take away the only catfish since his father owned the pond where the fish was caught. The son of Baba AlQgbn-rln-m-nfb retorted that without him, the fish could never be caught since his partner had nothing with which to drain pond and catch the fish. For this reason therefore, he declared that he was the rightful owner of the only big catfish caught in the pond. Before long, big fight ensued. They fought and fought and fought. Nobody was around to settle the matter for them. They were still on this fight when OgUn was passing through the farm on his way to somewhere. He met the two of them panting and exhausted. He asked them to tell him what caused the fight. The son of Baba AffbtJm-lQgbn-n said that his father was very ill at home; If had been consulted and the appropriate ebo had been offered. The only thing remaining was for his father to seve his Of with the head of a big catfish, which they had just caught in his own father's pond. Since they could not catch more that one catfish, he felt that his friend would consider his father's condition and allow him to take away the catfish in order for his
582
i!
ogunaa irei
father to use it to serve his Of and regain his health. But his friend in his callousness would not want to hear of this. He said his friend's father was only poor but not ill. He therefore impressed it on Ogun to prevail on his friend to let him take awaythe catfish and save his father's life.
After listening carefully to the explanation of the son of Baba Anlbu-malQgbn-r]n, 0gr1n ask the son of Baba AlQgbn-n-m-nfbrl to nairate his own story. In his own case he explained that his father was very poor. He could not maintain his family. His father therefore consulted If for solution. His father was assured that he would succeed in life. The Awo recommended gbg for his father which was promptly offered. His father was also asked to serve If with the tail end of a big catfish. This was how he broughtout his draining implements to use to drain the pond in the farm of his friend's father. Since only one big catfish was caught, his friend ought to realize that without his implement, there was no way the fish could have been caught. He stated fufther that his friend had never experienced poverlry and want before in his life. Consequently, there was no way he could appreciate the fact that no illness was as great or as incapacitating as povefi. He had been experiencing the effect and agony of povefi lane fofthwith. But since his friend was heartless, wicked and unsympathetic, he would not want him and his family to succeed financially in life. He too mounted pressure on Ogrtn to order his friend to let him take away the catfish in order for him and his family to break the povertyyoke once and forever.
Ogun considered the two arguments and declared that both of them were simply blind to reason and they were unrealistic in their arguments. He said that since they could cooperate to work together, they ought to be realistic enough to know that they would share the proceeds of their joint venture together. He declared that from their explanations, none of them needed the whole catfish and that the paft needed by one would not affect the other. Ogun simply brought out his sword and cut the catfish into two. He gave the head paft to the son of Baba Anlb-ma-lqgbn-n to take home for his father to serve his Ori and gave the tail paft to the son of Baba AlQgbn-tin-m-nfb to take to his own father to use to serve If. They both went their separate ways. I 583
Before long, Baba Affb-m-lQgbn-n regained his health and Baba AlQgbn-rin-m-nfb became prosperous. All of them were very happy and grateful to Ogrfn, If, Ort and their Awo. They were thus singing,
dancing and praising Oldmar. Iya l ab'arafunfun Dl fn Baba AnlbU-ma-lQgbn-n Eydt rtbg lrinlnir kk f,bg ni wgn nl k 9e gb'bqrr'bg Iy rrl ab'ara funfun Dlafin BabaAlQgbn-n m nllbr Eyl tf,ylntl m'jrl gkrtn snrhn ajgunrugu Fbq niwgn nl k ge gb'Qborr'bg Erlpo, ero Qfa Igba Ogun d'ja mjl Lara b ro'ni o
Translation
The biglya tree with its whitish bark He was the Awo who cast If for Baba Anlbtl-m-lQgbn-n When he was in the midst of trouble and illness He was advised to offergbg He complied The biglyaffeewith itswhitish bark He was the Awo who cast If for Baba AlQgbn-Un-m-nlib When hewas lamenting is inabilityto have wealth He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Now, travellerstolpoand Qfa town Itwaswhen OgUn cutthefish intotwo That we experience comfort
If says that with cooperation and common sense the person for whom this Od s revealed shall be able to achieve his/her heaft's desires. While thinking about himself/hersell he/she needs to thinks about the welfare and needs of his/her paftner. By so doing, there will be peace, harmony
and success.
584
il osunaa uei
catfish, t ought to be divided into three pas, the head secton used to serve his/her Or'i, the middle section used to serue Ogun while the tail section will be used to serue If. Ogun is usually included here in
For the person for whom this Od is revealed after securng the
recognition of the role he played in solving the problem of the sons of Baba Anf b-ma-lQgbn-r1n and Baba AlQgbn-rin-m-nf b. That was why Ogun too deserued to be served today bythose for whom this Od is revealed.
6.
Ifa says that for the person for whom this Od is revealed, all Ire in life are on their way into his/her life. They had made several
attempts to come into his/her life but alas, there is an obstacle which stands on his/her way to success like a sentry. There is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg against this obstacle in order for it to move out of the way for all the Ire to come into his/her life.
If says that there is the need to offer gbg with one he-goat and money. There is also the need to serve Egu Qdar with one hegoat, a lot of alcohol, palm-oil and money. After this, a calabash full of alcohol also needs to be placed at Eg Qdara's
shrine for him to give to the obstacle so as to give way for all the Ire in life to come in for the person for whom this Od is revealed. On this aspect, a stanza in Ogr:nd-MT says: Hnrnhnrn mi ni lhngu Klrlm-kirimu ni lf gsQ lja tglQ
Ogun
Ife'jetn Lf'mutn
Lfi ib wOOwOlyk na'gi Dl firn Arg abldl japp Til 9e onlbod 9lQrun Sbg ni wqn nl k 9 e
Translation
Tightly do one-packyam tubers (in a barn) And solidly do one stamp one's legs in a fight Itwas Ogrtn who after eating to his fill And drinking to his satisfaction
585
Ifa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultation
He hit the remnants aganst a tree This was the If cast for Arg ab)dljpap, the Cripple with his feeble buttocks Who was the sentry in heaven
Arg abldf jr1pp, the Cripple with his almost lifeless buttocks was the gateman in heaven. His duty was simply to prevent allthe good things of life to come into the world. Such good things include Aj, wealth; Aya, spouse; Qmg, children; Alku, longevity and all the other lre in life. Much as human beings who were on earth tried, they were unable to bring all these Ire into the world.
Arg abldf jpp, on the other hand, went for If consultation in order to find out what he needed to do to ensure that all these Ire did not find their way into the world. The Awo mentioned above advised him to desistfrom this act and allow the Ire to have their ways into the lives of those who needed them genuinely. They also advised him to offer ebg and have a change of Attitude.
When he heard of this advice from the Awo, he became very angry and resolved never to leave the gate of heaven where he sat as a sentry so as to prevent any of the Ire from moving into the world. Allwise counselling from other IrnmglQ in heaven fell on deaf ears. He told them to mind their own business.
Hnrnhnrn mi ni lhnsu Klrlm-kirimu ni lf gsQ lja tglQ Ogrtn lfQ'jgtn
Lf'mutn
L fi ibi wwO lyOk na'gi Dl filn Qrrtnmll fi rrlg ay kQw fbg ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Tightly do one-packyam tubers (in a barn) And solidly do one stamp one's legs in a fight It was Ogrf n who aftereating to hisfill
586
ii
And drinking to his satisfaction
He hit the remnants against a
ogunaa uei
tree
This was the If cast for OnjnmIl
When coming into the world during the dawn of life on eafth He was advised to offer ebo
When Qrrlnm)l discovered that Arg ab'idf janpp had bluntly refused to allow all Ire in life to come into the world, he made up his mind to go and try and to find a means whereby all those Ire would find their ways into the world. It was quite obvious that life on eafth without all the Ire present was quite meaningless. To do this, Qrnm'll approached the same group of Awo who consulted If for Arg abld1 janpp for his own consultation: would he be able to open the way for all Ire to enter the world? If so, what did he need to do for this to be?
The Awo assured QrnmIl that he would be able to accomplish his mission but that there was the need for him to offer gbg and to serve EgU Qdara. He was advised to offer gbg with a matured he-goat, plenty of money and palm-oil. He was also to serve EgU Qdara with another mature he-goat, palm-oil and money. After this, he was advised to place a calabash full of alcohol by the Eg Shrine. Qnf nm)l complied with the advice of his Awo.
After this, ES Qdara carried the container filled with alcohol and headed for the post where Arg abldf janpp was guarding as a sentry. He approached Arg ab)df jnpp and extended his greetings. The latter reluctantly returned the greeting. Egu Qdara told him that he had come to accompany him in ensuring that none of the Ire had any chance of reaching the world, as the inhabitants of the world did not deserue being given any of them. This warmed the heart of Arg abld'i janpp. They sat there and were discussing for a long time before Egu Qdara brought out the calabash full of alcohol. He filled two horns and gave one to Arg ab'idf japp to drink. He took it reluctantly and drank. Egu Qdara filled the horn again and Aro abld'i janpp drank it all unknown to Arg abld'ijanpp, his newly acquire friend was just sipping his own drink while Arg ab)df janpp was gulping his own. By the time he drank five horns, he was already tipsy. EgU Qdara continued to serve him. Before long, Arg ab)d'ijAnpp was totally drunk. Soon after this, he fell down and slept. A few moments later, he began to snore.
t
587
After sleeping off, Egu Qdara simply rolled Arg ab'tdf japp off the gate of heaven and earth and signaled Qrunrnll who had been watching every development from a save distance. when Qrnm)l came, both of them began to examine Arg abldf janpp closely and they discovered to their surprise that this sentry was just a mere cripple! Both Egu Qdara and Qrnm)l began to call on all Ire to come and cross the gate that the sentry had slept off. They were singing thus:
IreAj ma w a o Idena Qrun sn lgo

Aro ni Idena
Ireaya maw a o Idena Qrun sn lgo Arg ni ldena fre omo ma w a o Idena Qrun sn tgo Arg ni ldena IreAlkr ma w a o Idena Qrun sn 19o Aro ni ldena Iregbogbo ma w a o Idena Qrun sn lgo Arg, arg ni ldena o
Translation
Letthe Ire of wealth come now The Heavenly sentry had slept off The sentry is buta cripple Letthe Ire of spouse come now The Heavenly sentry had slept off The sentry is but a cripple Let the Ire of child-bearing come now The Heavenly sentry had slept off The sentry is but a cripple Let the Ire of longevity come now The Heavenly sentry had slept off The sentry is but cripple And letall Ire in life come now The Heavenly sentry had slept off Cripple, the sentry is but a mere ripple
588
li
ogunaa uei
That was how Qrrlnm)l, wth the assistance of Egu Qdara brought allthe Ire in life to the world. And that was how it was possible for habitants of the world to live a fulfilled life while on eafth.
Hnrnhnrn mi ni lhnsu KIrlm0-kirimu ni lf'gsg lja tglQ
Ogun
lfg'jgtn
LfQ'mutn Lfi b wOOwOOlyk na'gi Dl fitn Arc abldl jepp Til9e onlbod QlQrun Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e Dl fn Qrnmll fi rrlq ay akqw Fbq ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qborr'bg j reAjma wa o Idena Orun sn loo
Aro
nildena
Ire aya ma w a o ldena Qrun sn lg o Aro ni ldena Ire Qmg ma w a o Idena Qrun sn lgo Arq nildena Ire Alkrt ma w a o Idena Qrun sn lg o
Arg ni ldena Iregbogbo ma w a o Idena Orun sun lo o Aro, arg ni ldena o
Translation
Tightly do one-packyam tubers (in a barn) And solidly do one stamp one's legs in a fight It was Ogun who after eating to his fill And drinking to his satisfaction He hit the remnants against a tree This was the If cast for Arg abldf jpapa
589

Ogunda Meji
Who wasthe sentry in heaven He was advised to offer gbg They also cast Ifa for QrUnmlld When coming into the world during the dawn of life on eafth He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Now,letthe Ireof wealth come The Heavenly Sentry had slept off The Sentry is buta cripple Let the Ire of spouse come now The Heavenly Sentry had slept of The Sentry is buta cripple Letthe Ire of child-bearing come now The HeavenlySentry had sleptoff The Sentry is buta cripple Let the lre of longevity come now The Heavenly senby had slept off The sentry is buta cripple And letalllre in lifecome now The HeavenlySentry had sleptoff Cripple, the Sentry is but a mere cripple
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall attain glorious heights in Iife even in spite of initial obstacles or delays. This person shall overcome and realize his/her destiny in life. If says also that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never constitute himself/herself into a stumbling block on the path of other people's success. If he/she did, he/she shall be bulldozed out of the way and the supposed victim shall be victorious at his/her expense. If he/she thinks that someone will not be great in life and he/she plans aganst such person, the person shall not only attain greatness but shall put him/her to shame in the end. It is in the best interest of the person for whom this Od s revealed never to think, plan or do evil at any time. Whoever does it against him/her shall regretsuch action in the end.
7.
If says that it foresees the Ire of wealth and accomplishment for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that presently, this person is experiencing some financial hardship butthere is no cause for concern because this is just a transient situation which will soon
590
!!i
ogunda uej
gve way to wealth in abundance. If will soon cater for his/her financialneeds.
If says that some people had earlier been called upon to find
solution to a pafticular problem being experienced by an influential person or group but all of those invited had not been able to solve this problem. If saysthatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed shall be able to solve this problem. He/she shall also be able to save the faces and careers of those who had failed in the assignment. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a man, the Ire of a spouse is foreseen. If says that three women shall be very important in his life and they shall influence his life to success and accomplishment.
If also says that it is not advisable for the person for whom this Od is revealed, male or female to stand surety for anyone or group. If says that if he/she does this, he/she shall be betrayed and utterly disappointed. Ifa says that the person or group whom he/she stands for as guarantor shall spoil many things which will lead many people to point accusing fingers at him/her as their guarantor.
For this message to come to pass, If recommends the following gbg:
for financial success, three pigeons and three guinea fowls; for victory over his/her present predicament, three cocks; for success in his/her assignment which he/she shall be invited to come and do; three pigeons, three ducks and three guinea fowls for the male to be assisted by three women who shall be influential in his life, three hens - one of the three hens shall be slaughtered, one of the wings, one lap and the breast shall be removed and roasted with appropriate condiments. He shall also get three wraps of Qkg (corn meal) and place them in three separate places. These shall then be put wherever If recommends. On allthese, a stanza in this Od has this to say:
fil$mggnbQQ
Agunbg-nlworoko-sQn
591
llQmg wQnn-wgnna pqngo Ota l ni k sinmi wodl k nl mlml Dlfitn Orunmll If rllg r ra awgn Blwo-kQkQ I'qru LtiQrun kejg fbgniwqn nl kge
Translation
flQmQgnbQQ Agnbg n)wrOkO-sQn Flmq wqnn-wgnna pqngo The catridge is itthatwill neverceaseto consume a hovering hawk They were the Awo who cast If for Qrnmll When going to buythe group who grew horns on their heads (each growing one horn) as slave From the eighth heaven He was advised to offer gbg
Qrnmll was paftcular about bringing this group into the world to come and enjoy the world and to ensure that a solution was found to the problem of their horns and plan on how to remove them. He went for If consultation in the home of the four Awo mentoned above. They were all hisformerstudents. Hewas advised tooffer gbg. He did. Hewasalsotold to go and seek permission from Oldmar. They told him that those people would only spoil his good work on earth. He responded that it would be good to give everybody equal chance to come and enjoy on eafth and contribute his/her own quota into the development process there-in.
Qrnmll went to Oldmar to seek permsson to bring the group into the world. OldmarO responded that this group would only spoil his work on eafth. Qrrfnm'll pleaded with Oldmare to let him bring them into the world. He promised to stand surety for them. He also said that he would give them eight commandments. As long as they were given the commandments, he reasoned, they were bound to behave properly. Being a favourite of Oldmar, he was allowed to bring them into the world.
following commandments; one, they must not pluck the Okro of Eji; two, they must not pluck the Garden-egg of Eji; three, they must not haruest the 592
Before leaving
for earth, Qrnm'll gave them the
l! ogunaa ueji Qsun vegetable of A'ilgrn; four, they must not pass excreta by the riverside; five, they must not urinate by the river-side; six they must not pass excreta on a rock; seven, they must not introduce any topic concerning elders behind their backs; and eight, they must not use clandestine means to enter the home of elders. They all agreed to keep all these commandments. Qrnmll equally argued that if the commandments were kept, the world would not and could not spoil. He thereafter instructed them to proceed into the world. They all left the following day.
On their way to the world however, all the eight commandments had been
abused. They had ensured that they violated all the commandments before they reached the world. As a result of their violation, chains of reactions had begun to take place, all with serious implications. For
example from the dawn of life on eafth, Olkun was given six water-pots to take care of and report the developments on a daily basis. These waterpots were placed at six different locations of the world but they were linked together by natural pipes controlled only by Olkun. As soon as the group of Ablwo-kQnkQ arrived on eafth and began to violate the Eight commandments, four of these pots dried up. This had never happened before, Olkun raised an alarm and went to report to Oldmar what happened had never before been witnessed, problems started to happen
on eafth. Everybody began to point accusing fingers at

everybody began to complain to Oldmar.
Qrnm)l,
Oldmar then summoned QrUnmIl to His presence. He told Qrrlnmll that he too could see whatthose whom he stood surety for had done. This greatly disturbed and annoyed Qrunmll. In his anger, Qrnmll returned to eafth and went in pursuit of the leader of the AbIwo-KQkQ, known as Hrt. He took along with him his Adaaga.
Immediately Hau saw Qrnmll, he took to his heels. He knew why Qrrlnmll would be looking for him and his group. He was also aware of all the atrocities they had committed on eafth. QrnmIl who was wearing only a coverlet pursued him. When Qrnm'il realized that he could not catch up with H, he threw his Adaag at him. The Adaag caught H in the head and cut off his horn. He began to bleed profusely. One lrnmglQ descended from Heaven and used Qrrf nmll's Adaaga to dig a hole on the
593
ground. The IrnmglQ also asked H to move to where the hole was dug so that the blood from his head would go nto the hole. He told Qrunm'il
and
Hr1
that it was not good to allow blood to spill on the ground.
when the head did not stop bleeding the IrrtnmglQ tore off a paft of the coverlet which Qrrlnmll wore and wrapped t round the head of H, and the bleeding stopped. The Irnmgle then instructed HrJ to move his people far away from ll-Ife and settle. They were also instructed to be wrapping that loin or sash around their head at all times. They moved away and went towards the nofthern part of Il-IfQ. After 30 days, they
stopped.
Unfoftunately however, in their haste and confusion, they did not take along with them the mother of their leader. The mother began to ask questions the where about of the group. It took her 30 days to locate them. She did not eat for those 30 days. When she located her son, she narrated all her ordeals to him. Soon after this, she died. The IrnmglQ appeared again and dug another hole in the ground, placed the corpse of Ht1's mother into it and covered the hole with sand. He told them that he had just shown them what was known as burial and that never must they
leave any corpse unburied.
Qrnm)l on his own also left Il-IfQ and went to settle n Onko town. He was there for a very long time. He was relatively unknown there. His situation there was very pathetic. Those who were close to him knew him as, "Tgla, Awo wgn l'de Onko"- Tela, their Awo in Onto land. Onto was a very small community and QrrlnmTl was the chief If Priest there. He was very unsuccessful there but he chose to endure and remain there.
In Il-IfQ however, the city was expanding rapidly. The whole community was developing at an unbelievable rate and speed. glqfin the Qba of IlIfQ was the most poweful and most influential personality on eafth. This was what the situation had been until one day when the following
happened: Or{slnsln-tasln gdg il Ql, fin ni Or{slnsln-tasln gdq ilQl,fin ni 594
!!
Ata-m-tas 9de il QlQfin ni Orl-yi-trl-oyllyi 9d9 il QlJin ni o Awgn ni wQn sg erin l'g Erin w wO fi o,woja a rQ l gbgede il Ql,fin lgba wQn kun erin wQn b gpQn ir$ nln erin WQn b apo agala nln erin WQn b igb tuntun nlnrl erin
WQn pa igbatuntun WQn b gmg tuntun OOjE nln igb ro trn abaje mjg l',wQQtn to ttn abaje,, mjg I'QwQ sl
ogunaa uei
tuntun
glQfn w k nl run hn!
Translation
Oslnsf n-taln was resident hunter in QlQfin palace Orislns'ln-tasln was resident hunter in QlQfin palace Atamtas was resident hunter in QlQfin's palace Orf-yi-taf-Of)yi was resident hunter in QlQfin's palace They were the ones who threw a heavy spear at an elephant The elephantfell and placed itstrunk bythe balconyof QlQfin's house When they skinned and cut the elephant Theyfound a tray made with Irq wood in its belly Theyfound an Agl container (bag) in its belly Theyfound a brand newcalabash in its belly When they cut open the new calabash They found a day-old baby inside the new calabash The baby held eight lkn-Abaje in its right hand And anothereightlkin-Abaje in its left hand Qlqfin exclaimed He declared that heaven was aboutto descend!
Those were the things they saw at ll-Ife right in QlQfin's palace. Nobody had ever seen anything near that before. They also never believed that such a thing could ever happen. QlQfin and all the members of his council deliberated on this incident for a very long time but they could not come up with any solution. For the first time ever, QlQfin panicked. He was totally confused. His chiefs advised him to letthem invite Babalwo from different 595
places to come and consult If for them in order to find the root cause of what was happening and at the same time, find solution to the problem. They sent for the following If priests and other diviners:
WQn w lg r pe wgn:
Kogn-kogn Awo ile Alara KggbQn-kggbqn Awo Ode ljero Kad, ta-ked, ta Awo lpa Tooromof Qtggkan l k k t pe lrinw Awgn Awl-wlnnlwlnnl m-je nlkan-o-gbq Awgn AfQkn-mq-fq-fi n-l n-fi n-ln WQn ki'f-k'f nil QlQfin WQn klkllkl, wgn O gbQ ohun tl Ql.f n wl WQn ki'f-k'f, bgq ni wgn O jf 9l.fi n
Translation
Theythen wentto invite Kogun-kogn the residentAwo of Alr KggbQn-kggbQn theAwo ofljero Hill Kadqta-kad, ta the Awo of ppa-T00r0m0, f Only one remaned for it to complete 400 Those who spoke so quietlythat none could hear Those who spoke like they were whistling They recited and recited If in QlQfin's house They recited and recited without getting what QlQ fin was saying They recited, and recited withouttouching the problem of QlQfin
When all the Babalwo, diviners and soothsayers had exhausted

themselves, the frustrations of Qlqfin increased. In his anger, he said that all of them did not know why he had called them or what was makng him so worried and agitated, he ordered that all of them should be locked up. They were promptly incarcerated. QlQfin then asked if there were no other Babalwo or soothsayer who could help him out of his problem. That was when one of the chiefs remembered TQla the Awo of OnkO town. glqfn ordered that TQI should be invited immediately. Delegates were sent to
Tela.
When he heard the message of Qlfin, he wentfor If consultation in order to know what QlQfin had called him for and then what he needed to do in order to solve OlQfin's problem for him. TQI was told by his Awo that 596
!! ogunaa uei QlQfin truly had an unusual experence but that the true nature of hs experience would be revealed to him on his way to Olfin's palace, he was informed that what Slqfin was worried about amounted to nothing as it was designed by the Deities to test his capability to absorb shock and to stay cool in the midst of crisis and unceftainty. to offer gbg with three hens. He was asked to slaughter one of the hens, remove one lap, one wing and the breast, roast them properly and take them along with him on his journey to QlQfin's palace, he was also asked to carry along with him three wraps of Qkg. He was told that he would meet three women who would be instrumental to the success of his mission at QlQfin's house. He was advised to give the three women one Qkg each and give each of them the lap, the wing and the breast of the hens he carried with him. TQI complied with all what they said and set out on his journey to QlQfin palace at Il-IfQ.
TQI was advised
When he got to Il-IfQ, at the edge of the stream, which he would cross, before he reached QlQfin's palace he met true to the prediction of his Awo, three young women who came to the stream to fetch water. Tl greeted them and gave them wraps of Qkg, the chicken lap, wing and breast. The three young women thanked him and asked for his mission in Il-IfQ. He explained to them. They told him that he might not be aware of the developments in QlQfin's palace but that there were two major problems being faced by QlQfin at that pafticular point in time; one, one of his wives had been pregnant for the past three years and she had not been delivered of the baby; two, the hunters of QlQfin struck down an elephant with their heavy spear, when the elephant fell, it placed its trunk by QlQfin's balcony; when the elephant was skinned and dissected, they found a tray made of IrQ wood, and an Aguah bag, and a new calabash in the elephant, when the calabash was sliced into two, they found a day-old baby which had with it eight Ikn -Abajg in each of his hands. The three young women said that was why QlQfin had invited him into his palace. They said that for the pregnant woman to have a safe delivery a matured goat must be offered as gbg while another matured goat must be used to serve If. They said that they did not know the
597
importance of the slain elephant and ts mysterous contents. They however advised TQI not to sit down at all or wait for any moment before disclosing the information to QlQfin. They said that doing so was the only way that would make Qlqfin to take him serious as several others had hitherto been invited, they did not know why QlQfin had invited them and QlQfin had thrown them into jail. Theyalso informed TQI that in the frontof OlQfin's palace, he would meet an old woman. The woman was a dye maker. All her grandparents were also dye makers. She inherited the work from her own mother. He was advised to ask that old woman to remove her dye pot from the spot it was and for TeJa to put his OgU there. They informed him that all the surrounding areas of the palace were solid rock and that only the spot where the woman put her pot contained soft sand
where the OgU staff could be placed.
TQI thanked
them profusely and headed for QlQfin's palace. In front of QlQfin's palace, he met, as the three young women had said, an old woman busy with her old dye pot. TQI approached her and asked her to remove
her pot for him to place his
0g. The woman refused bluntly.
After much persuasions and promptings, the old woman reluctantly agreed. As 1Ql removed the pot, they found jewelries of inestimable value, which the old woman's great grandparent had kept there. Both TQI and the old woman were flabbergasted. Tl asked the old woman to pack everything as the jewelries rightfully belonged to her. She insisted that Tl must take out of the jewelries since if not for him; she would not have known that such things were there in the first place. Teh refused and the woman packed everything, thereby becoming an extremelywealthywoman in herold age.
She then thought of how to compensate TQI in her own way since he would
not take any paft of the jewelries, she asked Teh f he had ever been married. TQI responded in the negative, she also asked if he saw the three
young women by the stream when he was coming, he responded positively. She explained to TQI that they were not yet married. Several people had tried to marry them and they had bluntly refused. They said that they would marry only one person and that person must know their names before they would agree to marry him. Everybody had tried and failed. 598
ll
osunda Mei
The old woman then told Tl their names. Tl thanked her and entered QlQfin's palace.
As soon as TQI entered QlQfin's palace and all the essential greetings were exchangqd, he was offered a mat to sit on. He refused stating that Ql, fin's summoned him because of the two major developments in his house. He told QlQfin about the pregnant woman and what he (Ql,fin) needed to do.
He also told Qlqfn about the elephant incident. Ql,fin was totally dumbfounded. QIQRn exclaimed that 1Ql was not an ordinary human being. QlQfin asked Teh to offer gbg for him. He agreed.
As soon as TQI sat down on the mat in preparation to offer the qbg, the three young women entered with the pots of water on their heads. Tela greeted them by their names as he was told by the old woman saying: 'welcome,Ibgrrl,Ibgye andlbegg'. The three women threw away the pots
on their heads and began to accuse QlQfin of telling the stranger their names. Qqfin said that he did nottell him their names, but rather, the man was not an ordinary human being. QlQfin claimed that the man could detect a pregnant snail among its colleague; he could even predict the sex of a chick inside the eggshell! The three women said that they had no option butto marryTQl since he wasthe person who knewtheir names - as they had promised to marrythe person who could tellthem their names.
After this
rch told QlQfin that he had some people whom he had
incarcerated as a result of their failure to know what QlQfin had summoned them for. He asked QlQfn to release them fofthwith before he could offer the gbg, QlQfin ordered his domestic seruants to go and effecttheir release.
TQI
offered the gbg for QlQfin and his pregnant wife was delivered of a bouncing baby on that very day. TQI sat down and the baby was broughtto him for his blessing. Ibgrrt,Ibgy andlbggg sat by his sides. While he was blessing the baby all the Awo who had just been released came into the palace to express their gratitude to TQI. He asked them not to thank him, but rather to thanklbgrrl, )bgye and )bggg. They did and all of them left QlQfin's palace full of joy and happiness.
Flmggnbqq 599
Ag
rt n
bg- nlworoko-sqna
DlfnQrunmll If trlg r ra wgn Blwo-kQkQ I'qrU tti Qrun kqjg fbg ni wqn nl k 9e Awgn Orlslnsln-tasf n qde il QlQfin ni gdg il Ql, fin ni , Orlslnsln-tasln Ata-m-tas gde il Ql, fi n ni Or{-yi-tarl-oyflyi gdg ile Ql,fin ni o Awgn ni wqn sg erin l'g
Erin w wO
f lgmg wQnn-wgnna pqngo Qta l ni k sinmi wOdl Ok nl mlml
fi gwoja a rQ lgbgede l9lqfn Mgba wQn kun erin WQn b gpQn irg nln erin wqn b apo agala nlnrt erin Wqn b gb tuntun nlnrl erin
WQn pa igb WQn b gmg
<o ko
tuntun tuntun OOjq nlnU igb tuntun
ttn abaje mjq l',wq oJrrn Itn bje, mjQ I'QwQ Osl
pewgn:
9l.fi n w k nl Orun hn!

WQn w lg r
Kogun-kogn Awo il Alr KggbQn-kgg bqn Awo Ode ljero KadJa- kadqta Awo Epa Tooromof Qtqekan l k kt p rrinw Awgn Awl-wln nlwln nl m-j99 nlkan-O-g bq Awgn AfQk n-mq-fg-fi n-ln -fi n-l n WQn k'f-k'f nil Ql, fin WQn klkflkl, wgn gbQ ohun tl Qlqfn rtwl WQn k'f-k'f, bee ni wgn o j f Ql.fi n 9l, fn nl k s'wo nf 'lQ yl mq njq? WQn l ku TQla Awo wgn l'de Onto Qlqfn nl kl wQn lg ree pe w TQI lwa j'f Ql,fin
Fbg l nl k 9e QlQfin 9b'bg, r'bg
Ije F|a moyin lbgrrt F|a moyin lboye
I!
Qrnmll mo yin lbgq9g o
on*a" *r,
Translation
FlemagnbQQ Agnbg nlwOrOk0-sQn flQmgwQnn-wgnna pqngo The catridge is it that will never cease to consume a hovering hawk Theywerethe Awo who castlf for Qrnm)l When going to buy the group who grew horns on their heads (each growing one horn) as slave From the eighth heaven He was advised to offer gbg Oflnln-tasfn was resident hunter in QlQfin palace Olslns'ln-tasln was resident hunter in QlQfin palace AtamUs was resident hunter in Ql, fin's palace Orf-yi-taf-flyiwas resident hunter in QlQfin's palace They were the ones who threw a heavy spear at an elephant The elephantfell and placed its trunk by the balcony of QlQfin's house When they skinned and cutthe elephant They found a tray made with Ire wood in its belly They found an Agl container (bag) in its belly They found a brand new calabash in its belly When they cut open the new calabash They found a day-old baby inside the new calabash The baby held eight lkin-Abaje in its right hand And another eight lkin-Abaje in its left hand QlQfin exclaimed He declared that heaven was aboutto descend! Theythen wentto invite Kogun-kogn the residentAwo of Alr KqgbQn-kggbQn the Awo ofljero Hill KadJa-kadqta the Awo of fpa-TooromoJ Only one remained for it to complete 400 Those who spoke so quietlythat none could hear Those who spoke like they were whistling They recited and recited If in QlQfin's house They recited and recited without getting what QlQfin was saying They rected, and recited withouttouching the problem of QlQfin Ql, fin asked if there was no more Awo around? They responded that it still remained TQI, the Awo of OkO town OlQfin asked them to go and call him TQI was the one who later got the reason why QlQfin cast If
601
He asked Qlqfin to offergbg He complied Now, pla I praiselbgrrl
fla,I praiselbqye
Qnf nm)l,I also
praiselbg$g
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall surely succeed where others had failed. He/She shall win where others had lost. He/She
shall acheve greatness where others had been humiliated.
If says also that if a pregnant woman is having delayed bfth where this
Od is revealed, with the appropriate gbg as prescribed above, the woman shall have a safe delivery the very day the ebg is offered.
8.
If says that women would be instrumental to the success of the person for whom this Od is revealed if it's a man. This
notwithstanding however, If advises that he needs to be extremely careful on all matters concerning women. This is because women, especially his spouse, would surely be stretching his endurance and patience to the extreme once in a while. If says that he needs to be patient at all times.
If says also that the person or group for whom this Od is revealed must not promise one thing to two people. If this had already been done only gbg and seruing 0gr1n, QSqq.sl and 0ogl can pull the person or group out of trouble and unfavourable repercussion. If also warns some women where this Od is revealed not to do something or behave in such a way that will give room for them
being insulted or looked down upon.
If advises a pregnant woman to offer gbg and serve If and Eg where this Od is revealed so as to have a safe delivery devoid of any
complications.
If advises those involved to ofter gbg with three hens, three cocks, three guinea fowls, eight rats, eight fish and money. They are also to serve Egu Qdar,I;f, Ogun, QqqqsJ and Qbttl as appropriate.
602
i!
On these, a stanza in this Od says:
osunaa uei
Baba d l'ko Baba ba l'k Baba fQyln t'igi akOko porporo Bab j9 kko ok Qr00 ml 9e tn tl y ko nl'gbyl Dl fn Qrunmll Baba g'awo lo sl llU Ekun [b9 ni wQn nl k 9e
Translation
Baba encamped at OkO town Baba landed at OkO town Baba rested his back comfoftably against an akOko tree And he ate 20 tubers of cocoyam My matter is about to have a head now These were lf's declarations to Qrnmll When going on lf's mission to fkun town He was advised to offer gbg
When Qrtlnm'll wanted to leave Ad-Ekltl, his base of operation for Fkun town, he went for If consultation from his former students mentioned above in orderto determine how successful his sojourn in fkun town would be. The Awo told him that he would accomplish his mission at fkun town but the most rewarding assignment would be that of a pregnant woman who would fall into labour and who would be about to lose her life which he would save. She would be assisted to have a safe delivery. She would deliver of a baby girl and the girl was an ApQtQbl (Ifa wife) Ornmll was advised to offer gbg with three hens, three cocks, eight rats, eight fish and money. He complied. Soon after this, he set out on his journey to fkun town.
On getting to this town, he saw a crowd in front of him. They looked sad. He approached them and he discovered that a pregnant woman was in their midst. For four days they had tried everything they knew for her to deliver when she went into labour and it was simply impossible. She had become very weak and about to die. The crowd were the members of her husband's household who were carrying her home to die inside the house.
603
When Qrtlnm'll saw this, he told them that he would help them and the woman would have a safe delivery. He said that the woman would gve bifth to a baby girl and thatthe girlwas an ApQtQbf . The woman's relations said that if this woman could have a safe delivery they would give the baby to Qrrfnm'il as wife when she was matured enough to get married. QrrJnmIl simply touched the woman's stomach and the baby came out safely. The crowd was overwhelmed with joy. True to Qrrlnmll's prediction, the baby was a girl. Qrnmll tied the OttU Qpqn (Ifa) bead round herwristand leg.
Soon after he left, the woman began to complain of stomach pain again. The crowd began to panic once more. They searched for Qrnmll but he was nowhere to be found.
Baba d l'ko Baba ba 'ko Baba f'Qyln t'igi akko pOrOpOrO Bab j9 kko ok QrQO ml 9e tn tl y ko nl'gbyl Dl filn Ego Qdara TI g'awo lg st llu lkun fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Baba encamped at OkO town Baba landed at OkO town And rested his back comfoftably against an akOko tree And he ate 20 tubers of cocoyam My matter is about to have a head now These were lf's declarations to EgU Qdara When going on spiritual mission to fkun town He was advised to offer gbg
to go on spiritual mission to lkun town. He also went for If consultation. He was also assured that his mission to this town would be very rewarding and successful. He was equally advised to offer gbq with three hens, three cocks, three guineafowls, eight rats, eight ftsh and money. He also complied and set out on his
Egu Qdara also planned
journey.
604
li
ogunaa ^rei
On getting to fkun town, he met the same crowd in a state of confusion. He asked them what the problem was. They explained the problem of the woman to him and someone had helped them before she could deliverthe baby, and that she was still complaining of stomach pains. Taking a look at this woman, Egu Qdara explained to them that even though the baby had been delivered, the placenta was not yet out of the woman's womb and therefore, they had no reason to rejoice yet. They pleaded with him to assist them. EgU Qdara declared that to assist them, they would have
to give him the hand of the baby in marriage when she was matured
enough for wedding. They said that if he could assist in saving the life of the mother, the girl is his for marriage. Ep Qdara simply touched the woman's stomach and out came the placenta. Egu Qdara then put his Og (three tufts of hair left on the head of Eg adherents after the rest of the hair had been shaved off) on the baby's head and left.
As soon as he left, the crowd began to celebrate. They danced round the
town and everybody left for home. None of them ever thought of the future implication of their action atall.
Eighteen years after, Qrnmll sent a message to them that in three weeks time, he would be coming to claim his wife. In the evening of the same day, Egu Qdara sent his own message that in three weeks time, he too would be coming to take his wife. That was when it dawned on the people of fkun that trouble was at hand. They deliberated for a long time on how to find solution to their problem butthere was none. They did not want to face the wrath of any of these two great personalities. When they discovered that there was virtually no way for them, they decided to seek the assistance of If in finding a solution to their problem. They then went to seek help in the house of:
Awgn Ogun I'awo amqqg Qqqqsj l'awo amQy ooganla I'awo amQQ-tgg Dl fitn wn nl llu lkun Nlbi tl wQn gb rtfleku kan rg gmg mejl Ebo ni wn nl kl wn se 605
Translation
Ogun is the Awo who knows how to cut (trees) QSqq$ is the Awo who knows how to design And Oosanh is the Awo who knows how to put A$e (power to let something manifest) They were the ones who cast If for them at fkun town When they pledged one rat to favour two children They were advised to offer gbg
The inhabitants of fkun town approached Ogn, QpQQpl and Ogal (QbaHh) for solution to their problem. The three Awo blamed them for
not thinking properly before they pledge only one chld for both Egu Qdara and Qrnmll. They said that no matter how any situation might be, they must never lose their sense of reasoning because f anyone promises whatever he/she cannot do to get out of any bad situation, he/she is only postponing the evi! day. They said that if the inhabitants of fkun town had informed Eg Qdara that they had earlier given out the baby to Qrnm)l, Eg would not insist on marrying the girl again. At the very worst, Egu would have asked for something else which they would have settled a long time ago.
Having said these, Ogn said that if they could give him what he would take, he would assist them to cut a good log of wood in the bid to find solution to their problem. They gave Ogun what he wanted and he helped them to cut the wood. QSqQEt said that if they could give him what he would take, he would help them to design the wood. They gave him and he helped them to design the wood in the true Iikeness of the girl in question. Ooganla said that if they could give him what he would like to take from them, he would help them use his Agg to solve their problem. They gave OOganla what he wanted. Oogarrla in turn sliced the wood into two equal parts from head downwards. He also sliced the girl into two from head down. He joined the left side of the girl together with the right side of the wood. He repeated the same thing with the right side of the girl and the left side of the wood. He used his A9g and the work became two identical girls. Nobody could distinguish one from the other. Everybody went home happily.
606
i!
ogunaa uei
on the day of the wedding, they gave Egu Qdara a girl and gave Qrnmll the other. None of them could complain. Everything went smoothly. It was a grand pafty involving the whole town. Everybody went there to witness the miracle. It was also the talk of the town for a very long time.
At home, the first three months were bliss for Qrnm)l and Eg Odara. Their two wives exhibited all the qualities of good housewives. They were obedient, accommodating, neat, homely and unassuming. They prepared the food on time and regularly. They take care of their houses and the environments. They loved everybody and everybody loved them in return. Everybody around prayed for such wives in their lives.
The next three months were something else. These women became very incorrigible, stubborn, rude, unruly, disobedient, and uncaring and involving. They insulted their husband and their relations openly. They disgraced their husbands in the presence of their clients. They spoiled things in the house and would neither accept their faults nor take to corrections. The three months were simply like 30 years of agony for Qrunmll and Eg Qdara.
One day, tired of the attitude of his own wife, Ornm)l decided to return her to her parent's house. He informed the parents that he would be arriving at fkun town in three days to hand over their daughter to them. When the parents heard this, they rushed to the house of Ogn, Qqqpl and OOgl to enlisttheir assistance as theirAwo.
The three Awo asked them to go home and that they would be there when Qrrtnmll arrived. Truly, they were in their house on the third day when Qrrlnm'll arrived together with his wife. As Qrrlnmll was about to speak, the three Awo began to plead with Qrunmll, using IyQrQ (If song) saying: Orrnmlla ma bffnr If ko m sur o o Fgb kan yn Fgb kan igi I'oblnrin Baba m bffn o Baba kOo mr s0rtr
6A7
FgbA kan eyan Fgb kan igi I'oblrin
Translation
Qrnm)l, please do not be annoyed
If, please be patient

Half human being And half wood is what a woman is Baba, please do not be angry Baba, please exercise patience Half human being And half wood, that is what a woman is
When QrUnmIl heard this, he simply turned back with his wife and returned to Ado-Eldti where he came from. Anytime the wife behaved well, he would know that that was her human side at work. And anytme she misbehaved, he would equally know that her wood, nonhuman side was at work. Nothing his wife did that ever surprised, frightened or annoyed him anymore. He was only being amused with his wife's behaviours everyday.
Baba d l'kO Baba ba l'ko Baba f,yln t'igi akoko pOrOpOrO Bab j9 kko oko Qrqq ml $e tn tl y ko nf'gbyl Dl fin Qrunmll Baba rlg'awo lg sl llrt Fkun pbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qbo, rri'bg Baba d l'ko Baba ba l'ko Baba fe,yln t'igi akOko pOrop Bab jq kkO ok Qrqq ml sp tn tl y kO nl'gbyl Dl filn Eg Qdara Tl g'awo lg sl lhl lkun fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qbo, r'bg Awgn Ogrtn I'awo amEqg QqoqsJ liawo amQy
608
I! ogrna" u"
Ooganta I'awo amQE-tt$g fitn wgn nl ll lkun l{lb wQn gb f'eku kan rq gmg mil !b9 ni wQn nl kl wqn ge WQn gb'bg, w4 rrl'bg jq Qrunmlla m bllnr If ko m sr o o Fgb kan yn Fgb kan igi I'oblnrin Baba m blln o Baba ko m sr Fgb kan yn Fgbe kan igi I'oblrin o
Translation
Baba encamped at Ok town Baba landed at Oko town And rested his back comfortably against an akoko tree And he ate 20 tubers of cocoyam My matter is about to have a head now These were lf's declarations to Qrtlnm)l When going on spiritual mission to fkun town He was advised to offer gbg He complied Baba encamped at OkO town Baba landed at Oko town Baba reclined in comfoft against an akOko tree And he ate 20 tubers ofcocoyam My matter is about to have a head now These were lf's declarations to Eg Qdara When going on spiritual mission to fkun town He was advised to offer gbg He complied Ogun is the Awo who knows how to cut (trees) Qgqq$ is the Awo who knows how to design And Ogl is the Awo who knows how to put A9g (power to let something manifest) They were the ones who cast If for them at Fkun town When they pledged one rat to favour two children They were advised to offer gbg They complied Qrrfnm)b, please do not be annoyed
609
If, please be patient

Half human being And half wood is what a woman is Baba, please do not be angry Baba, please exercise patience Half human being And half wood, that is what a woman is
If says that with understanding and patence, the person for whom this Od s revealed will live a fruitful and enjoyable life. He/she will enjoy and will accomplsh all his/her heart's desires.
9.
If says that it foresees the Ire of child-bearng for the person for
whom this Od is revealed; If says this child shall be very great and will be known the world over. If says that there is the need to offer gbg so that the reputation of the child will be good and favourable.
There is the need to offer gbg with one matured he-goat, red
cloth, black cloth, white cloth and money. There is also the need to serve OgUn with one rooster, palm oil and money. On
this,If says: oktkl Ariwo Dl fin Ogn
Tl y bl'mq kan n Tl y wrtsl k'y Fbg ni wn nl k 9e
Transtation
Reputation And clamour They were the Awo who cast If for Ogrtn Who would beget one child Whose influence shall be felt the world over He was advised to offer gbg
The name of Ogn's child was In (fire). When In was still in the womb,
610
l!
Ogrf n went for
ogunaa
ueji
consultation. He was informed that he would beget a chld and this child would shake the whole world. He was told that if he offered ebg, the child would shake the world; and if he failed to do so, the child would still shake the world. He was however advised to offer gbg with a he-goat, a bundle of white clothes, a bundle of red clothe and a bundle of black clothe in order for the child to be acclaimed for only good deeds. OgUn only offered gbg for the child to arrive safely and of him to have great reputation on earth but failed to offer the one for good
reputation.
When In was born, his first day on eafth witnessed series of changes and dramatic events. The midwife who attended to him got her hands burnt beyond recognition. When they managed to give him the first bath on eafth, the water was thrown into a nearby bush. The bush was razed down. Anytime this baby was happy, people would notice him wearing, red, black and white clothes which his father had failed to offer as gbg during If consultation. Anyone who got in contact with him at that time would have himself/herself to blame. And when he became an adolescent, it was worse. If he followed his colleagues to any house to play, the house would be razed to the ground. Anyone inside the house who was unlucky not to have escaped on time would lose his/her life. All propefties in the house would be destroyed. The clamour to send In away from the vicinity would increase several folds as a result of this destructive reputation, which he had earned for himself.
This is however not all. Nobody could cook without him. No blackmith, goldsmith, silversmith and so on could work without him. No house could be kept warm during cold seasons without him. Nobody could see at night if he was not around. In spite of his bad reputation, it was also discovered that no community on eafth could do without him or even ignore or look down upon him. For this reason therefore, os some people were clamouring for his banishment from the society so also were others fighting relentlesslyfor his retention in the community. After much argument back and fofth, an agreement was arrived at on how to deal with In, the son of Ogrf n. Everybody agreed to deal with him with caution only when he was needed, not to allow him to play around their
611
homes, farms, propefties, public arena or business concerns when not needed, anytme they saw him with his white, red and black clothes on, everybody around must ensure that they were removed from him
immediately.
By so doing, they soon realized that Ina could be managed. Anyone whose property or farm or even other belongings were destroyed was considered careless or the incident considered accidental or the act of the gods.
oklkl
Ariwo
Dl filn Ogrtn Tl y bl'mg kan n Tl y wrlsl k'y fbg ni wn nl k qe jg Oklkl o
Ariwo Oklkf gmg Ogun kan
Translation
Reputation
And clamour They were the Awo who cast If for Ogun Who begot one child Whose influence was felt the world over He was advised to offer ebo Now reputation And even clamour The reputation of Ogn's son was felt all over!
If says that the child of the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall be known all over the world. There is however the need for him/her to offer gbg so that his/her child's reputation shall not be gotten from vices or antisocial behaviours. There is need to offer gbg so that the child's vast energy and potentials shall be directed towards positive developments in the
society.
10.
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed never to make jest of others in their period of tribulation. He/she must never take
612
i!
ogunaa uei
advantage of other people's problems or situation in order to exploit them. This may bounce back and recoil on him/her. If says that this person's children are his/her greatest source of wealth and achievement. In this wise, he/she must do everything possible to ensure that he/she has these children and equally give them sound training for them to be useful to themselves and to him/her in
future.
In the same vein, If warns that the person for whom this Od is revealed is too fashion conscious and he/she is doing so at the expense of his/her children. If says that he/she needs to find means of begetting his/her own children and give them proper training in order to secure his/her future instead of going after
fashion and materialacquisition in his/her life.
his/her most beautiful dress and all his/her make-up material to the gbg. These include peumes, lipsticks, cream lotions, pomades and hand chains, leg-chains, neck-chains, ear-rings, bangles, broaches and so on. On these, If says:
Oko bagi s'Qyln w b'olko
If says that there is the need for this person to offer gbg with 16 rats, 16 fish, two hens and money. He/she also needs to add
Ill firn onlrese lle

A b fitn t'Oko Fbq qmq ni wQn nl kl wQn ge
Translation
A thrown stone hit a tree and returned to hit the thrower This was If's declaration to Offrs-Il And also to On'irs-Oko When they were advised to offer gbg in order to beget children
Offrs-Ile and Onlrs-Oko were both 9ba. They were very influential in their various communities. They both claimed the same descent from IlIfe. One day, the two of them went to the Awo mentioned above for If
i.
613
Ifa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultation
consultaton. They wanted to know how their success would be on their father's throne. They were both assured that they would be very successful. They were however advised to pursue the issue of marriage and child-bearing more than any other thing in their lives. They were urged to beget many children and ensure that these children were well trained. They were also cautioned against getting married to many wives at the same time as many wives would bring many problems for them and their children. Rather, they were asked to give bifth to many children, males and females who would continue to perpetuate their lineage and ensure the continuity of their family tree. They were also advised to offer gbg with 16 rats, 16 fish and two hens each. Offrse-Il felt that offering gbg was unnecessary as there was no need to give btth to any child. To him, the trouble one would undergo to train any child was simply too much for comfoft. He also reasoned that too many children would only bring povefi and want as the resources one would need to enjoy one's life would be diveted and expended on children and their training. He therefore resolved notto have any child in his life but rather, to acquire as many clothes and jewelries as he could afford.
Orf rs-Oko on the other hand, chose to comply with the advice of the Awo. He offered the gbg as prescribed and he got married and gave birth to many children. He preoccupied himself with the training of his children. This made him very poor and always in want of one thing or the other. This notwithstanding, he preserved and endured all the hardship involved in the unbringing of his children. He lacked good clothes and modern jewelries but he never minded.
There was however an annual festival which Offrs-Il and OffrsOko, together with all their subjects must attend. Each year that they went to this festival, Onlrs-Oko was the subject of ridicule. He would be jeered at and made jest of openly by all. His dresses were old and his children would wear dresses that were only fit for paupers. Everybody around would say that the many children that Onlrs-Oko gave bifth to were the source of his povefty. He would however respond that when the children reached the stage of maturity and they were on their own, his 614
!! osunda Meji
poverty would disappear. In the case of Onfrs-Il, he used to appear at the annual festival with the latest design of dress jewelries and makeups. He would be hailed and accorded the honour fit for only a monarch in his royal majesty. In orderto rubbish his fellow Qba, he would begin to sing the following songs: Onlrs irc d OkO lrese , ire d Onlrs, a9g I'e,w Oko lrese agg l'gw qni Onlrs O, aSg Q rq d o? oko lrese, agg lgw qni o
Translation
Orfrs here comes all the good things of life Oko lrese, here comes Ire Orfrs, dresses are beauty Oko Irese, dresses are one's beauty Offrs, where are your own dresses OkO lrese, dresses are one's beauty
That was how Onfrs-Il used to sing yearly just to put his co-Qba to shame; Onf rs-Oko would never mind allthe insinuations. Before long, both On'irs-Il and Onfrs-Oko were getting older and older. Their strengths were failing them. Their capability to work and look for money was no longer as before. In this wise Offrs-Ile could not acquire as many dresses and other ostentatious materials as before. All his dresses began to fade and tear at the shoulders and knees. In the case of Offrs-Oko he was getting weaker too but his children were getting matured. They were all gainfully employed in various disciplines. They began to take care of their father in appreciation of all his sufferings over them. Their father was living in comfoft more than ever before. He was wearing very expensive dresses and jewelries. He was looking fresher, younger and happier than ever before. When the time to go for the annual festival arrived, the children of On'irs-Oko gathered together to deliberate upon what to do to make the occasion great for their father. Some of them suggested that it would
615
Ifa Dida: An invitation to tfa Consultation
be befitting to buy a horse for their father to ride to the occason. Others disagreed and suggested that they would carry their father shoulder-high to the occasion. They all agreed. They bought for him the most expensive dresses, shoes and cap to match. when tey appeared at a distance, all eyes were on them. Everybodywas hailing them. Those who had hithefto stayed with Onfres-Il left him alone and joined the crowd of OnlrsOko. The tide had completely turned against Offrs-Il. His dresses were old and wofthless. He looked haggard and unkept. He looked and felt lonely. It was ceftainly onfrs-oko's day. The crowd urged offrsoko to sing for them on that occasion. He then opened hiJ mouth and said:
Onlrs ire d Oko lrese, ire d Onlrs, gmg l'gwe Ok lrese gmo I'ew eni f,nl I'ay O, gmg I'e,w o OkO lrese Or gmg l'gw gni o
Translation
Onfres here comes all the good things of life lrese, here comes Ire Offrs, children are beauty OkO lrse, children are one's beauty Owner's of the world, children are beauty 0k Irese, children are one's beauty
OkO
This was just the song they sang throughout the occasion. offrs-Il looked at himself and knew he was a loser. He left the festival a very sad old man.
Oko bagi s'Qyln w b'olk D,l filn Onlrs Il A b filn t'Oko Fbg qmq ni wgn nt kt wqn ge Onlrs-Oko nlkan nl bq l'Qyln g'qbg jq Onlres ire d Oko lrese, ire d Onlrs, gmg I'ew Oko lrese gmg I'e,wa qni o
616
i!
oguna t,tei
lnl
OkO
I'ay Or 9mQ I'e,w o lrese o, gmq I'erw gni o
Translation
A stone hit a tree and returned to hit the thrower This was lf's declaration to Orfrs-Il And also to Onlls-Oko when they were advised to offr gbg in order to beget children Only Offrs-Oko complied with the advice Now, Offrs, here comes all Ire in life OkoIrs, here comes Ire On'irs, children are beautY Okolrs, children are one's beauty Owner's of the world, children are beauty OkoIrese, children are truly one's beauty
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be upgraded and his/her prestge enhanced by his/her children if he/she endeavors to
give them adequate training and good upbringing.
i
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must not hide anything he/she is doing from his/her children. He/she must allow all his/her things to be known to his/her children as this will one day save his/her life or career.
If also says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is most likely gong to enter into a serious fight over his wife if a man or the
husband of a woman whom this Od is revealed is going to fight over her very soon. There is need to offer gbg so that the outcome of quarrelwill be in his/herfavour.
this
'money. There is the need to offer ebq with three cocks and He/she also needs to serve Qsanyln with one cock and palm-oil. He also needs to serve If with one hen and money. On these If
says:
9l0bQrnbgn nll fo Pata- Pflti Dl fin Qrunmll

617
If rrlqq gba Pupayeml Tll 9e Oblnrin Ik fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
the Beetle, is it which hums in its unsteady flight This was lf's declaration to Qrr1nm)l When going to snatch away Pupaygrnl (palm-oil) The wife of Iku (Death) He was advised to offer gbg
QIQbQnbgn,
Pupaygnti, redness-befits-me, was palm-oil. She was the wife of Ik (Death). Ikrt was very jealous of her. Pupaygrnf was very useful to every household but Iku would hear none of t. Anyone who made use of Pupaygnf, no matter how little would be attacked and killed by IkrJ. Yet nobody could do without making use of Pupaygrn'i. Pupaygnf was useful for medicine, cooking, for soap-making and other household chores. In fact, without Pupaygrn'i, no good soup could be made. In spite of these, Ikri dd not want anyone to touch or move close to Pupaygnf He wanted her for himself alone. All entreaties to Iku to allow Pupaygrn'i's usefulness to spread round fell on deaf ears. Many people were dying or starving becausethey could not have accessto Pupaygrn'i.
One day Qrnm)l made up his mind to snatch Pupaygrn'i away from Ikrl and make her available to all. Consequently, he went for If consultation in the house of some of his former students mentioned above: would he succeed in this mission? Would he be able to ward off or even defeat Ikrl when he eventually succeeded and Ikri came with his inevitable anger to launch his (Ikrl's) attack? would he not be disgraced in this assignment?
The Awo informed Qrnm'll that he wanted to take up a serious challenge that would eventually be benevolent to the world. He was assured that he would succeed in his mission. He was however warned that his opponent was very strong indeed. Fbr this reason, there was the need for him to allow his children and every member of his household to know all what he was planning and doing as they may be the ones to save his life in the final
analysis. He was told to offer gbg with three cocks and money.
Qrrlnmll complied. 618
i! osunaa uei As soon as he reached home, Qrnmll called every member of his
household together and informed them of his intention. They all gave him their support and blessing. From then onwards, they began preparations forthe encounter.
A few days after this, Qrnmll approached Pupaygrnf and told her of his intention to take her as his wife in order for her to be of benefit to the whole world as Oldmar had created her to be, instead of being the property of Ik alone. Pupaygnf responded that the day Qrnmll did thls would be her happiest day on eafth as she was literally held captive by lkrl. She however expressed her fear for Qrunmlla because of possible reprisals from her husband. Ornmll assured Pupaygrn'i that Ikrl would be contained in the event of any confrontation. Pupaygnf was overwhelmed
with
There and then, she moved into Qrnmll's house without bothering to pack her belongings from Ik's house,
joy.
As soon as Ikri discovered that Pupaygnf was late to return home, he began to wage war against anyone and everyone around. When he eventually realized that Pupayernf was no longer returning home, he ran mad. Everybody and everything was his target of attack. By the time he knew that it was Qrnmll who had snatched his wife away from him, he ran berserk completely. To the surprise of lkr1, he discovered that the whole world was in support of QrrJnm)l for snatching away his wife. He concluded that there was no more truth in the world if someone who had snatched another man's wife would be the one who would be showered with undeserved sympathyand not him thevictim of such dastardlyact.
to spare anyone in his attack. That the whole world had begun to benefit from Pupaygrn'i's separation from him meant nothing to him. He simply carried all his weapons and headed for
He therefore resolved not
QrrlnmIl's house. When Qrnm'il saw Ik from a distance, he knew, without doubt, that the war had stafted. Then they began to fight. This confrontation was so fierce that such had never been witnessed before. All the charms of both pafties were freely used without any effect on either pafty. Many of their defence devices were destroyed totally. At a stage, Iktl returned home to 619
go and bring more weapons and charms. At that pont, Ikrt was having a slight edge over Qrnm'll who was showing traces of tiredness. When Ik returned, the fight resumed, t did not take long before it became clear that Ikrl would defeat Ornm'il.
his father not to forget one of his charms known as'Ojr1-k-t'Vn' the eyes do not see what
It was at this stage that the first son of Qrnmll reminded
is happening at one's back. That was when OrrJnmll remembered this charm. He had hithefto completely forgotten about it. Qrrlnmll rushed inside to pick this charm, it was a garment of some soft but it was very powerful. He had explained how it worked to his household before this encounter with lkr1. It was this garment Qrnmll used to defeat lkrl. Iktl
ran awayand conceded Pupaygrn'ito Qrrf nmll.
QrnmIl was full of gratitude to Oldmar, If and his Awo who had told him to let his children and every member of his household know all what he was doing as they would be the ones to safe his life in the end. He realized that if not that his son reminded him of OjrJ-k-te$n, his defeat in the hands of IkrJ was inevitable. glqbqnbgn nll fo pat- pflti Dl fn rrrnmll If lqq gba Pupayeml Tff 9e Oblnrin Ik fbg ni wqn nl k 9e gb'Qbg, r'bg Ko pq k jlnn F w b ni nl ajagQ ogun
Translation
QIQbQnbqn, the Beetle, is it which hums in its unsteady flight This was If's declaration to Qrnm'll When going to snatch away Pupaygnf (palm-oil) The wife of Ikri (Death) He was advised to offer ebo He complied Before long, not too far Join us in the midst of victory
620
!! ogunaa mei If also warns the person for whom this Od s revealed not to do anything that will lead to his wife being snatched away from him. He needs to be accommodating in anything he does so as not to incur the anger of his com munity aga inst himself.
L2.
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed never to send people to anywhere to do something on his/her behalf if what was to be done was very impoftantto his/her life. He/she may send people to do some minor assignments on his/her behalf but when it comes to his/her career, health, business, security and so on, there is the need for him/her to go and do whatever is required to be done by himself/herself. If this warning is not heeded, he/she may end up regretting the outcome for the rest of his/her life. He/she must
never eat lgin, theAkee apple, forever.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer qbg with two big cocks, two big kolanuts, two kegs of guineacorn beer and money. If says that if he/she is called upon to come somewhere for an impoftant assignment, he/she should endeavor to personally go there and not to send anyone on his/her behalf. On these, a stanza in Ogund-M;) says:
Gangan r Gngn O r $aaworo idq nll balg lff r gngnruru-gngnruru Dl fn Skankanl lrnmgle WQn lQQ gbaa igb Iw w'l Ay fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
Gngn drum sounds Or if it fail to sound And $aworo idg, the small brass bell is it that jingles when it hits the ground These were lf's declarations to the 401 IrnmglQ When going to collect the calabash of Destiny into the world They were advised to offer gbg
Ifthe
621
The 401 lrnmglQ wanted to go to Oldmare to ask for the calabash of Destiny so that they could be giving all the good things of life to human beings who approached them for such. When they reached the presence of Oldmar, they told him what they came for. Oldmar told them that he could hand the calabash of Destiny over to only one of them and all human beings and other IrnmglQ would have to approach such IrnmglQ who had it in his possession before they could benefit from it. Oldmar asked them to come back in seven days'time. He asked them to bring along with them, one matured coclg one keg of guinea-corn beer, two kolanuts and six pieces of cowries each. Oldmar said that the first lrnmglQ to arrive would be the one to take custody of the Calabash of Destiny.
When the 401 IrnmglQ left the presence of Oldmar, they proceeded
straight to the house of the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo told them that they were about to take something very impotant from someone. They advised each of them to offer gbg with one matured cock, one keg of guinea-corn beer, two pieces of kolanuts and six pieces of cowries. All of them considered the Awo to be cheats. They said that Olodumar asked them to bring along with them exactly the same materials which the Awo advised them to offer as ebg. In this wise, they said that there was no need to offer the gbg which
they considered to be a device by the Awo to get rich quickly and cheaply. Ogrfn in pafticular was seriously angered by the advice of the Awo. He claimed that of all the lrnmglQ, he was the one who used to wake up earliest. Consequently, he would be the one to arrive at Oldmar's presence on the seventh day. He vowed never to have anything to do with the gbg even if allthe other IrnmglQ decided to offertheirs.
In the case of Qrr1nmll however, he told all the other lrrlnmglQ that he would offer the gbg and he did. Instead of offering the ebQ, all the other Irnmgle procured only the materials which OIdmar asked them to bring, but only Qrnmll offered the gbg and procured the materials
required of them to bring by Oldmar.
On the seventh day, OgUn was the first lrnmglQ to wake
up. He gathered
622
'!i
ogunaa uei
kolanuts' a keg of guinea-corn beer and six cowries and was about to set out on his journey to Oldmar when he suddenly remembered that day was the period he had specifically set aside for elephants hunting. He
did not want to fail or disappoint himself on that day. Consequent upon this, he decided to send his slave called Ida to take all the materials he had already procured to Oldmar so that he could concentrate on his hunting expedition. He wokelOa up and ordered him to go straight to Oldmar and deliver the materials to him (oldmar) on his (Ogun) behalf. Ogun warned Ida never to waste time or stop at anywhere on his way, with this warning both Ida and OgUn set out to their various destinations with Ogttn full of confidence that he would not only receive the Calabash of Destiny
all the requrements by oldmar together one big cocl<, two
from Oldmar through lda, but would equally kill many elephants in addition. Ogtln considered that day a pafticularly lucky one for him.
Ida was determined to be the first person to reach the presence of

Oldmar in compliance with his master's directive. Who knows, if he did the assignment well, he might even get his freedom that day! He was moving very fast. Half way on his journey, he saw one big Igin tree. The tree was full of ripe fruit. Ida suddenly remembered that he was feeling very hungry. The fruit became very irresistible to him. He checked his time. He knew that he still had some time ahead of all the other IrnmglQ. He decided to spare a little time out of his spare time to eat some Igin fruits. He placed the coclg keg of guinea-corn beer, kolanuts and cowries down at the vast of the tree and climbed the tree to eat the fruits. When he tasted the fruits, he realized that he had never before tasted any fruit as sweet as that. The more he ate, the hungrier he became. He began to jump .from one branch to another, Some of the branches broke off but he never noticed. He continued to eat. Before he could regain his senses, it was evening already. He quickly jumped to the ground and discovered to his chargrin that the lap of the cock had broken and severed, the keg of beer had broken, the kolanuts had split and the money had been lost when the broken branches fell on them. lda decided to go ahead to Oldmar and inform him that he had broughtthe materials the way Ogun had given them to him.
In the case of Qrrtnm'll however, he woke up shortly after Ogun. He set out
623
on the journey but he had earlier been warned not to eat the fruits (all Ogunda-mJi children are forbidden from eating Igin fruits) and he simply moved on. He was the first person to arrive at Oldmar home. Oldmar handed over the lgb-Iw to him. He blessed him and instructed him to supply all the needs of other lrnmQle and human beingstothem. Hewas also advised to usethe lgb-Iw judiciously.
Soon after this, all the other IrrlnmglQ began to arrive with their requirements. They were directed to Qrrlnm)l for blessing. He blessed
them all. They all congratulated Qrrlnmll for his foftune and additional status as the custodian of Igb-Iw. They were surprised that Ogun had notshown up.
Late in the evening,Id, Ogn's slave arrived. He was tired, difi and unrepentant. He brought out the cock half-dead with one lap already missing, the keg already broken into two, the two kolanuts already split and the six cowries missing. When asked why this was so, he explained that he had broughtthe items the way Ogun had given them to him. The other lrnmglQ concluded that, that must be the reason why OgrJn was ashamed to appear personally. They all prayed that since Ogn brought all what was required of him in halves, all his requirements in life would be realized in halves.
When Ogrtn heard of this, he stormed the midst of the IrrlnmglQ and protested that he was the first person to wake up and send his slave to bring all the required items to Oldmate and he was sure that Ida hs slave was the first to arrive there, why should he be the one whose heart's desires would be realized in halves. He was asked to go and calllda. He did. In his presence, they asked Ida to tell everybody the conditions of the items he,Id, brought on behalf of Ogun. When Ogrln heard this, he was very sad. Ogun then made his crying the crying of shout and made his IyQrQ, the IyQrQ of lamentations saying:
KO KO
kan Egngn o kan Orls Ko kan Oosa
624
i!
B$Q ni kO kan EgUngUn
osunaa uei
Ida eru eni l'rn kn o
Translation
This (misfoftune) does not concern Egngn the Ancestors It does not concern Oflg, the Divinities It neither concerns Osa Nor even EgUngUn It is lda, one's slave, the matter concerns
Everybody present felt sympathetic for Ogn and showed hostility to Ida;. When Id realized that the hostility was getting too much, he told them that it was smply not his fault. He said that there were 401 IrnmglQ involved in the matter. AII of them had their own slaves and seruants. Only one of them chose to send his slave while all the others decided to go on their own. He said that if Ogun had taken the assignment seriously enough, he would have come personally and the story would definitely have been different that day. Instead of blaming him or looking at him with disdain, they ought to blame Ogun for not taking the most important assignment in his life seriously. When Ogun and the other 400 lnlnmglQ heard whatlda said, they knew he had a very valid point. They told OgUn to accept his fault and consider it his own fate. Ogun again made his crying that of shouting and his IyQrQ that of lamentation saying:
K kan Egrlngn o KO kan Orls K kan oOga Be n kO kan Egungun Fleda gni I'Qran kn o
Translation
This (misfoune) does not concern Egngn the Ancestors It does not concern Orlg, the Divinities It neither concerns Orlg Nor even EgUngUn It is one's Destiny the matter concerns
All the other lrnmglQ agreed that it was in the Destiny of Ogrln not to be
625
the custodian of lgb-Iw (the Calabash of Destiny). If he had taken it upon himself to go personally he would have been the first person to arrive at the home of Oldmar and the story would have been different.
Gengen r Gangan O r $aaworo idg nff balQ Nll rO gngnruru-gngnruru Dl firn Okankanl lrnmqh Won lQQ gbaa igb Iw w'l Ay fbg ni wQn nl kl wqn w 9e Dl filn Ogrn ntg gba Igb Iw w'l Ay Fbg ni wqn nl k 9e Dl fitn Qrnmll rttg gba Igb lwd w'l Ay Fbg niwQn nl k 9e Qrunmll nlkan nl bq l',yln to ng'gbg Qrnmll nlkan l r'bg apsln j ko kan Egungn o KO kan Ortg K kan oOga Be n k kan Egungun Ida grrt gni I'Qrn kan o K kan Egngn o K kan Orls Ko kan oosa Beq n k kan Egngn Fleda gni I'Qrn kn o
Translation
If the Gngn drum sounds
Or if it fail to sound And Saworo idq, the small brass bell is it that jingles when t hits the ground These were lf's declarations to the 401 lrnmglQ When going to collect the calabash of Destiny into the world They were advised to offer gbg These were lf's declarations to Ogun
626
ll
When going to collect the Igb Iw into the world He was advised to offer gbg And also to Ornmll When going to collect the Igb Iw into the world He was also advised to offer the gbg Only Qrrfnm'll offered the 9b9 Only Qrnmll became the custodian of Igb Iw This (misfoftune) does not concern Egngn the Ancestors It does not concern ORga, the Divinities It neither concerns OnSa Nor even Egngn It is Id, one's slave, the matter concerns And this does not concern Egringn It does not concern any Og Nor even any Egngn It is one's Destiny the matter concerns
ogunaa uei
If warns against sendng others to carry out any assignment that is very impoftant in the life of the person for whom this Od is revealed lest he/she meets with disappontment, disillusonment, disgrace and even disaster. The person for whom this Od is revealed has every reason to be great n life if only he/she could pursue this greatness on his/her own and refuse to send other people in pursuitof this greatness for him/her.
13.
If saysthatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed had committed a very serious offence aganst someone. The person had vowed never to forgive him/her. There is the need for him/her to go and tender an unreserued apology to the person he/she had offended. At the same time he/she needs to offer gbg with three guinea fowls, three cocks and money. He/she also needs to serue If and Qbath with brg vegetable. He/she will also ask If what the Elders of the Night will take and give to them accordingly. If the person for whom this Od is revealed fails to apologize and offer the appropriate gbg and feed the Divinities mentioned above, he/she may find t very difficult, if not totally impossible to see the compassion of Oldmar, the Deities and mankind. On these, a
stanza in Ogr:nda-mJl says:
627
Argb saw ojrt o,tl IAkUn pqqlq I'Qrn erin Iukrn t nl krin m g'ok lQ T'un t'erin ni wqn jg lq o Flkan- fikan ml alr Fk- flkl I'on ewlrl K fi'n ye'n K f'Qyln y'ern Awo il Onltek Dl fn Onltetkrl Qmq q$e$e-krlnlQ goo-9oo-9oo Qmq qbebe knlQ goo-9oo-goo Dl fin Abq gkt Tff ggmg'knrin Ogun M'jq t lq d oblnrin Origd Gbowrljl Orlqa kQ, nl Oun O nl b Abq ge mq
Translation
He who has a strainer to filter beer The thick running plant round the elephant's neck Any running plant which plans to prevent the elephant from moving to its destination Both ofthem shall be there together Vigorous hammering of metals characterizes the smithery And ceaseless fanning characterizes the bellow To place the face against the heat of the fire And the back against the heat of the sun These were the resident Awo of Offtek They were the ones who cast If for Orftek He who offended and was cast begging about He who appealed for forgiveness by begging about They combined to cast If for Abg-$kt The son of OgUn When he went to make love to Qbtl's woman Qbatl refused, and declared that he would never have any relationship with Abg again.
Abg-$kt was the son of OgUn. He was very close to Qbtla who in turn was veryfond of Abg. There was nowhere that Qbatl would go that he would not take Abg along. Many people even thought that Abg was Qbtl's biological chld. There was nothing going on n the life of ObaHl thatAbe did not know about.
628
i!
ogunaa uej
one day however, Qbatl marred a young woman. This woman was very attractive and had a pleasant attitude. She was very fond of Abg and for that, Qbath was very pleased. whenever Qbtl was not around, he used to send Abg to his newly married wife to keep her company and take care of her needs. This Abg would do with enthusiasm. Unknown to 9baHl, both of them had developed an unholy lustforeach otherand Abg began to betray QbaHl by constantly sleeping with the woman. Even when this was going on, Qbtl dd not suspect anything. It soon reached a stage that both of them became reckless and careless. one day, QbaHb went out to a meeting. He was expected to arrive late from the meeting while at the meeting, QbaHl realized that he had forgotten something at home and he took permission to go and bring itfrom home. As he reached home and opened the door, he met Abg and his young wife in the heat of passion. He was totally sad and disappointed that Abg could betray him so. He told Abg there and then never to come to him again and that he had already severed all relationships with Abg. He picked what he had come for and returned to the meeting. Abg was extremely ashamed of himself. He returned home a worried, sad, scared and lonely man. He began to plan whatto do to find favour with QbaHl once again. The young wife simply packed her belongings and ran away before the return of Qbatl from the meeting and she was never seen again.
Abg-$kt waited for LTdays and began to beg ebaHl. gbaHl refused to accept him in his (Qbatl) presence not to mention listening to what Abg-$kt had to say. He repeated his visit to Qbktl's home several times for several days but he was always being chased away. At last, he decided to look for influential people whom he was sure that ObaHh could not ignore to intercede on his behalf.
Abq lg b9 gakl nf l Ad tq ug frlnmt t'de Qwo tq be Antete t'de lkoyl Orls kO nl oun o nfl b'Abe ge mq
Translation
Abq went to beg gaki at Ad Ektti
629
And went to beg [dnm) of QwQ-land And went to beg Antete of lkoyi-land Yet Qbtl refused He declared that he would never have anything to do with Abg again
when Abg tried everythng he knew to ensure that Qbatl soften his mind and failed, he travelled to Ad Eldtl to beg Saki, one of ebtl's close confidants to help him appeal to Qbatl. gal( came and pleaded for several days but Qbtla refused to listen.
Next he travelled to QwQ land to plead with the firinmI of QwQ, a highly respected Chief in QwQ and a close friend of Qbatl to help him beg QbaHl. Elinml of QwQ and Qbt held each other in high esteem. They never wished to offend each other on any issue in life. Etlnml of Qwg travelled allthe wayto)rnj-Il where QbaHh lived and begged his friend for several days, yet Qbtl refused bluntly to change his mind towards Abg-$kt. Abg-$kt again went to IkOl town to go and beg Antete to help him appeal to Qbtl to forgive him his offence. Antete was a highly influential personality in the community. His reputation travelled far and wide and reached every part of Yorb land and beyond. He was a bosom friend of Qbtl. Antete ffavelled to lrnj-Il and begged Qbtl for several days and Qbtl refused to change his mind.
change Qbatl's mind, Abg-gkt thanked them and decided to try other means to appeal to Qbtl. He felt that Qbatl refused to listen to his appeal because he had betrayed him terribly and Qbtl felt it to his bone marrow. Abg reasoned that the greater the love, the greater the enmity when it turned sour. He decided to send other people.
Abg lg b9 Agbe-ddrt Tff I'gme Olkun SQnfad lq b9 Ah<o-odoodo Tff g'qmg Qlqsa OdO Orlga a kq l'un O nff b Abe se m 630
When all these people failed
to
i)i
osunaa uei
Translation
Abg went to beg the dark-complexioned Agbe The child of Olkun SQnfad, god of Oceans And went to beg the red-coloured Alko The child of QlQs, the goddess of the Lagoons Yet Qbtl refused He vowed never to have anything to do with Abg again.
In his bid to be reconciled with QbaHl, Abg travelled to the ocean-side to go and plead with Olkun to send his son, Agbe-ddr1 to help him beg Qbatl to forgive him his offence. Olkun sent Agbe-ddrl who travelled tolrnj-Il with Abe. Agbe-ddr1 begged QbaHI for several days, both
on behalf of Abg, Olkun- SQffad himself butQbtl refused to listen.
Next Abg went to Qs, the Lagoon to meet QlQs, the goddess of the Lagoon to plead with her to send Alk-ddod, her son to go and help him beg gbath to please forgive him, she agreed. Auko-dodd begged QbaHl for several days but he refused to listen. gbaHI vowed that he would never forgive Abg for what he (Abg) did. When Abg saw that all of these highly rated, respected and influential people could not change the mind of QbaHl, Abg decided to go and solicit the help of Qrunm'il. He now travelled to Il-IfQ to beg Qrnmll for assistance. Ornmll consulted If for Abg and OgUnda-mel was revealed. Abg was advised to offer gbg with three cocks, three guinea fowls and money. He complied immediately. After this, Qrnmll went to procure a bunch of EbUrg vegetable and headed for Qbtl's home at
Irnj-Il.
Abq wa $qp-gese lq dlpo Qrunmlla mu Nigbati Qrrtnmll 19 q ltl brq I'QwO AwOye rye I'Orlga be q fdun-BQljq tff Se gmg'y Oh- Igb lff $e wgl-wQde Orlga ru dle kl Qrunmlla de'le Orlsa Orlsa ttl t sn lo o
631
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftaton
Qrunmll nl Orlg l ag ooo! fdun Belje tll 9e emq'ye Ol-Igb Nl Orlg kl yt jl Qrnmll nl k jl WQn nl nltorl i klnni? nl nltorl $akl ti jl nl'le Ad frlnml ti jl l'de QwQ Antete til l'de lkoyl Agbe-ddrl ti jl l'kun Alko-do-d0o-do ti jl I'Qsa
Translation
Abg then gathered himself together And went to seek the help of Qrunm)l When Qrrfnm'il was going He took along with him a bunch of EbUrE vegetable But 9btl was known for his careful observation and accurate deduction of happenings Edun-Bl_j, the slender monkey, who was the son of the forest deity, was acting as the chief companion of Qbatl When Ornmll was about to reach the home of Obtl Qbatl had slept off QrUnm)l shouted his salutations Fdun-blJQ, the son of Ol-Igb replied that Qbtl was not yet awake Qrunm)l asked him to wake up They said why? Qrnm)l declared that pal( had already woken up at Ad-Ekltl And [nm) had woken up at QwQ-land And Att had woken up atlkOfl-land And Agbe-dd had woken up at Ocean side While Alk0-d0-d00-d0 had woken up at the Lagoon side
When Qrrlnmll was about to reach Irnj-Il, the home of Qbatl, SbaHl who was reputed to be highly gifted in the area of making careful obseruations and deducting what was about to happen n the future had already sensed that someone greater than all the people whom Abg had sent to him was approaching his house. He therefore nduced himself to sleep and left a message wth [dun-BQlj to inform anyone who came to see him that he was already asleep. When Qrnm)l arrived, fdun-BQlQjQ 632
tr!
ogunaa uei
told him that Qbatl had not yet woken. Qrnm)l said that QbaHh should wake up mmediately. When asked why, Qrnm'll responded that $al( of Ad, ffinm) of QwQ, Antete oflkofl, Agbe -ddrl the son of olkun
and AlUko-dodo the son of QlQs had all woken up. There was no reason therefore why Qbatl should notwake up atthattime. Orlgal b jl nl Oun ti jl na nl ggbQn Oun O nl gf'lQkn Qrnmll nl w ql'lQkn ni o nl nltorl wlpe lpperjrt nll ql'lQkn Omira nll sl'lkn fmo
fjrt
Translation
Onganla (Qbaul) thus woke-up He declared that he had woken up But he would not open the door (for Qrrlnm)l to enter) Qrnm'il said Qbatal would open the door Because IpeperejU, the eyelid is it that opens the door for the eyes (to see) And the discharge signaling labour is it that opens the door for the bifth of a new born baby.
When Qrunmll heard that Qbal was asleep, that told him that at least the person he had come to meet was at home. He ordered that Qbath should wake up from sleep. When asked why and he gave the reasons why Qbtl should wake up. QbaHl woke up but insisted that he would not open the door for Qrrlnm)l to enter the house. QrUnm'il ordered Qbatl to open the door for him, when asked why, he said that it is the eyelid that opens the door for the eyes; it is the labour discharge that opens the door for the bfth of a new born baby. He said that unless these statements were not so, then QbaHh might not open the door; but if they were statements of fact, he ought to, and should, open the door immediately.
Orlgl w gt'lQkn nl Oun ti $'lqkn na $gbQn un O nl kg'j sl Qrrfnmll Qrnmll nf yo kqjr s{ oun ni o WQn nl nltorl i Hnni
633
nl nltorl atelese kff d'gytn kg gna Eknn gwq kff d',yln kg'wq Eknn ese kll d'yln k'esg A$urgb kll d'yln kg'gb
Translation
Qbabl then opened the door He said that even though he had opened the door He would never turn his face to Qrnm)l Qrrfnm)l said that he (Qbatal) should face him When asked why? He declared that the flat of the foot does not turn its back on the footpath The finger nail does not turn its back on the finger The toe nail does not turn its back on the toe He who evacuates the bowel in the bush does not turn his back on the bush
when QbaHl heard all what Qrnmll sad to him when he arrived, he knew they were all statements of fact. He therefore opened the door reluctantly. When he opened the door, he insisted that he would not turn towards QrrJnm'il to look at his face for any discusson on the matter. Qrnm)l ordered him to look at him. when asked why, Qrnmll stated that the foot does not turn its back on the footpath, the finger nail does not turn its back on the finger and the toe nail does notturn its backon the toe while at the same time, the person who empties his bowel in the bush does not, and cannot turn his back on the bush. Qrnm'il declared that if all these statements were false, then Obatala was free to turn his back on him; but if they were all statements of fact, then Qbatb ought to, and should turn and face him for and on behalf of Abg-gkt which he had
come for.
Qbath wa kg'j sl Qrunmila nl un ti kq'jr stl na nl ggbqn Oun O nl rqrln-ln s'QrO n Qrrlnmll nf y rgrln-ln sli ni o WQn nl nltor{ i klnni? nl nltorl rln sbsob ni t'op frfn gQwQlQ-qe,wglg ni t'QdQkg Dqkqdqkq abQrf n Fewele-fewele I'Qnu 634
l!
Frln ni wqn fi r fgn'n gtl Frln qQqS l'gbr rin ko'do I'qna B'w b so l'ko Olko a f'rln k
ogunda Meji
Translation
gbaHl then turned and faced Qrunmlla He said that even though he had faced him He would never smile over the matter Qrrlnmll ordered that QbaEl should smile over the matter
When asked why He stated that a widow is noted for her consolatory While a lewd woman is noted for her stupid but temptations smiles Stupidly temptations smiles are the trademark of a prostitute It is with smiles that people light the fire with which alcohol are brewed And it is with smiles that the flood joins the stream When the cotton-tree produces its cotton wool It is with smiles the farmer haruests it
smiles
When Qbaffi eventually turned towards Qrnm)l for a face-to-face discussion on the matter of Abg-$kt, QbaHh declared that no
matter
what Qrnmll sad, he would never be pleased to the extent of smiling over the matter. Qrunmlla ordered him to smle. When asked why? Qrnmll responded that a woman whose husband recently died would only smile to console herself and to console others that was not the very end of life; a prostitute used her stupid but tempting smiles to invite her customers and any other passerby; alcohol brewers smile to light the fire for brewing the alcohol; the flood smiles when joining the stream; and when the wool germinate and splits, the farmer harvests it with smles. Qrunmll stated that if all these were not true, then QbaHh was free not to smile over matter; but on the other hand, if they were statements of fact, then QbaHl had no option left but to smile over the matter of Abe-Skt.
Orlgl w rQrln-ln nl oun ti rerln-ln na $UgbQn QrQ na k nll tn nln Oun Qrrlnmll nl y tn-n nlnU r$ ni o WOn nl nltorl i klnni nl ktanktn I'aj
the
l'mi
635
B's$ b mu'mi, tn nlnt ase BlgQrq b mu'mi tn nln lgQrQ B'blnrin ba na'j etn Tlttn nll tn
Translation
Obabb then smiled
He declared that even though he had smiled The matter would not completely leave his mind Qrrlnm)l ordered that the matter must be completely removed from his mind When asked why? He said that completely does a dog attempt to lick water He said that, when liquid strainer drinks water the water will drain completely from the strainer when removed from the water And when fish-trap s immersed in water, the water will drain completely from the fish-trap when removed from the water And if a woman engages in the business of unripe palm-fruit It is completely exhausted
When Qbatl smiled and insisted that it would be impossible for him to completely get the matter out of his mind. Qrnm)l however ordered him to get it out of his mind completely. When asked why this should be so, QrUnm)la declared that a liquid strainer, when immersed in water will be filled with water, it will be completely drained of the water. The same thing applies with fish-trap. He also said that no woman engages in the business of unripe palm-fruit for any to remain. He declared that if these were not true, then QbaHb was free to harbour grudges against Abg-$kt. But if on the other hand, if these were statements of fact, then QbaHl ought to, and must, completely clear his mind of the matten
Orlgrll nl titn nlnrt Oun byll nl ggbqn inu Oun o dn sl Erq na mQ llll nl inr Oun egn Qwqn lyln Oun egn esUsu Agbedemjl oun Qgun gidi Orrnmll nl t b ti tn nln re KI inu re yra di Qdndn Kl yln rc yra d te,te KI agbede-mejl rq yra di rinrin 636
il
Translation
osunaa uej
Qbath then declared that even though everything was settled from his mind But nonetheless, he could never be happy over it He said that his mind had turned to a prickle And his back had turned to needles While his mid-section had turned to thorn Qrnmll countered that if truly everything was settled from his mind His mind should turn to Odundun leaves And his back should turn to TQIQ leaves While his mid-section should turn to Rinrin leaves
When Qbatl told Qrunm'll thatthe matter had been removed completely from his mind, he however stated that he would never reman happy with Abg-$kt again. Qrnm'il then countered that if truly the matter had been completely removed from his mind, then there was no reason why he should not be happy with Abg-tkt. He said that if he was not happy with Abg-$kt then he was harbouring anmosity against him which was in complete contradiction with his statementthat he had totally forgiven his erstwhile favourite follower. That was when Qbtl cleared his mind completely from the matter and forgave Abg-$kt from the depth of his mind.
That was when Qrrfnmll invited Abg-$kt and reconciled him with
reconciliation.
Argb sawu ojrl otl ItakUn pqilQ I'Qrn erin Itakun t nl krin m g'ok alQ T'Oun t'erin ni wQn jg nlg o Flkan- fikan mUle alaro Fake- fikl I'on ewlrl K fi'nrl ye'n K f',yln yg'Qrn Awo il Onftek Dl filn onftenk 9mq o$e$e-knlQ goo-goo-9oo Qmq qbebe kunlQ 9oo-goo-9oo 637
gbatb. Qrrlnm)l then handed over the EbUrg leaves to Abg-$kt who in turn handed it over to QbaHh as a symbol of forgiveness and
Dl filn Abe gkt TII gqmg'knrin Ogrn Nl'jO t lg d oblnrin Orlg Gb0wrtjl Orlga kQ, nl oun o nl b Abq ge mQ Abe lg b9 $aH nfl Ad lg be frlnml l'de Qwq lq be Antete l'de lkoyl Orlqa kQ nf oun o nff b'Abe ge mq Abg lg bg Agbe-dd Tfl g'qmg Olkun SQnlad lq b9 Alko-dodoodo Tff $'gmq Qlqsa OdO Orlga kQ l'un o nll b Abg 9e mQ Abq wa gep-qese lq atpo Qrnmll m
Nigbati Qnnmlla lg $e ltl ebre I'qwq Awoye rye I'Orl$ be lQ Fdun-Blj tll Fe gmgle Ol- Igb Nff Se wgl-wQde Orlga ku dl kl orrrnmll de'l orls Orlg rrl ti sn lg o Qrrfnmll nl Orlg l agO ooo! Fdun Be|je tff Qe gmg'y Olt-Igb M Orlg kl yl il Qrrtnmll nf k jl WQn nf nltorl i klnni? nl nltorl gakl ti il nl'le Ad Frlnml t il l'de Qwq
Antetefif l'delkoyl
Agbe-dd til l'kun Alko-do-doo-do ti il I'Qsa Orlqanh ba jl nl Oun ti il na nl +gbqn un O nl qf'lQkn Ornmll nl w gl'lQkn ni o nf nltorl wlpe lpeper nfl gl'lQkn f'jtt Omira nll g{'lQkn fQmo Ofiganla w gf'lQkn nl un ti gl'lQkn n $gbQn Oun O nl kg'jrl sl Qrnmll 638
ii on*a" r",
Qrnmll nf y kqjr sf Oun ni o Wn nl nltorl i klnni nl nltorl athsQ kfl d'yln kg Qna Eknn qwq kft d',yln kg'wq Eknn ese kll d'yln k'qse Agurgb kll d'yln kg'gb ooganla w kg'jrr sl Qrnmll nl oun ti kg'j sll na nl ggbqn oun o nl rqrln-ln s'Qr n ' .: Qrunmll nl y ngrln-ln sli ni o Wn nl nltor{ i klnni? nl nltorl edn sbsb ni t'op Frln qe,welQ-9e,w9lg ni t'QdQkg Dqkgdqkq abedn ge,wQlQ-9gwglg l'$nu lrln ni wQn fi fgn'n qtl Frln Seqe l'gbr rtrin ko'dO I'Qna B'w0rt b so l'ko Olko a f'Qrln k Orlgl w rerln-fn nl oun t rrln-ln n $gbQn Or0 na kO nll tn nln Oun Qrrtnmlla nl yoo tn-n nln nQ ni o Wn nl nltorl i klnni nl ktnktn I'aj l'mi B'se b mu'mi, tn nln as$ B'lgQrg b mu'mi tn nln lgQnQ B'blnrin b nja etn Tltan nll tn Orlgl r t tn nlnrl Oun byll nl ggbqn n oun O dn sl orO n mq llll nl inrl Oun Qgn QwQn fyln Oun egn ssu Agbedemjl oun ggun gidi Qrnmll nl t b ti tn nln rg Kl in re yra di Qdndn Kl Qyln re yra d tete Kl agbede-mjl rg yra di rinrin Ooganla nl o ti di Qdndn fyln oun t d tee Agbedemjl un ti di rinrin Njq Eburq o d o, awo OljgbQ Bl a b r'ni rere 639
'
.,
9e la j'gbQ ni o j'ebe I'Ake O j'ebe l'ko o Bl a b r'ni rere 9e l j'bQ o
Translation
He who has a strain to filter beer The thick running plant round the elephant's neck Any running plant which plans to prevent the elephant from reaching its destination Both of them shall be there together Vigorous hammering of metals characterizes the smithery And ceaseless fanning characterizes the bellow To place the face against the heat of the fire And the back against the heat of the sun These were the resident Awo of Offtek They were the ones who cast If for Onltek He who offended and was cast begging about He who appealed for forgiveness by begging about They combined to cast If for Abg-$kt The son of Ogun When he went to make love to Obtl's woman Qbatl refused, and declared that he would never have any relationship with Abg again Abg went to beg Sal( at Ad Ekiti And went to beg fr'lnml of QwO-land And went to beg Antete of lkofl-land Yet Obtl retused He declared that he would never have anything to do with Abg again Abq went to beg the dark-complexoned Agbe The child of Olkun Senfad, god of Oceans And went to beg the red-coloured Alk The child of Qlqsa, the goddess of the Lagoons Yet Qbatl refused He vowed never to have anything to do with Abg again Abg then gathered himself together And went to seek the help of Qrr:nmll When Qrr1nm'll was going He took along with him a bunch of EbUrg vegetable But Obtl was reknown for his careful obseruation and accurate deduction of happenings fidun-BQlj, the slender monkey, who was the son of the forest deity,
640
!!
ogunaa uei
was actng as the chief companon of Qbatl When Orrlnmlla was about to reach the home of Qbatl Qbatl had slept off Orrinmll shouted his salutations Fdun-bljg, the son of Ol-Igb replied that Qbtl was not yet awake Qrunmll asked him to wake up They said why? Qrrlnmll declared that $aki had already woken up at Ad-Eldtl And frinml had woken up at QwQ-land And Antt had woken up atIkOy-land And Agbe-dd had woken up at Ocean side While Aluk0-d0-d0o-d0 had woken up at the Lagoon side Oiignl (Qbath) thus woke-up He declared that he had woken up But he would not open the door (for Qrnm1l to enter) Qrnmll said Qbtll would open the door Because lpprjr1, the eyelid is it that opens the door for the eyes (to see) And the discharge signaling labour is t that opens the door for the bith of a new born baby Qbatl then opened the door He said that even though he had opened the door He would never turn his face to Qrrrnm)l Qrnmll said that he (Qbatl) should face him When asked why? He declared that the foot does not turn its back on the footpath The finger nal does not turn its back on the finger The toe nail does not turn its back on the toe He who evacuates the bowel in the bush does not turn its back on the bush Qbatl then turned and faced Qrnm)l He said that even though he had faced him He would never smile over the matter QrUnm)l ordered him to smile over the matter When asked why? He stated that a widow is noted for her consolatory smiles While a lewd woman is noted for her stupid but temptatious smiles Stupidly temptatious smiles are the trade mark of a prostitute It is with smiles that people light the fire with which alcohols are brewed And it is with smiles that the flood joins the stream When the cotton tree produces its cotton-wool
641
is with smiles the farmer harvests it Qbatl then smiled He declared that even though he had smiled The matter would not completely leave his mind Qrunm'il ordered that the matter must be completely removed from his mind When asked why? He said that completely did a dog attempt to lick water When liquid strainer drinks w,ater, the water will drain completely from it when removed from the water When fish-trap is immersed n water, the water will drain completely from it when removed from the water And if a woman engages in the business of unripe palm-fruit It is completely exhausted QbaHl then declared that even though eveffiing was settled from his mind He would nonetheless never be happy over the matter He said that his mind had turned to prickle And his back had turned to needles And his mid-section, thorn Orunmll countered that if truly everything was settled from his mind His mind should turn to Qdndn leaves And his bac( to tJQ leaves While his mid-section should turn to rinrin leaves Qbatl then said that everything had been completely removed from his mind That his mind has turned to Qdndn And his back to t,tQ And his mid-section to rinrin Here come Eburq leaves, the symbol of forgiveness If we see an impoftant personality One will accept his intercession You have accepted the apology at Ak And even at Oko When we see an important personality We shall surely accept the apology
It
If says that it would be tough for the offence commtted by the person for whom this Od is revealed to be forgiven, but in the end, the apology would be accepted.
On the other hand, if the person for whom this Od is revealed is the
642
ii
ogunaa uei
victim of other person(s)' mischie{, he/she needs to accept the culprit(s)' apology if impoftant people intercede on behalf of the culprit.
14. If says that somebody had been done a good deed which had given
the person influence or authority where this Od is revealed, If warns that this person must never misuse this power by paying this good deed with evil. If says that the person in question is about to
pay good with evil, and if this is done, no amount of gbg will prevent the culprit from reaping the fruit of the evil he/she had sown. If advises that the victim needs to be patient as If is solidly behind him/her and will avenge. He/she needs not show pain or disappointment because when the vengeance of If comes on the culprit, even the victim will be forced to sympathize. If says that if the culprit has not yet carried out the evil but was just planning it, he/she must offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. Helshe must also pray to Oldmar for forgiveness and must never contemplate such again in life. On these,If says:
Gnnug n Soore mplr{-ma plrl Akala mag b goore mayQgege-meyqgege OjQ mfl jQQml, bli k'gni m tiQ goore mQ Or goore foore, grq O l'w l'rl AfOmqgoore kO l'gbo
Dlfirn Okete rrlg reteQk n'lf fbg ni wqn nl k 9e
Translation
Gnnugn, the Vulture, did good deeds but he became bald-headed in
the process
Rnd Akalamgb, did good deeds only to be inflicted with
goiter Even some days, one will feel like not doing good deeds anymore QrQ, the Cactus, did good deeds but did not have any leaves to show for the good deeds And AfOmq, the Parasitic Plant, did good deeds only to be left without root
643
These were lf's declarations to Okt, the Big Rat When going to initiate Qk, the Cobra, into If He was advised to offer gbg
Qk, the Cobra, was in deep trouble. He had no respectfrom allthe anmals in the forest. He was being jeered at every time he appeared in the midst of other animals. To add pepper to injury he was being used as rope to tie firewood, broom, leaves and other things by human beings. Tired of these tribulations, he approached Okete, the Big Rat, for If consultation.
Okete consulted If for Qk and Ogunda-wI was revealed. Okete assured Qk that he would become great in life. Qk was also told that everybody would become great in life. Qk was also told that everybody would fear and respect him. Qk was advised to endeavour to undergo If initiation. Qk agreed. There and then, a date was fixed for the initiation fltqloOul
Three days to the day of initiation, Okete went to the group of Awo mentioned above in order to find out how the initiation rites he intended to undertake for Qk would turn out to be. The Awo assured Okete that the rites would be successful. Not only this, the lot of Qk would change from that of contempt to fear and respect. It would change from utter helplessness to tremendous power and authority. Okete was assured that nobody would be able to look down upon Qk or use him as rope anymore.
Okete was however warned that when Qk became powerful he would have the tendency to use his power against everybody including Okete his Ohlwo. Otete was advised to warn Qk seriously against doing this or in the alternative, for Okete to abandon theltgld altogether. Since he had , promised Qk that he would help him conduct the initiation rites, O<ete felt he was bound by this promise. For this reason, Okete called Qk and they entered into a covenant. Qk swore that he would never do anything against Okete and any member of his household which might huft them in any way. Wth this assurance, Qk was initiated.
Before long, Qk became very poweful and highly influential. Nobody could look down upon him anymore. He now said this as an opportunity to avenge the humiliation he had hitherto being subjected to, He used his newly acquired power to exeft his authority and punish all those who had 644
il
osunaa uei
offended him one time or the other. While doing all this however, he avoided doing anything aganst Okete and all members of his household. He soon became so power drunk that he began to think that he could not be considered an all-powerful person if he did not deal with Okete too in his bid to exeft total control over anything and anyone around him. He felt that people would soon be teasing him that his influence and scope of authority did not extend to where Okete was. For this reason therefore, Qk resolved to kill Okete once and for all and show the whole world his supremacy over everybody. That same day, he went out in search of Okete when he saw Okete later in the day, before the latter could express necessary pleasantries, Qk struck him down, totally forgetting his covenant. In pain, Okete reminded him of his household. Qk responded that, that was a forgotten and expired covenant. There and then, Okete swore on Qk and died. Qk simply swallowed Okete. Shortly after this, a hunter saw Qk
and killed him too. As from that day, any day Qk killed Okete, that Qk would also be killed on that very day. That was how Qk ended up digging his own grave with his ungrateful attitude to his benefactor. Gnnugn goore mplrl-meplrl Akahmagbo goore mayggege-mayggegq ojq mll jqQml, bli k'qni m te goore mq QrQ goore goore, grq O l'w l'rl AfOmq goore k l'gbo Dl filn Okt Tl lg re te Qk n'lf Fbq ni wQn nl k Se gb'Qbo, r'bg Qk bo gb'wo ml Ibi l se o Erlgl-Alo, Qk bo b pa Ews
Obak
Ibi lo se
9k bo gb'wo ml
Translation
Gnnugn, the Vulture, did good deeds but he became bald-headed in the process And Akalamagbo, did good deeds only to be inflicted with goiter
645
Even some days, one will feel like not dong good deeds anymore Or, the Cactus, did good deeds but did not have any leaves to show for the good deeds And AfOmg, the Parasitic Plant, did good deeds only to be left without
root These were lf's declarations to Okete, the Big Rat When going to initiate Qk, the Cobra, into If He was advised to offer gbg
He complied Now, Qk if you swallow Okete You have done a terribly evil deed ERgt-Alg, Qk if you kill Ewrts, the Big Rat You will surely did with it as the aftermath gk, if you swallow Okete You have done a terrible despicable deed
If says that anyone who did an evil thing where this Od is revealed will face the repercusson of his/her evil action sooner than later.
15.
If warns the person forwhom this Od is revealed to be very careful with the type of help he/she renders to others. If says that a person will come to him/her for assistance but he/she must not render this assistance. This is because this person had something grave, which has led to a serious problem for him/her. He/she is now looking for other people who will share from this problem. If says that it is in the best interest of the person for whom this Od is revealed never to have anything to do with the person or group seekng assistance at this pafticular pont in time. If says that this person is not looking for assistance: rather, he/she/they are looking for someone to implicate and drag intothe mud likethem.
If says that there is no gbg material to offer in this Od. The only gbg to offer here is for the person for whom this Od is revealed to heed warning. As a matter of fact, before a person born by this Od offers any assistance to anybody, there is the need for him/her to check and crosscheck properly whether this person deserves to be assisted or not. On these,If says:
646
ii
Gnnug n goore maplrf -maplrl Aka lamag bo goore mayggege-mayqgegq QjQ mfi jQqml, bl k'gni m tiQ goore mQ
ogunaa hrei
Orqooregoorergrq O l'w l'rl AfOmggoore k l'gbo Dl fitn Adeknnrblr gmg palkl pejo 9mqagek'ores nlge Mgba rlg oko alro I'gdrln fbg niwqn w ge
Translation
Gnnugn, the Vulture, did good deeds but he became bald-headed in the process Rnd AkahmgbO, did good deeds only to be inflicted with goter Even some days, one will feel like not doing good deeds anymore QrQ, the Cactus, did good deeds but did not have any leaves to show for the good deeds And Afomg, the Parasitic Plant, did good deeds only to be left without root These were lf's declarations to Adknnlbf, offsprings of those who kill Akah and killed the snake He who behave in such a way that one's feel tired of doing good When he was going to the farm for annual planting He was advised offer gbg
Adekanntbl was an accomplished farmer. He was also a very successful man. He was highly respected in the communty because everyone knew him as a God fearing philanthropst. He holds many chieftaincy titles in the community and whatever he said was final on many issues,
One day, Adknntbf planned to go and staft the annual
cultivation. For this reason, he decided to go for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above: would he succeed that year as he had always
succeeded? The Awo assured Adknrnb'i that he would succeed as he had always done. The Awo said that success was not his problem. Adknmbi was however warned that someone would be coming to him for assstance within the five days. Such a person must never be assisted. The Awo laid emphasis on the fact that the person who was coming for such assistance did not need it:
rather, he was comng
to create untold problem and hardship into

647
Adknrfibl's life. The Awo concluded by telling Adknn1bl that there was no gbg that he could offer on this issue except for him to heed warnngs of If.
Adekanrnff left the home of the Awo with the full determination of not assisting anyone. When Adeknntbi got home, he explained everything to his wife and asked his wife to remind him at all times not to assist any one in the next seventeen days. Wth this, Adknmbl was convinced that he would be able to avoid the problem which If foresaw by asking him not to
assist anyone for five days.
On the fourth day howevel Qk the Cobra, rushed to Adknnlbf's farm pleading and crying that he was being pursue by his enemies. He told Adekanmff that if these enemies caught him on that day he would definitely be slaughtered.
He pleaded with Adeknmbf to please open his mouth and allow him to hide in his stomach for a few moments so that these enemies would not be able to see him. As Adeknntbl was aboutto open his mouth, his wife called him and reminded him of the warnings of If. 'Keep quite woman', thundered Adeknnlbl, 'even if I will not assist anyone is it going to be Qk my friend?' As soon as he said these he open his mouth and his friend Qk entered into his mouth. And went straight to his stomach.
When Qk the Cobra settled in Adknn1bl's stomach, the first instruction he gave to Adknn1bi was: my friend go and beat your wife to death. Adeknrnbf protested, 'how could I do this to my wife of several years?' Qk the Cobra simply place his teeth on Adknrlbl's liver and bit the liver mercilessly, nobody told Adknnlbl again before he picked his hoe and use it to beat his wife of 27 years to death.
market. When they arrived there, he told Adkanntbi to ensure that 16 people were beaten to death in the market. Adeknntbl protested, 'why should I do this in a community where I owned several titles?' Qk the Cobra places his teeth on Adknn1bi's pancreas and bit it mercilessly. Nobody told Adkannlbt before he uses his
Qk told Adkannlbf to let them go to the axe to cut down 16 innocent people in the market.
648
!!
ogunaa uej
Next 9k the Cobra told Adknn1bl to let them go to the palace. When they got there Qk told AdknnlM to kill the three wives of the Qba and add the Qba as his foufth victim in the palace. Adeknrnbt protested. The Cobra placed his teeth on Adknn1bl's lungs and bite it mercilessly. Nobody told Adknn1bf before he used his club to hit the four of them to death, As this was going on the whole town went into pandemonium. The fear of Adknmff became the beginning of wisdom for everyone.
There are however, some elders in the community who are totally
convinced that violent is not in Adknn1bl's characters. These elders knew something urgent and drastic must be done. Consequently, they went to the home of the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would it be possible to find solution to the problem in the community? Was it possible for them to know how to assistAdknrbi himself?
The Awo told the elders thatthey would surely find solution to the problems in the community. He told them that only the Elders of the Night can help them. Consequently, there was the need for them to feed the Elders of the Night with one she-goat and plenty of palm oil. The Elders of the Night accepted thelpes and sentAklmgb to go and help Adknntbi.
Meanwhile, Adknnlbi had become totally berserk man. He had voices from his stomach and he must obey whatever instruction that he was given. For this reason, Adkanmb'i was a totally unpredictable man. When AkalamagbO arrived in his house, he went straight to Adknrflbf and instructed him to Akalamagbo open his mouth. Adekanmbf did. Akalamagb called on Qk the Cobra and told him that he had come to join him to inflict more pains on Adknn1bi. Qk was very happy when he had this. Akalmgb told Qk to show up his face so that their discussions can go on smoothly. Qk moved fonntard and showed up his face. As soon as he did this, Akahmagbo grabbed his neck and pulled him out forcefully. Akahmagb struck Qk on the head with his beak. He struck him repeatedly. When Adeknntbi saw this, he got hold of his hoe with the intention of breaking the head of Qk into pieces. Unfoftunately however, the blow landed on the head of Akalamagbo. So Adknn1bi ended up killing both Cobra and Akalamagbo.
649
lfa Dda: An invtation to lfa Consultaon
Gnnugn Foore maplrt-meplr{ Akalamag b goore mayggege- mayqgege ojQ mff jqQml, bli k'$ni m tiQ goore mQ Qrq goore goore, grq O l'w l'rf Afomqgoorek l'gbo Dl fin Adeknntbl, omg palkla pejO 9mg a9e k'ore s n f ge Mgba rrlg oko alro I'gdn Fbq ni wQn i w ge kg'tf QgbQnyln s'ebq Eyin o rt Adknnlbl t pa ejo T sl pa eyg
Translation
the Vulture, dd good deeds but he became baldheaded in the process Rnd Akalamagbo, did good deeds onlyto be inflicted with goter Even some days, one will feel like not doing good deeds anymore QrQ, the Cactus, did good deeds but did not have any leaves to show for the good deeds
Grlnnugn,
And Afomg, the Parasitic Plant, did good deeds only

without root
to be left
of
those
These were lf's declarations
to
Adeknntbf, offsprings
who killAkah and killed thesnake He who behave in such a way that one's feel tired of doing good When he was going to the farm for annual planting He was advised offer qbg He refused to comply Can'tyou seeAdknn1bl who killed the snake And killed the bird
If warns the person for whom this Od revealed not to give any assstance he/she will come to regret for the rest of his/her life. It is in the best interest of this person to heed the warnings of If.
16. If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed aganst

unnecessary stubbornness of heaft and disobedience of If instruction in order for him or her to avod unspeakable calamity. This person is warned aganst relying on position, influence, power,
650
Itr
ogunaa Mei
connections or any other at the last minute.
If says that if the person for whom this Od is cast plans to go somewhere and If does not foresee lre, then this person needs to shelve the plan in order to avoid unpleasant consequence to
himself/herself and to those who are close to him\hen
If also warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to be very careful in everything that he/she is doing at that pafticular point during If consultation. Obduracy can never bring any good resultto him/heratthis period.
If advises this client t offer gbg, as a matter of urgency, with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to heed advice as this is even more impoftant than the money he/she might have to spend on the gbg materials. On these, If says:
Abalg,abd
A ba ro QrQ onl,lja ni I b dl D,| firn Akk MOjlwa Tff g'awo il Onlkoyl NlSq t g'awo Qba llade org fbg ni wQn nl k w se
Translation
Had we gone, we would not have returned Had we considered the pain involved in this matter, it could have led to a quarrel This was lf's declaration to Akk Mjlw, the woodpecker The resident Awo of OnlkOl When going on If mission to the palace of QlyQ of Qyq He was advised to offer gbg
KUhlwg was an accomplished If
priest. He was the personal Babalwo of
the
the Qba of QyQ town. He was so powerful and highly gifted that anything he said would surely come to pass. He also had several powerful charms and knew many incantations which he usually used to the amaze and fear of his numerous followers. One day, KhlwQ planned to go tolkOyito see the On'ik1, the Qba oflkOl
QlQyQQ,
651
town.
He consulted If and If asked him not to go, that the omen was not in favour of his going. If foresaw death for him in his journey. When he
heard this, he said that even if there was death at lkoy, his numerous charms and incantations would surely give him escape routes which would protect his life against death or any other calamity. No amount of persuasion could change his mind. When asked to offer gbg, he refused. He had absolute confidence in his charms and other powerful devices. His Awo went to report him to QlQyQQ who also persuaded him not to go. All these persuasions simply fell on deaf ears. QlQyQq told Ktlh1w that he should remember that they had been together for a very long time and that there was nothing Kh1we had told him not to do which he had ever done. He had relied on whatever If said which KrlltlwQ had told him and he, QlqyQq had never regretted it. Kuluwe responded that what QIQyQQ said was true but that QlQyQQ could not compare himself with an Awo like him (Krtlwq) who knew all the workings of If and charms. When nobody could change KhlwQ's mind, he was allowed to go.
Atlkyi, KrlhlwQ was respected and given the honour due to the personal Awo of QlQyQQ. He cast If for Orfkyf and the latter marveled at his expeftise. KhJwe was given a large room inside the palace for his personal use. All the important personalities in Ikoyi were trooping his house. Everybody in Ikoyt was soon aware that the great KrllwQ the personal Babalwo of QIQyQ was in theirtown.
One week after KrlhlwQ's arrival inlkol however, disaster of unimaginable proportion struck. On the night of that day, a mysterious fire gutted the palace and raze down only the room given to Kr1hlwQ. Before any assistance could be rendered, Kh1wQ had been burnt to ashes. It took several able-bodied men and women around the palace several hours to rescue the other wings of the palace from burning. As soon as it was discovered that KhlwQ the great personal Babalawo of QlQyQq was dead, fear gripped the whole palace and in factthe entiretown of Ikol: How would they convey this terrible message to QlQy without provoking his anger and wrath? When they did not know what to do, they invited A<ofo Mjlawa, the resident Awo of Onf kyl to prepare himself for the journey to QIQyQQ's palace in order to go and break the news of the
652
ii osunaa uei
death of KrJhJwg, his fellow Babalwo to
Oyo.
QIQyQQ
and the entire people of
Knowing that the assignment given to him was an extremely delicate one, Akoko Mojlw went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above. Atoko was assured that even though the assignment was grave, he would however succeed in carrying it out. He was advised to be extremely tactful and very careful too. He was advised to offer gbg with a matured he-goat and money. He complied. Immediately after this, he set outon his journeyto QIQyQQ's palace. As soon as he arrived at QyQ, he hired some drummers and included SQkgrQ, the favourite drum of Qlgygg. At the entrance of QlyQQ's palace, the $gkQrQ drummers stafted to beat their drums. Akk sent a palace aide to inform QlqyQQ that he had a special message from Ofkyi. He was soon ushered in. He went into the palace with the drummers. Atthe presence of QlQyQQ, he made his cry the cry of shouting and made hislyQrQ, thelyQrQ of lamentations, saying in his unbelievably sonorous voice:
Krrhrw$ ti jona sll o o Kw ti jona sll Arqnl I jona sll onlkoyl o Klwe ti jona slle
Translation
Klwe had suffered fire burn inside the house KrthlwQ had been burnt inside the house The ArQnl, master of medicines, had been burnt to death inside Onlk0yl's palace KrlhlwQ had suffered fire burn inside the house Before the full implication of the message could sink in, QlqyQq and his chiefs were dancing to the Sekere drums. By the time it became clear that it was a message on the death of his personal Awo, it was too late to change his countenance. QIQyQQ asked Atofo to stop the song and music. He did. QIQVQQ thought over the message for a long time and concluded that KUltlwg was the architect of his misfutune. He stated that KlrtwQ had earlier been warned but he refused to heed warning. qQyqq asked AtO<o to inform Onfkl that he had nothing against him as KhtwQ came tolkol
653
at the very height of his obstinary.
QlQyQq assured harboured no ill-feeling towards him on the matter.
Onlkl that he
That was how KtlltlwQ lost his life as a result of his stubbornness and his over-reliance on his power and refused to heed If warning which he too used to give others and which he expected others to heed. Refusalto heed If warning is the shoftest way to disaster.
Abalgrabd
A ba ro QrQ onl, tja ni I b dl Dl fifn Akk Mojlw Tll g'awo il onlkoy| MTq t rl9'awo Qba llade Q yq fbg ni wgn nl k w 9e gb'gbo, r'bg j6 rulrrwQ ti jna sll o Klwq t jn s{ ArQnl I jn sll Onlkoy,l o Krrhrw$ t jn sll
Translation
Had we gone, we would not have returned Had we considered the pain involved in this matter, it could have led to a quarrel This was If's declaration to Akk Mjlw, the woodpecker The resident Awo of OffkOf When going on If mission to the palace of QlQyQq of QyQ He was advised to offer gbg He complied Alas, Krlhlwe had suffered fire burn inside the house Krlhlw had been burnt inside the house The Argnl, master of medicines, had been burnt to death inside Onfkfi's palace KrlhlwQ had suffered fire burn inside the house
If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to heed warnings and advices at all times. There lies salvation. There lies long life and prosperity. That is the only way he/she will not regret or suffer
hardships.
AB9R ABQYE
654
B.
i!
ogunaa Mei
SIGNIFICANCE OF OGNDA MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THIS OD DURING ITELD OR IKgSFDAYE
For those born by this Od either during ltgloau orlkgsgdy, barring any self- inflicted pain or disappointmen$ nothing stops them from being great in life. They will not only be great, but they will equally be happy. They will
achieve all their hearts' desires at the most appropriate periods in their lives. They shall not lack in any sphere of life. They shall live a very rewarding life. They shall live comfoftably and pursue their goals confidently. They shall even die when they are ripe and in relative satisfaction a nd contentment.
If and they are blessed with all the good things of life. As long as honey remains sweet, nothing can prevent these people from enjoying their lives to the fullest except they themselves through their own handiworks. They are specially chosen to infect others with their happiness so that the world would be happier and more habitable for everybody.
Ogunda-mjl children are specially chosen and favoured by Qbatl and
OgUnda-mjl children also strive well in joint paftnership business. They easily combine other people's expertise, experience, resources or even
contacts to their own to forge ahead in any business they set out to do. By so doing, they end up gaining more popularity, respect, wealth and honour. Even though they have the ability to succeed on their own, they however succeed better and faster in joint ventures. That is the reason why it is not advisable for Ogrtnda-mejl children to insist on going alone in any project if they have feasible alternative in joint partnership on the project. Because they combine well with others to achieve success, they coveftly bring joy and success into other people's lives. They push others fonryard with their own talents and other specialgifts from Oldmar and the Deities.
For anyone to succeed in any joint business he/she must be straightforward, honest and accommodating. All those involved must be understanding and must not give room to unnecessary quarrels, arguments or misunderstanding. Ogunda-mjl children must therefore bear all these in mind at all times. They must avoid the urge to cheat their
paftners either at the time of contributing their resources into the business or when it comes to profit- sharing stage.
Ogunda-mjl children must not think, plan or do anything, no matter

how minute, to hinder the progress of others. If they do, they will be put to shame. Conversely, anyone who thinks, plans or does anything to constitute a stumbling block on the path of greatness of Ogund-mfl children shall be rubbished and ridiculed. It is in the destiny of Ogundmjl children to succeed in spite of obstacles. That was why they too must never think, plan, or do evil against others. They must not assist others in doing it against other people.
Apart from the fact that the success of Ogunda-mejl children
is
guaranteed, also sure is their protection against evil and disaster. In spite of the fact that iniquities, problems, troubles and vagaries of life abound where they are, they shall never experience any. If shall protect them and their families. They shall not die any untimely death. They shall also live to enjoy the fruit of their labour.
Ognd-mjli children, it is not advisable to stand surety for anyone. If they do, they stand to regret their action. Those for whom they stand surety shall disappoint them and may even put them in serious trouble
For
which maytakethem long to recoverfrom.
Ogunda-mjl male children will also find out that women will be very instrumental to their achievements and success in life. They however need to learn to cope with the complexities in women especially their sudden changes in attitude. They need to know that women may blow hot now and in the next moment blow cold. Nothing of this nature needs to surprise or worry them at all. For the female children of Ogund-mejl,
they make good homes and try everything at their disposal to raise their spouses from grass to grace. They are understanding and make good mothers of their children.
Also for
Ogunaa-mjl, male and female children, their children are their
biggest assets and their most invaluable possessions. They need to take care of their children and these children will in turn take care of them when
656
ll
osunaa uei
they grow old. They have no busness sayng that they do not want to bear children as they will remaln Incomplete in their own lives as long as they fail to have their own children. They also need to inform their children on everything about them. They cannot afford to hide anything from their children as these children will be instrumental to their victory in the various battle-fields of life. They also need to give the children adequate training and good upbringing, ds the children will enhance their reputation and worth in the community if well trained.
OgUnda-mjl children have the propensity to send people to carry out

assignments for them, no matter how serious the assignment may be to their life, career or well-being. This is not in their best interest. They are to go and handle any assignment which is very impoftant to their lives personally as there is the possibility for this assignment to be bungled by whoever they send to carry it out for them. This they may come to regret for the rest of their lives. One of the reasons why Ogunda-mejl children leave their issues unattended to and pursue other matters is their bid to satisfi everybody. This willingness usually makes them to promise one thing to several people at the same time and also to go in pursuit of other people's issue at the expense of their own. This is an area where they need to think seriously over as it will never be favourable to them in the long run. They will end up shoft-changing themselves and receiving abuses from the very people they intend to satisff. Whenever Ogund-mil children offend others, it is their duty to show remorse and tender unreserued apology to whomsoever they offended. If on the other hand, somebody or group offends them, no matter how grievous the offence may be, it is bound on them to forgive the culprit(s) whenever the latter seeks for forgiveness. If this is done, they will always remain relevant in life.
OgUnda-mjl children must never repay good with evil or even evil with evil. They must never show ingratitude to their benefactors. They must never be power-drunk or allow their influence, position, power, connection or reputation to enter into their heads and lead them into obduracy. They must be listening to wise counseling at all times. Failure to do so can only
lead to regrets.
657
C.
AFFILIATED ORISA AND IRNMOLE OF OG('NDA.

MEJI Orl for overall Ire and success.
1. 2. If for overall Ire and special protection and enhancement of success chances. 3. QbaHl for enhancement of success and favour of the Deities. 4. Qsanyln for success, elfcacy of work and healing capacities, for effectiveness of business ideas and for protection. 5. Ogrtn for suppoft and for realistic assessment situations and events 6. Egu Qdara for general support and removal of obstacles. 7. QqqqsJ for suppoft in times of problem and dilemma. 8. IIQ (mother Eafth) for general suppoft.
D. TABOOS OF oeruOA-t.tI
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Must not eat igin, the Akee apple - to avoid unconsummate fortune. Must not send others on errands on missions which affects him/her seriously and is of great impoftance to his/her life - to avoid unconsummated foftune. Must not use QIQbQnbgn, the beetle, for anything - to avoid illluck and misfoftune. Must not stand surety for others to avoid being implicated on other people's matter- to avoid being blamed over issues he/she knows little or nothing about. Must not be playing games to avoid being tied down unnecessarily and whiling away precious time when good things await him/her elsewhere. Must not use KanranjngbQn plant to avoid unconsummated foftune or missed chances. Must not use Iy leaves, bark, root etc for medicine - to avoid delay in finding solution to problems.
Must not kill or eat Okete (big rat) - to avoid untimely death or disappointments leading to calamity. Must never repay good with evil or even evil with evil - to avoid 658
ii
on*'" r",
10. 10.
unconsum mated foftune and disappointments Must never show ingratitude to their benefactors - to avod ambitions. Must never be power drunk or allow their influence, position, power, connection or reputation to enter into their heads and lead them to obduracy.
failed
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OG('NDA.VTEI CHILDREN
1. 2. Orlgagadrtn Onga provides sweetness 3. Oklklgla The reputation of honour 4. Ajlgql One who wakes into honour 5. Ifqlj If provides cover 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Females
Males FgayQ If breeds joy
Adngl Ql-Fd Oklklgl
Ogunaja Qmglgw
The sweetness of honour Ogun mediates in conflict My child is my beauty lf's honour The reputation of honour
Aagn AB9YE.
659
lfa Dida: An nvtaton to lfa Consultaon
iT o"" M"/i
Chapter 10
OSA MEr
ll ll
ll
tt tl
Chapter
1O
QsA MErI
A.
1.
If says that for the person for whom Qsa-Mef is revealed during consultation,IkgsQdy orltglodU, If foresees the Ire of abundant wealth and success. If says that he/she had brought his/her financial success from heaven. This person shall not be in want of
money in life. If says that for this to manifest in the life of the person for whom this Od is revealed, there is the need for him/her to offer gbg with four rats, four fishes, a bottle of gin, four kolanuts and money. On this, If says:
On'll etl oj nll wolrwq Segaa l'ke Dlfin Kk Tl t'Qrun bQw'y TI y sl fi gbogbo ara K'j w'l
Sbg ni wQn nl k w Se
Translation
The residents of the house near the market are those who gaze at the brightly shinning stars This was lf's declaration to KUk, the Pigeon When coming from Qrun, Heaven to Ay, the Earth Who will bring wealth with all pafts of her body She was advised to offer gbg
Kk, the Pigeon was coming into this world from heaven. When she was about to move, she went for If's consultation in the home of the Awo whose pet name was mentioned above: Would she be a successful person on eafth? Would she be able to command financial wealth and respect while on earth? Would people love and adore her? She also wanted to
662
Il
o""
know the degree of her success and achievements in life.
"",
The Awo assured her that she would not only be successfulthat every paft of her body would be associated with wealth - her feather, skin, flesh, blood, bone, head and body. She was equally informed that she would be given honour and would be allowed to live among human beings. She was told that while her colleagues such as partridge and dove were being stoned and
killed, she would be accorded respect and offered befitting
accommodation. She was however advised to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, four kolanuts, one bottle of gin and money. She complied. Soon after this, she set out on her journey to eafth.
While on eafth, Kk, the Pigeon, became the toast of everyone. She was adored. She was given appropriate respect and honour. She was associated with wealth and prosperity. She was also given chance to live with human beings. The home she set her feet into was used to attracting wealth.
For these reasons, people always looked for the pigeons to put inside their homes so that wealth would reside with them. This made Kk a bird that
everybody looks for and takes proper care contented forthis.
of.
She was very happy and
On'll etl oja nff wo lrwo gaagaa l'k firn Kk Tl t'Orun bEw'y Tl yo sl fi gbogbo ara K'j w'lFbq ni wgn nl k w ge
gb'Qborrrl'bg
KO p,,
kjlnn
!w b'ni nf Jbrlt ire WQn nl qse ire ni ErrtkUk f te'l Translation

The residents of the house near the market are those who gaze atthe brightly shinning stars This was lf's declaration to Kk, the Pigeon When coming from Qrun, Heaven, toAy, the Eafth
663
Who will bring wealth with all parts of her body She was advised to offer gbg She complied Before long, and nottoofar Join us in the midst of abundant Ire It is with the feet of Ire that the Pigeon matches on the ground
If says that riches, prosperty and well being shall

accompany the person for whom this Od is revealed.
sure
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is going to be the most successful member of his/her family. He/she will be blessed with more money, spouse, children, and propefties than all his/her siblings and/or colleagues.
If says that this person shall however have more success chances outside where he/she was born than within his/her place of birth. He/she shall become a great person from outside his/her place of bfth. He/she shall also be greater than all others close to him/her.
There is however the need to offer gbg (Arkore) with two pigeons, two hens, two guinea fowls, two cocks and money. On these,
Qsa-Me) says:
KrjeQwlnnl Qwlnnl krje Dl filn QpgYgkgtg

Tl
s'awolos'delwer [b9 k l la ju gbogbo qgbe

Krje Qwinn'i Qwlnnl Krje
rQ
lg ni wgn nl k w qe
Translation
They were the ones who cast If for Qpg Yekete, the
Palm tree When going on spiritual mission tolwre land
Slender
He was advised than allothers
to offer ebo so that he would be more
successful
Qpe YeketQ, the slender palm tree was very hardworking. He was always eager to work and he was never showing any sgn of fatigue at any time. 664
Il o""
one day, he went to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If
consultation in orderto determine his success chances in life.
The Awo assured him that he would surely be successful in his life. Not only this, he was told that he was going to become the most successful person among his contemporaries. The Awo also told him that his luck would shine better outside his place of bifth. Consequent upon this, he was advised to move out of his place of bifth and settle elsewhere. Qpe yekete was also advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. All these he did. After the gbg he moved outof his domain and wenttolwr land to settle.
""t
Within three years of settling atlwr town, he has established himself. His
palm fronds were used for sweeping, his palm kernels were used for cooking, his cap was extracted as palm wine, his stem was used for construction purposes, his root was used for medicine and food, his bark was used for medicine. In fact, there was no part of his body that was not of commercial value. Before long, he became the most successful and most sought after among all his contemporaries. All his colleagues soon began to
use his success asyardsticks for measuring their own level of achievements.
They were also praying to oldmar to make them as successful as Qpg

Yek.re.
Tl g'awo lgs'delwr f bg k le la ju gbogbo qgbe re lg ni wqn nl k w ge
KrjeQwlnnl Qwlnnl krje Dl filn QpQYgkQt
gb'-borr'bg
je a l'j-l'j Blarodelwere KrjeQwlnnl Qwlnnl krje A l'ya-l'ya Bl ara odelwr KrjeQwlnni

Qwlnnl Krje A bl'mg-bl'mg
ara odelwr Krje Qwlnnl
665
Qwlnnl Krje A nl ire gbogbo Bl ara de lwere
Krje Qwlnnl Qwlnnl Krje
Translation
Krje Qwlnn'l
He was advised to offer ebg so that he would be

successful than all others
He complied
Qwlnn'lKrje They were the ones who cast If for Qpg YQk, tQ the Slender Palm tree When going on spiritualmission tolwr land
more
We shall be as wealthy
Asthatof the inhabitants oflwr land

All hail Krje Qwlnn) And QWInn) Krje We shall be blessed with several children As those of the inhabitnts of Iwere land All hail Krje Qwlnn) And QWlnn) Krje We shall be blessed with alllre in life As those of the inhabitants oflwre land All hail Krje Qwlnnl And QWlnn) Krje
If says that all Ire in life shall come the way of the person for whom this od is revealed. All he/she needs to do are to offer the appropriate gbg as prescribed above and also move out of his/her place of bfth. By so doing,
his/her luck shall shine brightly.
3.
If says that it foresees the lre of wealth, spouse, offspring, sound health, victory over adversary and long life for the person for whom this Od is revealed. In fact, If foresees all Ire in life for this person. If enjoins the person for whom this Od is revealed to ensure that he/she follows If injunctions in all the things he/she is doing. If
he/she holds onto If, then If will never let him/her down in any way 666
iti
ou u"ii
fertility for both males and females, plenty of sodium bicarbonate, plenty of dry stalk of guinea-corn, plenty of alligator pepper grains, four hens, four clothing materials
and money; for victory over witches and other adversaries, six bottles of palm oil, six big rats and money; for general well being and overall success, all edibles;. For abundant wealth, 16 white pigeons and money; while he/she needs to serve If with a big keg of raffia-palm wine, four big kolanuts with four valves and money every year. If all these can be done, the
general well-being, long life and overall success of the person for whom this Od is revealed is assured. On all these, a stanza in this
Od says:
whatsoever. In this particular stanza, If recommends the following ebo: for long life and good health; 2OO pebbles, three cocks and money; for
If nt kl w{n kl Oun nl m'Oj-m'Oj If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlm'oj-m'ojo If pglgm'eji-m'eji If o b peleo 9mq gl'Qn t y rere Ado-lwl
Translation
If declares that he should be greeted in association with rain-fall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rcin shower If we halyou, in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of that road which branched to Ad-fwi town (Ad-Eldtl)
Qrnmll asked people to greet him and compare his achievements in life with the blessing and abundance of rainfall. He was thus greeted. He was also praised as the owner of the straight road which led to Ad-fwi. He however corrected them that he was never a citizen of Ad-Fwi. He said that when he traveled to Ad-Fwi, he realised that the town was very populous and he enquired from them about which Origa creed they followed or worshiped. They however responded that they had no Origa
667
which they worshped. That was when Qrrlnmll asked them to close their eyes and they did. He threw 200 Ikin on the right and another 200 on the left. He asked them to open their eyes and ordered them to pick the lkin. They struggled forthem and they picked them all. Qrunmlla told them that those were the If symbols which they would be worshipplng and be following for guidance, wealth, security, spouses, long-life and allthe good things of life. They were all doing this in Ad-Fwand all the good things of life came to them like rain shower. If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'OjO-m'OjO If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlgm'Oj0-m'ojo If pelq m'eji-m'eji If o b peo 9mq glQgbagbr e ode Qfa
Translation
If declares that he should be greeted in association with rain-fall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of the giant nail bythe boundary of Qfa land
Again, If asked people to greet him and compare his achievements in life with the blessing and abundance of rainfall, and he was greeted. When he was greeted in connection with Qfa town, he responded that he was not a citizen of Qfa. He said that he travelled to Qfa town and metthem afflicted with variety of ailments, ranging from fever, yaws, tuberculosis, leprosy to paralysis. They came to him to consult If on how alltheir ailments would disappear. He assured them that the illness would go but they needed to offer gbg with 200 pebbles, three cocks and money. They did. He then put )yQrOsn on the 200 pebbles and asked them to struggle for possession of these pebbles. They all rushed to get at least one each from the 200 pebbles. In the process of doing this, four to five people were struggling for one pebble. Sometimes more than 20 people would be struggling for only one pebble. Before they knew it, all their ailments disappeared and they all became hail and heafty. That was why people were saying Tjakadl I'qrg Qf' meaning 'Wrestling is the custom of Qfa land' 668
IT
o"" u"i
Ifa nl kl wqn kl un nl m'Oj-m'OjO If nl kl wgn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlg m'jO-m'ojo If pQlg m'eji-m'eji If o b pel o Qmg ogbuuru 9mgQgbaara E$ to gan t t'il ljero-QlqmoJg lg o
Translation
If declares that he should be greeted in association with rain-fall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, n association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower If we greet you with respect Ownerof thefast moving stream And the swifttraveling stream Which passed acrossthe land ofljerO-glQmqfe
And again when Qrnmll was greeted in connecton wth rain shower and he was prased in connection withljer-QlQmgfg town. He declared that he was not a citizen of ljer-QIQmgfg town. He explained that when he
arrived at ljer-Eld, he met them suffering from the problem of childlessness, both males and females. That was why he asked them to brig to him four loads of sodium bicarbonate, four loads of dried stalk of guinea corn, four loads of alligator pepper grans, four hens and four clothing materials as gbg materials. They complied. After these, he
pounded the sodium bicarbonate, guinea corn stalk and alligator pepper grains together into powder and asked them, both males and females, to use itwith corn porridge. When they did this, they all began to give birth to children. The blessing of children cametothem like rainfall. If nl kl wqn kl Oun nl m'OjO-m'Oj If nl kl wgn kl un nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlf m'j-m'Oj If p9lm'eji-m'eji If o b pQlo Qmg al'klmagbO ttl gb'p gmg tuntun
fO
rrr l'de lkql
669
Translation
lf declares that he should be greeted in association with rain-fall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, in assocaton with rainfall And we saluteyou in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of the great klmgbO bird which flies off with the forelimb of a new-born baby atlkfle town
And yet agan, If asked people to greet him in reference to rainfall and they dd. When those praisng him made reference to IkQI-Eldti, he made it clear to them that he was not a citizen of that town. He explained that he came tolkgb Eltltl only to discover that things were not moving well for the inhabitants of that town. He consulted If for them when they approached him. He told them that the causes of their problems were the handiwork of Elders of the Night and other principalities. He advised them to feed the Elders of the Night (witches) with six medium-size kegs of palm-oil, six Okt, big rats, and money. They complied. Before long after peforming the ritual, all their problems disappeared. All the good things which they had hithefto lacked came rushing to them in torrents.
If nl kl wgn kl Oun nl m'jO-m'Oj If nl kl wqn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlm'OjO-m'OjO If pQlQ m'eji-m'eji If o b pele o Qmg ftrtu-rotogbo
NTbi wqn gb ge gw-gOw
Translation
If declares that he should be greeted in association with rain-fall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, in association with rainfall And we saluteyou in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of Fl j-ffogb town Where the inhabitants were chattering like birds
In continuation of his narration, If asked people to greet him in connection with the rainfall and he was greeted. But when he was praised and linked wth Flj-ffogb town, he explained that he was not a citizen of that town.
670
!T o""
He explained fufther that when he went to fluju-ffogbo he met the inhabitants of that town suffering from hunger and famine. He stated that when he saw this, he went to take a large piece of farmland, he taught the inhabitants of fluu-fofogb how to till the land, make heaps, plant yoffi, maize, beans, peas, groundnuts and so on. After about three years or so, he found 2000 people on his right, another 2000 on the left, 2000 in front of him and yet another 2000 on his back. He asked them what they had come for. They responded that they had come to live with him. They made him their Qba. All their sufferings and wants became things of the past. That was how they made fluu-fofogb his home. The inhabitants of flujuffogb then began to count their blessings whlch came to them like
rainfall.
""i,
If nl kl wqn o kl un nl m'OjO-m'jO If nl kl wqn kl un nl m'eji-m'eji o If pelem'Ojo-m'Oj If pelem'eji-m'ej If o b pQlo Qmq onlblkan lblkn Tl wQn gb d'jrr u mglQ t-too-t l'de ljega
Translation
If
declares
that he should be greeted in
association with
rainfall If saysthat he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with ran shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of that parcel of land Where shrines of seve:al Deities were consecrated inljggaland
When Qrnmll was greeted in connection to rainfall as he requested and when he was praised with reference being made toljEgahnd, he retofted that he was not a citizen of ljggabnd. He explained that he went to Iqgahnd and he met them suffering from povefi. They approached him for If consultation. He assured them that their poverty would disappear while want would give way to abundance. He advised them to offer gbg with 200 white pigeons. They all complied. Before long, they all became rich and influential. 671
When they discovered that their lives had improved for the better, the citizens of ljesaland begged Qrnm'il to stay with them. Qrunm'il responded that he could not do that as there were several others who needed his assistance elsewhere. He however advised them to bring a keg of raffia palm wine and four big kolanuts to serve their If ndvdually every year and his presence would be felt. Anything they needed shall be given unto them If they passionately and realistically prayed for it. If nl kf wqn kl oun nl m'ojo-m'ojo If nl kl wQn H un nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlgm'OjO-m'jO If pQlgm'eji-m'eji If o b pele o,lftrl, pQlpQl
Qmg gl'Qn t y rr Ad-fwl Qrunmll I'un kll 9e ara Ad-Fwl nl oun b wqn WQn pq bl ewe nmQ I'Ado-lwl Oun nl Ooga wo I'Qyin nsln Tl e pqbyll WQn l'wgn O l'Oga kankan t'wgn lsln Qrnil w nl kl wgn dTr nl Oun fQn igba gmg ikin s'Owq Qtrln Oun fQn igba gmg ikin s', wq osl Oun nl klwQn la'j Kl wQn ma lq ga Oun nl OOSa tl wQn ma sln nlygn Tt wn ma l'w Tl wqn ma l'ya Tl wQn ma bl'mg Tl wQn ma kq'l Tl wQn ma.nl're gbogbo nl oun l'won ar Ad-Ewl b br sll se b Oun I'ayewqn bfidra WQn w sg wlpe If pQl$ o Ar Ad-lwl l'un b wgn tan nl'bQ Oun g'awo d'bQ ni QrUnmll nl kl wQn kl un nl m'j-m'Ojo If nl kl wgn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlm'jO-m'OjO If pel m'eji-m'eji
672
l o""
l,, pQlepele gl'Qg bg ba ra etl ode OJe Qmq
If o b rQl o, If
"",
AraOdeOfa
Qrrrnmll l'un kll ge ar Ode Qfa nl un deOdeOfa Ojojo l gewen Ajlnde le jQfiln wgn ni wQn ftd'f sl lbg ni un nl kl wqn Se WQn gb'Sbe, wQn r'bg Oun ba gba lyq sl Okta fitn wgn Oun nlwqn ma lgrj'ljgd u re NiwQn b jTja du okrlta Mbiyn m'rin t ja du Okrlta kan l{lbi yn m'rn-un ti j du Okta kan Ni gbogbo ohun tl rr ge wqn l'de Qfa ba san Wqn w n sg wlpeljakadl I'orO Qfa Okuta ni wen rljTja d I'ara wqn f y WQn w p Qrnmlle pQE
nl Oun O b wontan ArUn nf 9 e wqn I'Oun ge'f filn wgn If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'OjO-m'jO If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlQ m'Oj-m'OjO
If pQl m'eji-m'eji If o b fQlo,If l,, pelepeh

Qmq Ogbn
9mqQgbar Eyl t gan t t'il ljero-Qlqmgfq lg o nl oun kll9e ar ljero-Qlqmoje Oun g'awo de ljerO-OlQmgfg ni Oj gmg nf pQn wgn f;bgniOun nl klwQnge WQn gb'$bo, wQn r'bg WQn b bQrQ s{l bl'mg nl ljero-QlQmgfe l'un kll gear ljero-QlQmoJgo If nl kl wqn kl Oun nl m'jo-m'jO If nl kl wqn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If p$lg m'jO-m'ojo If pQle m'eji-m'eji If o b pQl o, If l,, pqhpele 9meal'kalamagb0tll gb'p gmgtuntun Qrrtnmlla l'un kff geara odelkql 673
fO
rrer lde lkQl
Nkan wgn O lg dd l'de lkql L'un b d'f fin won Oun nlaylbwgn j fbg ni kl wQn ge WQn gb'$bg, wQn r'bg Ni ay O b b wgn j mQ WQn w sg wlp If pQlQ o Qmg al'klmagbo tfl gb'p gmg tuntun fo rrer lde IkEl nl Oun b wgn tan nl'bQ If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'jO-m'OjO If nl kl wQn kl oun nl m'eji-m'eji o
M'b ero Ogel gb ge gOw-gw Qrunml|a l'un kff ge ar Flj-ffogb l'j l pqn wgn L'Oungb'qkq L'un sl gb'd L'un b lg r m'lQ L'un b gbin igu L'Oungbinlgbado L'Oun gbin ata L'un sl gbin gbogbo ohun tl gnu njg L'gyln gdn blimgta Oun rl ggba eeyan l'p Qtrln Oun rl qgba eeyan l'p osl Oun rl ggb eeyan nTwjrl Oun ri ggba eeyan l'yln Oun nl kln lo wa de? WQn nl wgn w b Oun gb ni WQn b sg Oun diQba nf'bQ Nilpqnjtl uwon bde'nQ nl ojQtf wqn sg Fluj-ffogbo di'loun nlygn nl Oun k b wgn tan nl'bQ If nf H wqn kl oun nl m'j-m'j If nl kl wQn kl Oun nl m'eji-m'eji o If pQlQ m'jO-m'ojO If pele m'eji-m'eji If o b pe$ o,lf l, pQl$pQlQ Omo onl'blkan lblkn
If pQlgm'j0-m'j If pQlg m'eji-m'eji If o b pel$o,If l$, Flju-fofoguo
pQlQpQle
674
Ii
Tl wQn gb d5r u mgle t-too-t l'de IjQ$a Qrrtnmll l'un kff g'ar odeljQsa nl oun d ode Ojr l rr pqn wgn nl'bQ Ige t mu wqn duduudu ni wgn d'f sl fbg ni wgn nl kl wQn Se Wgn gb'gbg, wQn sl r'bg
o"a
^,r"/i
lj*a
Ajbsnwqn bq
WQn w l'j wgre, were l'de ljege WQn w nl kf Oun dUrO tl wQn nl'bQ Ornmll nl Oun nl le dr Oun o ma lg r b wgn glOmlrn geti wgn Oun ba k lkin l wgn I'QwQ Oun nl to b ti d 'qdggdrtn Kl wgn ma gb agb OgrQ kQQkan Obl obgbo w fi bg oun Kl wgn sl ma tqgrq gbogbo oun tl wQn b f$ Oun o sl ma ge filn wgn nl nlgbatl oun b'ojrlwo b'ojurl l'deljega
pgba akrgb grQ Ati ob olgb I'oun rl WQn w b$rQ sll bg Oun Ni wQn b j ni wgn nyQ
lbi wqn gb d'j 'mglQt-too-t l'de Ijeqa Olonguo If pQl$o Qmq qnll rg Olonguo If r'res{ mi Ologbo If pQlgo Qmq Qnli rg Olongbo If l r'res{ mi Olo9bo If pqle
Qmq Ql'Qn t y rere
jerf peleo Qmq onf 'lQ kanllgk
I'Ado-lwl
Ologbo If l r'resl mi Olo9bo If pele
675
Qmg ol'Qgbgbr etl Ode Qfa
Olo9bo If l r're sl mi Ologbo If pQlQ Qmqogbuuru 9mqQgbaare T b t'ile ljero-QlSmoJg 19 o Olongbo If l r're sl mi Olongbo If pelq 9mq al'klmagbo tff gb'p gmg tuntun fo rrer ode IkQl Olongbo If l r'resl mi Olongbo If pQlg Qmg pl'glj-ffogbo Nl'bi rO ogele gb rrs, e gOw-gOw Olonguo If l r'resl mi Olongbo If p9l Qmq onl'blkan-iblkn Tl wQn gb d'jru 'mglQt-tO-t L'deljeqa Olongbo If l r're sl mi Olonguo If pQlQ Kf nl r'resl mi o Olo9bo If l r'resl mi Olongbo
Transltion
If declares that he should be greeted in association with rainfall If saysthat he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou, in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower
676
lT
o""
If wegreetyou with respect Owner of that road which branched to Ad-fwi town (Ad-Edti) QrUnm'il says that he was nota citizen of AdO-Fwitown He saysthat he metthem They were very many in AdO-lwi to He asked them thatwhich Ofiga did theyfollow its creed When they were as populous as they were And they responded thatthey had no Oga which they worship QrnmTl asked them to close their eyes He says that he then threw 200 Ikin on his right hand side And another200 on his lefthand side He then asked them to open their eyes And begin to collectthe holyseeds He told them that was the 0n9a which they would be following Which will bring them wealth And good spouses And good children And good houses And allthe Ire in life He says the inhabitants of Ad-lwi did so And their lives improved forthe better They were then saying greetings to Qrrlnmlla The inhabitant of Ad-lwi He says that he was not related to them in Ad-FWi He only wentthere on spiritual mission QrnmIl declares that he should be greeted in association with rainfall And should also be saluted in association with rain-shower If we halyou, in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of the giant nail by the boundary of Qfa land Qrnm)l says that he was not a citizen of Qfa town Theywere afflcted with ailments How to get over their ailments was what they consulted If for Theywere advised to offergbg Theycomplied He then sprinkled lyQrsn on pebble for them And he asked them to struggle for possession of the pebbles They then began to struggle for the pebbles Where four people struggled for possession of only one pebble And five people struggled for possession of onlyone pebble That was where all their ailments disappeared at Qfa town They then began to say that wrestling is the custom of Qfa land
"r,
677
Pebble was what they were struggling over that made them hail and hearty They were then saying all hail Qrrrnmll The inhabitantof OJa town He says that he was not related to them They were ill and he did If forthem If declares that he should be greeted in connection with rainfall If says that he should also be saluted in association with rain shower If we hailyou in association with rainfall And we salute you in association with rain shower If wg greetyou with respect Owner of the fast-moving stream And the swift-travelling stream Which passed acrossthe land ofljer-Qlgmgfg He says that he is not a citizen ofljerO-QlQmgfg He wenton spiritual mission to)jerO-Qlgmgfg They were experiencing the problem of child-bearing They were advised to offer gbg And theycomplied And they began to gve birth to children inljer-Qlqmgfg They were then saying all hail QrUnmIl The i nha bita nts ofljerO-QlQmgfe He says that he was not a citizen ofljerO-QlQmgfg If declares that he should be greeted in reference to rainfall If says that he should be greeted in connection with rain shower And we salute you in reference to rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of the great klmgbO bird which flies off with the forelimb of a new-born babyatlkgletown If says he was not a citizen ofIkQE town Things were not moving well inlkqle land And he consulted If forthem And he said thattheywere being troubled bythe negative forcesofthe world He advised them to offergbq
And theydid And the forces troubled them no more They were then saying all hail Qntnm)l
Owner
of the great klmgb bird which flies off with the
forelimb of a new-born baby atlkgle town He says that he was not related to them there
678
ii
osa uei
If says he should be greeted in connection with rainfall And be greeted in association with rain shower If we hailyou in connection with rainfall And we saluteyou in association with rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of f j -ffogb town Where they were chanting like birds Qrnmll says he was nota citizen of Fluju-ffogbo He says thatthey were experiencing hardship And he carried hoes And cutlasses And he wentto cultivate a large piece of farmland He planted yams And maize And pepper And he planted all edibles, crops and fruits After aboutthree years He discovered about 2000 people on his right And 2000 on his left And another 2000 in front of him And yetanother 2000 on his back He enquired from them what the matter was They responded thatthey had come to stay with him They made him their king And their hardship disappeared He says that was the day they turned the wilderness of Ffogb to his home He says he was not related to them there He declared that he should be greeted in association with rainfall And also in reference to rain shower If we hailyou in association with rainfall And we salute you in reference to rain shower If we greetyou with respect Owner of that parcel of land Where shrines of several Deities were put in place inljQga land Qrnm)l says he was nota citizen ofljqga land He says that when he arrived atljqga land They were suffering inljEga land Povefi and want was their bane before they consulted If They were advised to offergbg They complied with the advice After these, wealth came to them They became rich inljqga land
l
679
They pleaded with hm to stay with them Qrnmtl responded that he could not He needed to go and help others to solve their problems He then gave them lkin, the holy seeds He said thateveryyear Theyshould carryone keg of raffia palm wine each of them And big kolanuts To propitiate him with these items And pray for all their needs And he would be giving them unto them And before he knew itatljesa hnd Itwas 2000 kegs of raffia palm wine And several big kola nuts that he saw And they began to propitiate him They were dancing and expressing theirjoy
Noq allhaillf
Owner of that parcel of land Where shrines of several Deities were put in place inljgsa land Olongbo, the big kola nuts If is he who gave me all Ire Olongbo All haillf Offspring of pnii're 0tongbo If is he who gave me all Ire Otogbo
Allhaillf
Owner of that road which branched to Ado-fwi town Olongbo If is he who gave me all lre Otngbo
Allhaillf
Owner of the giant nail by the boundary of Qfa land Olongb If is he who gave me all Ire Olongbo
Allhaillf
Owner of the fast-moving stream And the swift-travelling stream Which passed acrossthe land ofljero-QlQmgfe Otongbo If is he who gave me all Ire
680
Tl
o""
"",
Olongbo
Allhaillf
Ownerof the greatklmgbO bird Which fles off with the forelimb of a new-born baby at Ikgle town Obngbo If is he who gave me all Ire Olongbo
Allhaillf
Ownerof wilderness of fufogb Where Ogel people were chanttering like birds
Obnsbo If is he who gave me all Ire

Otongbo
Allhaillf
Owner of the fast-moving stream Owner of that parcel of land
WhereshrinesofseveralDeitieswereputin
Ologbo If is he who gave me all Ire Obngbo What and who gave me all Ire in life Obnsb If is he who gave me all Ire Olongbo
placeinljgga
land
If says all Ire in life shall come the way of the person for whom this Od is revealed. He/she only needs to be steadfast and follow all the advices and
directives of If always.
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is reveated shall be extremely successful in life. Others will be praying to Oldmar to
make them as successful as the person for whom this Od is revealed. Not only that, many other people shall be looking upon him as the person in whose hand the key to their success is. He/she shall be emulated in all his/her actions and utterances.
If advises this person to offer gbg with four white pigeons. He/she also needs to shave his/her head clean. The hair shall be
I
681
Ita Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftaton
added to the gbg and be taken to the riverside or stream. He/she willalso wash his/her head in the stream before returning home. At home, he/she will serue his/her Ori, head, with one whte pgeon, two kolanuts, a bottle of alcohol and money. By so doing, his/her capability to acquire wealth shall have no On all these,Qsa-Me:l says:
limit.
OorotQ$reoj eb Dlfiln Ejt-Qsa Tl y Iqqfrl gl I'Qs
fbgniwqn nl kge
Translation
The slender Ooro tree by the pottery side He was the one who cast If for E)-Qsa When going to have a share of wealth bythe riverside He wasadvised to offergbg
very promising If priest. He was one of the 16 principal Od. In order to determine how successful he would be in life, one day, he approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he be as great as his other colleagues? Would he have the kind of recognition he dreamt for himself? Would he live a fulfilled life?
ET-Qsa was a
The Awo assured him that he would be very successful in life. He was also assured that his name would never be forgotten in life. He was advised to offer gbg and serve his Ol as prescribed abovd He was also told that his destiny did not support his keeping his hair busy. He must always be shaving the hair of his head clean. He was advised to shave his head clean, the hair collected together and added to the ebq materials. He complied. The qbg was taken to the riverside.
Before long, E3l-Qsa had become a very successful Babalawo. He was always sought after in all occasions. Many people, especially women rose up to assist him in all the things he laid his hands upon. Everything he attempted to do became successful at the first attempt. He promised those who had assisted him one way or the other that he would help them to succeed and he fulfilled his promise. When people began to notice that
682
""i, he was always shaving his head clean, many people began to emulate him,
!l o""
sayng that they wanted to be as successful as Ej-Qsa. Those who emulated him genuinely also became successful like him. He and his followers enjoyed fulfilled lives. They were all full of happiness and gratitudeto Oldmar Oorot$eroju Qbrlrl Dlfirn Ejl-Qsa Tlyo lqqf'rl gl I'Qs fbg niwgn nl kge gb'gbgr rrl'bg Ejl-Qsa tl o b l
Ko l ml o Emi ti f'rl oh kodoro
Translation
The slender Ooro tree bythe pottery side He was the one who cast Ifa for E)-Qs When going to have a shave of wealth bythe riverside He was advised to offer gbg He complied El-Qsa if you becomesuccessful Make me successfultoo I have shaven my head clean in orderto bewealthy
If says the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed if he/she can follow the If njunctions as explained above and continue to be hardworking and dedicated. He/she needs to believe in If and move close to it.
5.
If says thatthe person for whom this Od is revealed shall be dealing with and/or working for highly placed people in the socety. They shall rely on him/her for most things that they plan or do. His/her opinions shall be highly valued and people will consider him/her vital when very impoftant decision are about to be taken, when a serious conflict is about to be resolved, when an important business deal is about to be iniated, negotiated, followed up or concluded, when arrangement, solemnization of marriages are about to be done, even when final
683
Ifa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consultation
burial arrangements are to be organized. Many highly placed personalities will appreciate him/her being by their side in order to
make th ings work to everybody's satisfaction.
If says that by so doing, he/she shall excel in life, especially in the

area of conflict resolution, public relations, hospitality business and all other related fields. His/her value shall never be under-estimated in the community where he/she finds himself/herself.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with
two pigeons, two hens, two cocks, two guninea fowls and
money. If also advises that there is the need to feed If with one
hen for everything to work out fine for this person. On all these, If
says:
Ita gbangba ni O ge kan sQsl Dlfin FerU

Tl g'awo Qba l'lQde Qyq lbg niwqn nl k 9e
Translation
fit for an open space Thiswasthe declaration of If for Fer When going to become the Awo of the Qba of Qyq He was advised to offer gbg
A door is not
Fer began to study If from his youth. He was very brilliant and before long, he became very versatile in the profession, soon after this, he began to practice If on his own. Many people who went to him for solutions to their various problems returned to their homes with smiles. Before long, his reputation as a competent If priest spread Iike wild fire. People came from far and near to find solution to their problems and they were notdisappointed. The poor became rich; the blind regain theirsight; the barren became proud parents, the invalid became strong and healthy; those bound by witches and those experiencing evil spells were set free. Allthe people began to sing the praise of Fer to high heaven.
684
'tl
ou r",
within a shoft perod of time, Fer's reputation became well known to some highly placed chiefs n QyQ town. They too approached him for solution to their own problems and once more, they too were not disappointed. These Chiefs went to the Qba and explained to him that there was a competent If priest in his domain which they would like the Qba to try. The Qba invited Fer for If consultation and again, the eba was highly impressed, seeing this, the Qba invited Fer to come and
become his (Qba) personallf consultant. When this message was delivered to Fer he went to the house of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would he succeed as the Qba's personal Awo? would his reputation remain as popular as it had been before? Would his becoming the personalAwo of Qba enhance his success chances in life? would he be happy in his new role? All these and many more questions occupied his mind when he wentfor If consultation.
when If was consulted, Qsa-Me) was revealed. The Awo assured Fer not to enteftain any fear whatsoever. He was advised to be humble and honest at all times and by so doing, heaven is the beginning of his success. He was told thatvery soon, he would not only become the Qba's trusted If priest, but equally his close confidant and an important member of his kitchen cabinet. He was assured that there would be a time that the Qba would not be able to take any step or do anything without consulting with him beforehand. He was advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea fowls, two hens, two cocks and money. He was also advised to serue If with one big hen, kolanuts, bitterkola, palmoilgin and money. All these he did. Soon after this, he moved to the Qba's palace and became
his personalAwo.
i
The first thing the Qba noticed was that there was relative peace in his domain as soon as Fer became his Awo. There were more business prospects in the community. The inhabitants became happier. The Qba became more popular. These drew the Qba closer to Feru. The Qba did not want to take any wrong step whatsoever. For this reason, he consulted Fer every morning. It got to a stage that all the Qba's domestic matters were left in the hand of Fer. Not only this, if the Qba wanted to go to the meeting of the council of Qbas, he would first consult with Fer and all the
685
lfa Dda: An nvtaon to lfa Consultation
advices that Fer gave him would be taken and followed to the
end. These
yielded huge positive results for the Qba. Soon, all the meetings were being attended by Qba and his personalAwo, Fer. Allthe other chiefs also consulted with Fer and they were not disappointed. They too placed their Fer was lives in the able hands of Fer and they were happier for moving, wining and dining in the midst of those who hitherto were higher than him. He was always seen in the midst of allthe movers and shakers in
it.
the community.
The most impoftant aspect of Fer's life however was that he was very honest with all his highly placed clients and he never allowed his success and reputation to enter into his head or make him misbehaved in any way. Ita gbangba ni o Se kan aasg sl
D,lfiln Fer Tl s'awo Qba l'lQde Qyq Fbgniwqn nl kge gb'Qbo, r'bg j9 Qba o rf Fer
Age b
QbaOg'ay O rl Fer, Awo Qba
Translation
A door is
notfitfor
an open space
This was the declaration of If for Fer When going to become the Awo of the Qba of QyQ He was advised to offergbg He complied Now, if Qba did notsee Fer Qba willtake no decision If wedid notsee Fer,theAwoof Qba
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be great in life. He/she shall move in the midst of powerful people in the society. His/her opinion shall be sought from far and near and people shall respect whatever he/she says.
6.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed where others had failed. He/she shall be elevated and honoured
686
Ti o""
where others had been dumped and humiliated. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed have the talent to right all wrongs, to settle seemingly impossible problems, to bring forth smiles where there had hithefto been sorrow; and to shine the rays of hope and assurance wherethere had been gloom and despair.
""i,
If says that many people had already been called upon to solve a
pafticular problem but they had all failed. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed need to offer gbg with three cocks, three guinea fowls and money. He/she also needs to feed the Elders of the Night (witches) with palm oil. He/she equally needs to serue If with one hen. By so doing, he/she shall surely succeed. The person for whom this Od is revealed is advised to guard against excessive reliance on his/her competence in handling any assignment given unto him/her. Rather he/she needs to offer gbg as prescribed above and feed If and the Elders of the Night so that his/her success chances can be enhanced and assured. The more gbg he/she offers, the better his/her success chances. On all these, a stanza in Qs MT
says:
n wewgn I'Qwg iwr-iwr f wewgn I'QsQ iwr-iwr
IX fitn Egngn nlqq t'alg rfQ 9e Fbq ni won nf k w ge
Translation
Ittwists round their hands firmly And itcurls round their legs strongly
These were lf's declarations to Egrlngrf n When going to reform IfQ land He was advised to offer ebo
There was a serious problem in Il-If. It was so serious that nothing appeared to workwell in the town. The rich had become debtors, pregnant women could not give birth successfully, barren women abound in the town, the strong had become invalid, and happiness no longer existed in Il-IfQ.
687
Consequent upon these happenings, the inhabitants of ll-Ife invited Egungn, the spirit of the ancestors, to help them mend their town. Egngn in turn went for lf's consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above. He wanted to know the following. What were the causes of all their problems? Were these problems within the scope of reformation? Would he in particular be able to reform the town and banish the problems facing the inhabitants of ll-Ife? After doing these successfully, would he be credited with the honour or would the inhabitants turn out to be ingrates?
The Awo informed Egngun that the problems being faced by the inhabitants of ll-Ife were solely caused by the Elders of the Night. They said that Egngn was capable of righting all the wrongs. They also assured Egngn that he would be credited with the glory if and when successfully done to completion. He was however advised to offer gbg,
feed If and the Elders of the Night as stated above so as to enhance his success chances. Egngn retofted that since he was quite capable of solving all the problems why must he waste his resources on gbg and rituals. He felt that all the Awo were just trying to rip him off since they knew that he would do the assignment successful. He therefore refused to offer the gbg. While in Il-IfQ however, Egngn began his work. Allthe witches of the world teamed up against him, and before long, he was totally ovenryhelmed. They hit him against the floor and drove him to the ground. Before long, only his face appeared on the ground while all other pafts of his body were completely buried. That was how Egrlngrln failed woefully to accomplish his mission in Il-IfQ.
n wewgn I'qwq iwr-iwr n wewgn l'gsQ iwr-iwr
Dlfin Ogun nqq t'tQ rfQ 9e fbg ni wQn nl kw fe

Translation Ittwists round their handsfirmly 688
ii ou r",
And itcurls round their legs strongly These were lf's declarations to OgUn When going to reform IfQ land He was advised to offer gbg
When it became clear that Egungn had failed woefully to reform Il-Ife, the elders of the town approached Ogun for assistance. Before leaving for Il-IfQ, he went for If consultation in the home of the same Awo whom Egngrf n consulted. In the home of the Awo, Ogun asked questions similar to the ones Egrlngtln asked. The Awo gave Ogun the same assurances and advices they gave to Egrlngrln. They also advised Ogun to offer gbg, feed If and the Elders of the Night as they told Egr:ngn. And again, gn refused to comply with the advices of the Awo, relying entirely on his competence, prowess and sheer force. Soon after this, he wentto ll{fe to carry out his reformation assignment.
As soon as he started this assignment, the Elders of the night pounced on him as they did to Egngrln. They twisted, curled and rolled round his hands and legs. They threw him hard on the ground. Before long, he too was completely ovenryhelmed. They did not stop there; they continued to
hit him against the ground until every part of his body was completely
buried, leaving only his buttocks showing on the ground.
Again, Ogrfn was disgraced and incapacitated. He could not perform the assignment he was given, He became a complete failure.
r we won I'Qwe iwre-iwer n we wgn I'QsQ iwr-iwr Dlfitn Qrunmlla
rqgt'atgrfQge
Fbq ni wQn nl k w ge
Translation
Ittwists round their hands firmly And it curls round their legs strongly These were If's declarations to OrUnm)l When going to reform IfQ land
689
He was advised to offer qbg
When Egungrln and gn failed in their mission to reform ll-Ife, QrrlnmIl was approached and begged to help them reform the land. Just as in the cases of Egrtngrln and OgUn before him, Qrrlnmll went to the home of the same Awo for If consultation. The Awo also told him the same things they told both Egngr1n and Ogrln. They gave him the same assurances which they gave his predecessors. They also gave him the same advices and asked him to offer gbg, feed the Elders of the Night and If as his predecessors had been told. However, in the case of Qrunmll, all the gbg and rituals were peformed before he set out on the journey to Il-Ife.
While in Il-IfQ, the Elders of the Night, knowing fully well that Qrnm)l had given to them what they demanded for, began to assist him in the accomplishment of his mission.
All those whom they tied with sickness, litigation, loss, restlessness,
povefty and emotional crises were untied and released; pregnant women delivered safely; debtors became wealthy men and women, barren women became pregnant, invalids regained their strength, failed crops became bountiful. Before long, there was happiness and peace in ll-Ife. Everybody became contented. All the credits were given to Qrnmll. Thatwas how Ornmll succeeded where Egrlngn and OgUn failed.
rr wewgn I'QwQ iwr-iwr rt we wgn I'QsQ iwr-iwere
IXfitn Egungun ntqqt'alQ rfQge !b9 ni wqn nl k w Se n wewgn I'o,wq iwr-iwr n wewgn I'qsg iwr-iwr Dlfn Ogun ntgg t'atQ rfQ 9e fbg niwqn nl kw Fe rt wewgn l',wQ iwr-iwr rf wewgn l'gsQ iwr-iwr Dlfirn Qrunmll ntggt'atQ rfQ qe fbqniwQn nl kw9e
690
i', oo
r"j,
I
Qrnmll nlkan nf ttbe l'gyln tO rg'gbg Nje Qrunmlla pQlQ o Egngn Ol-If+rtll san mrlwOo pako Qrnmll l b wgn t'lQ IfQ 9e L'ayewQnfign rekete
Translation
It twisb round their hands firmly And itcurls round their legs strongly These were lf's declarations to EgrlngUn When going to reform Ife land He was advised to offer Ittwists round their hands firmly And itcurls round their legs strongly These were If's declarations to OgUn When going to reform IfQ land He was advised to offergbg Ittwists round their hands firmly And it curls round their legs strongly These were lf's declarations to Qrnm)l When going to reform IfQ land He was advised to OnlyQrrlnmlla complied and offered theebq Now, gentlyQrrtnm)la The Egngn of the Qba of Il-IfQ, who adorns himself with bamboo leaves Qrrlnmll is he who helped them to reform Il-Ife Ths made their lives to improve for the better
gbg
offergbg
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed where others had failed. Conversely, If says that the problems being encountered by the community for whom this Od is revealed disappear. What they need to do is to offer gbg, feed If and the Elders of the Night. By so doing, their lives will improve for the better.
shall
7.
If says that success and prosperity of the person for whom this Od is revealed is due before the end of the year which If is cast. If says that on that year, this person shall succeed and accomplish his/her heafts desires. If however warns that this person is full of himself/herself. He/she is very proud and arrogant. He/she
691
therefore needs to change this attitude in order for him/her to aveft untimely death, humiliation and misfoftune. He/she must show humility at all times. When people come to visit him/her, there is the need to see them off when they departed. He/she must not show them that they are less important than his/her next Iine of action. He/she must not be too class-conscious. So as not to lose his/her chances or miss valuable oppoftunities.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg of prosperity and victory with three pigeons, three cocks and money. He/she also needs to serve If with one hen and money. On these, If says: Mogb'lmofojrl sln q
Ntlgeik pa Babalwo Anlyn ni mofi sln g Nll9e kq pa wgn gb$egun Mgd kkrkre ko jg n r'y gbQ tlrq L m mil gealra st q DlfilnQrnmll WQn nl ojrl gdn nll I'gl a Baba t Fbg ni wqn nl k w Fe
Translation
I stayed at home but saw you off with my eyes (even if I cannot see you off physically) That is what causes the death of prominent Babalwo With ntention, I see you off (even if I am not by your side physically) That is what causes the death of accomplished Herbalist These kids do not allow me to pay attention to you (when you came on visit) That is what causes my non-challant behaviours to you These were lf's declaration to Qrunm)l Who was told that his success was due this year He was advised to offergbg
QrrJnmIl was complaining that he had not yet succeeded in life. He became so worried that he went to his students for If consultation. The students told him that he would surely succeed in life. They stated fufther that his success was due that same year. He was advised to show humility
692
ll
o",
""i,
at all times. He was urged never to allow anything to disturb him from giving people the type of adequate hospitality they deserue, irrespective of their socio-economic status. He was also urged to ensure that he saw his
visitors off whenever they came calling in order for them not to see him as a proud and arrogant person. He was also advised to offer gbg and serve If as prescribed above. He complied. When Qrnm)l began his practice, he never discriminated against anyone no matter the person's socio-economic class or status. He listened attentively to all the complaints of all his clients, friends and acquaintances. He ensured that he made everyone feel at home and welcomed. humour, dedication, commitment and Qrnm'il's high sense unbelievable level of humility endeared him to everyone, His clients always wished to come back again and again. Most of these clients also introduced other clients to him. Gradually, his wealth and reputation were building up. True to the prediction of If, he became very wealthy before the end of that particular year. He was full of joy and gratitude to If, knowing that If assisted him that much because he heeded the advice of If to be humble, hospitable, dedicated and unassuming atalltimes.
of
Mogb'l mofojr sln Q Ml9e ik pa Babalwo Anlyn ni mofi sln q Nff 9e ik pa wgn egbalgegn Mgd krkrkre kO jQ n r'ygbQtlrg L m mil gealra a st g Dl fitn Qrnmll WQn nl ojrt qdn nff I'gl a Babat Fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
gb'gborrrt'bg
Ifwlnlnlnltmio
$aworo epo, osggesege Ojr kll pQn isin almla
Translation
I stayed at home but saw you off with my eyes That is what causes the death of prominent Babalwo With ntention, I see you off That is what causes the death of accomplished Herbalists These kids do not allow me to pay attention to you
693
That is what causes my non-chalant behaviourto you These were lf's declarations to Ornmll Who was told that his success was due this year He was advised to offergbg
He complied If says that, as for me, I shall surely succeed
No hardship shall preclude ISin seeds from breaking

when it becomes fully ripe
open
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed f
he/she follows the advices of If as stated above. In order to accelerate this success the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to look for Igin seeds, grind them into fine paste, add palm oil and mix the two with soap for bathing. If he/she can use the soap regularly, success shall surely come very quickly.
8.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall surely
become a leader or move in the midst of movers and shakers of the community in which he/she belongs. His/her opinion shall be sought at all times. That this will happen is not in doubt. If however warns the person for whom this Od is revealed against being selfopinionated. He/she needs to avoid pride as it could lead to his/her downfall. If says that if he/she is given recognition and respect he/she must neverthinkthatthere were no other people who are ever more qualified than himself/herself. If warns that pride may lead to a situation where people will gang up against him/her and remove him/her from whatever position he/she is occupying. Not only this, he/she may also be rubbished and putto ridicule whose stain shall be with him/herforever.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to show humility at all times and offer gbg with two white he-goats, glue and money. He/she also needs to serve the EIders of the Night with kuru, bean fritters mixed with honey and glue; this is to be placed where If has directed that it should be placed. On this, a
stanza in Qs-M) says: 694
ou r",
at gbogboqyg fn Tl be l'arnlgbQ fbg ni wqn nl kl wen ge Ba iy Ko m b leat DlfilnQslngaga Tl bel'arinlgbe Eyl tl wqn m j'gba eJe lbg niwQn nl k w ge
Be l y K o ma b I
"l
Translation
Land on Iy tree Do not land on glue This was the If cast for all the birds
Who were living in the forest Theywere advised to offer gbg Land on Iy tree Do not land on glue This was the If cast for Qs)n Who was living in the And who shall be made the king of birds He was advised to offergbg
forest
One day, all the birds in the forest gathered together to select a leader among themselves. Among the qualities they consdered were; pose, elegance, intelligence, bravery and compassion. After a long deliberation, they concluded that Qs)n was emnently qualified to be their leader. For this reason, Os'in was invited and was made the king of allthe Birds.
After sometimes, Qs'in saw himself as the most intelligent, the
most
elegant, the wittiest, the bravest and the most qualified bird to be the King of all birds, The first law he made was that he would be landing on the tallest tree in the forest and that no other bird must ever land on the tree with him. The next law was that wherever he sat, no other bird must sit there. After this, he promulgated the law that whatever he said must never be contested, because none of the other birds was as intelligent as he was and therefore they could ofter no good advice to him on any process of decision-making. At a stage, he made the law that any food he ate, the dress he wore, and what he drank must never be eaten, worn or drunk 695
on
that day. His pride and high-handedness soon reached a stage that all the other birds got fed up with him. They initiated a high level conspracy against him. The tree where QsIn used to land was covered with glue so that whenever he landed on the tree he would be stuck to the tree. When this had been done, the birds quietly dispersed to their respective homes and began to await further developments. In the night on that very day, Qsln slept and dreamt that he was tied to a stake and was being stoned by the other birds. In the dream he was dragged through the forest naked and later burnt to ashes. This frightened him when he woke up. He rushed to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. He was informed that he had already offended his colleagues through his pride, high-handedness, lack of consideration for other people and his self opinionated tendencies. He was advised to change all his attitudes and show humility, have respect for other people's opinions and show consideration for other people's plight. He was also advised to offer qbg and feed the Elders of the night as stated above. Hecomplied.
The next morning, Q$n gathered all the birds to the main field. He apologized to them for all what he had done which they considered offensive. He promised that he was determined to right all the wrongs. He appealed to them to give him the chance. All the laws which the other birds considered to be obnoxious were abrogated with immediate effect.
When the other elders noticed that QsIn appeared to be genuinely sorry for all what he had done wrong and was ready to turn a new leaf, they decided to forgive him and give him another chance. For this reason, he was told thatthey had already planned to remove him and they had put glue on the tree he used to land on. He was advised never to land on that tree again but to use the glue-free Iy tree hencefofth. He agreed from that time, he changed for the better. Fle listened to his people's advice and put them into consideration before taking any decision. He enjoyed his life and his colleagues accorded him all his deserved respect.
Ba |e y
696
il
Kom be lete Dl fn gbogbo gyg Tl rr bql'erinlgb Ebg ni wqn nl kl wQn ge B l iya Ko ma b le t Dlfitn Qsln 9a9a Tt bel'rinlgbg Eyl tl wqn m j'qba eye fbg ni wqn nl k w Fe gb'Qborr'bg
Njq be t'y Ko m ba l'te Afinj eyg kll K't
osa uei
Translation
Land on Iy tree
Do not land on glue fhis was the If cast for all the birds Who were living in the forest fhey were advised to offer gbg
Landonlytree
Do not land on glue l-his was the If cast for OsIn Who was living in the forest And who shall be made the king of birds He was advised to offer ebo Hecomplied Please, land on lya tree And noton glue An elegant bird does notgetstuckto glue.
' If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be tied down with the glue of this world. He/she needs to show humility, respect,
consderation for other people's opnions at all time and be on the side of the majority in order to achieve his/her heaft's desires and attain his/her goals in life.
9.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is experiencing a lot of difficulties in his/her life presently. If says that everything
697
lfa Dda: An invitaton to lfa
Consuftation
'
shall soon relax and his/her life shall soon pick up for the better. If promises to put a smile on the face of the person for whom this Od is revealed very soon. If advises the person to offer gbg with plenty of bananas, feed If with same and eat plenty of bananas too. On this aspect, If says:
Qsa yoo, AwoAy DlfilnAy rjqAy le kokoko bl qta
f bg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Qs y, theAwo of Ay, the Mother-Eafth He was the Awo who cast If for Ay When Aye was as hard as granite
She was advised to offer gbg
Ay, the Mother-Eafth was experiencing hardship. Nothing seemed to work out right for her. Nothing grew on her. She had nothing to show for her existence. Crop failed. There was no rainfall. The suface of Ay cracked all over. She was dusty and filthy. Living creatures residing on her were dying in their thousands. All creatures lost interest in life and living.
With sorrow in her heaft, she approached her Awo for If consultaion; would she be able to overcome all her problems? Would her situation
improve for the better? Would she still continue to sustain Iife? The Awo assured her that difficult situation would soon be over and in its place, comfoft and abundance would come. Ay would again be able to sustain life and living. Rain would soon fall and the surface of Ay would become soft, cool and habitable. Ay was advised to offer gbg with plenty of bananas. She was advised to feed If with plenty of bananas and for her to eat plenty of bananas too. She was assured that before long an unripe green and hard banana would soon become ripe and soft. Ay complied with all the advice of her Awo.
True to the assurance of her Awo, rain soon began to
fall.
Ay's lot changed
698
!l
o""
"",
forthe better. She soon sprouts forth green vegetables. She became soft and habitable for all living beings. All living beings soon began to multiply in several folds. Ay was full of praises and gratitude to her Awo for changing her life from desperation and helplessness to comfort and
hopefulness.
Qsa
yoorlwoAy
DlfirnAy MjQAyle kokokobl o,ta Ebo ni wn nl k w se g'b'6borr'bg Ayw jQ'gQdQttn Ay tut rl bQ Je'gede, je'gede
Translation
Qsa yoo the Awo of Ay, the Mother-Eafth
who cast If for Aye When Ay was as hard as granite She was advised to offer ebq She complied Aftereating bananas Ay became cool and comfoftable Jg'ggde, jQ'gQdQ. Eat your own bananas
He was the Awo
If says that no matter how tough the situation might be, comfoft and contentment will soon come. What the person for whom this Odtl is revealed needs to do is to be patent. He/she also needs to be perseverance too. He/she will then be in a position to overcome all the
problems confronti ng h i m/her.
10.
foresees comfort, long life, prosperity, accomplishment, success and all the good things of life for the
person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person shall become great in life. He/she shall lack nothing that is very essential to him/her in life.
If says that t
If however warns this person aganst skipping food for whatever

699
reasons. He/she must be taking his/her meals at regular interval no matter how little the time may be. If also warns the person for whom this OdO is revealed against the consumption of alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach. If says that if this person is in the habit of either skipping meals or consuming alcoholic drinks on empty stomach, the habit will not stop him/her from being great and successful in life, nonetheless, he/she will spend his/her wealth, energy, time and happiness on finding solutions to his/her health problems, especiall stomach related problems such as stomach ache, liver problems, kidney problems, gall bladder problems, intestinal problems and so on.
If says that there is no gbg or rituals that this person can peform to
prevent him/her from developing stomach problems, save for him/her to heed this warning of If. However, in order for the success and accomplishment to arrive quickly, Ifa recommends as gbg materials, three pigeons, three guinea fowls and money. There is also the need to serve If with one hen. On all these, a
stanza in Qsa-M) says: In mi jlnkn ni mo fi mu' el'q tl Erlgl mi rr j'obl Erlgl j'obl kl ot mu'tl In fofo I'QdlnAwo t)| filn Orrnmlla If sun'kn pOun Or{'re fbg ni wQn nf k w ge
Translation
With my empty stomach I consume other people's alcoholic drink With mygums I consume kolanuts Letthe gum eat kolanut before drinking alcohol Staying on empty stomach is the bane of an Awo These were If's declarations to QrrlnmIl When crying that he had no Ire in life He was advised to offergbg
In spite of the fact that Qrnmll was the best in his field, in spite of the fact that QrUnmIl was the most gifted being ever created by Oldmar, at this pafticular point in time, he had nothing to show for all his wisdom,
700
il on r",
talent and gifts. He had no wife, no chld, and no money. He was living in abject pove'1ry.
In frustration, he used to move from one house to the other, looking for alcohol to douse his sorrow. He was always drinking. It reached a stage that he lost appetite for food. He was always consuming alcohol and kolanuts. This soon began to take its toll on his health. He grew leaner and leaner. Sometimes, he would be rolling on the ground due to stomach
problems. Some othertimes, he would vomiton the floor and roll in it.
Unknown to him, it was usually at the period when he was in these state of stupor that his clients used to visit him for If consultation. When they saw his condition they would simply go elsewhere. All what would have been his would be given to others. On some other occasions, he would be sober enough to cast If for the client and they would be overwhelmed by the depth of his understanding and knowledge. By the time they would return with all the gbg materials, he would have over-drunk and would be in stupor. When he had not drunk, he would be nursing a mighty stomach problem. These clients would be forced to find solutions to their problems elsewhere.
He lost all his friends. Anytime he went to their homes, they treated him like a nuisance. They quickly gave him alcohol in order for him not to fowl up their homes for them. Wives and children desefted him. He was viftually on his own.
It came to a stage that nobody came to him again.
One day however, he woke up to access his life. What he discovered was that he had nothing in this world to justify his existence. He had nothing to show for all his talents. Instead of succumbing to panic or despair he decided to approach his former students for If consultation; would he be able to pick up the pieces of his life again? Would he be able to know what went wrong with his Iife in the first place? Would he still become somebody in his life? Would he be recognized, honoured and respected again as before? The Awo assured OrrJnmll that he had limitless success chances ahead of him in life. He told Ornmll that he was the cause of all his problems. He 701
told Qrrlnmll that If warned him against his habit of not eating food and his sole reliance on alcohol and kolanuts at all times. Qrnm)l was advised to eat regularly, limit his alcoholic consumption and never to drink before eating. He was also advised to offer gbg and serve his If as prescribed above. Allthese he did. When he returned home, he tidied up the whole environment which he had hithefto left unattended to. He stopped drinking altogether. When people noticed this change in him, they were pleasantly surprised. They soon began to move closer to him. All his friends returned and his family came back. All his clients returned and they in turn brought their friends and loved onesto him. Before long, the reputation of Qrnmll began to grow. He was known everywhere. He was equally respected and honoured. It reached a stage that there was nothing which the community could do outside his knowledge. People came from far and near to seek his advice on diverse issues. Within three years he had become the richest, most respected and honoured person in his community. All his ailments had dissappeared completely. He was able to enjoy his family, friends, loved ones, wealth, reputation and life. Throughout, he lived and worked as a very happy and accomplished man.
Erlgl mi j'obl Erlgl j'obl kl ot mu'tl Inu fOOfo I'QdlnAwo
In mi jlnkn ni mofi rl mu'tlgl'qtl
Dlfitn Ornmll If rtsun'krln pOun
rl're
Ebg ni wQn nl k w 9e O gb'ebo, o ru'bo jgar'lgrtn a rl'f Ati r'oylndg o goro
Translation With my empty stomach
consume other people's alcoholic
drink With my gums I consume kolanuts Letthe gum eat kolanut before drinking alcohol
702
il ou rr,
Staying on empty stomach is the bane of an Awo These were Ifa's declarations to Qrnmll When crying thathe had no ire in life
He wasadvised to offer gbg
Hecomplied
We have witnessed success and accomplishments To experience other good things of life is no longer difficult
If says that it is no longer a dffcult thing for the person for whom this Od is revealed to realize his/her dreams in life. If says that it is just a matter of time for him to become great and famous in life. He/she must however heed lf's warnings in order to avoid a situation where he/she would be countng his/her losses in the midst of plenty. He/she has potentials for greatness and must not fall into the temptation of becoming an alcoholic and turn himself/herself into a social nuisance where he/she is supposed to be honoured.
11.
If says that there is a person where this Od is revealed, he/she is known to be a very lazy person. The assumption of the person living close to this person is correct. This person will do everything to avoid anywork or assignment given to him/her. He/she hates any work and he/she has unbelievable and inexhaustible trick at his/her disposalto use in orderto avoid working.
This notwithstanding, this person is the one who will bring greatness, success and accomplishment into his/her family, community and loved ones. The financial success that this person will attract into his/her environment will be unprecedented and will become the talk of the whole community.
the need for those very close to this person to offer gbg for him/her with one big ewe. There is also the need to feed Equ Qdar for him/her on a regular basls. If these can be done, the transformation from grass to grace, from want to financial abundance and from failure to success shall be sudden and miraculous. In this Od, If says:
is
If says however that there
703
Agbado O y'olw k r'Qmg I'Qyln ees Dl firn ooganla oseergmagbo Tl y bff 'Lnry I'qmg [b9 ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
Agbdo yolw k rQmg leyln ees This was theAwowho cast If forObtll Whoshallhave'Lnry (Eg Qdara) as hisson He was advised to offergbg
'Lnry (ESu Qdar) was the adopted son of Qbatl in the stanza of this Od. When the Irnmol were comng fromlkq Qrun (Heaven) tolkgleAy (Eafth), Eg Qdara othenryise, known as'Lnrye, approached gbatl and requested to be Qbtl's adopted son while on eath. Qbatl agreed.
When they arrived on earth, EgU Qdara ('Lnry) moved into Qbtl's home as his (Qbatl's) son. They were living together as one family. Anytime QbaH sent Qlnry on an errand, 'Lnry would find one excuse or the other not to do what he was sent. If this assignment was to be peformed in the house, he would feign headache or pretend that he did not understand how to accomplish the task. Sometimes, he would simply run out of the house early in the morning and return when all the household chores had been finished. Yem, Qbtl's wife used to complain at the initial stage, but she too soon got used to QlnrOy's pranks. It was worse whenever he was sentto the farm, He would either throw away the basket, hoe or cutlass or deliberately cause the rain to fall and ensure that the river or stream was too full to cross. Sometimes, 'Lnry would be more mischievous, especially if Qbath chose to take him to the farm with force. He would cause the raft used as bridge to collapse or even use his AdO-Aqg, command instrumen! to cause headache, stomach upset or dizziness for Qbatl. This would force them back home. 'Lnry would return home triumphantly! Qbatl and Yem eventually considered 'Lnry as the problem child in the family.
One day however, 'Lnry decided to pay back
allthe good gestures of his
704
ll o"" rr, adopted parents. He reasoned that he had done them a lot of misdeeds and inflicted so much pains that the only reasonable thing to do was to compensate them in a way that they would never forget. When he had made up his mind to do this, the next thing that was at the back of his mind was: how would he compensate his parents when he had no work of his own? How would he show gratitude when he had no savings of his own? How would he show appreciation to all their good gestures when he was a lazy man, unwilling to do any work? Before long, he hit on the idea of how he would do this successfully. He dug into his bags of tricks and fished out an ingenious idea that would turn his parents into successful persons overnight without necessarily hufting other people or putting anyone into pain.
Very early in the morning one day, QbaHl woke 'Lnry up and instructed him to get prepared to follow him to the farm. To the surprise of QbaHl, 'Lnry quickly made himself available! He went to Qbtl and packed the cutlasses and hoes, put them in the basket and told QbaHb that he was ready even without breakfast. Unable to decide whether this attitude of 'Lnry was real or fake, Qbath suggested that there was need to eat first before heading for the farm, but'Lnry responded that
they would eat when they got to the farm as there was much work to do on the farm that day! In order not to dampen his new-found enthusiasm, Qbatl agreed with his son and both of them headed for the farm very early in the morning of that day.
Half way to the farm, 'Lnry told his father that there was the need for him to very quickly empty his bowel in the bush nearby. He told his father to continue on his way to the farm as he would soon join him. Qbath continued on his way and told his son notto be late to join him.
As soon as Qbtl was out of sight, 'Lnry left the basket on the footpath, took a cutlass and headed into the bush. He looked for a baton full of spikes, cut it and went straight to the way to the market. He looked for a strategic position and stood there. As soon as he saw some people coming on their way to the market, 'Lnry began to sing, waving his spiked baton sideways in a menacing mannerand saying:
705
Al'owqa bl'mgo
ogbee A9'OwOa j'r
Egrr
jQ'Bara wg'l BO bl j'Bara wg'l Eyin rt knmQ tl 'Lnry gb I'QwQ Fni g'qbg l'ore o, EgrI gb
E
Ltqpa, Ltgpa E9 ggngg! Ltqpa, Ltgpa o, Eg ggngg!
E9 gb
Translation
Please allow Bara to enter (the house) If you refuse to allow Bara to enter Don'tyou see the baton carried by'Lnry Anyone who offered good gbg, Eg will support such person He/she shall be blessed with wealth and children EgU will support the person He/she shall trade and succeed ESU will support the person Ltgpa, Ltgpa E9 ggngg! Ltgpa, Ltgpa o, Eg ggngQ!
When the travellers who were comng to the market heard the music of "Lnry and saw the spiked baton In his hand, they knew that they had two options: To refuse to offer gbg as EgU had said and incur his wrath; or to offer the gbg and receive his blessings (wealth, children, business success etc.). All of them chose the latter. Before long, everywhere was filled with beads, clothes, food, gold, silver, ivory or nameless enamels and so on. Allthe people were dividing whateverthey broughtfor sale in the market into two and giving one half to 'Lnry. They were all being blessed by'Lnry and immediately, they were becoming successful in their undeftakings in life. 'Lnrye instructed them to carry all these items into his parents' house. They all complied. Before midday, the whole compound was filled up; there was no space to pack more things into. Some of them chose to go and sell all these goods in the market and bring the money. Even with this, by the time it was mid-afternoon, there was nowhere to pack the
706
ll ou rr, money in Qbtl's compound! Yem who was at home when all these were happening could not utter a word. She did not know what to say or do.
By this time, 'Lnrye was already going from doorstep to doorstep, waiving his baton and singing his song. All the people were dividing all their belongings into two equal pafts and sending one half to Obtl's home those selling them were there to sell and brought the money back
home.
time (mid- afternoon), Qbatl was beside himself with anger. He decided that enough was enough with this recalcltrant child of his, He decided to give 'Lnry a lesson of his life that he ('Lnry) would never forget in a hurry. By the time it was sunset, Qbatl had worked himself up into fury. He was returning, ranting and raging! When he was returning home, he found a lot of people looking at him with strange eyes. This annoyed him the more. He promised himself that he was going to extract all his fury from 'Lnry. That same day, when he got home, he saw a lot of people buying and selling in front of his home. He temporarily forgot his anger in his confusion. He saw many people greeting and congratulating him in his new-found success.
By this same
Qbatl demanded to see his wife immediately because there was no chance for him to get to his house. When he saw Yem, she explained to him that everything he saw there was the handwork of his son 'Lnry. All the farmers had successfully sold all their farm producb; the traders had successfully sold all their merchandize; hunters had successfully sold all the games they killed in the forest; travellers had succeeded in their journey and half of all these profits belonged to Qbtl's family simply because 'Lnry had made it possible for it to happen so! Instead of anger, QbaHb was searching for'Lnry, for him to be blessed from the bottom of his heaft. In a single day, life-changing miracle happened: Qbtl's family and neighbourhood woke up with nothing and slept with abundance, because 'Lnry, their erstwhile recalcitrant boy had made it so forthem.
Agbado
O
y'olw k r'qmg I'Qyln est

707
Dl firn ooganla ogqeremagbo Tl y bff 'Lnry I'Qmg fibg ni wgn nl kO w ge gb'gbo, r'bg
jQ'Bara wg'l BeO bl j'Bara wg'l Eyin O rf knmQ tl 'Lnry gb fni g'gbg l'ore o, Egu gb A l'w, a bl'mg o
E
l',
wq
Egu
E9
Ag'wOa j'ere
ogb
gb
Ltgpa, Ltgpa Eg gongo! ltgpa, Ltgpa o, Eg gongo! ErOlpo,erOQfa Fw b'ni b'yO, I w wo're o
Translation
Agbado0yolw k rQmg hyln es This wastheAwo who castlf forQbtl Who shall have'Lnrye (Eg Qdara) as his son He was advised to offer ebo He complied Now, let Bara enterthe house If you refuse to allow Bara to enter Don'tyou see the baton carried by'Lnry Anyone who offered good ebg, Egu will support such person He/she shall be blessed with wealth and children ES will support the person He/she shalltrade and succeed EpU will support the person Ltgpa, Ltqpa E9 ggngo!
Ltgpa, Ltgpa o,
ggngQ!
Travellerstolpo and Qfa towns Come and join us in the midst of happiness Come and witness all the lre of life.
If says that a lazy and troublesome child who is where this Od is revealed need counseling rather than condemnation as this person can turn out to be of benefit to all in the family, neighborhood and/or communty
708
ll o",
t2.
"q,
is
If says that there is the need for the person for whom this Od
revealed to offer gbg in order not to witness or experience the wrath of the Elders of the Night (witches). If says that these witches are not too far away from him/her.
If says that if this person is planning to acquire something which originally belonged to someone else before, there is the need to investigate properly before doing so. If this person is planning to enter into any form of love relationship with a woman who had
already been married, even if this woman is divorced already, there is the need for fufther investigations and extreme caution before taking this step as this will only Iead to problems, pains and anguish. If says that if this person has already done so, there is the need to offer gbg, feed If and be extremely careful. However, if he is just on the verge of doing so, it would be wise for him to put a stop to it and let everyone go his or her separate ways. This is because to snatch the
woman frorn her man is not the problem; the main issue is the consequence of doing so. This person shall not know peace anymore
in his life
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with one she-goat, plenty of adhesive jelly, palm-oil and money. After offering this gbg, the adhesive shall be poured round the edge of the gbg container before the gbg is placed where If ask them to put it. A stanza in Qsa-M) says:
-tg-jeeje-t-ka-w Dl firn ooganl ogeeremgbo Tlyoogba Oblnrin Qpghq Tll g'gmg Olrl-Fleyg l'rin lgbQ fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
-tg-jeeje-ti-ka-w
He was the Awo who cast If for Obtl
When going to snatch the woman of Qpehe

The son of the head of the Birds (witches) in the forest
He wasadvised to offer ebo
709
Qpehe was the favourite son of the head of the witches in Il-IfQ. His mother was highly influential among the witches. She commanded the respect of all witches because she was known to be ruthless when dealing with actual or perceived enemies. She was also seen as fearless and uncompromising in all her activities in life. Not only this, whenever there was misunderstanding among her fellow witches, she would handle it to the satisfaction of all the pafties involved in the dispute. And if there was quarrel between her members and other people anywhere on eafth, her focus was to inflict maximum pain of the witches on the person who had the temerity to confront any of her members. Any man who had a taste of her member and ran away would be rewarded with impotence; any husband who beat his wife who was a member would simply have the offending hands crippled; any woman who abused any of her members would either turn deaf, or have all her teeth removed; or suffer from palsy; or even go berserk altogether, depending on the weight of the abuse. Whenever there was farm boundary dispute between two or more families, she would support the family where she had members. The other families would suffer failed harvest, or mysterious fire on their farms. In one word, she had unlimited punishment she could inflict on anyone at anytime she felt like, just to protect or support her fellow members to fear and respect her.
She gave bifth to seven children. She donated six of them for the feasts of the witches. It was usually in her presence that these children would be slaughtered and their flesh distributed to all the members present at the meetings just to show her deep sense of commitment to the fraternity. The only child remaining for herwas QpghQ, a male child. He lacked nothing on earth. When he got married, it was to the most beautiful girl in the land.
When the couple moved into their own home, it soon became clear that Qpehe was tied to the cloth of her mother. He could do nothing in his home without first seeking clearance from his mother. He spent all day with his mother and only went home to sleep. This happened everyday. When the wife complained, it fell on deaf ears. She went to complain to her parents. Her parents intevened without any positive changes. She soon because lonely and frustrated.
One day, as she was lamenting her situation in life, a friend of hers came to
710
'r',
ou *",
invite her to the market. She was very happy that she would have someone to talk to. On their way to the market, she explained all her
problems to her friend stating that she could not continue to live her life the way it was at that time. Her friend consoled her and told her that the situation might soon change. She however advised her not to be staying indoors any more because there was the need for her to move out regularly and share her feelings with others. She was assured that by so doing, her problems would be reduced by half at least. She was full of gratitude to her friend. When she returned home, she felt lighter and a little happier. From that day onward, she went out regularly, She used to visit friends
and relatives. She experienced that her pains and frustrations truly reduced. It was during one of these regular outings that she met Qbtl. It was love at first sight. Both of them fell in love with each other instantly.
QbaHb was also having his own problem with Yem at that period. They began to share their problems together. At first, it was not more than that. It soon developed to a stage that both of them could neither eat nor sleep if they did not see each other in one day. They both threw caution into the wind.
One day, both of them discussed about the possiblty of living together permanently. The woman was all ready for this because for the very first time in her life, she was showered with true and selfless love and affection. QbaHl on the other hand could not wait for this to happen. He however made up his mind to go for If consultation. He approached the Awo known as -tg-eje--k-w meaning 'He who quietly comes out from his room'for If consultation. During this process, Qs-Mfl was revealed. The Awo told Qbtl that he came because he wanted to take a step that would involve taking another person's belonging. He was told that to take the belonging was not a problem as it would be very easy to take, but to retain it was the big issue. He was advised not to do so because the problem and anxietythatwould accompanythis action would betoo much. QbaHI was love-blind, love-deaf and love-thirsty. He could not imagine his staying for two days without seeing his heart-throb. He demanded for the gbg to be offered in order for him to overcome the problem. The Awo told him as stated above but warned that allthe gbg in the world would not stop the problem from coming. The gbg would only help him not to be
711
consumed by the problem. Qbatl assured the Awo that there was nothing on earth too much to be sacrificed for his love. All the gbg
materials were provided and the ebo was peformed. Before long, Qpehe's wife eloped from home and settled with Qbtla. Three days after she left home, Qpehg went to repoft to his mother, they searched everywhere without success. However, Yem knew that she had no place in the heaft of Qbtl any more. Out of jealousy, she went to leak out the hiding place of this woman to QpqhE's relatives. The relatives went to QpQhg's mother that Qbtl was the one who snatched away her son's wife. Before long, it became the ta lk of the town that QpQhQ's wife was living in Qbtl's home. Everybody was convinced that Qbath was in big trouble. They all knew that QpqhQ's mother would tear Qbtl's home apart. They were all waiting anxiously for this to happen! She did not lift a finger! What went wrong? Nobody knew. The witches summoned an emergency meeting and tabled the issue; yet QpQhQ's mother did not utter a word! Something was amiss! Yes! Butwhat?
There was confusion in the community of witches. Why must the head of the witches remain silent in the face of this confrontation? Why did she fail to utter a word when she was the one slapped on the face? Why should she keep quiet and refuse to take an action when all the witches were waiting eagerly for a directive from her? Had she lost control? No! They were all sure she was still acting on behalf of others in her usual deadly manner. Was she not interested in the affairs of her only child any longer? No! She feltthe pain to her bone marrow. Then whatwentwrong?
Something was really amiss. They were all sure of that. But what was it? Nobody among them knew. In their confusion, they summoned another meeting, but this time, without the head of the witches. They deliberated at length. Eventually, they came to the conclusion that QpQhe's mother refused to take an action because she wanted to see how the other witches would handle the problem. She had taken action on behalf of others, so she wanted to see how others would act on her behalf too. All the witches present at that meeting agreed that it was the most sensible assumption. There and then, they concluded that they must tear Qbtl's home to pieces. All his children must be killed and consumed. His relations must be 712
ll
o""
rrt
killed and consumed. All those who tried to lift a finger to assist him must be killed and consumed. QbaHl himself must be put to a slow but painful death. All these must be done in order to send a note of warning to others who might like to do the same thing; they concluded that the whole community where this insult took place must be shaken to its very foundation. They concluded that all witches must prepare for war and in three days' time. They must gather at the market square very early in the morning to head straightforQbtl's home. As planned, all the witches gathered in the market square before sunrise. They headed for Qbtl's home. As they approached his home, they began to sing thus:
teSalekq Ahejerheje,, hemll ! B'OwQ bteTalabl Aheje, aheje,, hemll !! B'w b teAlhd
B'QwO b
Ahejq,
heje,,
hemll! ! !
Translation
If we get hold of SlkQ Weshall killand consume him! And if we capture Tlabi We shall kill and devour him!! And evenAllad We shall kill and swallow him !! !
When QbaHl heard these statements, he peeped outside to take a look. The sheer number of the witches was totally ovenryhelming and intimidating. Together with all his relatives, they tookto their heels. He took his cutlass; known as Ada-Orig or simply as Adaag with him. gbaHb remembered the warning of his Awo but it was too late to ruminate over that. As a matter of fact, that was not the appropriate period. All what was at the back of his mind was how to escape together with his new woman and all his relatives. He ran into $ng's home for protection. Before $ng could ask him what the problem was, the witches were already at $ng's doorstep. When they reached there, before knocking at
713
lfa Dida: An nvitation to ffa Consultation
all, they began to sing thus:

B'QwQ
bte$angoblyll
Ahejg, aheje, hemfl ! B'owq btgBmgbg Ahejg, ahejg, hemll !! B'0w4 b te $ng filnraarQ Aheje, aheje,, hemll !! !
Translation
If we get hold of $ngbffrf We shall kill and consume him! And if wecapture BmgbS We shall kill and devour him!! And even Sang himself We shall kill and swallow him !! !
When $ang heard this, he also took to his heels, together with pbtl and his entire household. All the witches pursued them. They ran into Qgun's house. The witches chased them out, together with $ng and his household, and Qqun with her household. They all ran into Ogn's house. The witches chased out Ogn, all the members of his household; $ng, all his household members, Qgun, all her household and QbaHI, together, the same treatments were mented out to Ongaoko, Erinlg, MojQQQl, Nn-Bkrl, Egrlngn, Or, Qya, Olkun, Qbalway, KFi, AlfQrQ, QramfQ and so on. All of them blamed QbaHl for carrying his problemstothem in their homes. gbatl had nothing to sayatall.
Meanwhile, Qrnmll slept quietly in his home on that fateful day. He had nasty dream. As usual with him, he went for Ifa consultation. He was advised to offer qbg against the problem of Iymi (Elders of the night) as explained above. He complied. They also poured the adhesive on the ipese and placed same in strategic places around his home. Soon after this, Qrnmll went backto sleep. Before long, all the Onga together with their household members arrived at Qrnm)l's house. Allthe Onga ran into his house. The witches began to sing as they had done in the house of allOrisa thus:
714
!Toor",
B'Qwq b te DOsm Ahejerahejer hemfi ! B'QwQ bte FnlkQQ Aheje, ahejg hemll !!
B',qwo b
teAwolgl
Aheje, aheje,, hemll !!! B'QwQ b te Odblytl Aheje, aheje, hemll !!!!
Translation
If we get hold of Dsmrl
We shall kill and consume him!
And if we capture Fffkee We shall kill and devour her!! If we apprehend Awolgl We shall eliminate and swallow him!!! And even OdUbfFf We shall not spare him atall! M
Qrnm'il knew instantly that what had come to his home was the war of the witches which If had predicted earler. Qrnmll told all the IrtinmglQ to stay in his home and that nothing bad would happen to them. Wth his assurance and confidence, they stayed.
Egu Qdara suddenly appeared on the scene and also assured all the Onga. Afterthis, hewenttothewitches. After greetings, he advised
them to ensure that they fill their stomach with food before the commencement of hostilities. He pointed at the food for them. He encouraged them to eat the food before fighting Qrnm'il, Eg said that it would be a sweet irony that Qrnmll fed his enemies to their satisfaction before he was overpowered and consumed. This really satisfied them that it would be told to their grand children from one generation to the other. They all landed on the'food'to eat. They all got stuck to the plate because of the adhesive. In their struggle to
free themselves, they were completely stuck and trapped.
Seeing this, Eg went back to call Qrrf nmll that he had overcome the witches. Qrrrnm'lla went out and saw that they were all stuck to the
715
plates of the'ips. He returned home to look for a cutlass, he could not find QbaHl however gave OrrJnm'il the cutlass he (Qbatl) had taken from his house. OrrJnmll used it to cut off the heads of all the witches. He went back to announce that the witches had been defeated. All the Ofiga were happy. Qrrfnm'il then returned the cutlass to Qbatl. However, in appreciation to what Qrnmll did to save his life, Qbatl gave the cutlass back to Qrnm)l as gift. Since that time till today, Adaaga, which hitherto belonged to Qbtl became the exclusive property of Qrnm)l and Babalawo,
any
-t+-jeeje-ti-k-wa D,l fil n ooga rta Qggqrgmag bo Tl ygba Oblnrin QpQh Tfi g'qmq Olr{-fleyg l'rinlgbQ
rrt'bg KOpr kOjlnn f wa b ni laruugQogun Aja+ogun la b nil'qsQQbarlga jq ad gwQ mi
gb'Qbo,
sbg ni wQn nl k w $e
Ada Orlsa ni o.
Translation
Otejejetkaw He was theAwowho castlf for Qbtl
When going to snatch the wife of Qpehe The son of the head of the witches in the forest He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Before long, nottoo far loin us in victorydance The cutlass in my hand Belongsto Onga.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not to go and invite problem to himself/herself if it can be avoided. He/she also need to show appreciation to all favour done to him/her.
716
ii ou r",
13.
If advises the couple where this Od is revealed must try to avoid incessant conflict in their day-to-day activities. If says that there is no need for the couple to abuse each other whenever there is disagreement, especially over money. If warns that doing so will only lead to a situation where both of them will live the rest of their lives in penury. If assures the couple that they will succeed in life if they can exercise perseverance and that they do not know what
destiny has in stock for them.
If advised them to offer gbg with two rats, two fish, two pigeons, two hens, two roosters and money, they are also
advised to avoid quarrel and be prayerful. By so doing, success is guaranteed. In this Od, Qsa-MeI says:
Or{ bunlk niOwutl Aktl d gsgagiwr mQ l'na A kll m'orl oly l'wjg Dl fitn MQbwrf Tfl spoblnrin Ogrtn lgbe tl wqn ge ohun gbogbo tl'kan FbqniwQn nl k9e
yg'rf
Translation
A head afflicted with ill luck dose not protrude disproportionately The footprint of an insane person is not distinguishable on road It is impossible to know the head of someone who shall be bestowed with a title in future among the crowd These were If's declarations to Mbwrl Thewifeof OgUn When they did evefihing without success in any They were advised to offer qbq
Ogun. Before they got married, both of them had not been financially buoyant. When they got married, the situation was
MQbwrt was the wife of
worse. Ogun was experiencing series of losses in his work. Ogrtn was a hunter, black smith, singer and aftist. Whenever he went to the forest for hunting,
717
he would shoot at elephants, buffalos, deers, antelopes, lions, leopards etc
and being a fast markets man, he would hit the target. The irony of the situation was that he would not be able to trace where these games fell ntil about the third day when the animal would the infected with flies and maggots! When he sat one day, he was ruminating over his misfoftune and a thought came into his mind; could it be that Mbwrl, his woman, was the root of his misfoftune? Was it not possible that her spirit was working at tandem with his? Maybe, just maybe, her legs are s piritually infected with misfoftune? The more he thought aboutthis, the more he began to believe this idea. Ogrtn reasoned thus: "it was quite possible that this was the only explanation; no!" From that time, Ogn perceived his wife was his enemy who was a stumbling block against his progress. What name can you call a woman whose presence in your life broughtso much misfortune?
Conversely, MQbw was a trader, even though she could not be called a successful trader before she got married to Ogrfn, she could nonetheless fend for herself. When she moved into Ogn's home, her trading business collapsed completely. She had no more money to continue her business. She could not ask for assistance from her husband because she knew that there was no money with him. She went to her parents' home to ask for money. Before she was given this money, they made her cry non-stop for many days. In the end, the money was given to her; she decided to start the business of corn meal and bean fritter. She bought all the materials for this business, announced to all her neighbors certain day and all of them promised herof good patronage.
On the day that she stafted the business she saw nobody to buy her product. She went round her neighbours' homes but she was told that they had just taken their meals and would patronize her the next day, some of them said that they did not know that she would staft on that day. Some said that they forgot the date she gave then. In the end, she was forced to distribute part of the food as gift to children and others. Before one full moon, she had exhausted all the money given to her by her parents. She cried and cried. The more she cried, the more she hated her husband. She remembered that there were other suitors who came for her, but her parents turned them down, preferring Ogr:n to all of them. To make matters worse, all these former suitors were getting on very well, had she 718
i', ou *",
been lucky to marry any of them, she would not be in the problem she found herself. The more she reflected on this, the more she hated Og,ln her husband. It reached a stage that there was nothing Ogun did that even impressed her. She picked on him ateveryoppoftunity.
One day however, MQbwt1 asked her husband to bring money for some household utensils. Ogrtn responded, infuriated her to the extent that she began to rain abuses on her husband. There was no expletive she did not use to qualiff him. She made him realize that he was the architect of all her misfoftunes. If not for him, she said, she would have been enjoying her Iife to the fullest elsewhere. She cursed, abused and humiliated him for over five hours. Ogn simply kept quiet. This annoyed him the more. She screamed at the top of her voice. Yet, Ogun said nothing. She held Ogn's dress, she kicked and slapped him repeatedly, "you are a lazy good for nothing husband", she yelled at him, "you are mad!" OgUn suddenly thundered "you are mad too!" countered, she used her nails to tear the face of Ogun, This made OgUn to beat her up. There and then, she made up her mind to divorce him and put an end to all her sufferings. She decided to go for If consultation in order to find the easiest and earliest way for her to call the marriage to Ogun quits. She went to the group of Awo mentioned above.
During If consultatio, Qs M) was revealed. The Awo informed her that she was about to take a step and she had come to find out the outcome. She was warned never to take the step as she bound to regret taking such step for the rest of her life. She was informed that all her consideration was based on money and financial well-being only. She was assured that there were so many other things that were more crucial in a marriage than money. She was told that she was blessed with children, sound wealth, security and good social position in the community, allthese, she ignored because her husband was not rich at that time. They asked her, what made her think that the tide would not change for her and her husband in the nearest future? They cautioned her not to use abusive language against her husband again and to give her husband the chance to improve on the well-being of the family; they said that both husband and wife had worked themselves up unnecessarily. That was why the two of them failed to see anything good or benevolent in each other.
719
In the end, MQbw was advised to offer qbg as explaned above. She was also advised to return home and give peace a chance. She complied with all the advices of the Awo. She returned home, fully determined to give her husband a chance. She also made up her mind to change her attitude towards her husband. When she returned home, she began to do all the household chores which she had hitherto abandoned. Before Ogrfn returned home, his food was ready. She served his food with respect. At first, Ogrln was surprised. Before long, Ogun realized that his wife had truly changed for good. Both of them began to see the viftues in each other while they were blind to before their love grew. They became very fond of each other. They soon realized that money was not very important in their lives. They concluded that love, understanding and mutual respect for each other were everything.
Orl burrlkrl ni Owu tUrl Akll d gseagwer mQ I'gna A kll m'orl oly l'wjg firn MQbwrl Tll geoblnrin Ogun Igba tl wqn nge ohun gbogbo tl'kan yg'r{ fbg ni wqn nl kl wgn ge WQn gb'Qbg wQn r'bg je orl tl y jqba I'qla
fnlkan o mQ Kl tgkgtaya m peraa wgn nl wer m0 Orl tl y jgba I'Qla
fnlkanomqqo
Translation
A head afflicted with ill-luck does not protrude disproportional The foot print of an insane person is not distinguishable on the road
It is impossible to know the head of someone who shall become a titleholder in a crowd These were lf's declaration to Mbw The wife of Ogun When they did everythng without any success Theywere advised to offer gbg
Theycomplied
720
'rl
ou *",
He who shall become a kng in
future
Nobody can say for ceftain Let a couple stop calling each other bad names He who shallthe crowned as a king tomorrow Nobody knows
If says that with love and understanding the life of this couple shall be
enjoyable. The door of their success
is
wide open.
L4.
If says that it foresees the ire of victory and accomplishment for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she has an
envious friend, relative or colleague who is trying evefihing possible to deny him/her and that with appropriate gbg he/she shall be able to attain the position. The position, title or honour in question shall give him/her prominence and respect. He/she needs to beware of those who harbour evil plans against him/her and pretend to love him/her.
If advises this person to offer gbg with either three roosters or three he-goats. One of the roosters/he-goat shall be used to feed If for victory. The head of the birds or beast shall be placed on If for at least five days before it is removed. If this can be done victory is assured, honour is ceftain and success is no more in doubt.
Qsa-MeI, says:
Bab gbr erin Baba kegQm e,fQn
Qgbgnrangandan nldhn gmgrl od gmqrl od nldahn lja kanlQ tXfirn Flepe Dlfiln Fjemu WQnjq qqre ogeykn golk fbg ni wqn nl kl wQn ge
Translation
The giantsize of the elephant And the sturdiness of the buffalo
721
The pounded-yam pestlefellwith a loud clang The pestle is a greatduel weapon . These were If's message to Flepe And alsoto Fjqmu Both of them were friends like siblings They were advised to offergbg
Ejgmu and Flepe were friend from their youths days .They did everything in common, at a stage, many people did not know that they were not related by blood. They were both happily married; they have great children; they lived in mansions; they were both popular and they both travelled extensively. They spoke many languages and several dialets. They also made several great friends at home and outside their communities. To crown itall, both of them were made community leaders in differenttowns. They made Fjgmu the community leader in Orf lr1t and FEpe was made a leader n FpQ land.
One day, Offlrttri community had an extra-ordinary meeting in order to review the progress chances of the town. At the end of the meeting in order to review the progress chances of the town. At the end of the meeting, it was concluded to make Fjgmu the Qba of the town because of his outstanding qualities and credentials. This was communicated to him. He was so over whelmed with joy. He rushed to go and share this good news with his bossom friend Frcpe. They both celebrated the news with a big keg of palm wine.
Unknown to Ejgmu, his friend had been harbouring grudges against him for a long time. Flepe was not amused at all that they both had the same honour, recognition and popularity in the community. He had been contemplating what to do to change all that for a long time. But to now crown Fjgmu as Qba over and above him was too much for him to accept. In fact, it was cqnsidered the last insult against him which must be recanted at all costs. After much consideration, he decided to eliminate his friend. He reasoned thatthis must be done quickly before Ejgmu was ever crowned. He was of the opinion that he was not crowned at all, even if he died after that, it would still be on record that he was an ex-Qba. He could not acceptthat at all!
722
II o"" rrt
The next day, he went to a great medicine man that specalized in killing people. He explained what he wanted from the medicine man. Surprisingly; the medicine man advised flgpq against what he planned to do, saying that there was no justification for it. Flepe could not take that. He left the man and went elsewhere, He paid three times the amount he was charged. A potent herb tea was prepared for him in a giant pot. He was instructed to call the name of Ejgmu in the dead of the night. By so doing, he was assured, the head of ffgmu would appear. As soon as this happened, this head would be hit with a big club and Ejgmu would die instantly. There was no anti-dote.
Meanwhile, Ejemu slept and had a bad dream. He went for If consultation and he was advised to offer gbg as stated above against those who were his enemies but who were pretending to be his friends. He offered the gbg as advised. He assured himself that he would send an emissary to his friend FlepQ to also be careful of envious frlends since whatapplied to him would surelyapplyto his bossom friend.
In the dead of the night, Flepe carried out the medicine pot, he had one strong young man beside him. He instructed the young man to hit the head which would appear in the pot with the club made with a pestle with all his strength. He recited the incantations he was taught three times. He shouted the names of ffgmu three times. A head appeared. Instead of ffgmu's head to appear, it was FlpQ's head which appeared the young man hit the head with the club with all his strength. Flepe died on the spot.
Bab gbru erin Baba kqsqm ejqn
Qgbgnrangandan nldhn gmgrl od Qmqrl od nldhnlje kanlQ Dlfiln Flpe Dlfiln Fjemu WQn jq $Qre ogeyekan golk fbg niwQn nl kl wqn ge Fjemu nlkan nl bg lgyln tl tt999b9 j trtr ttr QS99rQ9 bo ljenl La ti r'rl Fhpe l'rl Ejgmu
I
723
Translation
The giant size of the elephant And the sturdiness of the buffalo The pestlefellwith a loud clang The pestle is a great duel weapon These were lf's messagesto Flepe And alsoto.Ejqmu Both of them were friends lke siblings Theywere advised to offergbg Only Ejgmu complied with the advice Very early four days ago We found thatthe head of flgpQ had replaced
Thatof Fjemu
If says that person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be allowed to be shamed, or destroyed by enemies or envious friends. Conversely, this person must never contemplate doing evil to other's, friends or foes lest he/she faces terrible consequences.
15.
If says that during lkgsQdy of a new born baby, if Qsa-M) is revealed, everything must be done to ensure that this baby feeds from the breast milk of his/her mother. if the baby cannot feed
directly from the breast of the mother due to one reason or the other, the milk must be collected in a contaner and feed the baby with, unless the mother died immediately after the child's birth, this must be done. Failure to do so may potend disaster for the person. He/she may find it extremely difficult, if not altogether impossible, to succeed in life.
If also says that there had been some disagreements between two elders or two powerful and influential people where this Od is revealed if the disagreement had not occurred, it is on the verge of taking place. fbg must be offered in order to prevent the whole community from experiencing hardship and want as a result of this disagreement. If this is not done quickly, the resultant consequence will affect both guilty and innocent, visitors and indigenes, young and old alike.
724
l', ou *.,
If notces that the person for whom this Od is revealed loves to

contribute his/her own quota to the development of the community, sometimes at the expense of his/her health and personal comfoft. He/she however needs to offer gbg against those who reward good with evil. He/she needs to be careful with those who convienently forget all the good things that he/she had done and who will not hesitate to inflict pain on him/her at the slightest excuse. If advises this person to offer gbg and serue the Orl of his/her mother if
alive, or propitiate his/her mother's spirit, if dead. A stanza

in this Od states thus: Oke 9e rlbltlr ge rlbltl Dlfirn Qba Ajalaye
gorl konko
Abfn QbaAjalqrun Tl wQn jg $'qde r'gbQgdg wQnwa jlja agb nltor{ gmQ kan fbg ni wQn nl kl wgn ge
Translation
The massive hill with its broad base and narrow apex He wastheAwo who cast If forQba Aalaye And also forQba Ajalgrun When theywere going on hunting expedition And they were quarelling on supremacy over one gmQ, Theywere advised to offergbg
brown rat
gba Aalay and Qba AjalQrun were both Irrlnmele. They were both hunters. Qba Ajalay was the lord of hunting on eafth while Qba Ajalgrun was the lord of hunting in heaven. The former was belived to be OgUn
while the latter, Onga oko.
One day, both of them decided to go on hunting expedition on earth. They fixed a date for the exercise. On the appointed day, both of them met half-way from heaven and eafth. They both came to eafth together. They roamed the earth's forests and wilderness for seven days without killing any game. Tired as they did all the games simply disappeared. On the eight day, they decided to set fire on the bush in order to chase out the animals from their hiding places. They did. At the end of this exercise, theywere ableto killonly one emg, brown rat.
725
After this, they roamed the forest and wllderness for another twenty-two days without seeing any other animal, not to mentioned killing it. After 30 days of hunting, they decided to call it quit. Qba Ajalay picked the brown rat and told Qba Aalgrun to go back home. Qba Ajalqrun would have none of it. He insisted that he was the one who had the right to take the brown rat away since he had travelled far to come to eafth, the eafth was his (Qba Ajaly) territory he is therefore the rightful owner of the rat since it was killed in his territory. Qba Ajabrun picked the rat with the intention to share it into two. But Qba Aalaye snatched it away from him and told Qba Aalqrun to go and do his worst. Qba Ajalgrun was full of anger and he left for his abode in heaven with annoyance.
As soon as Qba Ajalqrun reached heaven, he ceased all forms of rain from falling on eafth. Before long, all the land dried up. Vegetations failed.
Streams and well drled up. Hunger set in. There was pestilence in the land. All forms of ailments were being encountered on regular bases. There was massive protest agains Qba Aalay on eafth. Corpses were littering the roads, foot path, market places, farm land etc. these brought about more illnesses and deaths.
When the inhabitants of the eafth realized that protests could not solve the problem, they decided to go for If consultation. They approached the Awo mentioned above in order to know whatthey would do to bring the calamity that befellthem to an end.
The Awo informed them that Qba Aalaye had wronged Qba Aalgrun. That was why all the evil events they experienced were happening. They needed to go and appeal to 9ba Ajahrun to show compassion. The Awo assured them that if the step could be taken, Qba A;aQrun would put an end to his anger. He advised them to go and look for one gmQ, brown rat, use it to dolps and give it to Qba AaQrun. He said that the disagreement betweent Qba Ajalay and Qba Ajalgrun was over one brown rat which Qba Ajaly appropriated to himself. In order to even the score there, there is the need to give to Qba Ajalgrun another brown rat.
The inhabitants of eafth agreed with everything that the Awo said and
726
il ou u" recommended. They set out to look for the brown rat as advised by the Awo. Because there was famne n the land, it took them severa! days before they eventually found one. When they killed lt they dried it well in order to preserue it and returned to the Awo in order for him to help them do thelpes.
The Awo did thelpese and told them to take it to Qba Aatgrun in heaven. To take it to heaven posed another great problem because nobody was prepared to volunteer to go. The Awo told them that there was nothing he could do for them if they were not ready to go. In the end Aga, the falcon agreed to take the lps to heaven. Before he reached one-tenth of the journey, he became very tired. He returned to earth with thelpese. Next, Awdi, the hawk, volunteered to take thelps to heaven. He did not fare better than Aga and he returned with the)pes. After that time, there was no more volunteer.
One week after, Ign, the Vulture, felt that he owed his community the obligation of ensuring that he assisted or at least pafticipated in ensuring that the problem of the community is solved. Consequent upon this, he went for If consultation would he be able to carry the lps to Qba Ajalgrun in heaven? Would he be relevant to his community? Would the problems of his community be solved through him? The Awo assured Igrln that he would be able to solve the problems of his community. He was told that through him, all the calamities of his community would come to an end. He was advised to offer gbg and feed the Ori of his mother. He was however warned that inspite of all his good deeds to his community he would be persecuted, victimized, harassed and maltreated by the same people whom he risked his life, energy and health to rescue. On this aspect, Ign did not believe his Awo. He felt that the community would not pay back all his good deeds with ingratitude, especially if he succeeded in bringing backthe community to normalcy. He assured the Awo that he trusted his community, that they would never do such a thing. Wth this assurance, Ign set a day for his journey. On the appointed day, Ign together with all the members of his family
(
727
assembled at the centers of the three crossroads. The whole communty was there with him. The Babalwo prepared the lps which he would carry to Qba Aaqrun. The whole community prayed for his success. Igrln told the elders in the community to help him take care of his family in his absence. He made it clear to them that the journey would take him there years to and fro. All of them assured him that no member of his family would ever suffer or lack anything in his absence. They told him that they were aware that the journey was being undeftaken on behalf of the whole community, and therefore all his family members must be taken care of by the whole community. Wth this assurance, Ign set out on his journey.
It took IgUn 18 moon appearances to reach heaven. He went to the domain of Qba Aalgrun, pleaded with him (Qba Aalgrun) to please take a compassionate look at the planet earth and ensure that the sufferings come to an end. He presented the'ips to Qba AjaQrun and told him that nearly half the populations of rats, fish, birds, beasts and human beings were dead; the suruivors were either hungry or seriously ill. Qba Aalgrun looked at the eafth through his mirror and what he saw was a sorry sight. He felt pity for the inhabitants of the eafth. There and then, he realized the urgency involved in ensuring that everything was brought backto normal.
He told Ign that to allow him (Ign) to travel back to the eafth and spend
another 18 moon appearances on the journey was no longer realistic if living beings on earth were to survive. He told Ign that he would show him a shoftcut to eafth and he would arrive on eafth in three days. He opened his backyard door and Ign found himself at the boundary door of the heaven. Qba Aalgrun gave him three small gourds. Igun was advised to strike one on the ground at the boundary of heaven, strike the second on half-way between heaven and eafth and strike the third one at the junction of the three crossroads of the eafth. Igrfn threw the first gourd on the ground at the boundary of heaven. As soon as he did this, cloud covered the surface of eafth, heavy with rain. This happened for one day. The second day, IgUn arrived at the half-way between heaven and earth, he threw down the second gourd. Immediately he did this, there was thunder and lightening the world over. Everyone on eafth was fullof expectations. This happened for one full day. Bythe third day, Igrln arrived atthe center of the three crossroads of eafth. He threw down the third gourd. The cloud 728
il
o""
opened and rain began to fall. It rained non-stop for one whole day. Igun was however at the center of the three crossroads. He had nowhere to hide as there was no shelter there. He ran quickly to the main town. He saw a house nearby. He rushed there and knocked atthe door. When the door was opened, he introduced himself and as he was about to enter, the door was slammed against his face. He began to move from house to house, from door to door and he was being treated the same way until
"",
nighttime. When Ign realized that nobody was ready to welcome him into their home, he made up his mind to go home to his family. Wth hunge6 thirst and exhaustion, he headed for his home. On his way, he met a corpse on the road and decided to eat paft of its flesh since nobody was to feed him. He ate to his satisfaction and moved on to his house when he reached home, he found that his chagrin and his house had been desefted. His family had dispersed and his house had collapsed due to neglect. Igrtn wept bitterlythat day. He stayed in the rain until the following morning.
Very early the next day, Ign headed for the main town in order to go to the palace of the Qba and see the elders who promised to take care of his family in his absence. On his way, he passed through the same place where he had consumed paft of what remained of a corpse the previous night. On getting to that sport, he saw to his eternal honour and regret that the corpse whose flesh he had consumed was actually that of his mother! So, Ign thought bitterly, he had actually eaten his own mother! So, he reflected, his mother had been allowed to die and her corpse left on the main road! So, whatthe Awo had told him that he was aboutto risk his life for ingrated ones was true. He felt like having the means to command the ground to open up and consume him there and then. He was ovenryhelmed with grief. He wept and wept. Unfoftunately, nobody took notice of him. Everyone was going about his/her business as if nothing had ever happened.
After sometime, Ign put himself together and buried what remained of his mother. He raised his eyes to heaven and cried aloud to Almighty Oldmar. He prayed that may Oldmar make it in such a waythatfor human beings to succeed in life, they who failed to eat his/her mother shall never succeed in life. Oldmar granted his request. But instead of 729
human beings cutting the flesh of their mothers for consumpton as Ign dd, Oldmar made it in such a way that human bengs consume their mothers through the sucking of their mothers' breast milk. Since thattime, anyone who fails to suck his/her mother's breast milk where the mother did not have any physiological problem or died during child bfth, such a child will find it extremely difficult if not totally impossible to have the type of spiritual elevation comparable to those of his/her colleagues who had the benefit of sucking their mothers' breast milk.
Oke qe rlbltlr ge rlbltl Dl fitn Qba Ajahye
gorl konko
Ab fitn QbaAjalqrun Tl wqn jg g'qde re'gbegdg wQn w fija gb nltor{ gmg kan Fbg ni wQn nf kl wqn ge Dl fitn lgun Tl gb'Qbg lg sldeQrun Wqn nl kr'bg$eygrf K sl nlbg afibi-grt-olorc fibgageyorl nlkan l r Igun o btt mQ I ba waa f'owg'rrifin gbg
Translation
The massive hillwith its broad base and narrowapex He wasthe Awo who cast If forQba A.ataye And also for Qba Aalgrun When theywere going on hunting expedition And they were quarelling on supremacy over one gmQ, They were advised to offer gbg The Awo also cast If for Ign When carrying ebo from eafth to heaven
brown rat
He was advised
mission
to offer ebg to enable him accomplish
his
And also to offer gbg against ingrates He offered onlythe gbg to enable him accomplish his mission Had Ign known on time He would have offered altthe prescribed gbg
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed loves to

734
assist
his/her community. He/she loves to contribute his/her own quota towards
ll ou r.,
the development of his/her community, but unfoftunately he/she will discover at the end of the day, to his/her disappointment that his
community will not appreciate all his/her effofts.
16.
There is a woman where this Od is revealed. If says that care must be taken before engaging too deep with her. If this Od is revealed during engagement or marriage ceremony, a lot of gbg is required for this woman in order to avoid a situation where the man planning to marry her will not meet his untimely death soon after the wedding. Without extensive gbg and tt, If says that it is not advisable to havethis woman even as lover. If says that if on the other hand, the woman in question had been losing her men prematurely; there is the need for her to offer gbg in order to put an end to these unfoftunate developments. After the gbg, a special If preparation needed to be made for her and probably her partner which would put a permanent stop to the misfoftune.
If advises the woman in question, or her relation, or even the paftner to assist in offering gbA with one matured he-goat and money. After this, fresh akggg leaves will be grinded into fine paste while incision will marked on the head of this woman (and her man). The grinded akggg leaves will be used to rub the incision mark on their heads. That is the time, If assures, that the problem of untimely death for her men will
stop. On this Qs Mefl says:
Qkg krl kl wgn I'Qkg Ale tu kl wgn yn'mll
WQn lg r gb Eb nlyw fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn ge
Dlfifn lrlnljgAran
Translation
Let one husband die for them to marry another And let one lover die for them to get along with another lover
731
These were lf's declarations to the 164 crops When gong to have the hand of Eb, the cultivated farm- heap as wife
They were advised to offer qbg
Eb, the farm-heap, was a very beautifulwoman. She was also attracted to allthe crops in the farm. Any of the crops who saw her usually felt secured and save with her. Eb on the other hand normally showed all the crops
that she was caring, loving, kind and dedicated. All the crops dreamt of
being her husband.
One day, Il, the Okro, approached Eb for marriage. She consented. They got married. Il got himself planted inside Eb. Five day after this, Il began to sprout beautifully. Il was very happy. All the other farm-crops became envious of ll's achievement. In three months, Il had several seeds. That was the time the farmer came, removed all the seeds and uproot Il away from Ebe. Il met his untimely death.
Next was the turn of Er, the Beans. He married Eb. He sprouts beautifully initially. One hundred days later, he had several seeds. The farmer came and removed Er stems. That was the sad end of Er.
Igu, the yam was able to live for 10 months before his death. Agbdo, the corn, lived for about three months and died. Kk, the Cocoyam lived for about eight months and died. That was how all crops which got married to Eb met their deaths prematurely. One day, Akqge, the cotton wool was determined to have Eb as his wife. He went for If consultation; he was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied. After this, he got married to Eb.
Before long, Akgqg sprouted cotton wool. When the farmer arrived; he plucked allthe cotton wool. He was aboutto uprootAkegg, as he had been doing to allthe other crops, when Eg told him thatthere was no need to do so. Eg assured him to leave Akggg alone as the crop would still give the farmer more cotton the next year and several years to come. The farmer saw this as making good business sense. He decided against uprooting AkgSg. AkgSg and Eb lived together for several years. That was how
732
'rl
ou r",
Akgpg was spared from experiencing untimely death as experienced other
crops.
by
/ \
qkg krl kl wgn I'qkg AI kl kl wgn yn'mfl Dlfif n frlnljgArn WQn lg r gb Eb nlyw fbg niwqn nl kl wqn ge Akeqe nlkan nl bq lgyln trggbg Nj Il ger'Ebe k, Akggq Ikn ger'Eb k, Akeqe Erger'Eb k, Akeqq Igbado ger'Ebe k, Akeqe Igba mi ger'Eb moy, Akggq!
Translation
Let one husband die for them to marry another And let one lover die for them to get along with another lover These were lf's declarations to the 164 farm- crops When going to have the hand of Eb, the cultivated farm-heap as wife Theywere advised to OnlyAkggg Now, Il the Okro mounted Eb and died, Akggg And Ikn, the garden-egg mounted Eb and met his untimely death, Akese Er the Beans, mounted Eb and lost his life, Akggg Igbdo, the corn, mounted Eb and failed to survive it, Akese When I mounted Ebe,I suruived, Akggg!
offergbg complied
If says that it will not allow the man who planned to marry a woman whose previous men had met with the same fate. With gbg and If preparaton explained above, nothing is
impossible.
as
ABQR, AA9VE.
(.
733
B.
For
STGNTFTCANCE OF qSA-MEJI FOR THOSE BORN rHrs oD DURTNG IrFLD ORIK9SFDAvE
By
Qsa-Mjl children, especally those who were fed with their mothers breast mil( they have a high tendency to succeed. Those who did not taste their mother's breast milk due to one form of problem or the other
also have very high propensity to succeed. For those who were not not fed
with their mother's milk but which was found possible to do so, the
chances for them to succeed had been drastically reduced.
Qsa-Mejl children have the tendency to be loved, respected, honoured and pampered. They are usually found among decision makers in the community. They are endowed with wisdom and understanding which make them to be in high demand and make it possible to be in the midst of
the high and mighty. For these children, they usually end up as the most successful in their families. They are usually blessed with more financial wealth, spouses, children, propefties e.t.c. than all their other sibblings. This success will however become more manifest outside the area where they were born than inside.
This is why it is usually beneficial for Qsa-Mil children to travel out of their places of bifth in order to enhance their chances of success. For these children, males and females having child-bearing problems, there is the need for them to abstain totally from consuming all fish and al! birds. This is because they have a high spiritual affinity to these two groups of living things, especially in the area of child-bearing. Failure to abode by this injunction may make it very difficult, if not totally impossible for them to bear children or to have their own kids who will survive them when theyare gone.
It is an established fact that Qsa-Mji
children succeed where others failed, they receive elevation where others were given humiliation. The reason for this is that they are endowed with fantastic conflict resolution capabilities. They possess the talent to right all wrongs, to change sorrow 734
"rt to joy, to turn disappointments to boundless oppotunities while doing these, they are always honest, humble and selfless. This is the reason why those who are desperate, sad and disillusioned always have faith in Qsa-Meji children that they can change their lives for the better and put
smiles on their faces.
il
o""
Conversely, pride and arrogance must be avoided by all Qsa-Uejl children because they can lead to their downfall. They must also not rely on their competence or skill. They must always rely on Oldmar and If. It is true that these children are usually well trained and very competent. They usually boast about their abilities and capabilities. They need to stop this fofthwith because the outcome for them will never be favourable. They must also show consideration for other people's feelings and views all the time in order for them to attain their goals without delay.
Qsa-Mil children, males and females, skipping meals, fasting and drinking on empty stomach is not advisable. It can only lead to unconsummated fortune for them. It can also lead to internal organs
For
ailments. Allthese will have telling effects on them in the end.
In the lives of Qsa-Mejl children, they tend to give brth to at least one child, among their children, who will be known to be lazy, trickish and responsibility skipper. This child will do anything to avoid working as
others do. This child will however be greater and more successfulthan all the other children bythese people.
An average Qsa-Mil child male or female have the tendency to engage in extra-marital affair. This only leads to trouble and restlessness. It is therefore in the best interest of these people to maintain chastity in their
maritalaffairs. One other major weakness of Qsa-Mjl children is that with little disagreement, they love to swear and curse. They enjoy doling out expletives to others, especially their spouses. This can never favour them as all the curses have the capacity to inhibit their progress and their ability to attain their goals.
735
lfa Dida: An nvitation to lla Consultation
On the whole, Qsa-Mejl children are created and born to be great in life. They will be happy and will be able to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
C.
AFFILIATEDIRNMQLF/ORI$A
1. If forgeneralwell-being, success, victory 2. Od for overall success 3. Orl for suppoft and success 4. Fgb for Leadership and accomplishments 5. Qbatl for success and victory 6. $ng for victory over adversary 7. Oge/Mlamal for child-bearing 8. Ogun for victory 9. Elders of the Night for victory
10. Oke for child-bearing 11. Esu Odara for financial success
D. TABOOS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Must not eat peanuts to avoid internal organ and stomach problems Must not eat all birds to avoid contention with Elders of the Night Must not snatch another person's spouse to avoid contention with EIders of the Night Must not curse or swear at others to avoid unconsummated
foftunes Must not skip food or engage in fasting to avoid unconsummated foftune. Must not drink alcohol on empty stomach to avoid internal organ ailments Must not be proud or arrogant to avoid unconsummated foftune
736
Il o",
E.
Males
POSSIBLE NAMES
""t
1. 2. 3. 4.
1.
Jjgl Meekness brings honour Ifgqgun If s victorious

AyerOjU The world is peacful Ifkred If brings all Ire
Females
Jjggl Meekness is honourable

AydQrQ The world is comfoftable Iftyge If mends the world
2. 3.
AB9R AB9YE
(
737
Chapter 11
IKA MEI
ll ll tl illl ll tl
L
CHAPTER ELEVEN
IKA MEJI
A.1 If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed during
Ikgsgdaye or ltqlod shall be blessed with longevity. He/She shall outlive a ll his/her contempora ries.
If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. After this, he/she needs to procure one broom made of raffia-palm fronds. The tips of this broom will be cut and grinded into powder. This Od will be imprinted on it by the Awo who handles this ceremony for him/her and this stanza shall be recited into it. The person for whom this Od is revealed will be asked to pray for long life and good health. After this, the Awo will make incisions on the head of the person forwhom this Od is revealed. (This incision may be2L,101 or 201. It is preferable for the incision to be 201 in order to guarantee a real long life for him/her). The grinded substance will be rubbed on the incision. The person who has the incision will ensure that water does not touch his/her head for at least three days. This incision can also be made for anyone who made a routine consultation and this Od is revealed. On this, If says:
Akrakr ojtlu kangara k ge e gb m Qkanjua l w'k rdrd Tl I w ro$orogo Ejo ni o k'gmg rQ l'ln yqqyQqyqq K ma je k'ko Dl filn Kerensl Tl y gbgbgb Tl y gb ggbQdgun gdn l'y Fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
744
ii
tx" u"j
Translation The sharp edge of a metal spike cannot be grasped
in
one's hands An avaricious person is he who looks sideways in an expectant manner His mind and eyes are never settled in one place A snake does not take its young ones with it to move leisurely round the farmland These were If's declarations to Kerensl Who shall grow old and feeble And live up to 3,000 years on eafth He was advised to offer gbg Kerensl was in love with himself and his life right from his youth. He cherished his life to the extent that he did everything he knew to avoid taking any risk, hufting hlmself or engaging in any form of contention with others in the fear that such a person might hurt him out of anger. He
refused
to drag anything with anyone or engage in any form of
competition with others, so as to avoid being huft out of envy or jealousy. Kerensl still felt that he needed to do more than what he had already done in order to ensure a real long life on eafth. One day, Kerensl went to the home of the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would he enjoy real long life on eath? Would he be alive to witness the brth and growth of his children to the seventh generation? Would he equally be blessed with good health in his old age? All these and more were the questions which occupied the mind of Kerens) during If consultation. The Awo assured Kerensl that he would live long, grow old and feeble and would be able to witness the bifth, growth and death of his great grand children up to several generations. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied. He was also advised to mark the incisions on his head. He marked 201 incisions.
Ever since the time he did the gbg he was always looking youngerthan his age. He continued to live cautiously and avoided any form of controversy.
741
In spite of all these precautionary moves,
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consuftaton
He did all things with moderaton. He ate and drank good food and water. He lived a healthy life and was full of happiness. He outlived all his contemporaries, his children, grand children and great grand children. He lived up to 3,000 years on earth. When he died, he was so feeble that he could not do or recognize anything anymore. His only regret however was
that he was the one who pointed the burial sites of all those who were
supposed to be the undeftakers at his own burial.
Akrkr ojrtu kangara kO ge e gb m Qkanjua l w'oke rdrd Tl w rOgorgo EjO ni k'Qmg rQ l'yln ygoJgoJgg K ma je k'ko Dl fn Kerensl Tl y gbgbgb Tl y gb egbQdgn gdn l'y f bg ni wqn nl k w qe gb'gbg, r'bg
kangiri Alk If dn j'oyin l9 Nje kll k'krr grqwq

$agara o
KII krl'krt grqwE
K pe K jlnn F wa b ni l'lkt
$agara o
Translation
The sharp edge of a metal spike cannot be grasped in
one's hands
An avaricious person is he who looks sideways in an

expectant manner His mind and eyes are never settled in one place A snake does not take its young ones with it to move leisurely round the farmland These were If's declarations to Kerennasi Who shall grow old and feeble And live up to 3,000 years on eafth
742
il ,* *",
Before long, nottoo far Come and join us where we enjoy long life Longevity guaranteed by If is sweeter than honey It never dies like other brooms $agara, the raffia-palm frond Itwill never die like other brooms
If saysthatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed shallenjoy long life spiced with sound health. He/she shall live longer than all his/her contemporaries. Even though his/her contemporaries shall grow old too, he/she will nonetheless outlive them all.
2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not lack any of the essentialthings of life. These include wealth, spouse, a comfoftable accommodation, children, sound health and long life. If advises this person to offer gbg so that he/she shall be blessed with Agg to accomplish all his/her heart's desires in life. They also need to be answering decent names.
If advises this person to offer gbg with hro rats, two fish (for children), two pigeons (for prosperity), two hens, if a man (for good spouse), two roosters, if a woman (for good spouse too) two guinea fowls (for peace of mind and comfort), one he-goat (for long life) and money. He/she is also to feed If with a matured she goat (for him/her to be blessed with Agq). On allthese, If says: Flmq nl'K Okoko mQ'K, Ara oJa imQ'K AIka'a gb'k' w O ti ge p ml? O nl'k nl'n M o qTka rt
743
K'wQ mi
K'sQ
mi
Ika Owu ntl pa'y kn Iya I'akaa'gbQn Baba I'aka'gba Qlgtan lka-k gbas, Qyln gbas Qrunmll nl 9e tl e fi rrjQ orkg Kmi-kml-kmi I'de lkar WQn nl bQQ ni wgn t je Kl Orrtnmlla t d Qrunmll nl abjg tl aye wgn ge rl kmi-kmlkmi
Bl gni I k'gg WQn nl kl wEn lg r kO wgn WQn d ka
fin Onlkamgn 9mq a-k-wrk-orf-eja m bg'nu
klnnl
Wgn O b OnlkamOgn Qmq a-k-wrk-orl-eja mrl bg'nu wgn d k kejl Ke keja tltl d k kgrlndlnlgn Wgn O b Onlkamgn 9mq a-k-wrk-orl-eja m bg'nu WQn w d ke ketldlnlgn WQn b OnlkamOgn 9mg a-k-wrk-orl-eja mrl bg'nu jokoo $ ka fi agg k kan bo'ra Paek kan jko tll nl k ko aaka, f b'grl WQn nl kl Lke lg r pa'ko fggin lifldll ek Ibaaka ta Lk I'jlk Lka gubrt lu'lQ kr
Ika n ku
Ikangbg'lQgrg
9k sunkn-un
rQ
744
lgbln kakaaka
FUttt
li
,* r,'
(
kakaaka
Fbltl tl o b gb'jrl Ko le p'gbln llll Ptk efQn kakaaka nff ta'j l'gnu Dl fitn wgn nl lkamOgUn 9mg a-ka-wOrk-orl-eja m bg'nu Mjq tl wn $OwOSOwo Tl wgn l'wgn O l'w I'QwQ Fbq ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge
{
Translation Flmq atlka land

Okoko alsotravelsto, and knows,Ik land Indigenes of Qfa do not knowlka land Letthe kr, bean-cake, seller bring it Why do you call me? You harbour wicked motives I had never done any wickedness in my Remove my And remove my legs Spin n ing cotton-wool th read confuses the wool-spiner The mother went in circles 30 times And the father did same 200 times Their relations could not do the spinning behind gbas
hands
life
tree
Qrunm)la asked them; "why are you all answering these confusing names"inlka
They responded that that was how they had
Land
been
i i.
answering their names Before the arrival of Qrnmll into their land Qrunm)l responded that no wonderwhytheir liveswere in such a state of confussion Like that of someone folding clothes They said that they should be handed over to On'ikamOg, the Qba oflka town Hewho consumesthe head of a fish whole
{
745
They wentto the first room They could not find Off kamgn In the second room Theycould notfind Onf kamgn In the third to the sixteenth rooms They could not find OffkamOgn He who consumes the head of a fish whole In the seventeenth room however Theyfound Onfkamgtln He who consumes the head of a fish whole He sat in a room Hewrapped himself with k clothe One paaka masquerade satwith him in the room He was serving his Of with akika, pangolin They asked Lka to go and cut grass for the horse by the
make-shift hut A pony ht Lka on his shoulder Lka felldown, and died The wicked died The wicked was digging his grave And a cobra was weeping and mourning him Igbln, the snail, is strong Fbl, the deadfall, is equally strong Any deadfall that is not strong and heavy cannot crack the shellof a big snail The hoof of a buffalo will breakthe jaw of any dog These were the messages of If to the citizen of Ikamogun Those who consume the head of a fish at one go When, after engaging in several businesses, They complained that they did not have the financial bouyanryto showfor it Theywere advised to offer gbg
The citizens oflkamgun were very enterprising. They were very good in farming. Each year, they used to have surplus farm products. However, when they tried to sell their surplus farm products, they were always done
746
Ii ,* r",
at huge losses. The amounts they realized on their products were not wofth the effots that they put into them. Some of them changed into trading business. There was no reasonable improvement. They were
trading at huge losses. The hunters among them did not fare any better. Most of the games they killed got rotten as a result of lack of patronage. The clothe weavers worked and worked withoutseeing anything to show for their efforts. The blacksmiths among them forged several hoes, cutlasses, arrows, spears, knives, sword and axes without seeing anyone to buyfrom them.
There was nobody inlkamOgn land who did not have one tale of woe or the other to tell. They called their Awo and several gbg were offered but there was no positive change. Convinced that the root cause of their problems had not yet been identified, they sent for Qrnmll to come. As soon as Qrnm)l got the message of the inhabitants of Ikamgn land, he went for If consultation. He approached
Aklke-gg'g i-g, Awo l Orr n mlla

IX
f.fiiq tl Baba g'awo re'l Onlkamogn 9mq a-ka-wrk-orf-eja m bg'nu Fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
fitn Qrunmlla
Translation
Akik-gg'g-ga The Axe penetrates the tree with force, the resident Awo of Qnf nm)l He was the Awo who cast lfa for Qrnmll When going on spiritual mission tothe land of Onf kamgun He who consumesthe head of a fish at one go He was advised to offer gbg.
During consultation, Al(k-gq'g-ga explained to Qrnm'il that even though the inhabitants of lkamgun land were very hardworking, they could find nothing to show for their effofts because of two major reasons. One, they were answering awkulard names which were affecting their destinies in negative ways. They needed to be advised to
747
change their names to decent ones in order for them to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour. TWo, these people harboured evil thoughts against each other and they used to perpetrate wickedness whenever they felt that nobody was around to see them. Evil begets evil. Because they were doing evil to others, they too were reaping evil in all the things they were doing. Al(k-gg'gi-p explained to Qrrtnmll that there was the need to warn them against wickedness and to advise them to staft to wish each otherwell in alltheir undeftakings.
The Awo also told Qrrlnmll that he needed to offer gbg so that he would be blessed with Agg that would help him to accomplish his goals in Ikamogun land. He advised Qrrfnmll to offer gbQ with one matured she-goat and for him to serve his If with another she-goat before setting outon his journey. Qrnmll complied.
When QrnmIl got to lkamOgUn land, he asked for the palace of OnlkamOgn, the Qba of lkamgr1n. What he discovered was that the
people he asked were bearing the names which were derived as puns on the name of their town \k", Name such as flQmgffka, Okokomgk, Ara-Qfa-ImQk, Alkaa gb'k w, offk-nln, n-o-gIk-f, k'wQ-mi, k'sQ-m i, Iya- l'a ka gbQn, Ba ba- I'q kagba etc. Qru n ml l asked them why they were bearing such awkward names. They responded that, that was what they loved to answer and they had been answering these names ever before Qrnmll arrived in their town. Qrnmll responded that these names were paft of the reasons whytheir problems had persisted.
He asked them to take him to the palace of OffkamOgn. When they got
there, they met the Qba in the seventeenth room where he was using akika, pangolin, to serue his (Otfkamgn's) Orf. While doing it, acts of wickedness were being perpetrated. Ofkamgn asked Qrnm)l to consultlf for him, Itwas done. Ika MT was revealed.
All the messages of Akik-$Q'g-$ were relayed to them. They were also advised to offer gbg as stated above. They complied. They also changed their names and eschewed bitterness and wickedness. When Qrnmll realized that all his recommendations had been complied with, he began to bless them. Since he already had the Agg. All what he told
748
lfr ,n r",
them came to pass. The citizens oflkamgn then came to give thanks and praises to Qrnm)l. He however told them that instead of him, it was Al(ke-tg'g-ga that they needed to praise because he was the one who gave him the accurate analysis of the problems of lkamgn land and recommended the solutions to their problems. The inhabitants oflkamgn then began to praise Akik-gg'g-ga and paid their homage to Qrnmll.
praising
Flmq nl'K okoko mQ'K, Ara Qfa Alke'a gb'k' w O ti ge pe ml?

O nl'k nl'n M O g'lk rl
imQ'K
WQn d ke klnnl Wgn O b Onlkamgn
K'wg mi K'sQ mi Ika Owr nff pa'y kn Iy I'aka'gbQn Baba I'aka'gba Qlgtan O lka-ke egbas, , yln gbas Qrunmlla nl eSe tl e fi rjQ orukg Kmi-kml-kmi l'de Ik? WQn nl bQ ni wgn ti rrj KI Qrunmlla t d Qrrtnmll nl abjg tl aye wgn ge rl kmi-kmlkami Bl gni k'gg WQn nl kl wqn lg ree k wgn fun Onlkamgrtn Qmg a-k-wrk-orf-eja mu bg'nu
9mg a-k-wrk-orl-eja m bg'nu WQn d k kejl K keJa tltl d k kgrlndlnlgn Wgn O b Onlkamgn
i
749
Qmg a-k-wrk-orf-eja mU bg'nu WQn w d ka ketedlnlgtln WQn b Onlkamgn
9mg a-k-wrk-orf-eja mU bg'nu jokoo st ka fi agq k kan bo'ra Paak kan jk tff rf ka to aaka, fi b'grf WQn nl kl Lka lg r pa'ko fggin Nldll ak Ibaaka ta Lk l'jlk Lka gubtl lu'lQ kr Ika n ku
IkangbQ'lQgrQ 9k sunkn-un Igbln kakaaka
rQ
Fbltl kakaaka Fbltl tl o b gb'jrt K le p'gbln llll Ptk efQn kakaaka nff ta'j l'gnu Dl filn wgn nl lkamOgun Qmq a-k-wrk-orf-eja m bg'nu Mjq wn gwogw Tl wQn I'wgn o l'w I'qwq Fbg ni wqn nl kl wEn w ge gb'gbg, r'bg QrUnmlle l nl a l'w Ni gbogbowa pe l'w
Aklke-*'gi-ga
n'Ib hun A9 q w Qrunmll l nl a6lyal lqkg Ni gbogbo wa ge l'ya/l'Qko
Enu Awo
Aklk-sg'g-g e Enu Awo n'Iba ohun Agg wa Qrrtnmll l nl a bl'mg Ni gbogbo wa ge bl'mg
750
ii
Aklke-sg'g-ga Enu Awo n'Iba ohun Apgwa QrUnmll l nl a nlre gbogbo Ni gbogbo wa $e rlnlre gbogbo Aklk-sg'g-ge Enu Awo n'Ibe hun Agg wa Mo p'gq ow l'nfl If jg kl nl'w I'qwq Aklke-sg'gi-g Enu Awo n'Iba hun Aggwa Mo p'gg aya/qkq lnff If j kl rl l'ya/l'qkg Aklk-sg'gi-g Enu Awo n'Iba ohun Aggwa Mo p'gg gmq l'nff If je kl n bl'mg Aklke-sg'g-ga Enu Awo n'Iba hun AOgwa Mo p'gg ire gbogbo l'nff If je kl n nl're gbogbo Aklk sggi 9a Enu Awo n'Iba hun Aggwa
tx" u"i
Translation Flmq atlka
Iand
Okoko also travels to, and knows,Ika land But Qfa indigenes do not knowlka land Letthe kr seller bring it here Why do you call me? You harbour wicked motives I had never done any wickedness in my life Remove my hands And remove my legs Spinning cotton-wool thread confuses the spinner The mother went in circles 30 times And the father did same 200 times
(
751
lfa Dida: An invrtation to lfa Consuftation
Their relatons could not do the spinning behind gbas tree Qrnmll asked them, "why are you all answering these confusing names inlka land? They responded that that was how they had been answering these names Before the arrival of Qrnm)l into their land Qrnm)l responded that no wonder why their lives were in a state of confusion Like that of someone folding clothes for packing They said that they should be handed over to Offkamgn, the Qba oflka town He who consumes the head of a fish at one go They went to the first room They could not find Orf kamgn In the second room They could not fi nd Ortikamgn In the third to sixteenth room They could not find Off kamOgrln He who consumes the head of a fish at one go In the seventeenth room however
Theyfound On'ikamOgn
He who consumes the head of a fish at one go He sat in a room He wrapped himself with k clothe
One Pk masquerade satwith him in the room He was serving his Oriwith a pangolin, akika They asked Lka to go and cut grasses for the horse by the makeshift hut A pony ht LkA on his shoulder Lka felldown and died The wicked died The wicked was digging his grave And a cobra was weeping and mourning him Igbf n, the snail, is strong Fblti, the deadfall, is equally strong Any deadfall that is not really strong and heavy cannot crack the shellof a big snail
752
li
*" r.,,
The hoof of a buffalo will breakthe jaw of any dog These were the messages of If for the citizens oflkamgrf Those who consume the head of a fish at one go When afterengaging in several businesses They complained that they have no financial buoyancy to show for it They were advised to offer gbg Al(k sg'gig, the residentAwo of Qrnmll He cast If for OrrJnm'il When going on spiritual mission tothe land of He was advised to offer He complied
ebo
Onlkamgn
,
I
Qrnmll was he who decreed that we be blessed with abundantwealth

And we were so blessed All hail Akik-sg'g-ga
It is in the mouth of an Awo that lba, reference and Agq,

authority reside Qrnmll was he who decreed that we be blessed with
good
spouses And we were so blessed All hail Akike-sg'gi-p It is in the mouth of Awothatlb and Agg reside Qntnmll was he who decreed that we be blessed with children And we were so blessed All hail Al(k-sg'g-ga It is in the mouth of Awo thatlba and Agg reside Qrnmll was he who decreed thatwe receive the blessing of
irein
life
all
t \'
All praise Akik sg'gi ga It is in the mouth of Awo thatlba and Agg reside I decree for me to be blessed with abundant wealth If, please let it come to pass I give praisesto Al(k sg'gig It is in the mouth of Awo thatlba and Agg reside I decree for me to be blessed with spouses If, please let it come to
pass
753
I give prase to Akik-sg'g-ga It is in the mouth of Awo thatlba and Agg reside I decree for me to be blessed with good children If, please let it come to pass I give praise to Al(k-sg'g-$a It is in the mouth of Awo thatlba and Agg reside I decree for me to be blessed with ire of good life If, please let it come to pass I give praise to Akike-sQ'g-Sa It is in the mouth of Awothatlba and Agg reside If saysthatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with all the good things of life. All he/she needs do is to do away with evil (in thought, speech and action), do away with awkward names and seek the Agg which only If gives to its devoted disciples.
3. If says that it foresees the ire of a good spouse for whom this Od is
revealed. If says fufther that their relationship will be blessed with
good children.
however warns that once married, the couple must never contemplate separation or divorce. It is not in tune with their destinies. If there had been separation or divorce where this Odls revealed, If urges those involved to reconcile and settle their differences. If this is not done, series of problems and mishaps will occur which will not be good for either of those involved.
If also says that if anyone or group plans to travel to a far distance where this Od is revealed, the person(s) will go and return safely. He/She/Theyshall be blessed with journey mercies.
If advises those for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with
If
two
rats, two fish, two hens, two guineafowls, two roosters and
money.
On allthese, a stanza in this Od says:

Q
Aagba hun wgn nf jq
ge'gb
754
il ,* *",
Iotun ohun wgn ff ja q ge Qdn
Keek tfibwgn-Qn p'Qy Aaka
Olwgf Eyi tiwgn f QkQ fn nl lr1je-lje

Df fn
Fbp ni wQn
ff k w ge
Translation
Aagba stays and manages the forest with other forest
members
I:kn, stays and manages the plain with other plain

members Keek is he who stays and manages Qyg Aaka with other Qyg citizens These were If's declarationsto Ohlwgri, the water-body Whom they shall betroth QkQ, the Boat, to from heryouth He was advised to offer gbg Ever since the conception of QkQ, the Boat, If was consulted and If advised the parentsto hand QkQ overto Ohlwgri in marriage. If stressed that it was in the water that Ok would strive and nowhere else. TfA warned that the parents must never give out her hand to anybody else and they must ensure that she never contemplated separation or divorce.
As soon as QkQ was born, the parents handed her over to Ohlwgri. When this was done, evefihing went well. When OkQ became ripe for child bearing, it was with ease she gave b'th to her children. Her business,
together with that of her husband, Ohlwgri flourished very well. They lived in peace and relative comfoft.
One day, a Iittle misunderstanding occurred between Olwgri and QkQ. The friends of Ohlwgri told him that QkQ was full of herself, she was too arrogant and she felt that without her, Ohfwgri could not suruive. They advised Oklwgri to call her bluff and let her go to blazes if she so desired. They concluded that OkQ must be put in her proper place before there could be peace in Olwgri's home. On the other hand, the friends and sympathizers of QkQ blamed her for accommodating all the insults which
I
755
Olwgri had been giving her for a long time. They said that the whole communty was aware that Ohiwgri was usng her star to survive. They said that Ohlwgri had been using her as his personal propefty and not as his spouse who must be pampered, honoured and respected. They told QkQ that it was evident that Ohlwgri would never give her due respect; but nonetheless, she needed to take a dramatic step that would force Olwgri to give her full honour. She must claim her rights, they urged QkQ. How? She demanded. They concluded that she must leave Ohfwqri that very day. They assured her that Okfwgri could not do without her for three days before coming to beg her. They convinced QkQ that it was the best option open to her if she did not want to continue to live in humiliation and suffering. Before QkQ had the chance to digest all the information fully, these friends and sympathizers stafted to pack her things away from the home of Ohlwgri.
The friends of Ohlwgri told him not to interuene. They urged Olrtwgri to allow her to go because she was too proud and arrogant. On the other hand, the friends of QkQ helped her to pack her things and they even ensured that she was pushed to the shore of Ohlwgri.
As soon as QkQ and Ohlwgri were separated, everything changed for both of them. Trouble stafted. Their businesses collapsed. QkQ became lean
and dry. Oltlwgri felt empty and isolated. Life had no more meaning for both of them. Theywere both crying.
To make matters worse, the friends of Ohlweri came to console
him. When
they discovered that all their counseling did not have any effect on him, . they began to blame and abuse him that he lacked maturity and patience to manage his home properly. They queried him that when he knew that his wife was angry why couldnt he exercise patience and talk things over with her? They advised him to find a means of going to reconcile with her. They all refused bluntly to follow him to go for such reconciliation.
On the other hand, the action of QkQ was a veritable oppoftunity for juicy gossip among her friends. They claimed that QkQ had no respect for her
husband. She was cocky and mean. Some of them said that if their
756
husbands had given them one-quafter of the oppoftunities that QkQ had,
il ,* r",
they would be one of the happiest women on
eafth. Wth all the
oppoftunities that QkQ had, they leered, she was never satisfied. They concluded that it was her burden and she must carry it by herself. Before long, QkQ fellterribly sick.
When the parents of QkQ saw what was happening to their daughter, they knew exactly what went wrong. They knew that all the misfoftunes occurred because their daughter failed to abide by the advice of If. They called her and told her that there was the need for them to go and appeal to Ohfwgri for reconciliation. QkQ agreed. The parents of QkQ invited the relatives of Olrtwgri for talks. They set a date and the two parties converged. The two pafties agreed that there must be settlement. On that same day, the groups of Awo mentioned above were invited for If consultation.
When theAwo arrived, theyconsulted Ifa andlka-MI was revealed. They declared that the pains suffered by the couple were self-inflicted. They had nobody to blame but themselves. They told the couple that they allowed outsiders to put bile and bitter leaf into the honey of their lives. They were assured that it was the 401 IrnmglQ themselves who made them husband and wife from heaven. Oldmar Himself endorsed the relationship. Why should they therefore allow outsiders who were never happy that they were doing well to dictate their lives to them?
The Awo said that Aagba lived in the forest perpetually not because t dd not experience hardship and insults, but simply because that was where it belonged and it was more secured there. Similarly,IjO<un stayed in the plain because that was where it belonged. Of course, there were tribulations and moments of anxiety in the plain, but in the end,IofUn knew that she would be better off there. The same thing applied to Keek n QyQ Ajafa. He too had his trying moments there, but he knew he was to lose if he, because of that, leave Qyg town. They urged the couple to embrace each other and move back together as they were meant for each other. That was how the misunderstanding was settled.
They invited Aagba and IjOkUn to help them pull Qk back into Ohfwgri's home. This was done. Life returned to normal for the couple. Life
757
reganed its meaning forthem. Their businesses picked up once more. All their diabolical friends came backto apologise to them. They had all learnt their lessons.
Aagba hun wgn nl jg Q ge'gbo ljOkun hun wgn nl j9 Q 9e Qdn Keek nff b wgn-qn q'QyAaka
a fun Olwqrl
Eyl tl wgn f Qkq fn nl f bg ni wqn nl k w Se gb'bg r'bg
lje-lje
At'aagba, t'ljokn E w b wa w'Qkq fluwgri o
Translation
Aagba stays and manages the forest with other forest
members Ijokun stays and manages the plain with other plain members Keek is he who stays and manages Qyg Aaka with other Oyg indigenes These were lf's declarationsto Ohlwgri Whom they shall betroth QkQ to from youth He was advised to offer qbg He latercomplied Please invite Aagba and IjOkUn to help pull Qk back to the domain of Ohlwgri.
If says that it foresees happiness for a couple for whom this Od is revealed. If there is any misunderstanding, let it be resolved amicably.
They need not listen to those who will only complicate their matter for them.
If also says that for a traveller, he/she shall go and return safely. There
may be delay, but he/she shall surely return safely.
4.
If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she

758
ll
*" r",
shall be recognized and honoured. If says that his/her children shall make him/her proud in his/her Iifetime and even after he/she had passed on. His/her legacies shall be passed on to his/her children. All what he/she had laboured for shall not go to ruins or be inherited by strangers. His/her own children shall be the ones to inheritthem. If advises this person to give all his/her children proper training so as to be the fit and proper persons to inherit and take over all his/her legacies.
If also advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg
with four rats, four fish, two hens,

On these, If has this to say.
hro roostens and money.
Arl'dg wrqwerg p'qk, Awo il Onlkamgn Onl nTj akn fgwg agada gb'gri Iia te-tte-tl ni wen f rrg'gun Atloro D,l fn 'Ljfl Tff ggmg Aro Fbq qmq ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
He who uses slender brass ornaments as rafters, the residents Awo of Onf kamgn Today, the crab is set for a fight, and it uses its fingers to scratch the soil Feeble fights is what make other birds to defeat Atioro in all
encounters These were If's messages to'Lfi) The child of Ar He was advised to offer gbq for his children
Qlf)'s father was a very impoftant and highly respected personality in his community. He was considered to be very responsible, responsive and intelligent. He was also known to be level-headed. He used to listen to both sides of any matter before uttering a pronouncement or taking a decision. For these reasons, people loved to ask for his advice or help in any matter.
759
One day, the communty gathered together and honoured him with the title of Ar of Ikamgn land. This made 'LfiT's father one of thelwrQf in Ikamogun land. IwrQf are the six highest ranking chiefs and decision makers in the land.
'Lfi)'s father gave his child all the necessary training to make him great in
future. He listened to his father and followed in all his footsteps. At a

stage, if people wanted any assistance from Aro and found only his son 'Lfq), they used to assume that he was as good as his fathef and they would discuss with him. The people were never disappointed. When Ar was getting older, the general opinion was that'Ljifr was then even more intelligent than his father. Those who held that opinion were also never disappointed. 'Ljfr compofted himself very well in the community.
One day, 'Ljifl's father died. The whole community gathered together that they could not allow the Ar stool to be vacant for too long. They concluded that'Lajifi should be installed as the new Ar oflkamOgn Iand since he had been acting in that capacity when his father was getting older and feeble. 'Ljfr was thus installed the next Ar of lkamgrln land after his father.
During 'Ljifi's period as the Ar of lkamogrln land, his reputation surpassed that of his father. He became more successful than his father.
At a stage, his home was busier than the palace of OrfkamOgn. Yet, he did not disappoint anyone.
It was allthese achievements and reputations that were giving 'Ljifr cause for concern: who will inherit all of them? Will all these go into ruins and oblivion in future? What would become of all his achievements when he died? All these and more were his major concerns which made him to approach the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. During
consu ltation, Ik-M) was revea led.
The Awo assured him that his assets, both materials and intellectual, would not go into ruins, or be inherited by other people who did not know how he tookthe pains to accumulate them. He was told that his children would be the ones to inherit them. He was however told to give all his children the
760
il ,* r", gave type of rgorous training which his father him in order to guarantee that his children would have both the intellectual and administrative capabilities to continue wherever he had stopped. He was also advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied.
'Ljfi gave his children the best training ever. During his lifetime, all his children made him proud. They were the subject of envy everywhere. 'Ljfr was very happy and was proud of these children. When he died, he died a happy, contented and accomplished man.
When the community gathered to choose the next Ar however, some other people showed up to contest the position with 'Ljifi's children. Those who came out were the people who were traditionally holders of Fjgmu title. Fjgmu was lower than Ar in order of seniority. The community however instructed the children of 'Ljifi to present a candidate among themselves for installation as the next Ar oflkamgun land. They told those contesting the title to wait for the time that the stool of ggmu would be vacant.
Arf'dg werwrg p'gk, Awo l Onlkamgn Onl n'lj akn fgwq agada gb'Qri
Ija tle-tle-tfe ni wQn fi rrgS'gun Atloro D,la fUn 'Ljifl Tff ggmg Aro
Fbq qmg ni wQn nl k w qe gb'gbg, rrt'bg 9mq Ar Ia m j'Ar Qmq Fjemu ni wQn mrt j'Fjemu Qmq gni I'Orlg fi fip'dlwQn gni
Translation
He who uses slender brass ornaments as rafters, the resident Awo of Onf kamgn Today, the crab is set for a fight, and it uses its fingers to scratch the soil Feeble fight is what make other birds to defeat Atioro in all
encounters
{.
761
lfa Dda: An nvitation to lfa Consultaton
These were lf's messages to'Lfi;) The child of Ar He was advised to offer gbg for his children He complied The child of Aro shall be installed as the next Ar And the child of Ejgmu shall be installed as the next Ejgmu
and achievement of one's children that the judge Origa measure to one's level of success in life. If says that the children of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall make him/her proud in life. He/she however needs to strive to give the children the very besttraining possible.
It is the compoftment
5.
be
recognized. If says that he/she shall move from the position of obscurity to that of prominence. If says that he/she had been having difficulty in holding any achievement for long, If says that this will change and he/she shall be able to achieve a lot of his/her
heafts desires.
If also foresees the Ire of childbearing for a pregnant woman where this Od is revealed. She will be blessed with two bouncing babies, a set of twins, very soon. The babies, when born, shall be one male and one female. A barren woman shall also be blessed with the fruit of the womb. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be promoted in life. He/she shall move up in all his/her undeftakings in life.
If also says that this person ls surrounded by a lot of enemies who are envious of his/her achievements and who, for that reason, hate his/her guts. If however assures this person that these enemies shall not be ableto do him/her harm. On these,If says f ba rere, Awo In
D{
ftln In
In sunkun lwa hun O yolrl fbg ni wqn nl kw se

762
fri ,* r",
Translation
fba rere, to be recognzed from afar, the Awo of In, fire
He was the Awo who cast If for In
When weeping and lamenting that he had no recognition He was advised to offer gbg
In, fire, was full of sorrow. Nobody recognized him. Even if he burnt down a whole town, nobody seemed to notice. This did not make In happyatall. He lamented this misfoftune on a daily basis.
Tired
of lamentation, he summoned courage to approach the Awo
mentioned above, fba rre, for If consultation: would he be recognized in life? Would he be feared and respected? The Awo assured In that he would be recognized, feared and respected. He was assured that he would also be usefulto others in his life. The Awo advised In to offer gbg with plenty of palm-oil, two roosters and money. In complied.
Ever since that time, whenever there was fire, as soon as a little palm-oil or any other fuel was added, the flame would go up and In would be recognized. In was also used to cook food, and to clear the bush in readiness for annual farm plantation. Even though In is used for all these, itwas with caution and extreme care. Those in contactwith fire did so with fear and respect. That was how In got his recognition. He was full of joy that he was able to achieve his heaft's desires in his life.
lba sllgsllQ Awo olg boilgqlq firn OlgboilgqlQ

Tl nm're gbogbo lmbQ lmbe fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
fibq sIlQsIlQ, to act stilthily, the Awo of OlgbJigQlO, the Cat He cast If for OlgboJigQlQ When all his achievements were dropping from his hands He was advised to offer ebo
763
lla Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
OlgbJigl, the cat had completely lost his respect among the rats. Any rat captured by Olgb0fgQlQ would eventually escape from his grasp. He amounted to nothing in the estimation of the rats. Instead of the rats running away from OlgbJigQlQ, he was the one avoiding them. To make matters worse, the rats began to bite OlgbfgQlQ'stailfor consumption! OlgbjfgQlQ considered this the peak of all insults to his person. He therefore went for If consultation in the home of pba slbsllQ his Babalwo; would he be able to regain his respect? Would he be able to regain his respect? Would he be able to keep for himself all the rats that he captured? Would he be feared bythese rats who were getting bolder and more daring every passing day? The Awo assured OlgbOJigQlQ that he would be able to hold onto whatever he had achieved. He was also told that he would be feared and respected. All what he needed to do, he was advised, was to offer qbg with hruo pigeons, two roosterc and 2O blades. He complied.
As soon as he offered the gbg, Eg stuck one blade in each of Olgb0JigQlQ's
Unknown to the rats, they came in group to pester OlgbJigQlQ as they used to do. The leader among them was grabbed and simplified into two by OlgbfgQlQ. The rest of them could not believe their eyes. In their confusion, OlgbjfgQlQ was able to grab two more. He tore them to pieces with the help of the blades which he had stuck to his fingers and toes. The remaining rats ran helter-skelter. Ever since that time, the rats knew OlgbfgQlQ as their master, and any rat who was unfortunate enough to be grabbed by OlgbfgQlQ had no way to escape. Such unfoftunate ratwould be partof OlgbJigQlq's mealforthatday. fingers and f ba rgre, Awo Adan Dl filn Adan, onlfll qt Fkn gmg l rl sun f bg ni wqn nl kw ge
toes.
Translation
fba rgrg, to havethem in abundance, theAwo of Adn, the Bat He cast If for Adn, the owner of the cap made with [t, 764
frl ,* r.,
brown, clothing material When weepng in lamentation of her inabilty to beget her own children She was advised to offer gbg.
Adn, the Bat, loved children a lot. She dreamt of having several children in her life. Unfoftunately however, she was not able to have even only one. She cried everyday because of this. How could she come into this world without begetting her own children? Somebody gave bfth to her; why should she find it impossible to give birth to her own children? As much as she loved children would she continue to shower her love and affection on the children of others without begetting her own child to love, pamper and take care of? Anytime she pondered on these points, she was always sad and dejected. She used to dream that she was in the midst of her children playing and joking with them.
She made up her mind to do something about it. One day, she wentto fba Rgrg her Babalwo for If consultation. During consultation,Ik-M;I was revealed.
The Awo assured her that she would be blessed with the fruit of the womb. She was also assured that she would give bfth to several children in her
She was advised to offer gbg with 2O rats, 20 roosterc for good childre and sound health.
life.
fish and two
When she went to the market, she bought all the rats and fish in the market and she bought the two roosters as well. After the gbg, she began to give brth to children. She was blessed with severalchildren and she had sound health to continue to give bfth to the children. If anyone tried to persuade her to stop giving birth to children, she would respond that she loved children and she suffered before her womb opened for child-bearing. That was how Adn, the Bat became a proud mother of several children in her life.
Dl fin Oke Oke l'hun f yg'rl ju egb hun yk lg
lba gbogbo Awo ok
765
Fbg niwqn n| kw ge
Translation
fiba gbongb, Big and Mighty, theAwo of Ok, the Hill He cast If for 0k, the Hill Oke wanted to be higherthan all hercolleagues He was advised to offer gbg Oke, the Hill, was very ambitions. she wanted to be higher than all her contemporaries. She planned allthe things he needed to do to ensure that she was higher than every one of them - lake, sea, lagoon, and so on. She then went to f ba gbngb for If consultation. Again, during consultation, )ka-vtet was revea led.
The Awo assured her that she would be higher than all her contemporaries. She was advised to offer gbg with one matured he-goat, hro pigeons and money. She complied. Before long, she grew higher than all her colleagues. She was full of joy that she was able to achieve her heaft's desires
Magi-magi, Awo Aps D,l fin Aps Tll $'gkg Agg fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Magi-magi, the Awo of Aps, the clothe-weaving instrument He cast If for Aps The husband of Aqg, the cloth He was advised to offer gbg.
Aps, the cloth-weaving instrument, was the husband of A9g, the cloth. Apas was in love with his wife. He wanted to know if he would continue to be Agg's husband for the rest of his life. For this reason, he went to MagiMagi, his Awo for If consultation.
The Awo assures Aps that he would be the husband of ASa for the rest of 766
iI
*" r",
his life. He however told Apas that he needed to offer gbg because at a stage, Agg would be taken away from him to dress other people. Aps was advised to offer gbg with two hens for him to be the husband of Agg for life, and to offer gbg with hruo roosters for people not to snatch Agg away from him for their own selfish usage in future. Aps offered gbg with two hens and refused to offer gbg for people not to snatch Agg away from him. He believed that nobody could do that since he would remain the husband of Agg for life.
As soon as Aps completed his work on Agg, Aps was cleaned and kept in a box while Asg was sewn and given to others to wear for their outings. Apasa was full of regrets for the rest of his life. His only consolation was that those who took Agg away did not consider her their wife. They all knew that she was initially the wife of Aps.
Magi-maagi
Eyl qmq eye kan , yQ kn tl g'orl og Tl srlre ogun tantantan Fbel+gun ni wqn nl kw Se
filn FlqmQQq Qmg a-b-raka-rktl

Dl
Translation
MaSi-magi, the Awo of FlemQFQ He was the Awo who cast If for FlemQ$ He who shouts atthe top of his voice Offspring of that bird which perched on Og baobab tree And pray incessantly for war He was advised to offerthe gbg of victory
His happiest periods were during FlemQgq was a great warrior. contentions, confrontations and wars. He was always praying for them. For this reason, he went to Magi-Magi, his Babalwo, for If consultation: would he be able to see wars and uprisings to confront? Would he be victorious during these confrontations? During consultation, Ika-M) was revealed.
I
767
The Awo told flQmQpQ that the people of the world were too restless for there not to be wars and contentions. Nothing satisfied the world, the Awo told flqmggg. Nothing was enough for them except suffering. The Awo assured FlemQgQ that there would always be contentions, confrontations and wars for him to engage in. What he needed to do was to offer gbg for him to be victorious in all his campaigns. The Awo advised him to offer gbg with three matured he-goats and money. He complied.
FlemQgq fought several battles after; and he was victorious in
all.
He had
several spoils
of war which made him successful beyond his wildest

far and wide.
FlemQgQ's reputation as a warlord travelled When he died, the whole world paid tributes to him.
imagination.
Kgkgg n ab'oj rl Legn-Leg n Dl filn wgn l'gb lgb IfQ Kiriblti Awgn l gb'y ni wQn d'f st lbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
Kgkggn, the slender iron rod, with its pointed tip This was the If cast for them at IfQ land When planning to take full control of their environment They were advised to offer gbg
Ib-Ife was where human life began. The indigenes of this town were aware
of this. Consequent upon this, they saw no reason why they should not be the ones to control every paft of their environment. That was what they had in mind when they approached Kgkggn- ab'ojtl-legn-legn for If consultation. During consu ltation, Ik M) was revealed. The Awo told them that they would be able to exercise full control on their environment. They were advised to offer gbg with 16 pigeons, two hegoats and money. They were to add the sand from a well-trekked footpath to the gbg. They were assured that the feet normally took full control of the footpath while the rope of the palmwine tapper took full control of the palm-tree. They were also advised to feed If with one matured she-goat. All these they did without delay.
768
ifr ,* r.,
Soon afterwards, all the towns and villages around ll-Ife came to pay homage and pledge their allegiance to the leaders of Il-IfQ. They pafticipated in the developmentand defence of II-IQ.
Qpgqrg abs lgnlg IX fitn Erw gg Tl be l'rinlgbq [bq alk ni wn nl k w pe
Translation
QpeQre, bird with thicktuftof plumes on its head The Awo who cast If for Erw, the fresh grass Who was living in the forest Erw was advised to offer gbg to live long
Erw was in constant fear of her life. She Iived in the forest. Every now and then, the bush was burnt by game hunters, farmers or thunder-strike. Will these activities not shoften her life? Would she be able to sulvive this assault? When there was no fire outbreak, deers, antelopes, rodents, grasscutters, locusts and so on, fed on her. Would they not finish her completely? The fear of sudden death had caused her sleeplessness. There was no peace of mind for Erw s$. This was what made her to approach Qpeere-abs-lgnlg for If consultation. When If was consu lted, Ika-Mel was revea led.
The Awo assured Erw gg that even though this threat existed, she would never die young. Several attempts would be made on her life but she would suruive them all. She was advised to offer gbg with two roosters. She complied.
Every time, the farmers burnt the farm in preparation for new plantation; the game hunters put fire on the forest in order to kill animals; thunder strike set the bush on fire; and herbivorous animals consumed Erw gUg with reckless abandon. Yet, Erwa Sg surived all the attempts to kill her. She was full of thanks and praises for her Awo, Qpeere-abOs-lgnQ. When asked how she survived, she responded that she used to sleep
769
quietly and she used to find herself waking up quetly too! All in the power of Oldmar and If, she would add. Ofe o j'eree A rff l'po Qje kfl jTkesl A rff nTyQ Trtl-ol ni wqn ge'f filn Omg ag Eyl tl rr b wgn gb'l Owerenjje Eyl to ti rln nl lkQQkQ Eyl to ti rln nl lbb WQn nl I'qdn nff ni y d'gni atehde gbangba Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Ofe, bird does notconsume beans But it mixes itwith palm-oil
successful merchant does not eat meals prepared the previous day The food will be preserved with salt These were If's declarations to Tl-oh1 Offspring of that canon edge Which lives where Owerenjje, is planted Hewho had been going about in totalobscurity He who had been living a life of a non-entitiy He was told that that year was his year of prominence He was advised to offer gbg
Tl-ohl was a very unsuccessful man. He had no money, no spouse, no child, no sound health, no house of his own, not to mention a means of transpoftation of his own. Except for members of his family, nobody knew him. Nobody cared to know him either. As far as many people in his community were concerned, he never existed physically or in their minds. For how long would he continue to live the life of a Nobody in his community, he asked himself? That was what prompted Tl-ohi to approach the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he
774
frl ,* r,,
succeed
revealed.
in life, he asked lfa? During If
consultation, Ika-MeT was
The Awo told Tl-Oltt that he was living a life of obscurity. He however assured him that that very year, something would happen to his life that would bring him into the limelight and prominence. He was advised to offer gbg with hro pigeons and money. Tl-Ohf had no money. He had onlytwo dresses. He sold one and boughtthe two pigeons with the money he realized from the sale. The Awo performed gbq for hirnd blesse.him. Tl-Ol waited for three months and no change occurred in his life. In the foufth month, he made up his mind to go into the forest to hang himself. Eg continued to encourage him to do so. When in the forest, Eg gave him the direction of where to go. If he stopped somewhere, Eg would urge him to move further into the forest. When he reached a point, the odour of dead animals was too offensive for him to bear. EgU urged him to continue going. When he reached the spot where the odour was coming from, he realized that the odour was that of two elephants. They had earlier battled each other to death. Egu told him not to waste time by removing the ivories of the dead elephants. When he removed them, ESU told him that all he needed to do were to forget about his suicide attempt and look for buyers for his newly-found treasure.
When he returned home, he sold the ivories at exhorbitant prices. He became very rich. People began to take notice of him. The attitude of all his family members toward him changed completely. They were always at his beck and call. They were ready to cooperate with him in all things. That was the time his family members realized that it was not proper for him not to have a spouse of his own. They arranged one for him. People noticed him even more. Soon after this, the wife became pregnant. The whole community knew that the pregnant woman was TlOl4is wife," He arranged with his peer group and a befitting house was erected for him. His business flourished and he bought a fine horse as a means of transpoftation. All these took place in just one year! Tl-Ol became the talkof thetown.
w kan wgn $rksrtkrt nl lQ'kuru

771
lfa Dda: An invtation to lfa Consultaton
WQnyln-wgnyn l lQ'gl Ogl tl k knn l'ghde b'gn Gnnugn w'omi agbada tlgn-rre Om ni'f oblnrin Qnagfu n ni'f aknyngb fin Elbt Tl fre'l QlQfi n IQQ gb'awo Fbq ni wEn nl k w ge A b fin Odt-Keke re'l glqfn IQQ gb'awo Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Finely do one grind the beans for making kuru, the bean
fritter
And into fine paste do one grind the corn for making 0g), the corn meal The poorly grinded corn paste is normally given to pigs for consumption Grlnnugrf n, the Vulture glanced at the water in the water-basin unendingly without drinking Qm, the Breast is an invaluable asset of a woman And a melodious voice is an invaluable asset of an lyQrQ chanter/musician These were If's declarationsto Elbrit When going on If's mission tothe home of QlQfin He was also advised to offer gbg The same was declared to Odu-fgq When going on lf's mission tothe home of QlQfin He was also advised to offer ebo
Ana-Qg)n, the wife of QlQfin was pregnant. This brought anxiety to the mind of QlQfin: what would he do for his favourite wife to deliver safely? He was also curious about the sex of the baby so that he could know what preparation he needed to make for its eventual arrival: what types of dresses he should procure for the baby's usage, its circumcision, and so 772
ii
tx. u"i
on. wth all these on QlQfin's mind, he summoned

consult If for him in his palace.
Elbt to come and
As soon as Elbtlt received the call of QlQfin, he went to the home of the
Awo mentioned above for If consultation? What exactly dd qlqfn want from him? would he succeed where he was going? would he be able to satisfy QlQfin when he got there? During If consultation,Ika-MeI was revealed.
The Awo told Elbut that the wife of QlQfin was pregnant and that glqfin was preoccupied with the safe delivery of his wife. They also told him that QlQfn wished to know the sex of the baby ahead of the delivery time. The Awo assured Elbt1t that OlQfin's wife will have a safe delivery and that she was going to give brth to a male baby. They also told Elbrit that there was the need for QlQfin to offer gbg with two rats, two fish, hruo roosters and money because the wife was going to give bifth to a male baby. When Elbt got to Olfin's palace, he was asked to consult If. He did.
Again,Ika-tvteSt was revealed. He assured QlQfin that his wife would have a safe delivery and that she would give bfth to a male baby. He advised QlQfin to offer qbg as prescribed above. Qlqfn complied.
Three days after, glqfn summoned Odu Keke to his palace for If consultation on the same issue. Od-keke also went to his group of Awo for his own If consultation in order for him to determine exactly what
Qlqfn wanted from him.
When his Awo consulted If for him,Ika-M) was equally revealed. OdUkeke was informed that QIqfn summoned him because of his pregnant wife. OAU-fqq was told that QlQfin's wife would have a safe delivery. He was told to advise Qlqfin to offer qbg with two rats, two fish, hruo hens and money because QlQfin's wife would deliver a female baby.
OlQfin's palace, OOu-t<qtq consulted If and again, Ika-Me;t was revealed. He assured QlQfin that his wife would have a safe delivery and that she was going to have a female baby. Female? OOo-fete assured
773
In
QlQfin that he had given him the exact message of If. He advised QlQfin offergbg as prescribed by hisAwo, Qlqfn complied.
to
Elbrtt and Od-keKe were the very best Awo during their time. Anything they said was taken seriously because it usually came to pass. Now that the two of them were giving conflicting messages, what could one make of it? Elbt said that If foresaw a male baby for QlQfin while Od-keke assured Qlqfin that what If foresaw for him, Qlqfin, was a female baby. Wth these conflicting messages, QlQfin's curiosity and anxiety mounted by the day. He could not wait for the day of his wife's delivery in order to know who was correct among these great Babalwo. One day, Olfin's wife went into labour. As expected, QlQfin quickly summoned Elbt and OdU-Keke to his palace so that they could see to her safe delivery as they had predicted. Elbt arrived first. He assured QlQfin that his wife had no problem and that she would deliver a male baby. Od-Keke came a few moments after and told glQfn that his wife would have a safe delivery and the baby would be female.
When QlQfin's wife was to deliver, it was a male child. Elbrit was full of jubilation. He told Qlqfin that If had never failed him. OdU-keke could not believe what he had seen. He excused himself and told QlQfin that he was going home in order to go and ask If what he had done wrong in his seruice to If which brought this disgrace and humiliation to him. QlQfin excused him. As soon as he left, QlQfin's wife gave bfth to another baby; this time, a female. Qlqfin quickly asked one of the palace members to go and call Od-keke back, that his prediction had also come to pass. When the messenger got to OdU-kgkQ's home, he began to sing thus:
If Elbrtt 99 n o
T'Od-kekg sl gg o Awo rere I'Odu-kEt<g If Elbrlt gq n o T'Od-kqkQ sl gg o
774
ll
Awo rere I'Od-kke
,* r",,
(
Translation
The prediction of Elbtit had come to pass And thatof Odu-kqke had also manifested Od-keke is a great Awo The prediction of Elbt had cometo pass And that of Odu-kqke had also manifested Ou-fete is truly a great Awo That was the song the palace messenger, Od-keke and all the members his household sang to the palace in jubiliation with Od-keke and QlQfin, who became the proud father of a set of twins.
of
I
I
Fba rere, Awo rn Dl fif n In
In tsunkn lw hun O yojrl Fbq ni wqn nl kw se gbg'bg, r'bg lba sllgsll Awo olgboilgQq Dl filn Olgboilgqlq Tl f m're gbogbo lmbq lmbQ Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge gbg'bg r'bg
f ba rqre, Awo Adan Dl filn Adan, onlfll gt f;kn gmg l sun f bg ni wqn nl k w gbg'bg, rrl'bg Eba gbogbo Awo k Dl filn Oke Oke l'hun f yg'rf ju egb ohun yok lq f bg ni wqn nl k w ge gbQ'bg, r'bg Magi-magi, Awo Aps Dl fif n Apas
ge
L
775
Tff q'qkg Agg Fbq kl wEn m gba oblnrin rQ I'QwQ rQ ni wqn nl ko w 9e Ebq kl hun l g'gkg agg d'alE nlkan l ge
9mq a-b-raka-rk
Eyl emq e, yg kan QyQ kan g'orf og Tl nsre ogun tantantan Fbqlqgun ni wqn nl kw ge gb'bq, r'bg Kgkgg u n a b'oj tl Legn-Leg n Dl frrn wgn l'gb lgbo IfQ Kiriblti Awgn l gb'y ni wQn d'f sl Fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge WQn gb'bg, wqn r'bg j agbak l'gsQ gb'Qn
Magi-magi Dl| frrn Fhmqsg
Agbek n'igb rlgb'qpg Qpqere abs lgrrlg I)l filn Erw gg Tl rrbe l'arin lgb $bg alku ni wQn nl k w ge gb'Qbg, r'bg
nlblepaml
Emi nff k Ihgrgpg ni mo sn Ihqrgpg ni mo dlde o Kko ejba kagal parad
of o j'er A rff l'po Qlja kff j'lksl A rll nTyQ Tl-ol niwqn ge'f ftln
Qmg ag
Eyl tl b wqn gb'l Owerenjje Eyl t ti rln nl lkQQkQ
776
li
ka Mej
Eyl to ti rln nl lbb WQn nl I'Qdn nff ni y d'gn etelede gbangba Ebg ni wqn nl k w ge gb'Qbo, rrl'bg Bl a b l'w gni I'Qwg f ni gbangba |a jg If e mi d, gnii gbangba Bl a b l'ya gni l'y Sni gbangba la jg If e mi O, gnii gbangba Bl a b b1mg gni I'aye $ni gbangba la jQ If a mi r gnii gbangba Bl a b nl ire gbogbo l'y f ni gbangba l j If a mi O, gnii gbangba
w kan wgn grlkrlgk nl lQ'kuru WQnyln-wgnyin l lQ'gl Ogl tl k krlnn l'glgdQ b'gn Gnnugn w'omi agbada tlgn-rre QmU ni'f oblnrin QnQfu n ni'f aknyngb IX filn Elbrt Tl re'l Qlqfin IQQ gb'awo Fbg ni wqn nl k w ge A b fun odo-Keke nre'l Qlqfn IQQ gb'awo fbg niwqn nl k w ge WQn gb'bg, wqn r'bg g rra Elbrt te n o T'Od-kQkg sl99 o Awo rere I'Od-keke If Ebrrlt gg n o T'Od-kQkQ sl 99 o Awo rere I'Od-kek o
777
Translation
fba rer, theAwo of In, Fire
He cast If for In
When weeping and lamenting that he had no recognition He was advised to offer gbg He complied Eba stlQsllQ, the Awo of Olgbofgl, the Cat He cast If for OlgbgQlQ When all his achievements were dropping from his hands He was advised to offer ebo He complied fba rgrg, the Awo of Adn, the Bat
He cast If for Adn, the owner of the cap made with [t
clothing material When weeping in lamentation of her inability to beget her own children She was advised to offer gbg She complied fba gbongb, the Awo of Ok, the Hill He cast Ifa for Ok Ok wanted to be higher than all her colleagues She was advised to offer ebo She complied Magi-magi, the Awo of Aps, the cloth weaving instrument He cast If for Aps The husband of Agg, the cloth He was advised to offer ebq so that Agg would not be taken awayfrom him He offer only the gbg for him to continue to be the husband of Asg Magi-magi the Awo of FlemQgQ He cast If for EImQSQ He who shouts at the top of his voice Offspring of that bird which perched on Og tree And pray incessantly for war Hewas advised to offerebo He complied
778
ii
r*" u"i
Qpeere, the bird with thicktuft of plumes on its head He cast If for Erw, the fresh grass Who was living in the forest She was advised to offer gbg in order to live long She complied She declared that if you plan for me to die I shall not die Quietly did I sleep And quietlydid I wake up Ofe does notconsume beans But it soaks them in palm-oil A successful merchant does not eat stale meals The food will instead be preserued with salt These were If's declarations to Tl-Ohl Offspring of that eagle Which lives where Owerenjje is planted He who had been going about in total obscurity He who had been living a life of a non-entity He was told that that year was his year of prominence He was advised to offer gbg He complied If one is blessed with wealth One will be exposed to prominence I pay reverence to my If, the prominent Divinity If one is blessed with a good spouse One will be exposed to prominence I pay reverence to my If, the prominent Divinity If one is blessed with good children One would be exposed to prominence I pay homage to my If, the prominent Divinity If one is blessed with all the good things of life One will be exposed to prominence I salute my If, the prominent Divinity Finely do one grind the kuru beans And into fine past do one grind Og'i Corn The poorly grinded corn is given to pigs for consumption Gnnugn glanced at the water in the water basin unendingly
779
Ifa Dida: An invitation to
lfa Consultation
withoutdrinking Qmu isan invaluableassetof awoman And a melodious voce is an invaluable asset of an
chanter/musician These were lf's declarations to Elbtit When going tothe palace of QlQfin on If mission And also to Od-Keke When going to the palace of QlQfin on If mission They were advised to offer gbg They complied The prediction of Elbttt had cometo pass And thatof Odu-feke had also manifested OOU-fgfg is a great Awo Behold, the prediction of Ebt had cometo pass And thatof Odu-kgke had equally manifested Od-keke is truly a great Awo
lyQrQ
If says that the person for whom this Odis revealed shall be blessed with all his/her heart's desires in life. If says that the reason for consulting If shall come out in favour of the person for whom this Od is revealed.
6.
If says that it foresses success and great accomplishment for the person for whom this Od is revealed, where he/she is going to, in
order to stay and establish himself/herself. If says that his/her luck will shine where he/she is going. He/she will be able to establish himself/herself there. If says that he/she shall be blessed with bou nd less opportunities.
If advises this person to offer gbg with three pigeons' three guineafowls, three cocks and money. On this, If says:
J n fldl he Dl filn Aagba Tl lq r gba igb I'QwQ on5gb Fbq ni wqn nl k w 9e
780
Translation
Let me manage here This was lf's message to Aagba
ii
,0"
*",
When going to take over the forest from the owners of the forest He was advised to offer gbg
Aagba was a creeping plant. He planned to go to the forest and establish himself there. All his intention was not beyond the fact that he wants to stay and live a quiet life in the forest: would he succeed? That was why he wentto the home of J$n-fidl-he, a prominent Babalwo for If consultation.
Jgn-fidf-hg assured Aagba that he would be able to establish himself in the forest. Not only that, he would also take over the whole forest from the owners of the forest at a stage in his life. Aagba could not see how feasible this would be. He however believed in the words of If. The Awo advised him to offer gbg as stated above. He complied.
Soon after this, Aagba set out on his journey to the forest. When he got to the forest, he saw a place near the river and decided to manage there for some time, before looking for a better place to settle. Before long, he realized that the place was good for him. In two years, he had taken over the whole vicinity. Nobody questioned his action. In ten years he had become a force to reckon with in the forest. Anyone planning to cultivate there would be told notto do it because Aagba was too much there.
JQ n
fldl
h9
fn ljokrtn Tl lg r gb'Qdn l'gw gl'Qdn fbg ni wqn ni kw qe

Dd
Translation
Let me manage here This was lf's message toIOkUn When going to take over the plain from the owners of the plain land He was advised to offer ebo
781
Ifa Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consultaton
The case of ljkn was smlar to that of Aagba. He too went to the plain land just to manage before moving on. He too succeeded there, and in ten years, he took over the plain-land from the original owners of the land. )okun was also advised to offer gbg before proceeding on that journey however. He also complied and succeeded. Nobody did anything where Iokun was.
hg Dl filn Kker sl Tl nlg r gba QVq I'QwQ glqyqq fbg ni wqn nl kw ge

J$ n
fldl
Translation
Let me manage here This was If's message to Kkere-Nsl When going to take over QyQ town from the owners of the town He was advised to offer gbg
The story of Kker-Nsele was similar to those of Aagba andljOkUn. When going to QyQ town, he went for If consultation. He was assured that he would be paft of the owners of the land he planned to go to. He was also advised to offer gbg. He complied When he got to QyQ town, he was accepted. Before long, he became one of the decision makers in the land. He also had his own area where he controlled.
J n fldl hq
Tl lg r gba poro l'QwQ ol'ko fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
firn fpa
Translation
Let me manage here This was If's message to [p, the Peanut
When going to take over the farm ridges from the owner of the farm 782
l
She was advised to offer ebo
'u
r",
The case of Fpa was also similar to those of Aagba, IOkUn and KkerNsl. When Epa was going to the farm to stay. She never bargained for more than a temporary stay before she could find somewhere more conducive for her. She however went for If consultation. The Awo told her that she would succeed where she was going and that she would be able to take over both the heap and ridges from the owners of the farm. She was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. She complied. A few days after, she moved into the farm.
As soon as she got into the farm, she began to multiply herself. All her children spread quickly. They spread round the farm heaps and ridges. The farmer could no longer pass through the ridges of [p. That was how [p completelytookoverthe farm from the farmer.
Jg n fldl h9 Dl fitn Aagba Tl lg r gba igb I'QwQ onTgb fbg niwn nl k w ge Jg n fldl h9 Dt fitn ljokun Tl lg r gb'Qdn I'fwq gl'qdan Fbq niwqn ni k w ge
Kker Nsl Tl rl9 r gba QVq l'gwQ glqyqq fbg niwqn nl k w ge Jg n fldl h9 Dla fun fipa Tl lg r gba poro l'qwq ol'ko fbg niwqn nl k w ge WQn gb'gbg, wqn r'bg Aagba w ge bl ere gba igb lQwQ onlgb Ijokun se bl er gba Qdn lQwq gledn
783
JQ n D,l fin
fldl h9
Kker-sele ge bl er gba Qvq lqwq glqyQq Fpa qe bl er gba poro lqwq olko Klnni Fpa fi to eb k o gmgygoJg, I'Ep fi teb k
9mqygoJeo
Translation
fidf hg (Let me manage here) This was If's message to Aagba When going to take over the forest from the owner of the forest He was advised to offer gbg JQ n fid'i hg(Let me manage here) This was If's messge toljokUn When going to take overthe plain from the owner of the plain He was advised to offer gbg JQ n frdl h9 This was lf's message to Kker-Nsl When going to take over Qyq town from the owners of the town He was advised to offer gbg J9 n frdf he This was lf's message for fpa the Peanut When going to take over the farm ridges from the owner of the farm She was advised to offer gbg They complied Gradually, Aagba took over the forest from the owner And gradually,Ijok tookoverthe plain from the owner Gradually, Kker-Nsl took over Qyg town from the owners of
JQ n
thetown
And gradually, fpa took over the farm form the farmer What did fpa use to surround itself? Itwas plenty of children
7.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is doing

something secretly at present. If this secret is exposed, what he/she
784
ii ,* r.,
will be in jeopardy. He/she needs to offer gbg so that his/her secret will not leak out. He/she also needs to feed the Ori of his/her parents. If either or both of them are dead, he/she needs to feed their spirits. He/she also needs to feed QbaHl and If. If says that there is also the need for the person for whom this Od is revealed to maintain reticence throughout the period that he/she is doing this thing until it is finally completed.
is doing
If advises this person to offer gbg with hro pigeons, two guinea-fowls, hro cocks and money. After this, he/she needs
to feed the Ori (orthe spirit) of his/her parents, If and Qbatl. On these,If says:
Qpelep eilk ni o j'gw bq 9pelqpg wlpe o rl iye ire t bl g filn baba ire Dl fttn Ooganh QggQrgmagbo Tl sunkUn oj Awr Ohun ba're o Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Let us thank the shoulders which do not allow the dress to fall offour body Let us thank the fact that a good mother gave brth to you to a good father These were lf's messages to Qbtl When lamenting that his disciples did notsucceed He was advised to offer gbg
gbaHl slept with sadness. He woke up still feeling sad. This had been going on for sometimes now. Why? His beloved Awr Or'lg, disciples
could not make ends meet.
All his effofts amounted to naught. This was what was giving QbaHl sleeplessness. What would other people say if his own AwOr was experiencing acute wants? Qbat was aware that people would not make jest of his Awr but it would be him, Qbatl that would become everybody's subject of ridicule. What must he do? After much
785
("
deliberation, he decided to go for If consultation. He went to the home of the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultaion on behalf of his
AwOr.
The Awo told Qbtl that even though his Awr was experiencing serious problem at that time, the problems would nonetheless disappear in due course of time. They told Qbatl that his Awr0 was well born and properly trained by hls parents. He needed to feed the Of of his parents so that they would give him support. They also said that since he enjoyed the suppoft of QbaHl there was an assistance that gbakl must render to his AwrO. This was that the AwOr had no secret. All his secret plans were being exposed to his opponents and these opponents ensured that such plans failed to work. There was therefore the need to ensure that the secret plans of his AwrO did not leak out to anyone. The Awo also advised QbaHl to inform his AwrO to offer gbg as prescribed above and at the same time, help his Awr to keep his secrets secret. All the advices of the Awo were complied with. As from that moment, Qbtl made it his own personal responsibility to guard the secret plans of his AwOr against exposure. When the plans did not leak out, AwOr Oilg was able to implement his heaft's desires. AwrO became happy and self-sufficient in all the basic things of life. QbaHl became happy and proud of the achievements of his AwrO.
Qpelepe ilk ni o j', w bq Qpelqp wlpe o rl iye ire t bl g fn baba ire Dl frrn ooganla Qqeeremagbo Tl sunkrln ojrt Aw hun O ba're o Ebq ni wqn nl k w ge gb'Qbg, r'bg
Ko p k jlnn E w b 'ni byQ, e w wo're o je a5{rf tl Oo+a pamq N'lkOkO lw
Translation
Let us thank the shoulders which do not allow the dress to fall
786
if, ,* *",
offour body
Let us thank the fact that a good mother gave bifth to you to a good father These were lf's messagesto Qbtl When lamenting that his disciples did not succeed He was advised to offer gbg He complied Before long, nottoo far Join us in the midst of all ire of life Behold, the secret kept by Qbatl It remains a secret!
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall enjoy the
suppoft of the Divinities. He/she shallachieve his/her heart's desires in life. He/she however needs to keep his/her secrets secret. He/She needs to be reticent in all his/her secret plans.
8.
If says that it foresees the ire of victory for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says thatthe enemies are many but he/she shall overcome them all. If says that the plans of his/her enemies shall turn to success for him/her as their evil designs shall in the end turn to advantage for him/her. If assures him/her that his/her enemies shall be putto shame. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer ebq with one matured he-goat and money.
The Awo also needs to look for one palm-kernel by the roadside (not the one from the farm, it must be the one picked on the road), grind it into fine powder imprintlka-we) on it, and recite this stanza into it. After this, make incisions on the head of the person for whom this Od is revealed from his/her forehead to the back of the head and rub the powder on it. If this is done, If says, victory is assured. The stanza in this Od on this issue states thus:
Gbgb qna j'elqse rln Gbogbo ay kll ge r'w r'ggin

787
D,l
filn Aylnrl
Tff g'gmg glQrQ n'ffq Ebq alku ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Let the root offshoot give way to those who trek Noteveryone can afford to buya horse This was lf's declaration to A/inrf n, the maroon colour The son of the influential man in IfQ He was advised to offer ghq of longevity
AyinFin, the maroon colour was the son of an influential citizen of Il-IfQ. Many people hated him for no just reason. Ayinfn was aware of this fact but everything he did to make his enemies have a change of attitude toward him failed. Consequently, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. During If consideration,Ik-M) was revealed.
The Awo told A/inn that even though his enemies were planning to eliminate him, they would all fail. He was advised to offer the gbg of victory and longevity as stated above. He complied. A special preparation was
also made for him with the palm kernel.
After this, he was asked to go about his normal day-to-day activities

because no evil shall befall him.
Meanwhile, the enemies of Aylnn had designed an ingenious plan to eliminate him. They went to prepare dye with the hope of dipping him into it until he died. One day, they captured At'lnr1n and dipped him inside the pot of dye. He was inside the pot for three days. All of them were sure that nobody could sulive such deal. When they removed Ayinrfn, he was still alive! Notonlythis, he was looking more handsome, more radiant, stronger and healthier. Everything the enemies tried to harm Ayinrin, he usually emerged better off for it. They soon forgot about Aylnr'in. If says thatthe enemies of the person for whom this Od is revealed would soon give up on their evil plans against him/her.
788
nu
u"j
i
Gbgbo Qne j'lsQ rln Gbogbo ay kff ge r'w
r'ggin
Alk If dn j'oyin
Dl fitn Aylnrlrt Tff g'gmg Qlqrq n'lfq fbg alku ni wqn nl k w 9e gb'Qbo, r'bg Ko p-, ko jlnna E w b ni llk kangiri
Onl la pa Qla la fnu gnu I'esQ fi pa krQ oj Qn B'r b l'hun p'Aylnrfn At'Aylrtrln Se o Aylnrln o d 9mg 9l9rQ n'ffg
Aylnrln p'Aylnrln
19
{
1
Translation
Let the root offshoot give way to those who Noteveryone can afford to buya horse This was lf's declaration to Aflnn The son of the influential man in IfQ He was advised to offer ebo He complied
trek
Before long, nottoo far Come and meet us where we enjoy long life Longevity guaranteed by Ifa is sweeter than honey Today, we shall Tomorrow, we shall eliminate It is mere words that the feet pronounce That they will kill a palm-kernel by the road-side If Ar, the dye plansto killAytnr'in Itwillonly add to its beauty and vitality Here comesA/inrf n The son of the influential man in Il-If
killA/inln Ayinrtn
( \
If says that the more people plan to harm this person, the
789
healthier, i
happier, smafter and lovelier he/she becomes. On the other hand, he/she too must never plan or conspire against other people as this will only lead to frustration and failure for him/her.
9.
If says that it foresees the ire of a bouncing baby for a man who had been finding it difficult to father a child. If says that some evil forces are responsible for the man's inability to become a father. Wth appropriate gbg, If assumes thatthese evil forces will disappean
If
advises this man
to offer qbg with one matured akika,

needs to feed ESU Qdara with
pangolin and money. He also big cock. On these, If says:
one
Qtqu tgu tQrt QnqU rgu rQrI Qtqqtq I j'Qp Qtqqtq l jQ'mumu LJq lqtq la s'ohl esunsun s'$nu
filn Onlkamgn
Qmg elegun kakaaka
Tff
forf akika g'arqmg
Fbg ni wqn nl kw ge
Translation
QtqU tgu QrQri rgu
tQrl rQrl Qtqqtq l j'Qp Qtqqtq l jQ'mumu
) of ) Awo
)
Names
LqtQ lqtQ l s'ohi esunsun s'Qnu)
They were the Awo who cast If for OffkamOgn He who was blessed with strong bones And who uses the head of akika, pangolin as medicine for
fertility
Offkamgn had many wives but none of them had any baby for him. They could not become pregnant. All tests suggested that there was nothing
790
Ii ,* r",
wrong with the women. One day, all the women confronted Offkamgr1n and pleaded with him to go for If consultation in order to know exactly why none of them could become pregnant in his home. After much deliberation, Offkamgn agreed to go for Ifa consultation. He therefore summoned the group of Awo mentioned above to the palace for If consultation. During consultationlka-MJi was revealed. The Awo told Offkamgrln that physiologically there was nothing wrong with him or his numerous women. What had been precluding him,from being a father was that there were some evil spirits which surrounded him that must be cast out of his life in order for him to begin to have children. He was advised to offer gbg with one big pangolin and money. He was also advised to feed Egu Qdr with one matured rooster. He complied. The head of the Akika was cooked with grinded Qf n-olobe leaves for him to eat. Offkamgn ate this preparation. After this, the Awo assured On'ikamgn that there would be no more delay in impregnating his women.
On that night, E9u Qdara chased away all the evil spirits blocking the chances of OffkamOgn. His wives began to be blessed with the fruits of the womb. Within one year, OffkamOgn had many babies in his palace. He was full of joy. He gave thanks and praises to his Awo who in turn praised Qrnm)l at Oke-IgQti. Qrunmll in turn gave thanks and praises to
Oldmar:
Qtqu tgu tQrl Irqu rgu n0 Qtqqtq ta j'epe qtqoJQ l jQ'mumu tQtQ lqtO le s'ohf esunsun s'Qnu
Dla fifn onlkamgn Qmg elegun kakaaka Tff f'orl akika g'argmg Sbg ni wqn nl k w ge gbQ'bg, rtl'bg Ko pe ko jlnna E b wa nl jebtr gmq
791
Jebtr gmg |a b 'ni l'$sQ Qpe Nj k'b kro k bi'mg o Akika wQrQkQ Kbi kro k bl'mo o
Translation
0t0 tgu tQtl
QrQrl rgu rQrf Qtqoq l j'Qp
) QtOoJq l jQ'mumu LQIQ lQtQ l s'ohl esunsun s'Qnu) They were the Awo who cast If for Offkamgn He who was blessed with strong bones
)of ) Awo
Names
And who uses the head of akika, pangolin as medicine for feftility
Before long, and not too far Join us in the midst of several children by the foot of the Holy Palmtree Please remove all evil forces for us have children Akika the pangolin Remove evilforces and usher in children
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with many children. All he needs to do is to offer ebQ to ward off all the evil forces precluding him from having children.
10.
If says that there is a lady where this Od is revealed who is in dire need of a baby, but she is finding it very difficult to become pregnant. If says that there is need for everyone close to her, both males and females, young and old to help her offer gbg so that she would be blessed with the fruit of the womb. If says that she must not be left alone as she will be grateful to those who assist her one way or the other. If says that she is not thinking of any other thing in her life than to become pregnant and have her own baby. Her condition is
792
pathetic enough to warrant everyone to come to her
aid.
,o *,,,
t
If
that the ebg should be offered with two akika (pangolin), and money. There is also the need to feed If with
advises
one matured she-goat. The reproductive organs of the she-goat

and one whole pangolin will be cooked with grinded Qfn-olobe leaves for the woman to eat. If this is done, If assures, the woman is bound to become pregnant before long. On these, If says:
Baba gbgdg il Baba gbede Agbdo tinU ly rQ g'gmg titun w'l ay Dia fun FgknwQ Tll 99mg lwargwere lfe mefeefa T fl, ylntl m'j gkn snrhn gmg T r sunkn all rl bl T gb'wQ all rl pqn T fgwq osn n'giri gblgbe r'qmq l'yln adlq l tu prlrrt I'eyg oko ge tn bl'mg ju'ni fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
ikn
s'Qkn lg
I
i
Translation
Baba gbede il (the soft okra,abelmoschus esculentus seed) Baba gbede ikn (and succulentgarden egg) Agbdo tinrf iy re g'gmQ titun w,| ay They were the Awo who cast If for FgknwQ (she who bath in her own The daughter of the six elder Awo of Il-IfQ
tears)
When lamenting her inabilityto begeta child She was weeping for not having a baby She was mourning her not having her own baby to strap on her back She was rubbing camwood (which was supposed to be rubbed on her baby) on dry wall When she saw chicks following a hen, she burst into tears Why should a bird be blessed with babies when she was
not?
793
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultaon
She queried She was advised to offer gbg
FgknwQ was the daughter of one of the six major decision-makers in IlAs a result of her amiable attitude towards everyone, the six IwrQwrQ of IfQ considered her their daughter. When she got married, the six of them were present and they performed their roles as parents. Five years after wedding however, FgknwQ was yet to have her own baby.
Ife.
She cried everyday but nobody took notice of her state of mind or condition. On the sixth year of marriage without the fruit of the womb, FgknwQ had become thin and harggard-looking. She fell ill severaltimes. She was being carried from one healing centre to the other. It soon became clear that if nothing was done urgently, FgknwQ might soon lose her life. That was when people put their heads together, pafticularly the
sixlwrQwrQ of IfQ and went for If consultation. The Awo told them that the problem of FgkunwQ was her inability to have her own baby. That was the problem they ought to find its solution for the sake of FeknwQ. That was the only thing they could do for Fgknwg for her to regain her radiance, happiness and health. The Awo blamed all the relations and well-wishers for waiting for that long before taking any positive steps for FgknwQ.
The Awo advised them to offer qbQ for her as stated above. All those present on that day contributed money and materials and the qbg was offered accordingly. After this, the special preparation was made for her to
consume.
Two months after this, FgknwQ became pregnant. Her life changed immediately. Apaft from the tell tale signs of early pregnancy in women, FgknwQ regained her health. She became happy and she was gratefulto
everyone who assisted her.
Baba gbgdg il Baba gbgde ikn Agbado tin lya rq g'gmg titun w'l ay Dia fun Feknw
794
frl ,o *",,
Tll ggmg lwrQwane lfg mJeQfA T fQylntl m'OjU gkn snrhn T tt sunkn all rl bl T tr gb'wQ all rl pQn T rr f'gwq osn n'giri gblgbg r'qmq l'gyln adlg l tu prtr s'gkn l'ye oko ge tn f bl'mg ju'ni lg Fbg ni wqn nl k w ge gb'bg,
qmg
r'bg KO pg k jlnn
F w b ni nl jQbrttrt Nje Qtun IfQ e o g'en
gmg
OslIfQgg'nlyn
Fyin kff 9e b Fgkrlnwe I'ebq gmg
Translation
Baba gbede il (the soft okra,abelmoschus esculentus seed) Baba gbede ikn (and succulentgarden egg) Agbdo tinrl)y re gQmQ titun w 1 They were the Awo who cast If for FgknwQ (she who bath in her own tears) The daughter of the six elder Awo of Il-IfQ
ay
When lamenting her inabilityto begeta child She was weeping for not having a baby She was mourning her not having her own baby to strap on her back She was rubbing camwood (which was supposed to be rubbed on her baby) on dry When she saw chicks following a hen, she burst into Why should a bird be blessed with babies when she was not? She queried She was advised to offer gbg She complied Before long, nottoofar Join us in the midst of bountiful children The Qtun (second in command) of lfg, you are notgood The Osl (third in command) of IfQ, you are
wall
tears
(
1
bad
795
Why can'tyou all help ftkrtnwQ to offer gbg to have babies? If says that the woman for whom this Od is revealed shall need to help her offer the gbg as she will show appreciation to them for all their effofts.
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg for strong health at all times. This will enable him/her enjoy his/her life to the fullest. If advises this person to offer gbg with three cocks and money. On this, If says:
K gba nTbr K gba l'r Dl firn Aasg
Tl nlg ogun llurin Fbq ni wqn nl kw Se
Translation
Let us wedge it fi rmly veftically And wedge itfirmly horizontally This was lf's massage to Aasq the door When going to engage in confrontation with iron She was advised to offer ebo Aase, the door was weak and feeble. She was not well. She was suffering from several known and unknown ailments. As a result of this, she went for If consultation; would she be able to regain her health?
The Awo told her that even though she was very ill as at that time, she nonetheless needed the help of iron nails to make her well. She was advised to offer gbg with three roosters and money. She complied. She was then referred to iron nails for treatment. When she got there, the nails gripped allthe planks together both vertically and horizontally.
The door became strong once more. Any time that she felt weak, she would send for iron nails which would in turn grip her together again.
796
li
K gba n'lbr K gba l'Or Dl fif n Aase
,n"
*",,
Tl lg ogun llUrin Fbg ni wqn nl kw ge gbQ'bg, rrl'bg K p, kO jlnna F wa b ni byQ, g w wo're o T'sQ b lu'rin tn Ara r a si le kokooko
Translation
Let uswedge itfirmlyveftically And wedge itfirmly horizontally This was If's message to AasE When going to engage in confrontation with Iron She was advised to offer ebo She complied Before long Join us in the midstof allwell-being After the door confronts the iron nails Its body became very strong
If says that the peson for whom this Od is revealed shall enjoy strong health. He/she needs to offer qbg for strong health and vitality.
,L2.
If says that there is the need for the person to whom this
Od.is revealed to prepare one hand of If (21 Ikin) for a child which he/she
is going to beget. If says that the baby is not yet conceived but it is coming on the way. The would-be parents in this Od are well-to-do. The reason why they need to do this is that the coming baby, when he/she grows up will be either an extremely good or extremely bad person. If the one hand of If is prepared before the arrival of the baby, it will be cast regularly and all gbg will be performed. This will
make the baby to be extremely good to himself/herself, his/her parents and his/her community. Good or bad, this coming child
797
will
be very populan A stanza in this Od says:
Eni kffnl lk Fni kejllk Igb lk d mil d ododo Dl fitn Qba Tl yo bl QrE l'qmg Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
The first one islka The second one isalsolka Whenlka stands in a pair, then we have a true Ika-meji This is the message to the Qba Who will give brth to Qrg He was advised to offer gbg Qba had everything going for him. He was very happy and contented. One day he called his Awo for routine consultation. Ika M| was revealed. The Awo told him that a child was coming into his household. When this child arrived he/she would be very popular for either good or bad. Consequently, there was the need for him to prepare a hand of If for the coming child so that he/she would be popular in the positive way. The Qba instructed the Awoto preparethe one hand of If immediately. True to prediction, the baby came two years later. A male. When he grew up, he became a powerful warrior. He waged and conquered many wars. He extended the territory where his father governed. His father was very proud of him. They made him the generalisimo inlkamogrrn land. People fondly referred to him as the Qba of the people. Both father and son were grateful to the Awo who dd If for them.
Igba lk d mjl d ododo ftn Qba Tl yo bl QrQ I'Qmg

798
fni kffnllk fni keillka
ll
Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge gb'Sbg, r'bg Ko pe k jlnn F w b ni nl wQwQ ire Klnl w s'efik di mejl
,n r",
Awo rere Lo s'ejlka di mjl
Translation
The first one islka The second one is alsolka Whenlka stands in a pair, then we have a true lka-meji This isthe messagetothe Qba Who will give bfth to QrQ He was advised to offer gbg He complied Before long Join us in the midst of all Ire whatturnslka intotwo (tka wet) A good Awo Was responsible for us to getlka-MT A truly good Awo
If says that the life of the person shall be good. He/she will be popular
and his/her children shall also be very popular.
13.
If says that there are two people where this Od is revealed; may be friends, brethren, sisters, business paftners and so on.
they The
two of them need to offer gbg so that one will not become the seruant of the other. As at present, the situation of one is far better than that of the other, there is the need to offer gbQ so that their situations will improve together and both of them will succeed together.
If advises that each of them need to offer qbq with three guinea fowls, three cocks, three pigeons and money. By so doing, Ifa will mend their lives forthem. On this, If
says:
799
Ifa Dda: An nvitaon to lfa Consuftation
'Kgb n pa gbr w'em Dl fin odi A b filn Yr Fbg ni wqn nl kl wgn w ge
Translation
The keg cannot forcefully rush itself into the water pot That was lfa's message to Odi, the Boundary wall And to Yr, the Moat Theywere both advised tooffergbg
Odi, the Boundary wall, and Yr, the Moat had been friends for a long, long time. They were both used to defend the city in the olden days. One day, they went for If consultation in order to know what they needed to do so thatthey could continue to be relevant in their community.
The Awo told them to offer gbg because a time would come that one may depend on the other for survival. They were advised to offer gbg as stated above. OnlyYr offered the gbg.
way. The whole city became vulnerable. Od too became irrelevant in the defence of the city. The shame that this
One day, the wall of Odi gave
brought to Odi made him rush to the home of the Awo for gbg which he had hitherto refused to offer.
The Awo took pity for his condition. They offered the gbg for him. As soon as the gbg was offered, people decided to go and assist Odi. They took jiggers, hoes, cutlasses, basins and went to repair Odi. When they finished, Odi regained his previous position and he was giving thanks and praises to his Awo and those who repaired him.
Kegbe ni pa gbr w'm D,l fin Odi A b fUn Yara fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge Yr l kqkq gb'ebg nlbQ t rrl'bg Iw Odi n qq
800
il ,* *",,
Iwa odi bej Atwe, tgb F k'qkq e k'da E w lg reetrln'w Odi Translation
The keg cannot forcefully rush itself into the water pot That was lf's message to Odi, the Boundary wall And to Yr, the Moat They were both advised to offer ebe Only Yr complied first Odi is in a state of disrepair Behold! Odi is disintegrating Please elders and youths Bring your hoes and cutlasses Come and repair Odi
9e
If says that the life of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be mended and he/she shall be able to exhibit his/her full potentials in life.
t4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has the
potential to suffer from split personality. He/she needs to offer ebo regularly forthis to disappear. If says that instead of one Orf , he/she has brought three Of from heaven to eafth. This had been giving him/her a lot of confussion as he/she will be finding it difficult to take any definite decision or step in his/her life. One Ori is on his/her neck, the second on his/her right shoulder and the third on his/her left shoulder. In order that they stop disturbing the real Of and personality that he/she had brought from heaven. There is also the need to feed the real Ori so as to assist in driving away the other two Ol on his/her shoulders.
If advisesthatthis person needs to offer gbg with one matured hegoat and money. He/she also needs to procure hro Irgkq (2 tappers) and two IrkQrQ (2 cow tails). The Awo will retain one
801
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consultaon
each and the remainng ones will be given to him/her for his/her
usage.
The right shoulder will be repeatedly but gently hit withlrgkQ and the left shoulder will be hit with irukere so that the two Of will leave his/her shoulders and allow the real Orito function properly. He/she also needs to serve his/her Ol with a big live catfish. On these, If says:
QplQpg jlk ni j'$w bq gpelqpe p o rl iye ire t bl g fn baba ire fin wgn nl lka-Freja Ibi wqn gb hu'rl mta-meta Fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
Let us thankthe shoulders which preventthe dress from failing offour body Let us thank the fact that a good mother gave bfth to you to a good father These were the lf's messages to them atlka-freja When they came into the world with three Ori each Theywere advised to offer gbg
The people of lka-frj, were living in a state of utter confusion. Nothing worked for them. They found it difficult to take any firm decision in their lives. As soon as they set out to do something worthwhile, other thoughts would come into their mind that would not make the earlier decision feasible. Some of them might be complete gentle human beings in the day, but they would be monsters during the night time, Others would see themselves as beautiful ladies in the daytime but at night, they would dream that they were ugly men and vice versa. Those of them who managed to do something worthwhile in the daytime would have them destroyed during the night. Would they continue to live in this rudderless manner? They queried: would there be any solution to their lives? They wanted to know.
802
ll
,* r",
The situation was what broughtthem to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. When If was consulted,Ika-Met was revealed. Awo informed them that they were all in various states of confusion and indecision. Theyweretold thatthiswas so because instead of one Of, they all brought into the world three Orl each and the three Of were working at cross-purposes in their lives. There was therefore the need to remove and drive away the remaining two Ol in order to give room for the real Of on their necks to function properly. The group of Awo advised the citizen oflka-frQj to offer gbg as prescribed
The
above. They all complied. All the special If works were peformed for them. As from that moment henceforth, their lives changed for the better. They no longer lived in the state of indecision and confussion. They were able to make progress in their lives. They lived happily ever after giving
praises to their Awo, If and OIdmar.
9pelqpe ejlk ni o j'gw bq Qpglepg p o rl iye ire t bl g ftln baba ire Dl firn wgn nf lka-frje Ibi wQn gb hu'rl mgta-mQta fbg ni wqn nl kl wqn w 9e WQn gb'bg, wqn r'bg Irgkq ni wQn f k t'Jn IrkQrQ ni wgn f rt k t'sl
K pe k
F
i\
jlnn
wa b'ni nl jQbrlt ire gbogbo Ero lpo ero Qfa f;ni orl san n'ffE nll jgba
i
!
Translation
Let us thank the shoulders which prevent the dress from failing off our body Let us thank the fact that a good mother gave brth to you to a good father These were the If's messages to them atlk-Freja When they came into the world with three O each Theywere advised to offer
qbg
803
They compled IrQkf was used to remove the O on the right shoulder AndlrkQreto removethe one on the Ieft Before long Join us in the midst of all Ire in life Travellers tolpo and Qfa towns Those whom their Of support are the ones who are installed as
Qba
If says that the people/person for whom this Od is revealed shall enjoy the suppoft of their/his/her O. All they need do is to ensure that the two Ol working in conflict with their/his/her real Of are removed and chased
away.
15.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to avoid self-deceipt. He/she must be realistic at all times. Whatever he/she knows that he/she cannot attain, he/she must never aspire for it. He/she must also not allow anybody to deceive him/her that he/she could reach there.
If says that there is an uphill task that must be done before peace and prosperity could reign where this Od is revealed. If says that the person who will assist them to accomplish the task will be
someone that everyone will discountenance. It is also possible that the person for whom this Od is revealed is the one whom everyone has looked down upon. He/she will be able to accomplish the task to the astonishment and joy of everyone. All he/she needs to do is to offer appropriate gbg.
If advises that the gbg should be offered with one matured hegoat, three pigeons, three guinea fowls, three ducks, money and all foods available that point in time. On all these, If says: Opp mJa lIl Opopo mqta Qna Ojm odo Meta d'l, mQta O d'l Qpe kker l lrojo, abimg rojorojo Dl fitn wn nl llabesan
804
il
*" r",
M'jq Qba wqn wq llj

WQn nl kl wqn w m'rin fi g'ebq
Translation
The three main roads oflla town And the three routes on the wayto OjmU-Od Three lead home, three do not The young palmtree in lrojo-land with its splendid palm fronds These were Ifa's messages to the inhabitants oflhbqsan land When their Qba joined his ancestors (died) They were asked to offer gbg with a life elephant
When the Qba ofllabqsan land died, there was chaos and pandemonium in the land. Everything turned upside down. It was crises upon crises. Everybody then gathered one day for If consultation in order to determine the way out of the problems. They went to the home of the group of Awo mentioned above for the consultation: Would there be peace in this land again? Would they be able to regain their enviable position which they occupied before the death of their Qba? Would they be able to bring back all the people who had fled the town as a result of the crises? These questions and many more were at the back of their minds when they went for If consultation. During consultation,Ik-M) was revealed. The Awo old them that what they had come for was an uphill task and that they had waited for too long before they made the move to ask for lf's assistance. Nonetheless, they were assured, it was not too late to find solution.
The Awo advised them to go and find a live elephant as that was the only material to use to return the town to its former glory. If they could find the elephant to use as gbg, they were assured that peace and progress, prosperity and love would return to the land. The Awo insisted however that the elephant must be brought to the town alive before being slaughtered for gbg. Could they use any other animal as substitute? they asked. No, it must be the elephant; the Awo responded.
When they left the home of the Awo, they knew that they were in a state of 805
dilemma. Where would they get a life elephant? If it was a dead one, of course their hunters could kill one. To get a live one was hard! To refuse to do the ebo was worse. The situation in the land was getting desperate. Something urgent must be done. How would it be done? Nobody could come forward to answer this queston. This prompted them to call the whole town together in order to find solution to how to bring a live elephant into town. They deliberated for a whole day but there was no solution. Any volunteer? Nobody came fonryard. They postponed the meeting tothe nextday.
On the next day, before they sta fted any del iberation at a I l, Alba hu n Ija pa (the Toftoise) came fonryard and declared that he was ready to go into the forest and bring a live elephant back to the town for use as gbg. All those present at the meeting could not believe their ears. Who was this one?
Where did he come from? Did he think that we gather here for jokes? Some of them shouted him down and he insisted that he could and would bring a live elephant into the town.
When there was no other volunteer, and when Albahun I;apa continued to insist that he could do it, the elders concluded that he could be given a trial since they had nothing to lose if he failed. They took Albahun Iapa to the home of the Awo who consulted If for them in order to inform them thatljapa was the only person who had volunteered to go and bring the elephantto the town.
The Awo told them that they needed not under-estimate anybody in a situation such as they found themselves. They were told to offer gbg as stated above. They complied. The next day, Albahun )japa, the Tortoise, set out on his journey to the forest.
Before leaving for the forest,Ijapa prepared several balls of kr, bean cakes, and soaked them in honey. He took them along with him on his journey. When he got into the deep forest, he began his search for the elephant. This took him nine days before he could find the elephant and his family.
806
frl ,o r",
As soon as he saw the elephant, he shouted at the top of his voice 'oh Mighty one. I come to you on behalf of the whole inhabitants of llabQsan town. They send their greetings and utmost respectto you the mighty one! Our Qba had joined his ancestors some three years back. This had led to crises and pandemonium in our land. The whole community had therefore resolved to send me to humbly invite you to please come and become our Qba so as to restore sanity into own town'.
'Why should I go with you to become your Qba? Don't you have other people who could do that?' the elephant asked. Albahun Ijapa responded; 'oh mighty one; men had completely lost the capacity for self governance. All what they could do was to wage war against each other. The results were pestilence, restlessness, chaos, povefi and famine. As a result of their selfishness, they had almost destroyed the whole world. That was why you need to act urgently by assuming the leadership of the human race, they had failed. Please do not let them ruin the world'. As he was pleading with the Elephant, he was opening his bag. He took out the kr soaked in honey. He presented it to Elephant and told him, 'oh mighty one! That is a present that I was asked to give you. Many more are available where these ones come from!' The elephant ate it and he commented that he had never tasted anything so sweet in his life. There and then, he made up his mind to follow Albahun)japa.
The family of the elephant called him and warned him that never in their history did they hear that an elephant had gone to the community of human beings to become an Qba. They told him never to go. 'Oh mighty one! There is always a first time for everything! You will go into record as the first elephant to become an Qba! Please do not miss this oppoftunity.' In spite of several warnings, Erin, the Elephant went with Albahun)japa.
On their way tollabQsan town, Albahun)japa told Erin that it would not be nice if they did not practice the songs that would be rendered to usher their
new Qba into the palace. Erin was so happy that Ijp had planned
everything befitting an Qba like him in advance.
Suddenly, Erin said, Tiapa as from today, you have been promoted to my chief adviser!'Ijapa responded, 'oh mighty one; this is an honour I will 807
humbly reject because I am not wofthy of such honour!' Erin insisted that it is already an order that cannot be changed. So, right from the forest, Erin began to make laws that could not be changed for the human beings of Ilabqsan land. 'Sing me my song', Erin thundered. )japa said thus:
A m'rin j'gba lwQkrt e,wflg A m'rin jgba fwQk ewele Translation

We shall install Erin, the elephant as our Qba lwQkrl gwglg, come and rejoice with us We shall install Erin, the elephant as our Qba fwQk ewelg, come and rejoice with us
Erin was so happy with this song that he began to dance. They sang and sang. At a stage,Iapa said, 'oh mighty one, as you are aware, I have short legs and cannot walk rapidly. Wth your own mighty strides, we shall arrive atllabqsan land by tomorrow if you could please let me stay on your royal back so that we will move more quickly'. Erin thought about this request and considered it reasonable. Why not? he said. He used his tusk to lift)jpa on
his back and they began to move even more quickly than Iapa thought possible. As soon as they began to move fast,Ijap changed the song: Erin k re'l o w j'gba Erin yEgy, erin ye, ye Iwoyl qla a re o Erin yg, y, erin yQe, yQ Fje a ma ge bl Erin ygqyr ern yeeJe Egingin ma $eyngba Erin yggy, erin yeeye Iml a ma ge renyln Erin yy, erin ye, ye
808
il ,* r",
Translation
Erin come home to become our Qba Erin yQQyQ, erin yeeye By this time tomorrow Erin ygQyQ, erin yeeye Blood will be flowing everywhere Erin yQQyQ, erin yQQyQ Flies will be buzzing everywhere Erin yQQyQ, erin yeeye Offals will be deposited everywhere Ern yeeye, erin yeeye
The momentljapa sang this song, Erin became suspicious of everything. 'Chief adviser'. He said. 'Yes my lord',Ijap responded. 'Whattype of song is this? Do you have evil plans for me when you said that blood would flow and flies would be buzzing everywhere?' 'Oh mighty one',Iap cried, 'How can you say a thing like this? You should know that you are going to be installed tomorrow and there is bound to be merry making and funfare. All the domestic animals such as goats, rams, pigs and so on had been gathered together to be slaughtered for your installation.' Erin thought about this and declared that Ijapa's explanation was accepted. Erin said that he could not say sorry forljapa because an Qba could not say sorry for his subjects.
The following day, they arrived at)labgsan town. The whole town rushed out to greet them. Ijapa shouted at the top of his voice; 'all hail our new Qba'! Everybody prostrated and chorused'Kblysf o'! Erin was so happy. . The people told Erin to move to the market place where the installation would take place. When they got there, they showed Erin his throne and he was highly impressed.
Unknown to Erin, as soon as Ijapa left the town in search of Erin, the inhabitants ofllabgsan had dug a very deep pit. They carefully covered the pit with mat and placed the throne on it by suppofting the throne with bamboos from beneath. It was so carefully done that it was not possible for anyone to know that it was done that way.
809
Suddenly,Ijapa declared; 'oh mighty one! You are hereby invited to please take your royal seat on the throne!' Everybody present shouted 'Kbfyl o!' and they all prostrated for Erin. Erin took his heavy step to sit on the throne. But alas! He fell into the pit. Before he knew what happened to him, the hunters, who had hithefto hidden themselves, sprang out of their hiding places and shot Erin to death with their spears and arrows. At the very last moment of his life, Erin suspected that he saw ljapa, smiling a sinister smile at him with the corners of his mouth. Before he could react, it was good night for Erin.
They went to call the Awo to come and perform the gbg for them. As soon as the elephant was killed when the group of Awo arrived, they told all the inhabitants of Ilabqsan that there was no more gbg to perform. They made it clear to them that the crises in their land were caused by lack of cooperation. They were told that they loved to under-estimate one another. Who among them ever thought that it would be Albahun Iapa who would bring the Elephant to the land alive. They advised them to allow all citizens to use their talents and assist those who need help. As long as they cooperate with one anothel there would be peace and progress in the land.
Opopo mta il Il Opopo mgta Qn Ojm odo M, ta d'l, meta O d'l Qpe kker il lrojo, abimQ rojorOjo Dfr filn wqn nl llabgsan NlSq Qba wqn wg llji WQn nl kl wqn w m'rin fi g'gbo AIbahun ljapa nlkan nl rrbg l$yln t q'ebg
j a mrin jgba o fwQkrt ewelq Erin k re'l o w j'gba Erin yy, erin yeeye IwOylQla a re o Erin yqgy, erin ye, yg
Fje a ma s, e bl Erin yqgyg, erin yeJe
810
tl
Egingin ma ge yngba Erin yy, erin yqeye Iml ma ge rnyln Erin ygqy, erin ye, ye
,o r",,
jgba tn Ara w t w nini gplqpe Alba hu n-Atapa-nlm l

A w mrin
Translation
The three main roads oflla town And thethree routes on the wayto Ojm-Od Three lead home, three do not The young palmtree in lrojo-land with its splendid palm fronds These were lfa's messages to the inhabitants ofllabEsan land When their Qba joined his ancestors (died) They were asked to offer gbg with a life elephant Onf)jap offered the gbg Now, we shall install Erin as our Qba fwQkrl qwelg Erin come home to become our Qba Erin yyQ, erin yeeye By this time tomorrow Erin yqEyq, erin yeeye Blood will be flowing evennryhere Erin ypgyQ, erin yQQyQ Flies will be buzzing everywhere Erin ygyQ, erin yeeye Offals will be deposited everywhere Erin yqqyq, erin yeeye After installing Erin as Oba There was peace and comfoft everywhere Thanks to Albahun Atapa-Nml who made it possible
If says that with cooperation and genuine love, there is nothing that people cannot achieve. There is the need to give everyone the oppoftunity to express themselves and exhibit their talents.
811
16
If warns that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg as soon as he/she cast the If. He/she must not be
procrastinating on the issue of offering ebg. If he/she is in the habit of unnecessarily postponing the offering of his/her Qbg, it would be considered that he/she had refused to offer the gbg.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is presently being threatened by Ikrl, Death (especially if the'ibO, determinant reveals that it foresees the ayqwO of Ik for him/her). This death is most likely going to meet him/her on the road. There is the need
therefore to offer gbg quickly in order to aveft this death. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with one matured he goat and money. There is also the need for him to feed Egrt witn one cock and feed Qbahlway with another cock with a lot of palm-oil. On these, If says: Eeyan wrewre a ta iyere Eeyan rdirdi a sl ma t'adl Eeyan bli were ffl b aslnwln pd Dl filn Onlwr WQn nl kw q'ebq K m ba ge dd ikrl oj Qn
Translation
that sells iyere, locust beans queer person And a sells df, the palm-kerneloil A person like a mad one meets a lunatic These were If's declarations to Onfwr Who was advised to offer gbg So that he would not encounter death on the road
Oniwr was the Qba of Iwr land. He was a very rich and successful Qba. His only problem was that he did not consider it necessary to offer gbg as at when due; even though he would eventually offer the gbg, he would nonetheless bid his time and offer it when everyone had almost forgotten about it.
It
is an awkward person
812
ll
uru
u"
One day, Offwr summoned the group of Awo mentioned above for routine If consultaion. When the Awo cast ther If, Ika-MeT revealed. It was Ayw of lkrl, death on the head of On'iwr himself, The Awo informed Offwr thatthere was an urgent need for him to offer gbg against death which was most likely going to meet him on the road. They told Offwr that he needed to use one matured he-goat as the gbg and give Eg and Qbahlway one cock each.
Onfwr thanked the Awo and told them that he would call for them whenever he was ready. Two months after, Offwr was notyet
was
ready.
One day, Orfwr went out to transact some business. When he was coming back, he encountered death which held his heaft firmly. It was a heaft attack. Orfwr fell down. They rushed him to the house of the Babalwo. They quickly brought the gbg materials. As the Babalwo stafted to offer the gbg, Offwr joined his ancestors. Eeyan wrewre a ta iyere Eeyan rdirdi a sl ma Eeyan bli wr nff b aslnwln pad Dl filn Onlwr WQn nl kw g'ebe K m baa ge dd ikrl oj Qn
t'adl
Onlwrfebg g'elg Age kO sllyatQ nln u wqn fni t fi etl Qttln gb'bg, t f t'Osl de n Ati gni tl ko ba tete ru
sl|yetQ nln u wqn Onlwr w ge bg, b'krt lg Ero lpo, Ero Qfa Sni gb'gbg nTbQ k r'bg o
KO
(
Translation
awkward person that sells iyere, locust beans And a queer person sells df, the palm-kernel oil A person like a mad one meets a
is an
It
lunatic
{.
813
lfa Dda: An nvitaton to lfa Consultaon
These were If's declarations to Otfwr Who was advised to offer gbg So that he would not encounter death on the road He postponed the gbg indefinitely Can't you see thatthere is no difference between the two Those who refused to offergbg And those who failto do so as atwhen appropriate There is no difference between thetwo That was how Onlwr met his untimely death Travellerstolpo and Qfa towns Let those who were advised to offer gbg comply accordingly
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be allowed to meet his/her untimely death on the road. He/she however needs to offer gbg in time to prevent this calamity from happening to him/her.
AB9R ABqYE
814
Il
,o r",
F.
SIGNIFICANCE OF IKA-MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THIS OD DURING ITEIO ONIKOSEDAYE
Ika-Uet children are naturally endowed to live longer than all their contemporaries. This blessing from Oldmar normally makes them family historians. They tell the history of all happenings in the family,
community and even in the whole town in general. People also rely on them to correct any wrong impression on the actual sequence of any event which had taken place a long time back. These children are also blessed with the ability to attain their goals with relative ease. If there is any problem in this area, the first area to check is in the area of the type of names they answer. They are not expected to answer queer aliases. These names more often than not hinder the progress of Ika-Ue't children. This is the reason why they are expected to answer decent names and if this has not been done, it must be done fofthwith so as to enhance their success chances.
where they are born. It is therefore advisable for them to move outside their places of bifth for them to consummate their foftune as quickly as practicable.
For Ika-M) children, success is surer outside
Once married, Ika-mef children are not expected to separate or divorce. This is the reason why they need to deliberate properly before going into the marriage market. If there is any separation or divorce, appropriate steps must be taken to ensure that the crisls is amicably resolved and the couple reunited. Separation or divorce can only complicate their success chances in life. Ika-Vtet children are very intelligent, hardworking and dedicated. For this reason they will be honoured, respected and admired. Their children will also inherit what they had laboured for when they are gone. Their success and achievements will give promotion and prominence to their offsprings. For them however, they have the propensity to move from grass to grace; from obscurity to prominence; and from the bottom of the ladder to the apex. That is why nobody can under estimate them.
815
These children have the tendency to give bifth to a set of twins a male and a female. It is one of the reasons why they need to feed lbejl, the Deity of Twins on a regular basis.
The success chances of Ika-MJi children manifest more when they keep their plans and movements secret. As long as they keep their plans within and they abstain from using funny aliases, they have better chances of attaining their goals in life.
Even though lka-Uelt children have a lot of enemies, they always overcome the enemies. They must however desist from paying evil with evil. If enjoins them never to thin( speak or do evil under any circumstance. If they abide by this rules, they are guaranteed Divine
blessing. Little things confuselk-M) children. This is because instead of only one Ori they probably have three Ori. These Ori are thinking and working at cross-purpose. Appropriate If works needs to be done in order to correct this anomaly
Ita-we female children love having their own babies more than any other thing in life. This is the reason why everyone around them needs to assist
them to have their own babies before it was too late for them to do so.
On the overall,Ik-M) children have come to the world to enjoy their live to the fullest. They are blessed with long live to maximize this enjoyments.
All they need to avoid are those who will come to deceive them and give them an over-estimated value of themselves. As long as they refuse to follow such people, they will have their lives under control.
c. 1. 2. 3. 4.
AFFTLTATED
rRNM9LF/ORIS
If for success, victory long life and prosperity Ori for stability, achievement, and accomplishment
ESU-Qdara for
victory success and accomplishment

816
Ohfwgri for marital stability
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
ili Qbatl for sound health, good children and achievement $ngo for victory and success OgUn for victory and success Ibe) for twins delivery and success Od for stability and achievement Qsanyin for long life and prosperity Qpun for success Oke for victory over enemies
rx"
u"i
10. 11. L2.
H.
TABOOS
1. Must not eat okro To avoid difficulty in bearing children 2. Must not eat garden egg 1rc avoid difficulty in bearing children 3. Must never eat any of the monkey family to avoid marital problems 4. Must never use gb and Ijokun to avoid marital problems 5. Must never answer funny alias to avoid unconsumated achievement 6. Must never engage in self-deceipt to avoid avoidable disaster 7. Must never eat ram, dog and he-goat to avoid incessant trouble I. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2.
POSSIBLE NAMES
MALES
Tr1t-Oh1 Theemergenceof a leader
IfgbilQ If takes over the land OnSatalaU Onga spread white cloths to give brth to this one Qlbrinjg honour is like an elephant Ifjgrnflj't If surprises me
FEMALES
IfrQrnf lSkn If gives me succour
OrigHlbl Onga spreads white cloth to give bfth to this one

817
3. 4.
Qlbrinjo Honour resembles an elephant Ifgett Ifa brings coolness
Abgru Abgy
818
Chapter L2
OrnpOru MEI
ilil ilil ll ll ll
Chapter L2
OTRPON MEJI
Alias - QLQGBQN vrfi
fBri-rnl
A.
1.
If says that it foresees all the good things of life for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person shall be blessed with wealth, good spouse, fine children and long life. He/she needs to avoid quarrell or misunderstanding with anyone. If says that he/she is very close to Qgun and he/she shall receive the blessing of this Divinity. He/she shall also occupy impoftant position in his/her life.
If advises this person to offer gbq with two pigeons, two guineafowls, two cocks, two rats, two fish and
money. He/she also needs to feed Qgun with one hen.
says: On
this,If
Blmobpnwll
If gbogboa ma ksl m l'gnu lpororo-Iprr Bl mo b p n fQ Ikin gbogbo a m bQ sl mi l'tg lpororo-Ipororo Ikin migblr Ikin ndr lkin Oj
AgbQn
j,olkotk
Aprkft| ni baba ynmQ Eyl kr-ker-kr ni wQn p l'gbjg Ojo p'alam gkat yggbeyggbg DlfitnGnnugn Tff g'gmg wqn l'de IEre A b fin Akalamagbo Tfl g'gmg wgn l'de llayq Dl firn TQtQnrQn
II
Tfl g'gmg wqn l'de lrqmg Fbq ni wgn nl H wQn w ge
oturupon uej
Translation
Whenever I intend to talk All Ifa stanzas will be flowing into the Mouth Wheneverl plan to speak All Od If will beflowing into my lips My powerful Ikin The Ikin thatwere made of lead
When the hornets attack, the farmers scatter
everywhere TheAparakaH, the basin calabash, isthe fatherof AynmQthe Keg The smallest type is known as Agbejg Rainfall makes the gu inea-corn grow Bountifully These were lfa's messages to Gnnugrln, the Vulture Theiroffspring atllr (the land of merriment)
And
alsotoAkalamagbo
Theiroffspring atllayQ (the land ofjoy)

And to TQtQnrQn
Theiroffspring atlrQmg (a quafter in Il- IfQ) Theywere advised to offer gbg
to occupy important positions and be able to perform up to
The three of them, Grlnnugn, Akalamgb and Tentenren were friends. Their major concern is life was to be relevant in their lives. They wanted
expectations of those who put them in those positions. One day, t went to the home of the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation. i Du ri ng consu ltation, Otrt r pQ n - M) wa s revea led.
The Awo told them that they surely would occupy relevant positions in
thqy
the
their
lives. They were advised to be hardworking and to offer gbg with one matured she-goat each. They compled. Before long, Igrln was put in
charge of ensuring that all gbg offered on eafth were accepted in heaven, Akalamagb was put in charge of ensuring that all Or, Traditionalism performed on eafth were accepted in heaven, while TQntQnrQn was 821
to
ensure that the reasons why people offer gbg and perform rituals were achieved by those who did them. Ever since that time lgunnugun, Akalamagbo and lQntQnrQn were always in high demand. Not only this, everyone respected them highly, because withoutthem, all gbg, tt, Or and so on would not be accepted and the positive results would not manifest in the lives of those who performed them.
llbl wu AlpdQde n|l b wg't Iy rQ lk6r-Ikrr Nlbi wu baba gmg nff b wg'l gmg o Er0w SrgU$, Awo il AlkQl-MQstn
DlfitnAlkQl-MQsln gmgar'pakq bb ja'gun ermi fbg niwqn ff kw ge
Translation
Wherever pleases AlpndedQ , the Bat, is where it will take to enter its mother's house Wherever pleases the father is where he will choose to enter the home of his child Erw ggg, the Andropogon Gayanns, the resident Awo of AlkQlMQln, the Qba oflkQl-Eldti He cast If forAlkQl-MQln He who uses a paddle to row his boat to safety He was advised to offer gbg
AlkQl-MQsin was a great traveller before he was installed the Qba of IkQl-Eldti. He went for If consultation in order to determine how he would be having journey mercies anytime he went on travel. The Awo
advised him to offer gbg with
two guinea fowls, hro pigeons, two
cocks and
Since that time until he died, he was always going and returning safely. He sometimes went with all his family and nothing happened to any of them.
He
money.
complied.
Agbgn;n ml abTrln kQrQkQrQ Awo il QlQbaramojQ Drl fin QlQbaramoiQ Tlytorl qmg re Tl yo k'lj nl'n lbtt fbg niwQn nf k w ge
822
li Translation
The coconut with its awkward movements The residentAwo of QlQbrmjQ He cast If for Qlgb ra mOjQ Who shall because of his child Stay for seven days in the water He was advised to offerqbg
oturupon
ueji
QlQbrmjQ had a very beautiful
daughter. The daughter was loved by everyone close to QlQbarmjQ. She was very gentle, level headed,
straight fonruard and easy-gong. She was also very humble. She respects everyone. When she was ripe for the marriage market, the ceremony was wellattended.
As soon as she entered her husband's home. She took ill. It was thought to be a simple ailment at first. Soon, it became severe. 'They began to take her everywhere. There was no solution. In the process of taking her from place to place they discovered that she also had fertility problem. All remedies failed. one day, QlQbrmjQ asked the husband of her daughter to bring her back to him. His son-in-law did. QlQbramjQ summoned his resident Awo to come and cast If for his daughter in order to determine
exactly what was wrong with her, and the steps to take
problems.
to
solve the
The Awo informed QlQbrmjQ that the ailments which afflicted her daughter would soon disappear. He advised him to ra'ri Qgun, initiate her into Qgun because she was a daughter of Qsun. He assured QlQbaramje
that as soon as she was initiated, all her problems would vanish.
QlQbrmj instructed his household workers to go and procure all the initiation materials. The next day, the initiation process was stafted. For seven days, QlQbrmj was by the river with his daughter. None of her husband's relations was there. The husband was also absent. This made QlQbrmjQ to decide that f in the end his daughter got well, he would never allow her to return to her husband's house again. On the seventh day, Qgun declared that there must not be any quarrell or disagreement. Qgun sald that she had come to rejoice with QlQbrm0jQ
823
and his family and not to fight.
When they concluded the ra'ri, initiation rites and returned home, QlQbramjQ's daughter became well. All the ailments disappeared as predicted. She returned to her husband's home and in that same month, she became pregnant. Everyone involved was happy. QlQbrmjQ and his daughter gave thanks and praises to their resident Awo who in turn praised Qrnmll, If and Oldmare. If says that all shall end well for
the person forwhom this Od is revealed.
Bl mo ba pe n wll
If gbogboa ma ksl m I'qnu lpororo-Iprr
BlmobpnofQ Ikin gbogbo a rn bq d mi l'tQ lpororo-Ipororo Ikin mi gblr Ikin n,Ikin Oj AgbQn jrolkotlk
Aparkat ni baba ayanmQ Ey{ kr-kre-kr ni wqn p l'gbjg Ojo p'alam gketrl yggbeyqgbg
DlfilnGnnugn
Tff g'qmq wqn l'de
D,l
llare
fitn Akalamagbo g'gmg wgn l'de llayq Tll Dl fitn TetenrQn Tff g'gmgwgn l'delrqmg fbg ni wgn nl kl wqn w ge WQn gb'be, WQn ru'bg B O b rt IgUn Aoleeg'gbg B O rlAkale
AO ees'orO B o rl TQtQnrqn AyO leete'j WQn ses l ohun or s{'l I'AkQl Il Ign d, Igrtn gb gggrg I'ebg Tl gn-n Ore Aslngba I'Qn Om ltlbl wu Alpdede nff b wg'l Iy ne Mbi wu baba gmg nff b wg'l gmg o Erw gqUg, Awo il AlkQl-MQsln
lkrr-Ikrr
824
Xi
oturupon uei
Alkql-Medn 9mg ar'pakQ bb ja'gun ermi fbg ni wqn nl kw 9e gb'Qbgrrrt'bg Nibi wqn gb geamrlrr Tlw{n geamrr wQn g'tQlewq gmg blje-blje WQn ns'tQlese gmq blje-bebje N'fbsl Oro Ni t'flqmgnQArlgbjg LbOknkn kQo tbAgbgn l wl Agbgn-gn mi abfrin kQrQkQrQ Awo il QIgbarmoje Ild fn QlQbrmoje Tlytorl gmq re Tlyok'ije nlnu ibrt fibg niwQn kl w Se gb'bgr r'bg NjeIy Qqun Fwujl al'rd Erniyyw9e
Dl firn
Kmjo
Translation
Whenever I intend to talk All Ifa stanzas will be flowing into the mouth Whenever I plan to speak All OdU If will be flowing into my lips My powelful Ikin The Ikin that were made of lead When the hornets attack, the farmers scatter everywhere The Aprkt, the basin calabash, is the father of AynmO the
Keg
Thesmallesttype is known asAgbejg Rainfall makes the guinea-corn grow bountifully These were If's messages to Gnnugn, the Vulture Theiroffspring atllr (the land of merriment) And alsotoAkalamagbo Their offspring at IlayQ (the land of joy)
And toTQtQnrQn
Theiroffspring atlrQmg (a quarter in Il-IfQ)

They were advised to offer gbg
825
Whenever I intend to talk All If stanzas will be flowing into the mouth Theycomplied If we do not see Ignnugn No successful gbg can be pedormed And withoutAkalamagbo We cannot perform anysuccessful ritual In the absence of TQrltQnrQn There will be little of comfoft on eafth As they gather all gbg materials together Ign moved close to the ebg IgrJn of Gn-n Ore And AsIngb on the way to Om land Wherever pleases AlpndQd is where it takes to enter it mother's house And wherever pleases the father is where he chooses to enter the home of his child Erw ggg, the residentAwo of Alakole-Mesin He cast If forAlkQl-MQln He who uses a paddle to row his boat into safety He was advised to offer gbq And he complied This is where they row with their two hands And also with their two feet In'Ilesl OrO
Thatof flQmQrQAflgbjg
We are not referring to the Date-palm We are actually referring to the Coconut The coconut with its awkward movements
The resident Awo of Olbr mOje He cast If for QlQbrmje Who shall because of his child Stay for seven days in the water He was advised to offer gbg He complied Here comesly Qgun, the mother ofjoy and merriment Our mother has come to play Not to quarrell or flght
If says that all things will work out in favour of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If advises gbg as stated above. As long as all these gbg
are offered, nothing will stop the person for whom this Od is revealed from
826
li
realizing his/her dreams.
o,u*ror
r"j,
2.
If says that the world will be compassonate with the person for
whom this Od is revealed. If advises this person to always seek the favour of Olodmar, If and fellow human beings at all times. If says that he/she must never think that he/she is smater or wiser or more competent that the rest of the world. He/she needs to be humble and respectful at all times. By so doing, If says, he/she will achieve all his/her heaft's desires. There is nothing that he/she desires that will not be realized.
If advises this person to offer gbg with two rats, two fish, two hen, two guinea fowls, two cocks and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one hen. He/she will also need to feed the Mothers of the Night in form of Ipse with one female duck. On this,If says:
ta Kk omi s'tf agg Mornmorn mg'ye iyQpQ ilQ Arlnnk O d'b ilQ gb pekun Gun'gi-gun'gi kgun'gi r koja ew
QlQgbQn
O
IXfirnOrunmll Baba $awolgIlUAanr fbg ni wSn nl k w 9e
Translation
The wise cannot tie water into a knot with cloth
The knowledgeable cannot know the number of sand grans o the ground The traveller cannot reach where the road ends The tree climber cannot climb the tree beyond its leaves These were If's declarationsto Qrnm)l When travelling on lf's assignmentto the land of AanrJ Compassion He was advised to offer gbg
Qrrfnmll was asked to come and help mend the lives of the inhabitants of Aanu land. Atthistime in the life of Qrnmll, he had no money, no spouse, no child and no help from anywhere. In spite of the fact that he had the 827
knowledge and competence, everything stood still for him. Nobody was prepared to assist him. None wished to lend him a hand and ensure that his life improved.
When Qrnm)l got this message, he went for If consultation in the home of his students. During consultation, If made the declarations above. As a result of these declarations, Qrnmll was told that he needed the gbg to make people take a compassionate look at his condition. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above before going to the land of Aanrl. He was also advised to feed If and perform Ipese for the Mothers of the Night. Qrnm)l sold some of his dresses and tools to buy the gbg materials. He also learnt never to show that he was wise or knowledgeable. He was determined to show more humility than ever before. After this, he left for Aanu land.
When he got there, he began to work for the inhabitants of this land to ensure that their lives will improved. In the end, he succeeded. Life improved. There was improvement and development in the land. There was happiness and contentment. It got to a stage that the inhabitants planned to show their deep appreciations for Qrrlnm)l over all his effofts on them. Qrnmll however made it look to them that he needed all their compassion and without it, he could achieve nothing in life. When they realised this, they began to plan how to assist him. All of them decided to pay him generouslyfor his seruices.
Before long, Qrrtnmll became a rich person. He soon had his own spouse and together with the wife, they had many children. They also had their personal home. As he was acquiring all these things, he was making the inhabitants of Aanr: land feel that if not for them, he would have amounted to nothing in life. This was why the inhabitants of this land also determined to assist him the more.
QlQgbQn ota Kk omi s'tf agg MQrnmQrn O mg'ye yepe le Arlnnk Od'b ilggb pgkun
Gun'gi-gun'gi kgun'gi rkoj ew Dl filn Orrlnmll Baba rtgawo lg llrt AanUpbg ni wQn nl k w 9e 828
il
gb'bq, r'bg KO p, K jlnn Ire gbogbo w ya d ttru Aj lw ml I s'n mi o lyln enlyan gg'n mi o Aya lw ml Es'nrl mi o fyln enlyan g g'n mi o 9mq IO w ml f s'n mi o
oturupon uei
Il lw ml
lylnnfiangs'nrl mio
s'nrt mi o fyln nlyan g g'n mio Ire gbogbo lo wu mi Es'aanu mio Eyin eniyan es'aanu mi o
Translation
The wise cannot tie water into a knot with cloth The knowledgeable cannot knowthe number of the sand grain on the ground The traveller cannot reach where the road ends The tree climber cannot climb the tree beyond its leaves These were lf's declaration to Ornmll When travelling on lf's assignmentto the land of Anrl
Compassion
Before long All Ire in life came in abundance
It
is moneythat I need but lacked Please have compassion for me
Fellow human beings, please have compassion for me I also need a spouse Please have compassion for me Fellow human beings, please have compassion for me I also lacked children Please have compassion for me Fellow human beings, please have compassion for me I equally need a home of my own Please have compassion for me
829
Fellow human beings, please have compasson for me I need allthe Ire in life Please have compasson for me Fellow human beings, please have compassion for me
If says that the world shall take a compassonate look at the person for whom this Od is revealed. This person also have a duty to be humble and not to prove that he/she is more intelligent or knowledgeable than all
others.
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed
is right in the
midst of enemies. If says that he/she will overcome all these enemies. If says that there is no point in running away from these enemies as this action will not bring any useful relief to him/her.
There is also no point in refusing to associate with the enemies either. All what he/she needs to do is to learn how to live with these enemies. It is paftof his/her destinyto be, and stay, in the midstof enemies.
While in their midst, If says that he/she will be able to achieve

g
reatness, happiness and longevity.
If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to feed Qbatl with 16 snails, shea butter and pounded yam. On this, If says:
Atl yln kln-yl nkln-ylnkl n Awo f pQn
Dlfiln FpQn
FpQn tQrun bqwy w nb lern O,t lbg ni wqn n| k w fe
Translation
To be kicked left and right, the Awo of fpQn, the Scrotum That was the If cast for FpQn, the Scrotum
When coming from heaven to eafth And he was is the midst of enemies He was advised to offer gbg
During the creation of human beings, Qbatl, gun and 830
QgQQg)
were the
ii
orr*ron
r"j,
architects and designers of human specie. Qbatl however had the final say on all creation and design matters. After designing all human parts,
they decided that males would have scrotums which would
be
manufacturing semen for human reproduction. This scrotum was to be placed in between the thighs. When the scrotum heard this, he became very apprehensive. He felt that he was too delicate to be placed in the midst of the two thighs. He was convinced that he would be crushed to death in no time. When he realised that QbaHl was determined to place him between these potentials enemies, he wentfor If consultation: would he ever survive where Qbatl planned to place him? Would he be able to perform his assignment if he is in the midst of these enemies?
The Awo told him that even though he was located in a place that made him very apprehensive, nonetheless, that place was the best for him. The Awo assured him that he was placed there because he could not survive where there was too much heat or cold. He therefore needed to be located in a place where either the heat or cold would not be too much and unbearable for him. He was told that this was the major reason why he was placed in between the thighs as an attachement. He was also told that he was attached there in order for him to have his own individual identity. This will not make anyone or anything to consider him as paft of the thighs. He was told to accept where he was put although the thighs will try to crush him out of envy but they would never succeed. He was advised to offer ebq and feed Qbtl as stated above. He complied.
That was how FpQn, the Scrotum was placed in the midst of his enemies right from heaven. He stayed there. The thighs were not happy that FpQn was given the impoftant duty of producing the semen for reproduction. They conspired to eliminate, or at least crush him. They kicked him left and right everytime. All their effofts had no effect on f pQn. Instead, EpQn was waxing stronger everytime. FpQn stayed in the midst of these enemies and peformed the roles assigned to him from heaven successfully.
AJl ylnkln-ylnkln-ylnkln Awo f pQn Dl filn FpQn Fpqn tQrun bQwy
wa nblrinQt Ebo ni wn nl k w se
831
lla Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation
gb'Qborr'bg KOp, Kjlnn !w b n lr0seogun E wu y ma wu gpqn ni

FpQn k
nllf
[pgn, the Scrotum
Translation
To be kicked left and right, the Awo of
Thatwasthe If castfor FpQn, the Scrotum When coming from heaven to eath He was isthe midstof enemies He was advised to offer gbg He complied
Before long, nottoofar Join us where we achieve victory fpOn can onlyface threat He can never be crushed
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be threatened on a regular basis by his/her enemes. That is where it will end. They will never be able to overcome or inflict any harm on him/her.
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not fall into the trap set for him/her by the world. Many people are conspiring aganst him/her and they are watchng him/her looking for the slightest opportunity for him/her to fall into the trap they had set for him/her. Some of his/her own blood are paft of these conspirators. His/her offence is that he/she is peforming the assignments given to him/her very well and with dedication. They are not happy with
him/her that he/she is succeeding in his/her assignments. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to avoid going to visit anyone who is sick at this period. For those born by this Od, they must enquire from If and offer all appropriate gbg before ever venturing to visit any sick person. He/she must also avoid going to where someone has just died. If warns that he/she needs to be very watchful in all his/her deeds. He/she must always have it at the back of his/her mind that people are watching his/her movements in order to look for opportunity to catch him/her.
832
II oturupon uei If advises this person to offer gbg with 1O cocks, one long staff, 1O neddles, 1O nails and money. The needles and nails would
be driven into the staff half-way and the staff is to be placed besides Ep after the qbg had been offered. On these, a stanza in this Od says: Asln nllf'gnu gb'sa lgngin r0n fgnu fOyg Ejo lfqnu pQkun atarl Dl firn lfa-ogqrq Tff g'glgtan Ol-Igb fbg niwQn nl k w ie
Translation
Aln, the Smelly Rat, uses its mouth to dig holes
Andlgngn rn, the Black Ants, use their mouths to search for food The snake has its mouth atthetip of its head These were lf's messages tolfa-Dggre The child of He was advised to offergbg
Ohl-Igb
Ifa-OqEre was the first son of Ohl-Igb. He was very close to his father. Ohl-Igbo was the spiritual undeftaker for all the animals in the forest. When he died, his son, Ifa-Deere took over. He was doing allthe works as effectively and efficiently as his late father. For this reason, many people were not happy with him. This included some of his own brothers who felt that why must it be only him who must be receiving all the honours that were due to the whole family. His brothers joined other people outside and conspired together to eliminate lfa-Dgqre. They went and planned with fkn, The Leopard, to eliminatelfa-OEqre.
One day, the animals came to announce the death of fkn to him. He was told to come and perform allthe rites on the remains of fikn before he was given a befitting burial. While they were saying this, something kept telling lfa-Oqqr that all was not right. As a result of this feeling, he went for If consultation in the home of the group of Awo mentioned above. The Awo told him to beware of conspiracy. He was informed that there was a grand plan to eliminate him. He was warned to be very careful. He was also told that his own blood relations were among the conspirators. 833
The Awo told him to offer gbg as stated above. He complied. After this, they handed over the staff to him and they told him to use the staff to prick any dead animal with all his might three times before moving close to the corpse. He thanked the group of Awo and leftforthe home of Fkn.
When he got there, he saw all the conspirators in front of the home of f kn. They urged him to move in quickly and begin the rite. He went in with the staff. But instead of moving close to fkn, the Leopard, he began to chant IyQrQ songs thus:
nl9kno
Aslnrln nnll fgnu gbg's yin ni mO 1 perl.....hgn! Ir mir lgngn erun nll fgnu fQ'ye........hqn! EjO nll fgnu pQkun atar|.......... Hgn! Dl firn em Ifa-DQQr Tll g'glgtan OIU-Igb...,...,., Hen! Erin kr lfa-Oggre t .......hgn! Ir mi, EfQn krl, Ifa-Oqqre trl.....hgn! WQn nl kl lfe-Deerwa g'oro fkn o.....hgn! fyln-yln l g'oro il e wa....hgn! fyln-,yln B'j gb'akq o p'eylnda o Olbllrl po!
Translation
you.....hen! Igangan erun rftif'gnu fQ'ye, lsummon you......hen! EjO lf f'gnu pQkun t, I callon you.....hen! You were the Awo who cast If for melf-DQQr The son of Ol-Igb..... hen !
Alnn nlff f'gnu gbS's, lcallon
When Erin,
the
Elephant died,
Ifa-Deer
pedormed the funeral
ritess,..,hen! And when EfQn, the Buffalo died, I performed the funeral Rites.....henl Now they call me to come and perform the funeral rites for [kn, the Leopard....hen! This rites is complicated
This rites must be performed by stepping backwards in form of retreat
olbff
When dogs make love, theyturn their backtoeach other
834
i!
olbf
otu*pon u"j
As soon as he said this, he pricked fkn with the staff with all his might;
first
time, second time, and before he did the third one, fikn shook his body! When lfa-Oqqre saw this, he withdrew tactically and ran to Qrtlnm)l's home. He narrated what he experienced to Qrrfnm)l. Ifa-DEgre was advised not to go home directly. He was told that his enemies would surely be waiting for him at home. He was also told that before he entered hls home, he must "greet" his home. If anyone was lurking anywhere in his home the person would answer him. If anyone answered, he must not enter the house; but if nobody answered, then he could enter.
When he got to the house, everything looked very quiet. He nonetheless did as QnlnmIl had advised him. He chantedlyQrQ thus: perl.....hqn! Ir mir lgngn erun nll fgnu fQ'yg ........hgn! EjO nll fgnu pQkun td........,. Hgn! Dl firn em Ifa-DQer Tll 9'glgtan Ol-Igb........,. Hgn! Erin kr lfa tru ..,..,.hen! Ir mi, lfQn krr,Ift.....h9n! WQn nl kl lfa-Dqerwa g'or fkn o.....hgn! Onll mi, bl mo b re'bi ogrtn gdn....hgn! Bl mo b r'jO og m.f o ...,...hqn! Bl mob ksl'la ma jemio...,...hgn! Bl' O b d mi l'hun tn nma lo o tan nma lg o hh Bl'l 0 b d mi l'hn tn nma lg o Ornmll oh! Bl'l O b d mi lhn tn nma lo o
As{nrf n nnll f'gnu gbg's yin ni mO
Translation
Alnfn nlff f'gnu gbQ's, lcallon you.....hen!
Myfellowlgangan erun fii f'gnu fQ'ye, ......hen! EjO rff f'gnu pQkun tr{, lsummon you.....hen! You cast If for melfa-OEgre When Erin died, I peformed the rites....hen! And when Efon died, I peformed thefuneral rites.....hen! Now they ask me to perform the funeral rites for fkn, the Leopard....hen! If I travel for 20 years....hen!
835
Even if I wend forsix months.....hen! If I call on my house itwill reply me.......hen If the house fails to answer me, then let me go back......hen If the home refusesto answer me, then I will return to where I am coming from......hen!
When the Leopard, fkn, heard this, he became confused. If he did not answer Ifa-Oqqre, then )fa-Oqgre would not enter the house. lfaDQQr refused to enter, fkn would not be able to lay his hands on him. For this reason, Fkn answered from the house "Ooooh"! ! !
If
As soon as Ifa-OgQr heard this, instead of entering the house, he chanted
anotherfyere song thus:

Astnrln nnll fgnu gb'sa yin ni m perl....,hgn! Ir mir lgangan erun nff fqnu fQ'ye ........hgn! EjO nfl fgnu pQkun trf ...,...... Hgn! Dl filn emi Ifa-OQQretll g'gloJan Ol-Igb...,..hen! Tll 9'glo, tan Ol-Igb.......... Hgn! Erin kr If tr .......hgn! ffQn krt, If trt.....hgn! WQn nl K lfe-Deerwa g'orO fkn o.....hgn! Onll mi, bl mo b re'biogn gdn....hgn! Bl mo b r'joog mefa o.......hgn! T'mi b k sl'l a ma je mi o.......hgn! Bl'l O b d mi l'hn tn nma lo o tn nma lg o hh Bl'l O b d mi l'hn tn nma lo o Orunmll oh! Bl'lO b d mi lhn ttn nma lg o Il ma ti d mi l'hun, ttn mo lg o.....hgn tan molooh Il m ti d mi l'hun, tn mo lg o.....hqn gnnmla hoo Il ma ti d mi l'hun, tln mo lg o...,.hgn
Translation
gbg'sa, lcall on you.....hen! Myfellowlgangan erun rff f'gnu fQ'ye, I summon you here ......hen! EjO lff f'gnu pQkun atari,lcallyou.....hen! You cast If for me If-DQQr the son of Olu-Igbo.....hen!
Alnf n ntflif'gnu
836
ll
otr*pon u"i
When Erin died,I peformed the rites....hen! When Efon died, I performed the funeral rites fkn.....hen! Nowthey ask me to peform the funeral rites for fkn, the Leopard....hen! If I travel for 20 years....hen! And if I went for six months.....hen! If I call on my house it had never answered me before.......hen If the house fails to answer me, then let me go back......hen If the home refuses to answer me, then I will return to where am coming from......hen! Nowthe house has given me an answer, I am going away! Oh Orunmila I praiseyou The house has given me an answer, I am running away! Oh Orunmila I praise you The house has given me an answer, I am running away!
That was how If-DQQre used Ijasa (Iygre) to explain what was happenng in his house and to tell [kn, the Leopard that he would not enter the house because he had detected that Fkn was hiding there. If says that the enemies of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be overcome. He/she shall be able to see through their conspracy and evil design and shall come off triumphant.
Asln nfl f'gnu gb'sa Igangan rn f'gnu fyg Ej lf'gnu pQkun atarl IX firn lfa-oeere Tff g'glgtan Ol-Igb $bg ni wgn nl k w ge
gb'6bo, r'bg
K p, K jlnna F wa b ni l'rgQ ogun
Translation
Aln, the Smelly Rat, uses its mouth to dig holes
AndIgngn rn, the Black Ants, use their mouths to searc forfood The snake has its mouth at the tip of its head These were lf's messages tolfa-DgQrg The child of Ol-Igb He was advised to offer gbg He complied
837
Before long, nottoofar Join us where we acheve victory over adversaries
If promises vctory over adversaries for the person for whom this Od is revealed. All the conspracy and evil designs of all his/her enemes shall
amountto naught.
5.
If says that there is the need for two people to offer the gbg of
prosperity. They may be friends, husband and wife, brothers, sisters, parent and child or just colleagues at work. They must show love and understanding for each other. They must also eschew any form of bitterness against one another. If advises the two of them to offer qbg with hruo pigeons each, two cocks each and money. They also need to feed each others O with one guinea fowl each. On this, If says:
Ipep idi lfara joakika Be n o leSe bl akika Dlfitn Laktsa Tun Ldogo jg $'Qr fbg ni wQn nl kwgn w ge
Translation
The barkof Iditree (Terminalia glaucescens) looks like akika Pangolin But it can never act like akika, pangolin This was lf's message to Lkrf s Who was a bossom friend of Ldogo
Lakusa and Ldogo were intimate friends. They loved each other genuinely. They do everything together. They ate, drank and went out everywhere together. They wore the same dresses. They were like twins. They were also poor together. For this reason, they went together to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would they ever succeed in life? Would they be able to break the chain of povefty in their lives? Would they be able to achieve alltheir heafts'desires in life?
The Awo told them that even though they were both suffering at that time, 838
li
oturupon uej
they would soon smle. They were told that they would be blessed fortune and financial success even beyond their wildest dreams. were however warned never to envy each other or harbour any ill-feeling against one another. They were also advised to offer gbg and feed each other's Of as prescribed above. Only Lkrls complied with the advice of the Babalwo. Ldogo said that he had no time for the silly advice of any Babalawo. Consequently he refused to offerthe gbg.
Three months after Laksa offered the gbg, people stafted to. notice that foftune had begun to smile on him. He was having more financial than ever before. When Ldogo noticed this, he stafted to give his friend both social and physical distance. He began to hate everything that his friend represented. He did not want anyone to mention his friend's name in his presence.
Before two years, Lkr1s had become very successful. Ldogo began to plan against his friend. One day, Ldogo went to inflict pain on his friend 'Laksa. Hewascaught intheactand was putto shame.
with They
i
I
gain
lpgpq
d l f'ara BQ$ ni le ge bl Df firn Lkrls
jg akika akika
Tun Ldogo jg g'qre Fbg ni wqn nl k wqn w $e Lakse nlkn nl nbg lyin to nggbg K p, K jlnn f w bni nl jQbrlto Iregbogbo
Erolpo,
EroQfa
l
Sni eni trtn ge e
Tlinu fil bl'ni o?
Translation
The bark of Idi tree (Terminalia glaucescens) looks like akika, Pangolin But itcan neveract like akika, pangolin This was If's message to Lkrts Who was a bosom friend of Ldogo Theywere advised to
offerebo
839
Only Lkrlsa complied by offering the gbg Before long, nottoo far Join us in the midst of all Ire in life Travellers tolpo and Qf When one's colleagues succeeded How come one is angry over it?
If says that this person will succeed whether or not his/her colleagues love t. Nobody can stop his/her succeess as long as he/she comples with allthe instructions of If.
6.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to have a change of attitude so as to have people close to him/her. His/her attitude is driving people who could be of assstance to him/her away from him/her. On the other hand, the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to advise his/her relative to change his/her attitude in order to have people around him/her. This relative may be his/her brother, sister, cousn, parent, child, friend or even neighbour.
If advises this person to offer gbg with three cocks and money. He/she also needs to feed Egu witn one cock. No matter what he/she uses as gbg material or even materials for feeding Fs, he/she must change his/her attitude for better. He/she must behave in accordance with the socially accepted norms. If this is not done, all the money and effot spent on gbg will amount to a waste. On this, If says:
QgbQn nfi pektOran'ni Wr kff gbe ran gmqnlyn
Dlfirn Qtgnporo Tll ggmglya Ere Fbq ni wQn nl k w Fe
Translation
It takes long for one to be impacted with wisdom It is easy and quickerto imbibe foolishness This was lfa's message to QtgnpOro The blood brother of Ere He was advised to offer ebo
840
iI
oturupo, u"j
Qtgnporo and Ere were born by the same mother. They were known everywhere n town as brothers. People knew Ere as very amiable, easygoing, likeable and level-headed. Conversely, Qtgnpr was known as a wicked, selfish, callous and a hot-headed person.
One day QtgnpOrO went for If consultation because he was unhappy that nobody seemed to love him in his community. The Awo told him that his problem was that of his attitude. All he needed to do was to understudy his younger brother Ere and behave the way he was doing. He was also to offer gbg as stated above and feed Egu witn one cock. Qtgnpor could see no reason why he should emulate anyone - least of all his own younger brother.
During the Egungun festival of the village, all the people in the community rallied round Ere and he was the centre of attraction. All the villagers were running away from Qtgnporo because of his wicked character. QtQnporo burst into tears when he saw the crowd following his brother. He had nobody behind him. The elders in the village told QtgnpOrO to have a change of attitude so that he too could have followers like Ere his younger brother. Alas! It was too late for Qtqnporo. He lived miserably for the rest of his life. qgbQn nll pq kt ran'ni Wr kff gbe ran gmq nryan Dtfin Otgnporo Tll ggmgIy Ere fbg ni wqn nl k w ge fe oJrln gbebq, fi tosl daa n Qtgnporo p'w d
Koll'ni l',yln bf Ere
Qtqnporo
Translation
Ittakes long foroneto be impacted with wisdom It is easy and quicker to imbibe foolishness
This was If's message to Qtgnporo The blood brotherof Ere He was advised to offier gbg
turned deaf earto the advice OtgnpOrO please have a change of character Foryou to have followers like Ere
He
{,,
841
Please change your charccter for good
If says that he will not allow this person to live a miserable life. He/she however needs to have a change of character so that people will move
close to him/her and he/she will not live a lonely or isolated life.
7.
If says that there is the need for a group of people to offer gbq against being misled by someone who claims that he/she has the understanding, exposure and/or experience to give them advice. If
says that the advices which this person has been giving this group are
responsible for the problems and/or crises which the group are having presently. There is the need for this group to identify this person and review its relationship with him/her. If he/she gives the group any further advice, it must be ignored. As a matter of fact, this person must be given reasonable distance from the group.
If advises this group to offer gbg with three matured he-goats and money. They also need to feed Eg with one he-goat or cock. On these, If says:
Ad bldl Fasa Dl fin Qrnljqlgbln wgn nl kl wQn rbg Qml iwgn
Translation
The cutlass with its broad base Thatwasthe If castfor 165 snails When they were advised to offer gbg for them to live long
The 165 snails were living miserable lives. They used to die violently. They tried to find solution to their problems all to no avail. They therefore went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above. The Awo told them that all their problems would soon become things of the past. He informed them that they were being misled and that was why they were havlng those problems. He advised them to identiff the person who was misleading them and run away from such person. He also advised them to offer qbg as stated above. They complied. They promised themselves that
842
Il
him/her.
te Ene nfi m'qna ge gb Nff m'Qn ge gbrl Dlfiln If-dQQrQ Ttl geQrglgbln f bo nl wQn nl k w Se
PQ tep,
oturupon uej
they would identiff the person misleading them and run away from
Translation
The wet mud on the road makes the path very slippery and dangerous to trek That was lf's message to If-dQQrQ Who was the friend of the 165 snails He was advised to offer gbq
the friend of the 165 snails. The snails saw him as a big brother and great adviser. They relied on his counselling. Any advice he gave them was what they would follow. Unknown to the snails, he was the one who was misleading them because he had a deep-seated hatred for
If-dQQrQ was
the
snails.
One day, If-dQQrQ went for If consultation in order to determine if he would succeed in eliminating allthe 165 snails.
The Awo told him that he was like the wet mud on the road which made the path of other people slippery and dangerous. The Awo advised him to stop his bad attitude so as to avoid being exposed and disgraced. He refused to comply, telling the Awo that the reason why he came was to be able to eliminate all the snails and not for any Awo to advise him on to how to a change of character. He Ieftthe home of the Awo with
anger.
have
{
1
Meanwhile, If-dQQrQ had two hands, two legs, mouth and allother pafts of his body complete. The snails had no hand, no leg, except their mouth. They use their mouth to eat, talk, climb and walk.
Anytime that If-dQQrQ saw any snail climbing a tree, he would wait patiently for the snailto reach the top of the tree before calling the snail. If the snailtried to answer his call, the snail would falldown from the tree
843
and
lfa Dida: An nvitaton to lfa Consultaton
die violently, If a snail was eatng, If-deQrQ would wait until the snail attempted to swallow the food, he would then call the sna|. If the snal attempted to answer, the food would enter the wrong passage and the snail would die a violent death.
Al! the remaining snails gathered together in order to deliberate on the cause of the problems. Eventually, they realised that it was their big brother If-dQQrQ who had all along been responsible for their violent deaths. There and then, they concluded that any time that any of them was called by If-dQQrQ, he/she must never answer. They must do it in such a way that If-dQQrQ must know that they deliberately refused to answer him. They also concluded that nobody among the snails must listen to, or follow his advice again.
Anytime If-dQQrQ called on any snail, he would simply be ignored. If he asked the snail why he/she had refused to answer his call, the snail would take his/her time, finish whatever he/she was doing before telling If-dQQrQ never to call him/her again. It did not take long for If-dQQrQ to realise that he was no longer needed by the snails. He quietly left their midst in shame.
Ad bldli$aqe Dl filn Qrunlojglgbln won nl kl wQn rbg Qml i wgn WQn gb'Qbo, wQn r'bg PeJepqteQn nll m'qna gegb Nll m'Qnagegbtt
IXfiln If-DQQTQ Tll geQrQlgbln

Ebo nl wOn nl k w 9e kg'tl ggboyin s'qbg jq lf-Deerq m e p ml mq
fnu tl mofi rt fQ'hn Nimofi ttjqun o

If-D$QrQ m e p ml mQ Fnu tl mofi fghun Nl mofi ttgun'gi o
Translation
The cutlass with its broad base
Ii
Thatwasthe If castfor 165 snails When they were advised to offer gbg for them to live long Theycomplied The wet mud on the road makes the path very slippery and dangerous to trek That was lf's message to If-DQQTQ Who was the friend of the 165 snails He was advised to offer ebo
He refused
oturupon uei
If-DQQre, don't call me anymore It is the same mouth that I use in talking Which I also use in eating If-DQQre, don't call me again It is the same mouth I use in talking Which Ialso use in climbing
If says that the person responsble for the problem of a group shall be exposed and putto shame.
Conversely,If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is the one responsible for misleading a group through his/her bad counselling, i he/she needs to stop, lest he/she s exposed and disgraced.
8.
If says that even though the person for whom this Od is revealed has the tendency to be misled through bad advice, nonetheless, he/she cannot live alone. He/she still needs other people around him/her to associate with and take useful advices from. All what he/she needs to do is to find out the type of friends he/she needs to associate with before he/she relies on them. He/she also needs find out regularly about all his/her friends and Ioved ones In order to ensure thatthey had not changed and become unreliable. If says that his/her destiny does not allow him/her to live a lonely life. He/she needs to be in the midst of people. He/she must also be sociable. As he/she has a lot to gain from others, so also do others have much to gain from him/her.
to
845
If advises this person to offer gbg with two rats, hro fish, two hens, two cocks, two guineafowls, hro pigeons and money. He/she also needs to feed Fgb with all fruits available at that period in his/her environment. On this, a stanza in QlqgbQn-M|
says:
Igbgnwo nll tl kkeryg kk Ojo p'abahun t'Qw t'asg Ojo Qsn nff m'de yq tqrJereter Dl filn Baba-A-gb-l'gnu-bl-Akika Igbati O rtgeohun gbogbot'Qkan Oyg'rl f;bg nl wqn nl k w ge
Translation
'
The elbow had its knot since the time it was small and young The rain falls on the toftoise together with its shell The rain thatfalls in the day makesthe ground veryslippery These were lf's declarations to he-whose-mouth-is-as-strong As-akika-tree When he did manythings without succeeding in any He was advised to offerebo
Baba-A-gb-l'Qnu-bi-Akika, the man whose mouth is as strong as akika tree had made up his mind never to socialize with anyone any longer. He had once done so but he was betrayed. For that reason, he vowed never to have anything to do with anyone agan. He chose to live alone. He had no wife, no child, and no friend. He moved away from even his own blood relations.
When he began to live alone, his situation, instead of improving, was getting worse by the day. He would work from morning till night and yet there would be a lot of work left behind undone. He would sweep the ground of his room and his surrounding; he would wash the plates, his dress and his room; he would prepare his food and before he finished, he was already late to go to his farm. In the farm, he would clear the grass, make heaps for planting, wet the crops, dress the heaps and tend the farm all alone. Before he finished the day's work, it was already time to return home. At home, he needed to wash the cooking pot that he used in the morning and before finishing, it was really dark! Many nights, he would
846
II
oturupon uej
sleep without food. Many days, he would not be able to do half of the work he needed to do in the farm. His farm became the home of rodents which ate up his crops. Year in, year out, he could not harvest up to half of the crops he planted on his farm. His situation was detriorating. His health
was also deteriorating. Tired of this, he went for If consultation: what was really responsible for all his problems? The Awo assured him that he was the architect of his problems. He was told that he had refused to socialize with others. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He was also enjoined to socialize with others. He complied.
The next day, he woke up early in the morning and greeted everyone around him. The people were surprised. When he began to sweep the
ground, a neighbour told his daughter to take the broom from him and help him sweep the surrounding. When he wanted to coolf another neighbour told his wife to go and assist him. He did everything more quickly than ever before. Soon he got a wife. They divided the work in the house and farm between them. when they had their children, the work became simpler still. Most household chores were left for the children to do and they concentrated on the workon thefarm.
Before long, foftune smiled on him. He was able to have a clear-cut direction in his life. He saw the benefits of socializing with other people. He became wealthy, he had his own spouse, he was blessed with children and he had a good comfoftable home. Above all, his toiling and tension reduced drastically. He then realized that those who had others around to share in their works and burdens needed not to have strong mouths and strong handsto do and carrythem alone.
IgbQnwo nll tl kkeryg kk Ojo p'abahun t'Qw t'asg ojo qsn nll m'de yQ tQr$tQre, tere
fitn Baba-A-gb-l'qnu-bl-Akika Igbati rt$e ohun gbogbot'qkan Oyg'rl lbg nl wqn nl k w 9e gb'gbg, ru'bg Ero lpo, Ero Qfa
Dl
847
A kff m ma rQ'ni
wl'rn
Ktn gb l'nu o
Translation
The elbow had its knot since the time it was small and young The rain falls on the toftoise together with its shell The rain that falls in the day makes the ground very slippery These were lf's decla rations to he-whose-mouth-is-a -Strong-as-akika-tree When he did manythings withoutsucceeding in any He was advised to offer gbg He complied Travellers tolpo and Qfa lands We cannot have those who will share in our thoughts, works and burden And yet have strong mouth and hands
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with people who shall assist him/her and share in his/her thoughts, works and burdens.
9.
If says that a man is either dating a lady here with the intention of marrying her or that they had moved to the stage of introduction or even marriage. If says the lady in question is very jovial and generally loved by all. Ifa warns aganst marrying this lady because as jovial as she is, she is not the type whose mind can easly be known. She will use her genial attitude to deceive everybody and when she is ready to pack up the affair, nobody will suspect her. When she eventually leaves, it will be a grave disaster for the husband and his relatives. This lady will do the husband-to-be no
good at all.
If advises this man to offer gbg with two guinea fowls, two cocks and two hens and money. On this, If says:
K$e'g nl'gb K r nl'dbrtwo'hl fitn Ejl-Otrtrrt Baba lqq q'gkg lrfn fbq nl wqn nl k w ge
848
ii
oturupon tvtei
Translation
To
cutwood in the forest
And carry it sideways to the town This was lf's message to E)-OtUrrf
When going to marry fn, Laughter, as wife He wasadvised to offerebo
E)-Oturu was very hardworking. He was also an accomplshed Babalwo. When it was time for him to get marred, all the members of his family were on the look out for a suitable wife for him. Before long, they saw fr'in, Laughter. She was very beautiful, very jovial, she was always smiling. Everybody was in love with her. When ET-Otr:rU saw her, he was overwhelmed with love. When it was time for marriage, they went for If consultation, not to enquire about the attitude of the woman, but to know what they needed to do in order to make the wedding day successful.
During consultation however, the Awo warned that nothing good will ever come out of that relationship. He warned them not to continue with the affair. He even urged them to call everything quit as all he could see was pain and sorrow atthe end of the day. Those who went for If consultation were convinced that the Awo had either gone mad or envious; and must be looking for ways of spoiling Et-Oturu's joy. They simply ignored him and theywentahead with the wedding preparations. The wedding day was grand. All the movers and shakers of the society were present. They all blessed the couple.
The first three months was bliss for the couple. Everything went smoothly. After the third month, trouble stafted for ET-Oturu. fn was no longer cooperating with him. She no longer obeyed him. Anytime he talked, she would simply smile and ignore him. If he shouted at her, all his relations would be angry with him that he was not treating his genial wife with the respect and love she deserved.
In the home of E)-Otur's relatives, ff n was always at her best. She would smile, joke and greet all the relatives with respect and love. They were all in love with her. At home however, there was nothlng that E)-Oturu did that ever satisfied her. If she asked for anything, it would be what E)849
lfa Dda: An invtaton to lfa Consultation
Oturrr could not afford. If he told her that he could not afford it, she would simply smile. If he looked for money elsewhere to buy those things and give to her, she would simply smile. At a stage, it was not easy for EJiOturu to know whether or not his wife was happy. His wife was never helping at home. She had no time to cook or wash his clothes. If he complained, she would simply smile. Nothing would change her mind to do it.
One day, Elt-Otrlrrl woke up to find that ffn had left the house. All his relatives pounced on him, accusing him of frustrating the woman. Nobody was ready to listen to him. He cried and cried. He lost his happiness, his home and his credibility. By the time his relations realised the true position of things, itwas alreadytoo late.
K g'gnl'gb K r nl'dbrlwg'ltt
Dlfn Ejl-Oturu
Baba lQqg'gkg lrln Fbq nl wqn nl k w fe kg'tl Qgbghin F'ebg
Eg lru, Ego eft F o rlf ijghun ni bl
tl
r99
Translation
To cut wood in the forest
And carry it sideways to the town This was lf's message to E)-Oturr: When going to marry ffn as wife He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Refusal to offer gbg and heed advice See the terrible consequence.for those who had refused
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not suffer selfinflicted pain if he listens to the advice of If.
Conversely, If advises a woman about to get married to have a change of attitude so that she will not cause pain to her would-be husband and all his relatives and loved ones. 850
X orr*ron r",
10. If says that there s a woman where this Od is revealed who had
once been marred into that home but who had left the home due to one form of disagreement or the other. This woman is planning to return to that home. If says that if this woman returns, there is no problem. On the other hand, if she is not allowed to return, there is no problem. If says that this woman had learnt nothing and had forgotten nothing on the reasons that sent her out of that home. If she returns, If says, she will continue to behave exactly how she had been doing before she left that home. Her attitude will not change one bit. If this is acceptabletothem where this Od is revealed, then all is well. If not, there is the need to have a sober reconsideration and deep reflection before the woman is allowed to return into that home.
On the other hand, If advises a woman who had once married into
a home but who had left the home to have a change of attitude before venturing to return into that home. This is because she had not learnt the real reasons that sent her packing from her matrimonial home in the first place. If this lesson is not learnt, she will more likely than not encounter the same problem and she will have no suppoft where she is going. This will chase her out of that
homethe second time.
There is the need to offer gbg with one he-goat, cosmetics of various kinds, camwood, cream, lotion and so on and money. There is also the need to feed the lbeji, the Twins Divinity. On this,If says:
Otr pgn mjl g,rt Dl fitn Fyel QwQwQ Tl pad lg sl'l gkg OwUrQ pbg nl wqn nl k w ge o
Translation
Otr straps two babies firmly on her back If's message to fygl QwQwQ, the Beautiful Pigeon When returning to herfirst husband's home She was advised to offer gbg
851
Fygl Qwewe, the Beautiful, Pigeon was an epitome of beauty. She was the center of attraction everywhere she went. She was also very conscious of her beauty. Anywhere she went, she was always with a cosmetics bag containing cam-wood, coconut oil, Laali (Lawsonia inermis) etc. Her hair was always plaited. Her dresses neat and elegant with sandals to match. When she was ready for the marriage market, there were many suitors contesting for her hand in marriage. When she eventually picked one suitor as her husband, the wedding was wellattended.
As soon as she got married however, trouble stafted. She made it

abundantly clear to all, that she had come to marry her husband alone, and that she was not interested in any member of her husband's family. As a matter of fact, she saw them as people who interfere in their matrimonial affairs. She treated her husband's relatives shabbily and she had no respect for any of them. One day, there was a little misunderstanding between fiygl QwQwQ and her husband. The relatives came for settlement. Fygl QwQwQ was very furious with them. She spit on her mother-in-law's face. She tore the dresses of her father-in-law. She slapped her Elder-brother-in-law. It was a big fight. She accused everyone of fomenting trouble for her and her husband. She said that her husband's relatives were fond of poking their noses into what did not concern them. At a stage, she yelled at everyone present and stormed out of the house. She promised herself never to return to that home again.
When her parents heard of what had happened they were very ashamed and furious with Fygl QwQwQ. They sent many emissaries to go and apologise to fyglQ's husband's relatives. It took two years for normalry to return. Eventually, a day was set aside for formal reconciliation.
of fiygl's husband were seated, awaiting the arrival of [ygl. All of them agreed that Fygl must have
On the appointed day, all the relatives learnt her lessons and that she would turn a new leaf hencefofth. When Fygl arrived, she came with her friend. She did not wait for her own relatives to accompany her to her husbands home. When she entered the
II otrrupo, uej
house, they noticed that she was all made up. she was smelling of fragrance and she painted her legs and face with osun, cam-wood. she saw her husband's relatives and simply ignored them. She proceeded straight into her husband's room and slammed the door close with all her might. Her husband's relatives looked at each other and shook their heads. One of them stafted to sing thus:
S k le mg p Fyele g'oge S k le mq wlp $yQl g'oge Fygl K'osn wg'| t'gkg 9 k le mg pe Fyele g'oge
Translation
Is it for us to realise that Fygl is trendy Is it to establish that fyql is fashion-conscious Fygl rubbed her bodywith Osun, cam-wood and wentstraight to her husband's room Just for us to know that fygl is fashionable
They all concluded that Fygl had learnt and forgotten nothing.
Oht r pgn- Mjl gl rgl rl Dl fln Fyel QwQwe Tl pad lg sl'l gkg OwrQ f bg nl wQn nl k w ge o
kg'tf Qgbgnhln s'bg F k le mg p fygl rt g'oge Fygl K'osun wg'l t'gkg F k le mg p fygl g'oge
Translation
Otr strapps two babies firmly on her back If's message to fiygl QwQw When returning to her first husband's home She was advised to offer gbg She refused to heed the advice Is it for us to know that fygl is fashionable Fygl rubbed her body with Osun and went straightto he husband's room Just for us to know that fiygl is fashionable
853
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed should not think that he/she is wiser than everybody. If says that even though it is true that he/she is wise, he/she needs to recognize the
fact that other people are also wise and some of them are probably more knowledgeable and/or wiser than him/her.
If says that this person had done something or is doing something presently and is congratulating himself/herself because of the wisdom which he/she had applyto it.
If says that even with what he/she had done or is doing, he/she still needs other people's wise counselling in order for him/her to succeed. If recommends the gbg of humility for the person for whom this Od is revealed. In this stanza, no material gbg is required. He/she only needs to consult others and seek wise counselling before concluding on what he/she had done or is doing. On this, If says:
9lQgbQn wQn O ta kk omi s'tl aqg Omgrn kan O mo'ye pQ ilQ Arlnnk ko de'bi ona gb pgkun Dl fitn Albahun Ajap Nljq tl k'gbQn r'or{ opg r kq sl
Translation
The wise cannot tie water into a knot with a cloth, The knowledgeable cannot know the number of sand grains o the ground The traveller cannot reach where the road ends These were lf's declarations to Albahun Ijp When he gathered allthe wisdom on eafth and was going to hide it on top of a palm tree
Albahun Ajpa, the Tortoise, was a very wise person. At a point, he believed he was the wisest person that Olodumare had ever created. One day, Albahun Ajap thought that he could become the richest person on earth if he gathered all the wisdom on earth and bottled it in a calabash. He planned that after this had been done, he would go and hide the bottled calabash (full of wisdom) on top of a palmtree. He ruminated that nobody
854
frl oturupon u.j would be able to do anything wse without consultng him. He planned to charge heavily for any wisdom that he would volunteer for anyone. He envisaged that people would be looking for him far and wide begging and
pleading, cap in hand, money in pocket for him to give them paft of the hidden wisdom. He was convinced that within six months, that he would not only become the richest man that Olodumare had ever created, but the most influential person on eafth. After concluding this plan, he decided to go for If consultation. When the If was cast, OtrpQn M;T was revealed. The Awo then informed Albahun Ajap that he had a plan in mind: the plan would only work if he soughtthe advice and wisdom of others.
Consequent upon this revelation, Albahun Ajap was livid with anger. He thought he needed nobody's advice since he was the wisest person on eafth. He then rushed out of the babalwo's house and promised himself that this babalwo must be punished when he became rich. He concluded that he would never extend his wisdom to the babalwo since he saw himself as the custodian of wisdom in the world.
top of a palm tree and then announce to the world to come and consult him if they needed any advice or wisdom. Whoever failed to approach him was considered the most stupid man on eafth. On getting to the palm tree, he tied a rope round the bottled calabash and hung it round his neck with the calabash in front of his belly. He then tried to climb the palm tree to the top, but unfoftunately for him he was always failing down anytime he attempted to climb the tree. He tried several times from morning till evening but all to
no avail.
He then decided to go and hide the bottled calabash (full of wisdom) on
Incidentally, Igbfn, snail was passing by and she saw Albahun Ajap attempting to climb the tree and falling down several times. Immediately she saw this, she realized that the positioning of the calabash in front of Ijap was responsible for his failure to climb the tree. She took pity on Ajap and decided to assist him by offering the advice on what to do in order to climb the tree successfully. She approached him and said: 'My friend, if you want to climb the palm tree with ease, change the position of
855
Ifa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultation
that bottled calabash. Put it on your back and then climb the tree'.
Uapa attempted what)gbln, had said, and discovered that, to his chagrin, the palm tree was climbed withoutany difficulty. When he was on top of the palm tree, EgU Odara told him that'Ijp, can'tyou see that)gbln, the snail, is wiser than you? With all the wisdom you have forced into this calabash, yet you were not able to climb the tree. It only took the superior wisdom of Igbin to tell you how to climb the tree with the calabash without any difficulty. Wth all your wisdom, you will always bow to and follow the superior wisdom of)gbln, the snail'.
When Ijap heard this, he realised to his disappointment that with all the wisdom he had bottled in the calabash, he had failed woefully. Outof anger, disappointment and frustration, he smashed, with all his might, the bottled calabash on the ground and it broke into pieces.
QlQgbQn wQn Ota
kkomi s'tl agg
Omgrn kan O mo'ye eepQ ilQ Arlnnka ko de'bi ona gb pgkun D,l fin Albahun Ajapa Nljq k'gbQn r'orf opg r kQ sl Fbp nl wgn nl w ge Njq qgbqn ti Ahun gbqn lyln niifi ntg lgbln 9gbQnotn l'y 9gbQn k l'yin
Translation
The wise cannottie water into a knotwith a piece of cloth, The knowledgeable cannot knowthe numberof sand grains on the ground The traveller cannot reach where the road ends These were lf's declarations to Albahun Ajp When he gathered allthe wsdom in the world and was hide it on top of a palm tree He was advised to offergbg He refused to comply With all the wisdom of Ahun, the toftoise He will always bow to and follow the superior oflgbf n, the snail Wsdom is notexhausted on eafth
going
856
Il
Wisdom abounds everywhere
oturupon uej
If says that those who are wse should not think that others are not as wse as them or that they are fools. Nobody is a sole repostory of wisdom.
L2.
If says that youths should not think that they are wiser than their elders where this Od is revealed. There is the need for youths to follow the advice of elders in order to avoid a situation where they could get lost. If says that there are some youths where this Od is revealed who consider the wise counselling of elders as either obsolete or irrelevant in the modern scheme of things. If says that these youths need to change such perception if they do not wish to regretforthe restof their lives.
If advises the youths in question to offer gbg with two matured
and advice of the elders. They will use one she-goat to feed the Elders of the Night and use the other one to feed If. On this, If says:
she-goats and borrow from the experience
Aslnwln nll pe'f kOr Koyeeko nll w'wu sesee j'na
DlfnQsqOrqkun
Dl fn QsQOrde fibg nl wqn nl kl wgn w qe
Translation
Only a fool gives If message without prior deliberation Koyko rff w'wu Feegee j'n (alias) These were the Awo who cast If for QsQ-OrQkn And also cast same for QsQ-Orde They were advised to offer gbg
QsQ-Orqkn was a wise youth while Qsg-Orode was the experienced elder. QsQ-Orqkn was someone who believed he was so wise that he did not need the advice of anybody before doing anything. Whenever he wanted to embark on something, Qsg-Orde, the experienced elders, would always advise him on the best strategy or approach but according to him, allthese pieces of advice given to him
857
by QsQ-Orde were considered obsolete or irrelevant especially in the modern scheme of things.
For instance, in the olden days, people usually cook soup and other things on a fire made with three stones (tripod) for perfect balance. QsQ-Orqkn decided that with his wisdom, he would cook his soup on fire made with two stones. He was advised against this act by QsQOrde, but he refused to heed the advice. He made his fire and put his soup on Unfoftunately for him, the soup overturned and
it.
spilled over on the night.
fire. Therefore he could not eat any food that
He then decided to go and fetch water in the well sunk in the family compound to at least drink some water before going to bed. Prior to this time, he had been warned to tread softly especially at night. As
he was walking furiously towards the well, he stumbled on a stone and before he could regained his balance, he fell into the well. Suddenly he made a loud noise that attracted the neighbours to the scene. On getting there, they met QsQ-Orqkn in the well crying for help. They immediately looked for a rope, threw it down the well and rescued QsQ-OrQkn.
After he was rescued and taken care ol he decided to take a stroll within the vicinity of his compound. While doing this against all wise gounsselling, he met lya-Afin on the way. Iya-Afin used to be the eligible spinster in the palace who had remained unmarried as a result of her arrogance. Everybody in the town had been warned not to be rude, confront or show any disrespect for lya-Afin. Anyone who failed to heed this warning would be ruthlessly dealt with. QsqOrQkn was also aware of this warning but he was totally convinced that he could manipulate his way out of trouble if there was any trouble between him and lya-Afin. For this reason, he had little regard for her. On this day, Qsq-OrQkn stumbled on Iya-Afin; but instead of him to apologise, he became arrogant and saw no reason why he should apologise to her. Iya-Afin immediately ordered the palace guards to deal with him. He was subsequently thoroughly beaten. When he was eventually released, he fumbled and got into
Il
otu*pon u"j
the manger where pones were kept. As he was about to ride one of the ponies, he was warned never to ride but still, he refused to the warning. He rode on one of the ponies and unfotunately for him, the pony threw him off and he landed with a heavy thud on the ground. He sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to a
health care centre.
heed
While on the way to the health centre, QsQ-Orode kept wondering why on eafth QsQ-Orqkn refused to heed the elders' advice as he believed that the advice was obsolete, irrelevant and unnecessary in the mordern times. To him he believed that he was the wisest. OrQkn was then full of regrets that he had not listened to Qsq-Orde
and other advices of the elders. Aslnwln nll pe'f kOr Koyeeko nll w'wu $eeseq j'na D{ filn QsQOrqkrn Dlfirn QsQ orde Qsq Orqkn oo rqra o ma d'gbQ sl'n nl mo ri, mo ri ogbo QsO Orqkn rora ma jin si knga nl mo ri, mo ri ogbo Qsq Orqkn rgra ma kg lu lya-Afin nl mo ri, mo riogbo Qsq Onqkn rgra o ma wg'Eto lbaaka nl mo ri, mo ri ogbo Mo ri, mo ri ogbo Qsg Orqkn da'bgst'n Mo ri, mo ri ogbo Qsq Orqkun jln sin knga Mo ri, mo riogbo Qsq Orqkn kg lu ly-Afin Mo ri, mo ri ogbo Qsq Orqkn wg'l to lbaaka
Age kQcyln I'Qrn TlegegbQn ju'ni lg?l
Qsq-
t \
fyin ewelwoyl
Translation
Only a fool gives If message without prior deliberation Koyeeko rff w'wu geegee
j'na
859
These were the Awo who cast If for Qsg-Orqkn And also cast same for QsQ-Orde Theywere both advsed to offerqbg QsQ-OrQkn, beware so that you don't spill soup in the fire He responded that he had already seen what they are saying
QsQ-OrQkUn, beware so that you don't fall in the well He responded that he had already known whatthey are saying Qsg-OrQkn, beware so that you don't confrontlya-Afin He responded that he had already known whatthey are saying Qsg-OrqkUn, beware so that you don't ride on ponies He responded that he had already known whatthey are saying Qsg-OrQkUn then spilled soup on
fire
Despite that he had known what they said Qsg-OrgkUn indaveftentlyfell inside a well Despite that he had known what they said QsQ-OrQkU n, a lso confronted lya-Afi n Despite what he had already known Qsg-OrQkn entered and rode on ponies Despite what he claimed to have known Oh ye! Youths of nowadays How come you are taught a lesson
Butclaim to know morethan the elders
13.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall give birth to a babywho shall becomevery great in life. This baby, a male, shall fight for his parents and punsh all those who might have cheated or maltreated his parents. He wil also save his parents for persecutions. If says that the chld in question is a child of If. There is the need to initiate the child into If as soon as possble.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, hruo hens and money. There is also the need to feed If with two rats, hro fish and one hen. On
these, If says:
"
IbbAwoEgngn IkokonwoOr
Gbangba I'Ogedengb gawo I'awo Il Qrnmla Dl fn Ejl-Otrtru Tl nt'Qrun bQw'lAy
f;i
fibg ni wQn nl k w ge
oturupon uej
Translation
Secrecy is the way of EgUngun Closely guarded in darkness is the practice of Or Openness is the way of Qrunmll These were If's messages to E)-OtUrU When coming from Heaven to Eafth He was advised to offergbg
EI-Oturu (OturupQn MJi) had made all his preparatons n heaven in order to come into the world. He went for If consultation. The Awo told him that he would succeed where he was going. He was advised that in order to make his emergence on eafth more dramatic, it would be better if he was born as a baby with all his faculties fully developed and functioning. He agreed. A very poor woman was chosen as the one to be E)-Otr:ru's mother. The woman became pregnant. She carried the pregnancyfor nine months. She gave bifth to her bundle of joy on the tenth lunar month. The baby was a male. When this woman gave bfth to her baby, there was nothing at home for hefto use; no money to buy soap, sponge food or any other thing to use for herself or the baby. As soon as she gave brth to this baby, the baby began to speak; 'mother', said the baby 'I know that you have nothing to use at home now. Don't worry. Everything shall be well'. The mother could not believe her ears. She moved closer to the baby to be absolutely certain that it was truly the baby that was talking. The baby told her again, 'mother, do not be surprised or afraid. I am E)-Otn1. I have come to help you and my father, Please go outside into the nearby forest. You shall find two okete big-rats there. Take them and put them in a cage. Go and sell them at E)gbmgkn market'. She then proceeded to buy soap, sponge and some
other things that you need urgently now'. The mother was totally flabergasted. Whom would she tell that her day-old baby was speaking? She nonetheless went to the forest as instructed by her baby. She saw the two big rats, caught them and put them in a cage. She headed for
E)gb0mgkn market in orderto sellthe rats.
As soon as she reached E)gbmgkn market she was arrested for bringing
861
live okete big rats into the market in broad day light even with their tails on their body! (In Yorubaland, it is a big taboo to see a live big-rat in broad daylight. It is believed that this will bring disaster and untold hardship into that community. Those who arrested her matched her to the presence of the PrkOls. The PrkOls were the market adminstratiors.
The Prkyls at Elgbmekn market were Or0 and Egngr1n. Anytime she tried to explain herself and her condition, she would be slapped into silence. In the end, the Prkls confiscated the two live big-rats and ordered that she should be given a thorough beating. She was promptly
beaten until she fainted.
When she regained her consciousness, she wept back home. His baby asked her what went wrong and she explained to him. She also explained that she was not given the opportunity to explain herself. E)-Oturrt instructed her to bath him with the sponge that she had at home which she had been using a long time ago. She went to beg for soap and she used them to bath Et-Oturu. After this, E)-Otr ordered Altakn the Spider to line a thread from his mother's home to E)gbmgkn market. He held onto the rope and the Spider flew him to the market. He went straight to the Prkffs. He demanded to know why his mother was punished without her being given the chance to narrate her own side of the story.
The Parakoyis could not understand the impeftinence of a day-old babywho was asking them pointed questions. Being Egrlngun and Or0, coupled with the fact that this day-old baby was actually speaking, they had the feeling that they were dealing with an extra-ordinanry baby. They responded that they had no question to ask her mother since her mother deliberately planned to invite disaster into the land by bringing two live big-rats into the market. 'The beating she was given was merely a mild way of telling her never to do so again?' 'Do you know the condition under which she did it?', E;)-Otrrl demanded. 'We do not know and we are not interested in knowing it', the PrkOls responded. Are you now saying thatthere is no circumstance underwhich
862
li
oturupon uej
a person may do somethng that the society viewed strongly but which the person who did it might be judged with compassion?' E3)-Oturu asked. 'There is no such circumstance, as far as we are concerned', The Prkls responded. When El-Otrlrtt heard this, he ordered for three barrels of alcohol. He gave one to Egngn, one to Or and the third one for himself. He asked them to begin to drink so that they would know who would first get drunk and tired. The three of them commenced drinking. Before Egngn and Or could take one cup, E)-OtrrJ had finished two cups. Egngn and Or feltthat it would be a shame if the baby finished his own barrel of alcohol ahead of them. They therefore stafted to rush their own drinks.
Unknown to Egtlngrln and Or, as soon as they stafted drinking, EI-OIUrU had summoned the 401 lrnmglQ who used to move from heaven to eafth and the 200 lrnmglQ on the right, together with the 200 lrnmglQ on the Ieft to come and join him in drinking the alcohol. In the actual sense, Egngn and Or were competing with 801 IrnmglQ in drinking and not EJ|-Otr:rrt. Before long, both Egrlngn and Or got drunk, they vomitted everywhere in the market. In their unsteady steps, they broke many things and they fell on the 0r'i9a of the market which they were the custodians. A few moments later, both of them slept off in the open market. They woke up the next day.
When they woke up, E|-Otrtrrl said that they deficated the market and the Origa of the market. They would therefore be punished for that. They responded that it was due to the effect of alcohol that they consumed. EJIOturu said that nobody was interested in whatever they took since they did not give his own mother the opportunity to explain her own conditions too. He placed a curse on Egngn, saying that as from that day, he would no longer be and administrator of the market, but instead, he would be doing his things in secret and not in open place Iike a market. He also cursed Or0 that nobody would be seeing her in broad daylight again but in the dead of the night and he would never be part of the market administrator anymore.
As soon as E)-Otrtrrl said these, his curse were accepted and upheld by all the 801 IrUnmglQ present. 863
If says that care must be taken before the person for whom this Od is revealed passes any judgement. He/she must consider the circumstances under which such an event took place before passing his/her judgement. This is necessary so that he/she would avoid a
situation where he/she would invoke the wrath of the lrnmelQ on his/her head. IbbAwo Egngn lkokoAwo Oro
Gbangba I'Ogedengb il'pawo I'awo Il Qrunmll Dlfiln Ejl-Oturu Tl nt'Qrun bQw'lAy Sbg ni wqn nl k w 9e gb'$bo, o rq'bg KOp, Konna Sw b ni l'rggogun
Translation
Secrery isthe wayof Egngn Closelyguarded in darkness isthe practice of Or Openness is the way of Qrn mll These were lf's messages to E)-Oturu When coming from heaven to eath He was advised to offer qbg He complied Before long and nottoofar Join us where we are blessed with victory
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be victorious. His/her child shall fight for him/her and all those who had either cheated him/her or are creatng problems for him/her shall be stopped and
sanctioned.
14. If says that there are some people who are trying to frighten the
person for whom this Od is revealed. They were also telling him/her that he/she should not go out at a ceftain period because some people will accost him/her on the way and cause him/her bodily harm or dispossess him/her of his/her things. If says that nobody could do him/her any evil. He/she has the full protection of If. He/she
864
Ii
ot
rupon
u"j
needs to talk boldly and let everyone know that If is his/her pillar of suppoft. He/she needs to let the world know that he/she relies absolutely on If. By so doing, If says nobody would be able to cause him/her a ny ha rm whatsoever.
If advises this person to offer gbg with three matured he-goats and money. There is also the need for him to feed If with one matured she-goat. On this,If says: Ew igb nlf se onTyQ l'f0 Ewe gmi nfl se olore fttde
Dl fn Orrtnmll WQn nl kl Baba m rln'de Oru m Fbq nl wQn nl k w Se
Translation
The efferuescent nature of Igb leaves makes it impossible fo itto be used to wrap salt The nature of gmi leaves confuses those who want to give th leaves out to others to use in wrapping salt These were If's messagesto QrUnm)l When he was being frightened never to go out at night again He was advised to offer gbg
In Ado-Eldtl, Qrnmll was very successful. He had established-a thriving If practice. Apart from the fact that he was in high demand everywhere else, and because of the love he had for the people in this town, he had never contemplated moving to other lands to stay. He used to visit other places to help them but he would return to AdO-Ekiti. He was financially successful. Anytime he travelled to other lands, he used to return tdAdEldti very late at night. Before long, some people were not happy with his success. They began to hatch diabolical plans to dispossess him of his hard-earned wealth.
As this plan was going on, QrnmIl began to recieve information that he must be very careful because people were planning evil against him. After this, people began to warn him never to move at night because robbers planned to inflicton him bodily harm and dispossess him of his belongings.
When these information was becoming too incessant, Orrtnmll became

865
very apprehensive. He tried to investigate who were behind it all. He learnt that the names that those robbers were usng were Qk, Cobra; Sb, Black Snake; Er, Boa conscriptor; Paramqe, Rattle snake; and so When Qrrfnm)l could not fathom all these, he went for If
on.
consultation: Would he be able to overcome all these problems? During consultation, OtrpQn MT was revealed. If assured Qrnmll that he would surely overcome. He was advised never to enteftain any fear as all evil doers rely on fear of their victims as a weapon against these victims. He was advised to be bold and to talk in a manly manner. Qrunm)la was assured that If was solidly behind him. Qrtlnm)l was told never to forget that If is Leopard and Ikin, the Holy palm-kernel is Hyena. Leopards and hyenas had no fear for Cobras and Pythons.
After this, Qrnmll was advised to offer gbg as stated above. He complied. After this, he was full of determination never to give in to evil people. He spoke boldly and with full conviction that all evil doers were
bound to fail. This newly-found boldness created fear in the minds of all those planning evil against Qrnm)l and most of them ran away. Those who chose to confront him lived to regret their folly for the rest of their lives. Ew igb nllseon'lyQ l'f0 Ewegmi nffseoloretde DlfilnOrnmll WQn nl kl Baba m rln'de Oru mg If na nl rt'torl iklnni WQn nl nftorl Qmg Ol l'ru ni o
WQn nl Qk 9mq Ol l'ru ni o Agbdrl,9mq Ol l'ru ni o Ere, 9mg Ol l'ru ni o ParamQl, Qmg O| l'ru ni WQn nl H Baba gakaler gbg ni qlge
gbQ'bgr rrt'bg OrUnmll nl t b $e'p bl lge tOun b ni AyamQ'pe bllgetO'un b nio nl If ni Omlrn Ikin ni lkook pnlkan O le p kl Olrf gmg Ole m rln
866
i'l
oturupon uei
Translation
The efferuescent nature of Igb leaves makes it impossible for it to be used to wrap salt The nature of emi leaves confuses those who wantto give th leaves outto othersto use in wrapping salt These were lf's messages to Qrrlnm)l When he was frightened never to go out at night again If asked, 'because of what?' They responded that it was because of robbers at night They said that Qk, the Cobra He is a robber at night And theAgbdrl, the Blacksnake
He is a
robberat night
And Er, the Boa Conscriptor He is a robber at night And even ParamQlQ, the Rattle snake He is a robber at night Qrunmll was advised to offergbg He complied Qrnm)l declared that leftto him If is Omlran, the Leoparo Ikin, the Holy Palm-kernel, islkookO, the Hyena Nobody dares to stop the head of robbers from going ou anytime he likes
If says that nobody can stop the person for whom this Od is revealed from gong anywhere he/she likes. If people tried to stop him/her, they will failwoefully.
15. If says that there is the urgent need for two people to offer gbg
aganst the death of one of their male children each. Each of needs to offer the gbg with one matured he-goat and money. They will also add six bottles of palm-oil and 50 kolanuts each. On this,If says:
them
t.
Ijan bl ljan Ijan willkl D,l firn Ijl

Ttl ggmg Qdg
Fbqaik nlwQn nl
kSe
867
Translation
Ijan blljan ) Ijan wlllh ) names of Babalawo They cast If forljl
The offspring of Qdg, the Hunter He was advised to offer gbg against untimely death
Ijl went for If consultation in order to determine his success chances in life. He was told that he would succeed in life but he needs to urgently offer gbg against untimely death. Ijl saw no reason why he should offer that gbg. He refused to do it and also failed to inform his father, Qdg. ljan bl ljan Ijanwillkl Dl filn lygre
Tff ggmg Qrnmll fbq aik nl wgn nl k ge
Translation
Ijan UIjan Ijan wlllld HewastheAwo who cast If forlygre
The offspring of Qrnm)l He was advised to offer gbg against untimely death
Iygrg also went for If consultation. He met a young girl and it was love at first sight. He wanted to know whether their relationship would be successful before he informed his parents so that formal steps could be taken towards marriage. That was the reason why he went for If consultation.
The Awo assured him that the relationship would be very successful and would be blessed with children. He was told that he however needed to offer ebg against untimely death. He was very angry with the Babalwo who told him this. He refused to offer the gbg. He saw himself as very healthy and young. He also failed to inform his father, Qrnm'll.
A few days after
ths,ljl went to the forest for hunting. His arrow hit a buffalo. The buffallo fell. Unknown to l;ala , the Buffallo was not
868
lX
otu*pon u"j
completely dead by the time he came close to the animal. The buffallo sprang up and hit Ijl to death. At the last minutes of his life, remembered the advice of the Babalwo. He died, full fo regrets.
he
On the next day,Iygrq went to the riverside to look for some herbs. As he approached the river a hungry crocodile attacked him, and broke his neck. The crocodile was consuming his corpse when people came to fetch water in the river. They chased away the crocodile and brought the remaining part of his corpse back to the village.
When Qdg saw the corpse of his son Iala , he wept and wept. He warned not to weep again but rather to apply Qdg dirge to lament the demise of his son. From that day, the dirge of Qdg and all other hunters was called Ijl So instead of weeping when someone dear to them passed on, hunters would uselala to lament such member's death.
was
In the case of Qrrfnm)l, when he saw the remains of his son, he burst into tears. He was also warned never to weep when anyone died. Instead, he should use Ifa dirge to lament the passing away of any one close to From that day, all Awos use Iygrg to lament the death of anyone dear them. Ijan bl ljan
him. to
Ijanwillkl Dl fitn ljl

Tll +qmgQde A b fitn lyere Ttl qqmq Qrnmll Fbg alk ni wQn nl kl wqn w WQn kgtf Qgbgnyin Ijl Qdqw krt Qde rt sun ljala
sgbg
9e
IyQrQ kr
L'Awottsn'yere
IyQrQqkrln OlfQ L'Awo sun o
Translation
Ijan blljan Ijan wllild
(
869
lfa Dda: An invtation to lfa Consultaton
They cast If forljl The offspring of Qdg And also forlygrg The offspring of Qrnm'll They were advised to offer gbg against untimely deaths They refused to heed the advice I;ala, the offspring of Qde died Qde used dirgeto lamentljah Andlygrg, the offspring of Qrnmll died
All Awos present used dirge to lament the passing away of

all Awos
Iyere Iygre, the lamentation of OhlfQ was what
were chanting
If says that if a male child died where this Od is reveaed, the parents are not supposed to cry. Instead, they need to use Iata or Iygre or both to lamentthe passing awayof their beloved.
is a taboo for a Babalwo to cry when anyone Awo is expected to be chantinglygrg.
It
died. Instead of crying, the
16.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must give all those older or higher than him/her their due respect. This notwithstanding, he/she must never bow his/her head for anyone.
If also warns that the person must be far away from where he/she was born and must also maintain social distance from his/her blood
relations.
If says that he/she must never rely on any legary. He/she must
over any legary left behind by his/her parents.
never fight for it, he/she must never argue over it or be in contention
If he/she is
voluntarily given, he/she can accept it, but he/she must not go and fightfor or claim his/her own poftion of the legacy. This is in orderto prevent him/herfrom being killed oversuch legacy. If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. On this, If says:
870
ii
Oku k, ar Qrun sunkn OkUnrn gldlgbe nl b lrn tantan r'Qrun
Dl fin
oturupon uej
If
Translation
Tll ggmg olhun gbogbolgb lwasE fibq alk ni wgn nl kw 9e
When someone died, the inhabitants of heaven saw no reason to cry The infirm was going to heaven full of regrets These were lf's messages to!1, the Tempest The offspring of the owner of all things of the olden days. He was advised to offer gbg against untimely death
I,
the Tempest, was a child of Ay. His parents were the owners of all the things on eafth, without exception. I naO many brothers and sisters. All of them did not likelf because of his great potentials. All of them wanted him dead even when their parent were alive. They could not do him anything because they knew thattheir parents would never accept it. When their parents died however, they began to plan how to kill him. I too was not making matters easy for himself. He kept pestering his brothers and sisters to divide the belongings of their parents and hand his own share over to him. All his brothers and sisters did not want to give him any paft of the legacy. That was the more reason why they were planning his death. Convinced that his siblings were planning to cheat him, he went for If consultation.
The Awo toldIfi never to bow down to anyone or for any reason. He was also advised to move away from all his siblings because they were planning evil against him. The Awo told him never to rely on any legacy and must never fight over or for it. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above.
WhenIf, heard what the Awo said, he was totally convinced that his siblings were the ones using the Awo against him. He could not understand the reason why an Awo would advise him against pursuing what rightly belonged to him. He wondered why the Awo would be telling him to run away from his legary and allow those who did not love him to enjoy it. He
871
resolved within himself that he would fight for his own share of the legacy to the very end. He reasoned that he was not asking for more than his own share, then why should he run away?
He resolved that he would be giving all his siblings trouble everyday until they share the legary. That was exactly what he was doing. He reported his siblings to anyone who cared to listen. Before long, the matter of the
legacy became a major embarrassement to all his siblings. They then decided to look for an ingenious way of killing IJi without anyone suspecting anyform of fowlplay.
During one of their conspiracy deliberations, they discovered thatIfi must never bow his head for anyone or touch the ground with his head. If he did, they realised that he would die. That was when they resolved that part of his share of the legary would be placed on the ground for him to collect. They were convinced that if he attempted to pick them up on the ground, he would meet his death. All the conspirators were very happy that they discovered this way. In order to ensure that he died, they designated a place wherelfl would pick his own share, and they spread the place with lethal poison. As soon as they did this, they invited Ifl to come and pick his own share. Theyalso invited several eye witnesses. When he got there, they told him that his share had been set aside for him. They showed him where it was. As soon as he saw all the belongings his siblings gave him, he remembered the warning of the Babalwo that he should not bow his head down for anyone or anything under any circumstances. How would he collect his belongings if he did not bow down his head. Something told him that the warning of the Awo was part of the design to cheat him out of his share of the legacy. He moved close to his share. He bowed to pick one of them. In the presence of all the eye witnesses, he slumped and died. Like all those who failed to heed warning, he remembered shoftly before his death, that he had been warned.
When he died, all the people were asking each other what went wrong, that was when they were told thatlf had earlier been warned that the day he touched the ground with his head was the day he would die. When they heard this, nobody had pity for him. They saw him as someone who had chosen to trek the path of death; an untimely death for that matter.
872
Xi
Okr k, ar qrun O sunkrn OkrnrUn gldlgba nl blrn tantan r'qrun
oturupon uei
filnljl
Tff $gmg olhun gbogbolgbe f;bg alku ni wen nl k w 9e
lwse
kg'tlQgbgnyn s'bg Ero lpo, Ero Qfa Enyin O mq w|p ojq lil b f'orf ba'lQ ojq na nfi k ni?
Translation
When someone died, the inhabitants of heaven saw no reason
tocry
The infirm was going to heaven full of regrets These were Ifa's messagestol!, theTempest The offspring of the owner of all things of the olden days He was advised to offer gbg agains untimely death He refused to comply Travellers oflpo and Qfa lands Don'tyou knowthatthe daylfi touches his head on the ground Thatwas the day he would die?
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be allowed to die prematurely. He/she however needs to heed If's warning.
Abgru Aboy
873
B.
SrcNrFrcANCE OF oTRpQN MEJI FOR THOSE BORN By rHE OD DURTNG lrf lo OnlrgSf oAvE
It is an established fact that things normally work out for those born by this Od in a very easy way. The way they achieve greatness is almost
miraculous. Their movement from the base to the apex of life is slow and steady simple but sure. The main reason why their movement is simple is that the whole world usually takes a compassionate look at them. Their looks suggest the look of someone who is helpless, dull, unintelligent and sometimes foolish. They always give others the impression that they need help and if they are not helped, it is not good. Those who refuse to assist them will have it at the back of their minds that they lacked conscience.
That is why everyone usually fall over one another to ensure that Oturupgn Mfl children are assisted and pushed to the very top. This is also the major reason why these children must never prove to be more intelligent or smafter than others. They must be humble, levelheaded,
amiable and loveable at all times.
It
midst of their enemies. The enemies usually underestimate their

capabilities and intelligence. Because they looked vulnerable to all, they are usually looked down upon and undervalued as potentialenemies.
is also paft of this reason why QlggbQn
Meji children succeed in the
Oturupqn Mjl children
have that uncanny ability to escape any trap set
by others with which to catch them. Unfoftunately, for OtUrUpgn Mfl children, their own blood relations cannot be excluded from those who had vowed and are planning to ensure that they see their downfull. They are unhappythatthey are succeeding where they are expected to failwoefully. In spit of this however, QlggbQn Mil children must show love to all. They must never harbour any ill-feeling toward anyone. They must have that understanding and love which are lacking in their enemies. They must also eschew bitterness against anyone. The unfoftunate paft for their enemies is that whether they love it not, Otrpqn Mil children will surely succeed.
As a result of the nature of Otrtrpqn Mejl children, people usually think that they can easily be misled. This cannot be fafther from the truth. It is
874
Ii
oturupon uej
very dffcult for people to mislead Oturupon Meji children. Conversely, it is not advisable for them to mislead others. If they plan to do so, they will be disgraced. Anyone who plans to mislead them will equally be disgraced. They do not need to run away from those who plan to lead them astray, they only need to ignore them whenever they come with their dubious advices.
With the problem of bad advisers and those who lead others astray, Oturupgn Mil children do not thrive well living alone or working on their own. They are naturally group people. They need to, and must be in the midst of people and participate fully in the activities of the group. Oturupqn Mjl however do not need to share their minds with those they do not trust. In one word, OturUpqn Mjl children's way of living alone is
by living in one room with several people and sharing their minds with none of them. This however does not suggest that they cannot seek assistance from others if they need their help.
Ejl Oturpqn male children are not always so lucky in their choice of
spouse. Their women are pleasure to relatives and friend, but pain to their husbands. This is the reason why comprehensive investigations must be made before finally settling down for any woman,
In all, the children born by Oturupqn child shall grow up to become assets to them. They shall help them to remove their pains and sufferings in life. Theyshallalso punish thosewho had made life miserable.
AFFILIATED IRNM9LF/ORIS OF OTRPQru MEJI
If
EgU
foroverallsuccess,guidance,victoryand accomplishment
and accomplishment for support, guidance and victory
Orl for support
Qdar Qqun for child-bearing and upbringing
and ancestral harmony Egrlngttn for family stability and ancestral harmony 9ya for child-bearing and upbringing Ogn for victory Qsanyin for accomplishment consummation 875
Or for family stability
10. Ibeji for childbearng and upbringing
D. TABOOS OF oTRPQN MEJI 1. Must know show that he/she is never than others-to avoid self inflicted pains and sufferings 2. Must not eat snails to avoid unconsummated fortunes 3. Must not bowing his/her head to anyone to avoid sudden death 4. Must never struggle for legacy or inheritance propefties to avoid conspirary and untimely death 5. Must not use Alapadede bat to avoid trouble with ancestors 6. Must not kill or eat any of the monkey family to avoid still-birth or infeftile moftality 7. Must never be envious of other people's achievements avoid disgrace and humiliation 8. Must never pay back evil with evil to avoid breeding evil for
himself/herself
E. POSSIBLE NAMES OF OTRPOIU MEJI CHILDREN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Males
Awgbeyln
Ifpgrg Ifkred
Ikumapayl
Gbogbolohun
If brings comfoft If brings Iretoour home Awo outlives them all May death spare this Allthingshavetheirsignlficance
Females
1. QydolU Qya becomes the head 2. TiflggbQn If belongs wisdom 3. Qmggbyr One's child enhances one's title and honour 4. Gbogbolohun All things have their significance 5. Morgnike I have someone to pamper
Abgru Abgy.
876
Chapter 13
OTRA MEI
ll llil
tl
tt
ChapterThifteen
OIRAT{EI
A.
1.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed beyond his/her wildest dream. If says that he/she shall be blessed with all the good things of life.
If says that when the person for whom this Od is revealed was coming from heaven, he/she asked for, and was given, all the Ire in life. Not only this, as he/she was asking for each of the Ire, he/she was being prayed for and blessed by all the divinities present at that time. For this reason, If says that he/she shall lack nothing in life.
If also says that as a result of the blessing of the divinities, his/her sojourn in life shall be rewarding and interesting, while his/her return to heaven shall be great and fulfilled.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with hnro pigeons, two hens, two roosters, hnro guinea fowls, two ducks and money. He/She is also advised to serye If with hro rats, two fish, one hen and one matured she-goat. On these, Otr-M'isays:
Ogblgbo Babawo nfl jl, nll fgwqt'gpqn If Ogblgbo Onlfegn nll jl, nff fgwq tg sJgldt l'y ogblgbo oloog nff jl, nff fgwq b'le sl'hlln Ml fgwq b'ala s'Qhn-n Alumg krbte, Awo il Agbonnlgn Dl fitn Ornmll Baba rlt'Qrun bq w'l Ay Fbg niwqn n| k w ge
Translation
A versatile Babalwo is he who wakes up and imprints on QpQn If, If tray A veteran, Offggn, herbalist is he who wakes up and presses $digl,
878
ll
ura Meii
moulded image (of medicines) in the chest A great Origa -worshiper is he who wakes up and adorned himself with white dresses AlmQ krbte, the residentAwo of Agbgnnlregrln He was the Awo who cast If for QrUnmIl When coming from Qrun, Heaven to Ay, Earth He wasadvised to offer gbg
Qrrlnmll had made sveral trips to ea.th before this particular trip. He had been present when the world was to be designed in order for it to be a conducive place for the habitation of living beings. Qrtlnm'll was present and he participated in the design. When living bengs were to be created and settled on eafth, Qrrlnmll was part of the InlnmglQ whom Oldmar gave the assignmentto. When En)yn (principalities) were to be created and settled on eafth, Qrnmll was present and he participated in the creation and settlement. When Enlyn were removed on planet earth to be replaced with En'lyn, Human beings, QrUnm)la was also part of the lrnmglQ that Oldmar assigned to perform the task. When the earth began to flourish, Qrnm)f was also assigned to oversee the program. Part of his duties was to come to eafth on a regular basis in order to make a first-hand assessment of the progress therein. Qrnmll had performed excellently in all these assignments and Oldmar was highly impressed with him. When Qrnm)l planned to visit Ay, eafth on this occasion he went to the group of Awo mentioned above in orderto determine how his sojourn on eafth would be on thatoccasion.
The Awo assured him that he would succeed in his assignment because he had been excellent in the peformance of all the previous assignments given to him by Oldmar. All he needed to do was to offer gbg as prescrbed above. QrUnmlla complied. After this, he moved to the home of Ajal-Mgpf n, the custodian of destiny, in orderto choose his destiny. While there, he stated thus: Emi y l'w Kl n t wa
l',
wQ nl'l ay
Translation
I will be very wealthy on eafth Before I return to heaven
As soon as he mentioned this, all the Divinities present replied;
Alrtmgkrbte Alqq rgydra Abq q rqysunwQn AlrmOkrbte

879
Translation
AlUmg krbte, please record t Your going (into the world) shall be successful And your return (to heaven) shall be rewarding Alumg krbte, please record it
Alumg krbtewasthe name of the residentAwo of Qrnm)l who performed the gbg for him in heaven. The Divinities were calling him as witness so that all these blessings could be recorded forQrunmll. Afterthis, Qrr:nm'll declared again:
Emi y l'ya-m'ya nl'l ay Kl ntw
Translation
I will have a good spouse in the world
Before I return to heaven

Divin ties responded thus:
Alrtmgkrebte Alq q rey dra AbqqrgyosunwQn Alumgkrbte

Translation
Alumg krbte, please record thistoo Your going shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alumg krbte, please record thistoo
This was how Qrnmll asked for, and received, allthe Ire in life. He was also blessed by the Divinities. When he arrived on eafth, he was blessed with financial wealth, good spouse, well-behaved children, comfortable home, houses, peace of mind, sound health, victory over all seen and unseen adversities, long life and boundless happiness and contentment.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not only be blessed with all the Ire of life; he/she shall also be blessed by the Divinities. All these are not by accident. It is because he/she had worked forthese blessings in his/herformer life.
Ogblgb Babalwo nff jl, nff f'gwQ t'opqn If Ogblgbo Onl$grtn nff jl, nfl f o, wQ t9 sJgldl l'y Ogblgbo OlOOg nll jl, ntlfgwq b'ela sl'hffn Ml fowO b'ala s'hn-rln
880
ll,
AlumQ krbte, Awo ile Agbonnlrgn
aur" u"
DlfilnOrunmll
Ogbeboro rubo Emi y l'w I'QwQ nl'l ay KI n t w AhmOkrbte Alqq reydra AbQ q rgysunwQn Alumokrbte Emi y l'ya-m'ya nl'l ay Kl n tO w Alrtmgkrbte Alqq reydra Abqq rgyosunwqn Ahmqkrbte Emi y kole mole nl'l ay Kl n t w Alumqkrbte
Baba t'Qrun bQ w'l Aye Fbq ni wqn nl k w Fe
Alqqreydra AbqqrgyosunwQn Alumqkrbte Emi y gbo gbo gbo nl'l ay

Kl n t w
Alumg krbte
Alqqrgydra
Abqq rgyosunwEn Alumokrbte Emi yo nire gbogbo nl'l ay
Kl
ntw
Alumgkrebte
Alqercydra AbqqrcyosunwQn
Ahmqkrebte Translation
versatile Babalwo is he who wakes up and imprints on Qpgn If, If tray A veteran, Orfgegun, herbalist is he who wakes up and presses $digl, moulded image (of medicines) in the chest A great Origa -worshiper is he who wakes up and adorned himself with white dresses
A
881
Ifa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultaon
AlUmg krbte, the residentAwo of Agbgnn)rgrfn Alumq krbte, the residentAwo of AgbQnnlregn He was theAwowho cast If for Ornmll When coming from Qrun, Heaven to Ay, Earth He was advised to offer ebq
He complied I will be very wealthy on eafth Before I return to heaven AlUmg krbte, please record this Your going into the world shall be successful And your return to heaven shall be rewarding Alumq krbte, please record it I will have a good spouse on eafth Before I return Alumg krbte Your going shall be successful And yourreturn shall be rewarding Alumg krbte I shall build many houses on eafth Before I return Alr:mg krbte Your going shall be successful And yourreturn shall be rewarding Alumg krbte I shall become old and feeble on earth Before I return Alumg krbte Yourgoing shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alumg krbte I shall have all Ire on earth Before I return AlUmg krbte, please record this Yourgoing shall be successful And your return shall be rewarding Alumg krebte
If this Od is revealed during ItEtoOu or Ikgsgday, it means that the person has the potentialto be great in life. He/She had already received the blessings of the Divinities
together with the splendid destiny he/she had chosen in heaven. With appropriate gbg as stated above, he/she will be able to fulfill his/her dreams in life. He/She needs to be reminded that he/she has all these Ire in life, because he/she had done very well in hs/her previous life, and for that reason he/she has been commensurately
882
ll
Otura Meii
compensated. If this Od is revealed during routne consultation, it means that the person for whom this Od is revealed has done very well and the Divinities had sent their blessings. He/She needs to continue doing well so that he/she wll realize is destiny and enjoy his/her life to the fullest.
On the other hand, if this Od is revealed when someone died and If was cast for the dead person, If says that the dead person is already in Qgba lter, the Garden of Halcyon, where he/she is being blessed and praised for doing well whib on earth. He/She has received a high grade from the Divinities. He/She had done well on eafth and he/she is being rewarded with comfoftand blessing in heaven.
2.
If says that it foresees all Ire of life for the person for whom this Od
is
revealed. If says that the Ire that this person will be blessed with will be so astoundng that all others around him/her will be using his/her success as reference point. Others will be praying to Oldmar, IrnmglQ, Oilg, Egngn, Or0 and other Divinities to bless them with the type of the Ire he/she has been blessed with. If adds that the person for whom this Od is revealed will be the center of all eyes and attention; consequent upon this he/she cannot afford to misbehave or engage in any form of anti-social behaviour. If advises this person to offergbg with 16 pigeons and money. On this,If says: Akala lpapo nll fgse mjeejl gb-kolo-ml gb-kolo-ml Dl fn wgn ar Odelhehrljg fibg lre gbogbo ni wgn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
Akab, the Hoopoe, oflppo land is it that uses its two legs to pick food for consumption This was lf's message to the inhabitants oflhehjg When they were advised to offer gbg for all Ire to be theirs
The inhabitants of Ihehjq land were very hardworking and enterprising. They took their business seriously and they trained their children to do the same. The elders made it clear to all inhabitants of this land that without hardwork, there could not be success. Before long, all the inhabitants of Ihehrljg accepted this fact and they all worked toward it.
One day, they decided to go to Akah Ipapo, a prominent Babalwo of their time in order to determine their success chances n life. Some of them were looking for financial success; some were looking for compatible spouses; some, good and lovely
children; some were looking for honour that would be commensurate with their
883
contrbuton to the community's progress; some of them were praying for sound health because they knew that they had toiled and over-stressed themselves in their pursuit of peace, progress and happiness for their society; many of them also prayed for long life in order to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Would they all be able to achieve all what were in their minds which broughtthem to the home of the Babalwo? During consultation, Otrlr-M) was revealed. The Awo assured them that they would achieve all their heaft's desires. Not only this, all the other Ire which they did not ask for shall be added onto whatthey demanded for both individually and collectively. The Awo advised the inhabitants of Ihehje land to offer gbg for all Ire in were advised to offer 16 pigeon and money as ebe. They complied.
life. They
Before long, those looking for financial success were able to get it, and in addition, they got good spouses, lovely children, good homes, and long life in addition. Those looking for good spouses got them and wealth, lovely childrcn, good and comfoftable homes and long life were added onto them as bonuses. Those craving for honour got honour while recognition and financial success, good spouses, lovely children, long life, joy and sound health were added for them, this was the way all the inhabitants of lhehje became blessed will all Ire in life. When all the neighbouring communities saw the progress made by the inhabitants of Ihehrljg land, they began to pray to Oldmar, Egtlngrln, Oga, Or, [gbQ and all other Divinities to please give them the type of blessi n g s w h ieh I hehj g i nhabita nts were enjoyr ng.
Akela lpap nll fgs mjefi gb-kolo-ml gb-kolo-ml Dlfiln wgn ar Odelhehrtjg f;bg lre gbogbo ni wqn nl kl wqn w ge WQn gb'bg, wQn r'bg N l'w l'QwQ Bl ara Odelhehrtjq
Akalalpapode Ar Odelhehrtjq
N
l'ya rere Bl ara Odelhehujg
Akehlpapd Ar Odelhehrljq
N bl'mo rere Bl ara Ode Ihehrljq
Akalelpapd Ara Odelhehrtjg

N
kq'l mQ'l
Odelhehjg Akalalpapode
Bl ara
884
ii
ura Meji
Ar Odelhehrlje
j'ogb-j'atQ Odelhehrljg Akalalpapod Ar Odelhehrljg N n'lregbogbol'y Bl ar Odelhehrljq Akalalpapode AraOdelhehrtjg

N
Bl ar
Translation
Akalalpap s itwho uses itstwo legsto pickfood forconsumption This was If's message for the inhabitants oflhehrljg land When they were advised to offer gbg for all Ire in life to be theirs Theycomplied I will be blessed with financialsuccess Like the inhabitants oflhehrrjg land Here comes Atalalpap the great The inhabitant oflhehje land I shallbe blessed with good spouse Like the inhabitants oflhehrljg land Here comes Akalalpap the great The inhabitant oflhehrrjg hnd I shall be blessed with lovely children Like the inhabitants oflhehrljg land Here comesAkahlpap the great The inhabitant oflhehjg land I shallbe blessed with comfoftable home Like the inhabitants oflhehrljg land Here comes Aklalpap the great The inhabitant oflhehjg land I shall be blessed will longevity Like the inhabitants oflhehrrjg land Here comes Akalalpap the great The inhabitant oflhehrljg land I shall be blessed willall Ire in life Like the inhabitants oflhehjg land Here comes Akablpap the great The inhabitant oflhehrfjg land If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she will lack nothing in life. He/She however needs to remember that to which much is given much is expected. He/She must be of exemplary character at all times. He/She must be a shining example
885
to all others he/she must be hardworking, straight fonnrard, fonruard-looking,

progressive and accommodating, he/she must have the fear of Oldmar, IrnmolQ, Or'ig, Egrlngrln, Or0, pgbg and all other Divinities at the back of his/her mind at all times. He/she must think no evil; speak no evil and do no evil at all times. Doing this, all the Ire in life which he /she never asked for shall be given onto him/her as bonus. Remember, the bonus of Oldmar and all other Divinities is sweeter, cooler and more rewarding than all other benefits of life. Consequently, it is the responsibility of all OtUraMeT children to seek and work for the bonus of Oldmar and the Divinities.
3.
If says that it foresees the Ire of financial success for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she shall be very wealthy in lfe, Not only ths, his/her wealth shall make him/her very popular and his/her popularity shall spread farand wide.
If advises this person to offer gbg with two totoises and money. By so doing, If assures him/her that his/her financial success shall have no bound.
On this, If says:
Pre ni Ot'nilse t,| fn Ot fbg gle ni wn nl k w ge
Translation Pre ni0t'n'fs

wastheAwo whocastlf forOtU Who was advised to offer fbg of prosperity
He
Otrl was an inhabitant oflpapo to his duties.
town.
He was very
hardworking. He was also dedicated
One day, Otu went to the home of Pre ff to ffi s, a prominent Babalwo in Ippo land at that time. He wanted to know how prosperous he would be in life. Would he be very rich? Would people respect him as a result of his prosperity? Would he be given honour and recognition? These and many more were the questions Otrl asked when he went for If consultation in the home of the Babalwo.
The Babalwo assured him that he would not only be prosperous but he would have respect, recognition and honour. People would also love him if he was humble with his wealth, he was assured. He was advised to offer gbg with two toftoise and money. He complied. Before long, his business boomed. He was having more sales in his cloth-selling business. People were looking for him from far and near to come and sell for them.
886
ll
awa ue
Because he was very jovial with all the people, he was loved and respected; people were surprised that with all his wealth, he was never proud or arrogant to anyone. reputation and popularity spread like wild fire. Many who had never set their eyes on him knew so much about him. Those who did not know would ask those who knew; 'who is this Otrl that everyone was talking about'? And they would be told that; it was the Otrl who offered two toftoises as gbq who became very wealthy' before long, everyone knew him as'trJ to r'hun mT'. This became a pun on the word'OtrM)'.
His
Tlyr'hun mji Tly lyqbeygbq bl oba grk$ fbg nl wqn nl kw ge

gb'gbo, o rrt'bg Otu wo le per Otr to rahun mjl T lyebe,yebg bl gba Qreke
O
Pre ni t'nils Dl fn ot
Erolpo, EroQfa Fw b nl nf jQbtlt ajsunrusu

Jebtt aj sunrusu lr
QPQ
nl fQ i
Translation
Pre ni t'nifs He wastheAwo who cast If
forOtu
Who shall offertwo tortoises as gbg And who shall be as successful as the Qba of prosperity himself Which Otu areyou referring to? The same Otrt who offered two toftoises as gbg Who became as successful as the Qba of prosperity himself? Travelers tolpo and Qfa towns Join us in the midstof prosperitY Prosperity is the gain given to If adherent by
If.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be very wealthy. He/she shall be honoured and recognized. He/she shall be loved by all, f he/she is humble and respectful to others.
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is a favourite of

Oldmar. He/She had done well before and he/she shall be compensated with financial success. He/She shall not toil too hard before attaining financial success. If says that as long as he/she shows humility, love for self and
others,
887
hard work, respect for and fear of Oldmar and other Divinities, his/her
success is guaranteed. If advises him/her to offer qbg with
two sheep and money.
On this If says:
QlQbQnhn-bgnhn nll fapa mjjl d gb$du qrun Dl fin Alk, gmg Oldmar f bg aj nl wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
QlQbQnhn-bgnhn, the beetle is it that uses its two arms to produce sound likegbQdu drums This was the lf's message for Auke bird, the child of Oldmar She was advised to offergbg
Alk bird was considered the child of Oldmar because of the love that Oldmar had for the bird. Alk on the other hand had the fear and respect for Olodmar and other Divinities on her mind. She worked hard without ever complaining. She struggled to succeed atalltimes.
One day, she went to the home of the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation: Would she be blessed wth financial success in her life? That was the major question occupying her mind. The Awo assured her that she would succeed in her life. She was told that she would be blessed with financial success beyond her dreams. She was told to continue to work hard and have the fear of Oldmar in her mind.
She was also told to respect and love others as she would wish to be loved and respected. The Awo then advised her to offer gbg as prescribed above. With allthese recommendations, Alk complied. Before long, Aluke aftained financialsuccess. She was hailed by everyone. She was very happy. She lived the rest of her life in opulence and splendour.
QlQbQnhn-bgnhn ntl fapa mjeefl d gbedu Qrun Dl filn Alk, gmg olodmar FbqAje nl wQn nl kw ge gb'$bo, rbg Alote m m d o, Qmq Oldmar lyin o mq p ar Aj l s kiri?
Translation
QlQbQnhn-bgnhn is gbQdu drums
it that uses its two arms to produce sound like
888
li
aura uei
This was the lf's message forAlke, the child of Oldmar She was advised to offer Shecomplied, Here comesf;luke, the child of Oldmar Don't you know that all our struggles are for us to attain financial success?
gbg
If says thatthe person forwhom this Od is revealed shall attain financial success even beyond his/her dreams, This success will make him/her happy and contented.
5.
If says that this person would be blessed with many fitowers. He/She shall be made a leader and all his/her followers shall honour and respect him/her. following him/hershall even speakwellof him/her behind his/her
back.
Those
i \'
In the home of the person for whom this Od is revealed, there must be food and drinK at all times. Anytime people visit hs/her home, there must be food to eat and drinks to consume. By so doing, he/she will be loved and respected by all his/her supporters. The action will also bring him/her more followers. He/she also needs to be generous with other gifts. He/she must assist these followers financially, spritually, socially and even administratively. Anytime they approach him/her for their genuine need, he/she also needs to help within his/her
capability.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer fibg with two pigeons, two guinea fowls, two hens, two roosters, two ducks and
money, There must also be food and drinks for consumption. On all these, a stanza n Otura M) says:
Tl99in b jl $gin a m'woQn kt-kt-kt fin O$ruo, gmg Tahg Ebeqpqnlyn niwqn nl kwge
Translation
When the horse wakes up Its hooves will make imprints on the ground everywher itgoes This was lf's message for Ogubdo the child of Tahg He was advised to offer qbg for him to be blessed with many Followers Ogubdo was one of the children of TahQ. On the other hand, Tahg was a prominent personality in Ipp town. He was very popular everywhere in Ipapo and its environment, OqubUdo took after his father. He was also popular. He was jovial and very lively. He loved all, irrespective of the person's social or economic status. He
was
889
alsovery humble.
One day Ogubud went for If consultation: Would he have as many followers as his had? Would he be loved and adored as his father was? All these and many more were the questions which Ogr:bUdo tried to seek answers to. During consultation, Otr MJ| was revealed.
father? Would he command the type of influence and respect that his father
The Awo assured him that his influence, love, respect, followership and adoration would be greater than those of his father. He was advised to be generous to all. He was also told never to allow his home to be without food and drink for people to consume. The Awo encouraged him to ensure that everywhere he went; he tried to leave a mark for people to remember. He told him that anytime a horse woke up, it hooves would leave its imprints on the ground for people who were very obseruant to see that the horse had passed through that path recently. The Awo also encouraged OgrtbUdo to offer fibg as prescribed above. After the pbg, he was advised to feast everyone around him with food and drink. He complied with allthe advices of theAwo. Soon after this, all the inhabitants of Ipp knew that there was no time anyone would visit Ogbd without getting something to eat and drink. They began to praise him for this. They said that if you went to Ogubdo the son of Tahg in tears, he would wipe off yourtears and replacethem with smiles. As he was doing this, Oldmar and the Inlnmgl were blessngs him with more. He regained all what he gave out in several folds. The people's love, respect, adoration, and acceptance, for him also increase in several folds. He soon became the man of the people, the personality of the moment. Ogubdo lived and died a happy, contented man.
TI99in b jl Esin a m'wo Qn kt-ktO-kt Dl fitn grtbUdO, gmg Tahg Ebq qpq enlyan ni wqn nl k w 9e Ko a maa toju alejo daadaa gt'qbo, r'bg je o, tl | tn nl'le Ogubde Qmq Tahg Ogbrldo o d o, gmg Tahg
Translation
When the horse wakes up His hooves will make imprints on the ground everywhere it goes
890
This was lf's message to Ogrtbdo, the son of He was advised to offer ebq for him to be blessed with many followers And for him totreatvisitors and strangers well and with couftesy
He complied
rahg
l'l' o'o
"'
Behold, there can never be scarcity of drink in the home of OgUbUdo, the child of Taho Here comes Ogubudo, the influential child of Tahg
If says that the influence, honour, adoration, love and respect which people have for the person for whom this Od is revealed shall never diminish. He/She only needs to be humble, respectful, jovial, generous, hardworking and God-fearing. He/She also needs to wipe off the tears of those who genuinely cry to him/her. If he/she gives out one thing to those who genuinely need it, Oldmare wll replace it wth 10. If he/she assists those who genuinely need his/her assistance, Oldmar will stabilize his/her life and home. If he/she makes people happy, Oldmar will make him/her contented and happy. That is the message of lf's for the person for whom Otura-Met is revealed.
6.
If says that it foresees the Ire for a good loving and lovely spouse forthe person for whom this Od is revealed. If a man, he will be blessed with a good, and loving and lovelywoman. If a woman, she willbe blessed with a good, loving and responsible man. Ifa advises the man to offer gbg with two hens, two rats, two fish and money, for a woman, If advises her to offer gbg with two roosters, two rats, two fish and money. On this If says:
Sn kgrq Gb kere Dl filn slbate Tl rr lqqgbgsQnTyw Ebg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
To drag the legs
gently And movethe legs majestically This was lf's message to Sklbt, the Sandal When going to take fisg the foot as his wife He was advised to offer gbg
Slbata, the Sandal, was convinced that something was missing in his life. He knew that he could not exhibit his full potential in life without a paftner. He therefore wanted a paftner very badly. One day, he met psg the Foot and nobody told him before he knew that they were both meant for each other. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that fsq was meant for him and him for Fsg. He made up his
891
mind to tell her that he was in love with her. Before doing so however, he decided to consult If,in orderto find outwhatthe future had in stockforthem.
On the other hand, fsg, the Foot knew that she could not continue living alone all her life. She wanted someone who would treat her well and take proper care of her. The
day that she met Slbata, she was convinced that she had found her future paftner. She dreamt of Shlbt all night and she prayed for him to come and talk to her about marriage. She knew she could not call him by herself as it would be very indecorous for herto do so.
She prayed everyday for Sltlbt to come into her life.
One day, Slbata went to the Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation: Would he be the right person for fsg? Would he be able to take good care of her? Would the two of them be together for the rest of their lives? As he was in love with her, was she also in love with him? Would she reciprocate all his love, care and attention? Above all,
were they really meant for each other physically, socially, and even spiritually? These were the question occupying his mind when he went for If consultation. During consu ltation, Ot r-M) was revea led.
The Awo assured Slbah that the answers to his entire question were in the affirmative. He was urged to go ahead with the process as he would be happy and fulfilled in the end. He was also advised to offer gbg as stated above. He complied.
When he got home, he informed his people that he had found a woman of his dream. The family employed the seruices of Alarena and it was found out that fsg came from a good lineage. They made formal proposition for the hand of Fse in marriage. Her family responded favourably and the wedding date was flxed. It was a grand occasion. Ever since the day of marriage one cannot find fsg without Slbata and vice versa. They stayed together all the time. ShJbt protected his woman to the end of his life. Theirs was a happy, fruitful and rewarding relationship.
Sn kgre Gba kgrg
Dlfitn Slbata
Tl lg r9b fsQ nTyw Sbg ni wQn nl k w qe
gb'$bg r'bg Kopkjlnn
I w b ni b'yQ, e w wo're o
892
Translation
the legs gently And movethe legs majestically This was lf's message to Sh1bta When going to take fsQ as his wife He was advised to offer fibg He complied Before long not too far Come and join us in the midstof marital bliss.
To drag
il
**"
r",
If's says that the couple who are about to get married are compatible and they will live happily for the rest of their lives. If encourage the couple to think beyond relationship as they are meant for each other.
casual
7.
If says that a lot of goodness is awaiting the person for whom this Od is revealed outside his/her community. If assures this person that this Ire will be greater than anything he/she had ever seen or had before throughout his/her lifetime.
If however warn him/her not to adveftise himself/herself when this Ire If says that if he/she announces him/herself too much on this all his/her adversaries will gang up to run him/her down and bring him/her to the ground
level.
arrives.
If says that the Ire is coming from the very business that this person is doing presently. He/She must not change his/her line of business because that is where the Ire that If refers to is coming from.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with pigeons, two roosterc and money, On this If says
Qpeerea ble0l'y Awo Gbl l dl fin Gbh Gbl lg s'oko lerO I'Qdn lbg ni wgn nl k w ge
ilro
t
Translation
Qpgere a bilQ l'y He was theAwo who cast If forGbhJ When going forthe annual planting season He was advised to offer
ebg
(,
893
lfa Dda: An invitaton to lfa Consultaon
Gbhl was a farmer. His crops the previous year was a total failure. He could not explain why, but all the crops he planted the previous year did not do well. He lost heavily. Out of frustration and disappointment he was contemplating going into other lines of business.
As a result of bad harvest the previous year, he owed many people a lot of money. This
was why he went to his Awo to find out if he needed to continue farming or to change into other line of business. He felt that farmng was a very risky business. He had concluded within himself that he was going to follow whatever If asked him to do. When If was consulted, Otura-tUe'twas revealed.
If assured Gbl that he would succeed on a ground scale that year. He was told not to change his business and that the success was comng from the business he was doing. The Awo told him that farming would benefit him that year. He was advised to concentrate on yam planting. He was also told not to sell his yam at all. He was asked to turn everything into Elbq, Yam-flour and keep it. The Awo told him that it was through the sale of the yam flour that his success would come. GbhJ was however warned neverto adveftise himself when this success comes.
Gbl was advised to offer gbg with hro also told to feed EgU Odara with one big the recommendations of the Babalwo.
pigeons, two cocks and
cockand palm-oil.
money. He was GbhJ complied with all
That year, Gbhl had a very bountiful haruest. He refused to sell his yams. He and his family were busy drying the yams and converting them into yam flour, Elb, when all other farmers were selling theirs. Soon after this, rain stopped to fall. There was famine. The farms went dry; the remaining crops in the farms were destroyed. There was shoftage of food. People rushed to GblJ to sell Elb to them. Gbl was not in a hurry to do so. The people came back begging, Gbhl was not ready, and they multiplied the price on their own, just for them to have food in their homes. Gbl was not read. By the time he agreed to sell, the price of his ElUb had been increased in several folds. Gbl became an instant successful man. People envied his foresight. There was nothing he wanted that he could notget. One day, Gbh1 looked at his environment and realized that there was nobody in the community whose success was near his own. He decided to sing in appreciation of what Oldmar had done for him. He concluded that this miracle in his life must be appreciated and the only way to do this was to let the world know that he was not an ungrateful person. He therefore began to sing thus:
Baba ad'Qd, If gba w o Baba ad'd o
894
l,l, otura uei
Aganwew, Awo a l'tlro Baba ad'ede,If gba w o!
Translation
Father of miracles, If please come to my aid Father of miracles
Aganwewe, who adds beautiful plumes to the body of Atiro bird Father of miracles, please come to my aid! Gbhi was singing and dancing about in true appreciation of what Oldmar had done for him. He said that AtiOro, bird had four different colours in the plumes of its body.
But for these gifts from Oldmar, this bird would have been just like any other ordinary bird. He compared himself with this bird because itwas Oldmar who gave him good harvest and foresight and that if not so, he too would have been struggling for food like all other citizens.
When allthose who envied his success heard this however, they considered Gbl to be proud and arrogant. They said that he was making jest of them because of their
misfortune. Allofthemgangedupandvowedtoteachhimalessonhewouldnotforget in a hurry. Part of the plan was to set his home ablaze, to ruin his farm and beat him and his family up severely. If any or all of them died in the process, they concluded, it would serue them right. They fixed the time to execute their plan for five days time.
As soon as these conspirators concluded their plan, E9 Qdara approached Gbh1 and rebuked him for failing to listen to the advice given him by his Awo. He informed Gbl that his song had put him in danger because all his enemies were planning to ruin him. E9 advised him to change the song forthwith. Eg taught him another song that he should begin to sing immediately. Eg made it clear to Gbhl that because Gbhl gave him a cock when he offered gbg, he Eg could not allow Gbh1's enemies to ruin him because the gesture of Gbhi had made Gbl hisfriend. Eg promised to be by Gblrr to the end. GbltJ thanked him and began tosing the new song thus:
Qmg-snda,If gb w oO 9mq sande B'lk b rtg'ke T'rn ho'kn l'de 9mq snd, If gba w o Translation
The protector, If please comes to our rescue The protector If death plans to eliminate us
895
And Ailmentvows to inflict us The protector, If please comes to our rescue He sang and danced to all the corners of the community. The conspirators heard him loud and clear. None of them could make any sense of this new song. Egu Qdara went to meet the conspirators where they were deliberating on their next line of action. He told them that Gbl had been informed of their plan by one of them and that Gbl had
gone to repoft them at the appropriate quarters. If they should do anything bad to Gbl, Es warned them, all of them would be apprehended because all their names had been mentioned by the traitor. When they heard this, mutual suspicions crept in. They could no longer trust each other. They scattered in utter confusion.
Gbh1 and his
family lived to enjoy their wealth and new status for the rest of their lives.
Qpeera bi lQ l'y Awo Gbh l dl firn Gbh Gbl lg s'ko ler l'qdn fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
gb'$borr'bg
Nje Baba ad'Qdr If gba w o O Baba ad'd o Aganwew, Awo a l'tlOro Baba ad'Qd,If gbaw o! Qmg-snda,If gba w oo gmg sanda
B'lk big'k T'rn n hg'kn l'de gmgsnd,If gbe w o
Translation
Qpeere a bi lQ l'y The Awo who cast If for Gbhj When going forthe annual planting season He was advised to offer ebq Hecompfied Now, father of miracles, If please come to my aid Father of miracles Aga nwewe, who adds bea utifu I pl u mes to the body of Atioro bird Father of miracles, please come to my aid The protector,If please cometo our rescue The protector If Death plans to elimnate us And Ailmentvowsto inflict us
896
l,l, o*o r",
The protector, please come to our rescue
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall enjoy the fruit of his/her labour. Even though he/she is being trailed by conspirators, he/she will nonetheless be able to overcome them. There is the need for him/her to be reticent however.
8.
If says that one of the major weaknesses of the person for whom this Od is revealed is that he/she is too flippant. If says that he/she usually find it difficult to keep his/her mouth shut on many issues. If however advises this person to cultivate the habit of being reticent as failure to do so will bring terrible misfoftune to him/her.
If says that if this person achieved anything in life, there is the need for him/her to keep quiet and enjoy his/her achievement quietly so that envious people will not plan against him/her and destroy all what he/she had achieved.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with one hegoat and money. He/she also needs to feed the Elders of the Night with all the internal organ of that he-goat. On this, a stanza in Otrlra-M) says:
AyQQrQgnu
AyqQroenu $bltl gnu n Ot'se Dlfitn Orof Tl yoo bf 'mg mejl Tt y nl'l ohun ti kn go$q $bg ni wQn nl k w ge
Translation
Flippanttalks
Unguarded speeches There is nobody that the trap set by the mouth cannot catch These were lf's declarations to Orof Who gave bith to two children And declared that her home was filled to the brim She was advised to offergbg
Orofwasverysad woman. Allhercontemporaries had become proud mothers. Orof had no child of her own. She wept everyday. Did it mean that she would live and die a barren woman? What would she do to have her own children? That was the reason why she went for If consultation. During this session, OtUra-Me) was revealed.
897
The Awo assured Orofo that she would beget her own children whether or not she offered gbg. She was however advised to offer gbg against broadcasting the babies to the world in order to avoid a situation where these babies would be exposed to danger as a result of her flippant talks. When Orof heard this, she was very angry with the Babalwo. She believed that the Awo was just looking for ways of taking her materials and money. She was convinced that if she was able to have babies she would surely know how to take proper care of them. So, of what use would the gbg be? She queried, consequently, Orof refused to offer gbg as prescribed,
afterthis, Orof laid two eggs and hatch the two. She became a proud mother of two babes. She was very happy. Anytime she was invited to any event, she would make sure that she arrived there late. If she was asked why she was late, she would respond that she was taking care of the two babies. She would make it clear to them how difficult it was to nurse a baby, talk less of two at the same time. She would conclude her explanation by saying that her home was filled up to the brim as a result of the arrival of these babies. At a stage, Orof formed a mautra for herself. All day long, she would be chanting 'Il kun sgsg' (my home is filled to the brim) repeatedly.
Soon One day, people called each other together. They said that there was the need for them to go to Orof house and capture her and all her children who filled her home to the brim
for food. They sad that how could they be feeling hungry when Orofo's home was over populated. They set a date to go and do this work. On the appointed day, they wentto
rof'shomeveryearlyinthemornng. TheykilledOrofandhertwochildrenforfood.
When they discovered that only three of them were in the home, they said that, had they known that they were only three living together, they would not have bothered themselves coming for 0r0f and her children in the first place. That was how Orf used her mouth to settrap for herself and she fell into the trap by herself.
Ayqorqenu
AyQQrQgnq
gnu niOt'sQ Dlfitn OrofO Tl y bl'mg mejl Tl y nl'l Ohun ti kn gqgq Sbq ni wqn nl k w Qe kg'tl Qgbgnyin se'bg fnu Orf nff porf lnu OrOfO nff pOrOfO Translation
lbltl
Flippanttalks
898
li
Otun Meii
Unguarded speeches There is nobody that the trap set by the mouth cannot catch These were If's declarationsto OrOfO Who gave bidh to two children And declared that her home was filled to the brim She was advised to offer ebe She refused to comply The Flippanttalker had killed herself Unguarded talker had dug grave for herself
If says that he will not allow the flippant talk of the woman for whom this Od
revealed to kill herself. All she needs to do is offer gbg and guard her speeches.
9.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is presently facing the opposition of those who are his/her blood relations. If says that there are three of them who are planning evil against him/her. They are doing this as a result of envy and frustration. They never knew that he/she could succeed to the level that he/she presently is. They could not match his/her level of success and this
made them envious and it also frustrates them,
If says that this person must take immediate steps to stop the plan of these
envious relatives. Their plans would ruin everything that he/she had achieved throughout his/her life if he/she allows them to be carried out. He/she must not claim his/her rights. He/she must pretend to be a fool even if he/she knows all the evil intentions of these relatives. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed still needs to assist these relatives in all ways within his/her capability. He/she must not avoid them or give them social distance. If says that they will still be of assistanceto him/her in future.
If advises this person to offer gbg with three cocks, three bottles of palmoil and money. After this, he/she needs to give the Elders of the Night one kt, giant rat, feed Eg with one giant rat and appease Qbalrtway with one giant rat. It is after doing all these that the evil plans of these relatives can be stopped and neutralized. On these, If says: Ar iwjrt, wgn b Er,yln, wgn odrtrd B O b b ar iwjrt Er Qyln le dr de I)l filn Qbalway t'grun bQw'y fbg ni wn nl k w 9e
t
899
Translation
The travellers n front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were lf's declarations to Qbalway When comng from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer ebo
When Qbalway was coming into the world in one of his numerous trips to eath, Oldmar summoned him to His presence. Oldmar told Qbalway that He wanted to put Qbaluway in charge of financial success, Aj, for human beings. If anyone was looking for money, he/she needed to approach Qbalway who would then give the person.
Qbalway responded that he was not interested in being the custodian of wealth; rather, he would prefer to be given the power to drain the wealth of those who had it if and when the need to do so arose. The requestof Qbalway was granted.
Ar iwjrl, wgn o b ErO yln, wgn O drlr d B o b b ar iwjrt EroQyln ledd Dl fitn Egu Qdara T rtt'Qrun bqw'y fibg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannotcatch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were lf's declarationsto EgU Qdara When coming from heaven to earth He was advised to offer gbg
In the case of
Egu Qdara, the original intention of Oldmar was to make him responsible for giving people compatible spouses. If anyone needed a spouse, the person would simplyapproach EgU Qdara and he/shewould begiven.
When Oldmar told him this, E9 Qdara responded that he was not interested in being saddled with the responsibility of giving people spouses. He said that he would rather prefer to separate the couples who must be separated if and when the need arose. He
900
ll, o*o r", put give powerto him the begged Oldmar to a wedge between couples if such need arose and not to bring couples together. His wish was
granted.
Ara iwajurwon b ErO eyn, wgn O dr d B O b b ar iwjrl ErO e, yln e drr de Dlfirn Iy mi Ogorog
Tt'Qrun bQw'aye Ebq ni wqn nl k w $e
Translation
front you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those n front One needsto waitforthose behind
The travellers in
These were If's decla rations to Iy-m i-OgOrOg When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer gbg
As
for lya-mi-OgOr0g, the Witch, Oldmar planned to put her in charge of blessing people with babies, If anyone was looking for the blessing of the fruit of the womb, the person only needed to approach ly-mi-OgorOnga and it would be given to the
person.
When Oldmar told her that she would be in charge of giving people children, she responded that she was not interested in doing this. She said that she would rather prefer to snatch away the children from those who already had them if and when the need arose to do so, She begged Oldmar to give her the power to be able to do so. Her request was granted.
Ara iwjrl, won O b ErO gyln, wgn drlr d B O b ba ar ErOQyln l drtrd Dl filn Qrrtnmll T rtt'Qrun bQw'y Ebq ni wQn nl k w Se
iwjrt
Translation
The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those
behind
901
These were If's declarations to Qrunm'll
When coming from heaven to eadh He was advised to offerebo
The original intention of Oldmar was to put Qrrlnm'll in charge of blessing people with longevity. If anyone wished to live long, the person needed to approach Qrrf nm'll and he would ensure thatthe person lived long. When Oldmar told him that he would be put in charge of making people live long, Qrunmll responded that the wealth which Qbalway rejected; and the spouse which Egu Qdara refused to accept; and the children which Iya-mi-OgOrOg did not want; should be given to him in addition to the longevity that Oldmar originally planned to give him, His requestwas granted by Oldmar.
Moments afterthis, the four of them left heaven to eah. The four
close to each other.
oitl'r"r
were living
When Qbaltlway, Egu Odara and ly-mi-Ogorog rejected the offer made to them by Oldmar, they had no idea about how life on eafth would be. When they arrived on eafth, feeding became a problem for them. They had no paftners and they were not blessed with children. On the other hand, Qnfnmll was blessed with wealth, many wives and children. Before long, envy crept in. The three others became envious of all the achievements of Qrr:nmll. They were also frustrated that these offers were earlier made to them but they were the ones who rejected them. One day, the three of them gathered together to lament their ordeal on eafth. They concluded that they must summon Qrrlnmll to their presence and accuse him of insensitivity to their plight. They were convinced that QrUnm)h had no right to enjoy when they were suffering; he had no rightto have several spouses when they had none; and he had no businessto give bifth to many chldren when they had none.
When they sent for QrUnmIl, the day was an Ojg-Awo when no serious Awo was expected to leave home for anywhere. They told him to come and see them on that day. Qrnmll sent back to them that, as they were aware, that there was an OjQ-Awo and the next day was AdabQ. It was not advisable for hm to leave his home on that day. He promised to come and see them after Adabq.
As soon as Qrunmll's message was relayed
tothem, theyconcluded thatQrnm)l was too full of himself. They accused him of being arrogant proud and inconsiderate. For all these, he must be taught a bitter lesson. Qbalway vowed that he would drain all the wealth that QrUnmlla had acquired which was making him arrogant to them. ESU Qdara said that he would ensure that all his wives left him in no time and he would stop being
902
ll oro r", proud to them. Iya-mi-Ogoronga vowed that she would kill and consume all the children that he had who were making him inconsiderate. They all planned to begin these tasks in three days'time.
Meanwhile, on the same night, Qrunmll had a terrible dream. He summoned his Awo for If consultation. During this session, Otr-M'l was revealed.
The Awo told Qrrtnm)l that there existed the quarrel and conspiracy of those of the same blood with him. The Awo explained to him that his three siblings were angry with him for all his achievements on earth. Qbalway was not happy that QrUnm'll was blessed with financial success and not he; Egu Qdara was sad that Qrunmll was blessed with many spouses and not he; while lya-mi-OgOrOg was unhappy that QrUnmIl was blessed with many children and not her. The Awo stated further that the three of them planned to ensure that he lost everything that he had ever aquired in his life and that they were going to commence their evil plans in justtwo days'time.
The Awo advised Qn:nm'lla to offer gbg with three roosters immediately. Qrunm'll complied. After this, the Awo told him to fill a basket with money and head for Qbalway's house to present it to him as gift. He was not to behave like he knew that Qbaltlway was planning any evil against him. He was only to mention that he sensed that Qbalway was not happy with him. After this, he was to fill another basket with money, add one of his wives to it and present it to Egu-Qdr as gift. He was to fill a third basket with money, add one of his children to it and present it to ly-mi-Ogoronga as his gift to her. He must never let any of them know that he was already aware of their evil
plans against him. The next day, very early in the morning, QrUnmIl carried a basket filled with money and went to Qbalway's home. When he got there, he saw Qbalwaye on a tattered mat looking very dejected, As soon as QbalUwaye saw him, Qnlnm'll shouted anIyQrQ song, saying:
Gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tlrg ni g Gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tlrg ni Bb o! Abl owotl mo nl o l t blnu sl? Gbogbo ow mo nl o, tlre ni o
Translation
Allthe moneyl have belong toyou Allthe money belong toyou
Bb Olode o! (Another name of Qbalway) Is it because of my wealth that you are angry All the money belong to you
903
When Qrrlnm)l entered the house, he prostrated to Qbalway. He told him that when he thought about the economic situation in the land, he felt that there was the need for him to assst Qbahlway so as to avoid a situation where Qbalway would be stressing
himselftoohardbeforehecouldfeed. Thatwaswhyhehadbroughtthemoneyforhim to spend in feeding himself. The money was the biggest Qbalway had ever set his eyes upon throughout his stay on eafth. QrrJnm'll assured him that the money was for him alone and that many more would be coming on a regular basis as from that time hencefoth.
When gbahlway saw what Qrrlnmll had done, he became confused. How could he drain the money from a brother who had promised to extend paft of his wealth to him regularly without prompting him to do so? There and then, Qbalway vowed never to have a hand in the destruction of Qrnmll. He told Qrrlnmll that as from that day hencefofth, nobody could spoil his things again. Qbalway vowed that anyone who planned to ruin Qrnm)l had him (Qbahlway) to contend with. Qrrlnmll thanked him profusely and returned to his home. Next, he filled another basket with money. He called Agbr his wife. He explained to Agbr that as from that day, she was going to become the wife of Eg Qdara. He explained that Egu Qdara needed a paftner who would take care of him and bear children for him. Since Agbr had just arrived in Qrr:nmll's home, she had never slept with Qrunmll, she had no child for Qnfnmll, she would be better off as EgU Qdara's wife. Qrnm)l promised her that she would be well taken care of by EgU Qdara. After long discussions, Agbr agreed to become the wife of EgU Qdara. Her parents were informed accordingly. Qrrrnm'ila then carried the basket filled with money and he proceeded to E9 Qdara's hometogetherwith Agbr.
When they gotthere, Qrnm'll shouted thelyrQ song, saying
Gbogbo aya tl mo nl ortlrq nio Gbogbo ayatl mo nlortlrq ni Lah o! Abl ayatl mo nl o lo n blnu s{? Gbogbo aya tf mo nl o, tlrg ni o
Translation
All the spouses that I have belong to you All the spouses belong to you Lal O ! (that is a praise name for EgU) Is it because of my spouses that you are angry All the spouses belong to you
904
ll,
**"
r",
QrUnm)l explained to EgU that it would not be a nice thing for people to see E9 going to the market, cooking for himself, washing his clothes, sweeping the house all by himself when all these could be done for him if he had a wife of his own. For this reason, he, Qrrfnmll had brought Agbr to be Eg's wife. He could send her to the market; she would cook food for him; she would sweep and tidy up the house; she would wash his dirty dresses; and take proper care of him. Not only this, he had also brought money to Egu Qdara so thatfeeding and spending would not be a problem. When Egu Qdara saw the basketfilled with money, hewasdelighted. Heasked Qrrfnmll totell him how many people the money was meant for. He was told that the money belong to him (Eg Qdara) alone.
When Qrnmll said this, EgU Qdara began to think: how could someone do this and yet be destroyed? Eg thought that it would be unfair for him to pafticipate in the destruction of Qrnmll. He therefore declared to Qrnm)l that as from that day, nobody would be able to ruin his things in this world. Anybody who planned to do so would have him, EgU Qdara to contend with. Qrunm'il thanked him and returned home. Finally, Qrunmll went tolymis home. He filled the third basket with money and took him. When he gotthere, he shouted hislyQrQ as before saying:
one of his children with
Gbogbogmgtl mo nlortlrg ni o Gbogbo gmg tl mo nl o, tlrg ni Iy o! Abl qmgtl mo nl o lo rl bln sl? Gbogboqmqtl mo nl ortlrg ni o Translation
All the children I have belong to you
Allthe children belong toyou Iya ol Is it because of my children that you are angry All the children belong to you
Qrnmll told lymi that the situation in the land prompted him to brng one of his daughters to her to help her in her daily chores. He said that it would not be proper for her to be doing everything all by herself when he had daughters who could be of help to her. He said that he had brought her money for her to spend on feeding and other necessarythings,
When Iya-mi-OgrOr1g heard that the money belonged to her alone, she was very happy. She then told QrUnmIl that they had earlier planned to discipline him but now that he had remembered her, she would not participate in his downfall. Qrnmll thanked herand leftfor his home.
905
As soon as he
Iya-mi-gorOga began to think. She was convinced that either Eg or Qbahlway had leaked their secretto Qrnmll. She said that as a woman, she was the one people would be suspecting of leaking their secret and now it was a man who did it. After much deliberation, she concluded that it must be Obahlwaye who revealed their secretto Ornmll. Meanwhile, Qbahtway was totally convinced that it must be Egu-Qdara who told Qntnm'll their plans whle Egu-Qdara suspected lya-mi-OgOrOg of revealing their secrets to Orrinmll.
left,
this reason, Iya-mi-Ogrg summoned an urgent meeting. When the three of them arrived at the meeting venue, they accused each other of revealing their secrets to Qrrfnmll. After much arguments however, they realized that lfa must have told Qrnmll all their plans against him. They then concluded that it would be wise for them to formally forgive Qrrlnmll. They then sent a message to Qntnm)l to come and seethem.
For
When Qrnm'll arrived, they told him that they had called him in order for them to formally declare to him that they held no grudge against him anymore. For this, he thanked them. They told him to go and procure three Okete, giant rats, one for each of them. They asked him to put each one in a separate container for each of them and for him to present it to them that day. Qrtlnm)l left to go and look for the rats. When he got the rats, he prepared them as he had been instructed. He returned to meet them where they were. When he got there, he faced Qbalway first and he chantedlyQr, sayng:
9qnpQnn gb'Okt e Kl o m p'yn oO Gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tllg ni Bb Olde gb'Okt o Kl o m p'yn Gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o
Translation
$QnpQnn , please take okete , the big rat Do nottake human beings All my money belong to you Bab Olde, please take Okete Do nottake human life
All my money belong toyou

As soon as he said this, Qbalway accepted the offering and everything was settled.
906
ll, o*o r",

Next, Qrrlnmll faced EgU Qdara, and chanted the samelyQr, saying:
gb'Okete e Kl o m p'yn o o Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni

Egrt
Lalgb'Okto Kl o m p'yn Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o Translation

Eg, please take Okete
Do nottake human life
All mywives belong toyou 'Lal, please take Okete Do nottake human life All mywives belong toyou
Eg accepted the offering from Qrunmll and all the problems with EgU was formally resolved. Lastly, Qrrlnm'lla faced Iya-mi-OgOrOg and chanted the samelyQrg, saying
Iya migb'okte
l(I o m p'yn o Gbogbo gmg tt mo nl o, tlrg ni OgdrOg gb'kto Kl o m p'yn Gbogbo qmg tf mo nl o, tlrq ni o
Translation
Iya-mi, please take Okete Do nottake human life
All my children belong to you Ogrg, please take Okete Do nottake human life All my children belong to you
Iya-mi-OgOrg also accepted the Okete from Qrunmll and all her grudges against Qrun m'il were formal ly resolved.
Ara iwju, wgn O b ErO ,yln, wgn O dr d B O b b ara iwjrt
907
t'qrun bqw'y $bg ni wqn nl k w 9e Ar iwj, wgn b

n
Ero,yln la drde Dl filn Qbalwaye
,ylnrwgn odrlrod B O b b ar iwjrl ErOQyln l durod D,l filn EgU Qdara Tt'Orun bQw'y lbg ni wqn nl k w Se Ar iwjrl, wgn O b ErO,ylnrwgn Odrde B ob b ar iwju ErQyln | drde Dl filn ly mi OgOrOrrga Trtt'Qrun bQw'y lbg ni wQn nl k w ge Ar iwjrl, wgn O b ErO,ylnrwgn drrod B O b b ar iwj Eroyln l drtrd
ErO
Dlfitn Qrnmll Trtt'Qrun bQw'y Fbq ni wqn nl kw Se Qrnmll nlkan nl bg l, yln tO nqebq WQn dl aytn Qrnmll nlkan ldgni apsln Awgn mqta t k w pete-pro Wqn nl wgn y batirq jq lbg ni wqn nf k w $e WQn nllja gmgly d gbbg, rbg Njg gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tlrg ni g Gbogbo ow tl mo nl o, tlrg ni Bab Olode! Abl ow tl mo nl o lo blnu sl? Gbogbo 9mq tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni
Lel o! Abl aya tf mo nl o lO blnrf sf? Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o
908
ll,
Gbogbo gme tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o Gbogbo qmg t{ mo nl o, tlre, ni Iya o! Abl gmg tl mo nf o lo rt blnu sl? Gbogbogmgtl mo nl ortlrg ni o $QnpQnn gb'Okte Kf o m p'yn o O Gbogbo owtl mo nl o, tlrg ni Bab Olde gb'Okt o
aur" u.i
Klom p'yn Gbogboowtl mo nl o, tlrq nio Egu gb'okte

Kl o m p'yn o O Gbogbo aya tl mo nl o, tlrg ni Ll gb'kto Kl o m p'yn Gbogboaya tl mo nl ortirq nio
lya migb'Okte Kf om p'ynoO Gbogbo emg tl mo nl o, tlrg ni

OggrOnga gb'Okt o
Klom p'yn Gbogbo gmq tl mo nl o, tlrg ni o Translation

The travellers in front, you could not catch up with
Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were If's declarations to Qbalwaye When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg Thetravellers in front, you could notcatch upwith Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were lf's declarations to Eg Qdara When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offerqbg The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind
909
These were lf's declarations to ly-mi-Ogrng When coming from heaven to eafth She was advised to offer ebe The travellers in front, you could not catch up with Those behind, you refused to waitfor If one cannot catch up with those in front One needs to wait for those behind These were If's declarations to Qrnmll When coming from heaven to eath He was advised to offer gbg Only Qnlnm)l complied with the advice of the Babalawo When theygotto eafth OnlyQrnmll was living in comfort The other three conspired And planned to ruin all he had in life He was advised to offer gbg He was told that it was the evil plan of hs siblings He complied by offering the gbg Now, all the money I have belong to you All my money belong to you Bb Oldeo ! Is it because I am rich thatyou are angry? All my money belong to you All the wives I have belong to you All my wives belong to you 'Lal 0!! Is itfor mywivesthatyou are angry? All mywives belong toyou All the children I beget belong to you All mychildren belong toyou
Iy!
Is it for my children that you are angry? All my children belong to you Now, SQnpQnna takeOfete Do nottake human life All my moneybelong toyou Bab Olde, please take Okete Do nottake human life All my moneybelong toyou Es, please take Okete Do nottake human life All mywives belong toyou Lal please take Okete
910
*,1
o*o r",
{
And spare human life All my wives belong to Iy-m, please take Okete Do nottake human life Allthe children I have belong toyou 0gOrOrlg please take kete And spare human life All my children belong to you
you
It is clear from this Od why and how Qrnm)l became the mouth piece of Divinities. As a matter of fact, Qrnm'll was and still is the mouth piece for IrnmglQ, Og, Egrfngrln, Or0 and so on. Qrunmll is he who looks for food for them. During consultation, the Awo will ask first what the gbg materials would be. After this, enquiries would be made on what any or all of these IrrlnmolQ, Ofig, Egngrf n, Or, is Qrunmlla, through Egb, Iya-Mi-OgorOnga and so on would BabalwoAyrrtf who announces what all these Divnities would take for them to get food.
If
take. It
10.
If warns that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never go into joint business with anyone. He/she must never join any thrift establishment or engage in joint financial contribution. It is not in his/her interest and outcome will never be favourable to him/her. This person can save money in the bank or any other financial institution but not with any cooperatives society. He/she will only be duped.
the his/her
If advises this person to offer ebg with one matured he-goat and money. After this, he/she needs to feed If with a hen or she-goat, two rats and hro
fish.
On this, a stanza in OtUra-M) says:
di gqwglq diqekun Ill firn Orrnmll Nljqtl Ohun ati Qknknlnlrn lrrnmgle jq djq fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
di99w9l9 dsekrln They were the Awo who cast If for QrUnmIl When he and the remaining 400 lrnmQle $arted a contribution He was advised to offer
joint monetary
ebg
911
In their periodic meetings, the 401 lrnmglQ came up wth an idea thatthey could start a cooperatve socety where they would be contributing money, either in cash or in kind. If the money was contributed at this meeting, it would be handed over to one of them to staft a business with. Atthe next meeting, the money would be contributed and handed over to another IrnmglQ to staft busness. This was the way they would rotate it round the whole of them and they would all have enough money to embark on viable business ventures. All the lrnmglQ present at the meeting welcomed the idea. They decided that they would commence the contribution with 2,500 cowries per lrr1nmglQ, per meeting. This translated to one million cowries even if the recipient of the money did not put his own money into it. This meeting took place every five days. This meant that it would take about 57 lunar months for it to go round all the lrnmglQ.
They concluded that Qgun would take first, followed by ESU Qdara, gbatl, Ogr:n, $ng, while Qrrlnmll would take last. They all agreed, and allof them considered the deliberation as one of the most fruitful they had ever had in recent years. After this, all the lrnmglQ wentto theirvarious homes.
When Qrnmll got home, he summoned his group of Awo who were actually his former students for If consultation: Would this decision of the lrnmglQ be as rewarding as it appeared? Would it benefit the lrunmglQ as planned? During consultation, Otur-M) wasrevealed.
The Awo told Qrunmll that the move would benefit all the IrnmglQ except Qrnm)l himself. They told him that his destiny did not support going into joint venture or joint financial contribution with others. He was advised to offer ebo as stated above. After this, he was urged to withdraw from the contribution. Qrnmll complied with the advice and offered the gbg. He however found it impossible to withdraw because he did not want to be seen as the one who spoilt the plan of all the Irnmgle. He was convinced that should he withdraw, his action would have a bandwagon effect, and the contribution would collapse, He continued with them allthe same. When they commenced, the first contribution was handed over to Q$un. When she got home, she stafted her business venture. She took paft of the money to procure a big pig and hen to propitiate her Oke-Ipf . The next meeting day, the moneywas given to Qbatl. He stafted his own business, and he took paft of the money to buy 16 snails and shea butter to feed his Oke-Ipof Ogun fed his own Oke-Ipof with a male dog and commenced his business. Sang fed his Oke-IpOf with a ram and started his business. Onga-Oto fed his Oke-Ipo with a ram cooked in Fgrll, melon soup and added pounded yam to it before starting his business. Qbahlway fed his Oke-IpOf with yam pottage and fried shrimps and washed everything down with freshly tapped palm-wine. That was how all the Irnmgle were doing whenever they received their
912
l,l, uura uei
contributons. Their busnesses flourished.

At last it was the turn of Qntnmll to collect his own contributio. That day, none of the IrnmglQ came for the meeting. He waited and waited. When he did not see them he went home. He sent his children to the lrnmglQ to bring him his own contribution. They only sent him excuses. That was hoW QrUnmll lost one millio cowries which he contributed for over 57 lunar months. When he remembered the message of Tf, he was not totally surprised. He was only praising his group of Awo that they had earlier warned him against it.
di 99w919
diqekun DlfnQrrlnmlld T'Ohun ti Qkanknlnfrn IntnmglQ jq rtdjq lbg ni wqn nl k w $e jqQgun j'glgdQtn
pada s',yln
di g-ewglg
digQkrln
gbath je'gblntn
pad s',yln
di qewele
dsetrn
Ogrtn j'aa tan pada s',yln di 99w9lq ai ggt<rtn
$ngj'gbOtn pada s'gyln di 99wgl9 digQkrtn Qbalway j'fl kln pada s'yln di 99w919 digqkun ErolporroQfa lni gb'Qbg nlbQ kwaa 9'gbgo Translation
di99w9l9
d sekun
They were the Awo who castlf forQrUnmll
When he and the remaining 400 IrnmglQ started a joint monetary
913
lfa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
contribution
He was advised to offer ebo AfterQgun consumed a big pig She retreated
Allhailgewqle
And praise gQkn After the consumption of snails by Qbatl He retreated
Allhail$ewele
And praise gQkn
Aftertheconsumption of a dog Ogrln also retreated All hailSewele

And praise 9Qkn $ngconsumed a big ram And retreated
Allhail$ewele
And praise gekn Qbalwaye consumed yam pottage And retreated
Allhail$ewele
And praise gQkn Travellerstolpo and Ofa towns Please advise those who were told to offer ebo to do so
If says that it is not in the interest of the person for whom this Od is revealed to participate in any joint contribution. If he/she had already joined, he/she needs to withdrawforthwith.
11.
If says that it foresees the Ire of long life for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that he/she had chosen all the Ire in life when he/she was coming from heaven. However, he/she is a prominent member of the Fgb, in
heaven.
As he/she is impoftant and popular here on eafth, so also he/she is impoftant and popular in heaven. If says that his/her $gb in heaven are already impatient and they are calling him/her to come and join them over there. For this reason, If says that there is the urgent need for him/her to send an ArokO, symbolic message, to heaven to tell his/her Fgb that he/she had not finished all his/her assignments here on earth and that the Sgb need to exercise more patience for him/her to finish what he/she had come into the world to do before
914
il o*o r",
they ask him/her to return to them. This is very impoftant in order to prevent him/her from sudden death. The sudden death being referred to here is not as a result of the evil plans of enemies or complications of the Elders of the Night.
If says that there is the need for this person to offer ebg with one matured hegoat and money. After this, he/she needs to procure all fruits available at that time, two rats, two fish, one pigeon, one guinea fowl, one rooster/hen. (Depending on the sexof the percon forwhom this Od is revealed) hryo
of his/her dresses that he/she had used very well, and another hegoat. The heads of the rats, fish, birds and beasts will be put in a sack together
with the fruits and dresses; they would be tied and taken to the forest or riverside. This person will then be saying that he/she needed to receive his/her blessings of prosperity, spouse, children, means of transpoftation, propefties and so on, before he/she could return to heaven. He/she will then place the sack down and turn back. He/she must not look back until he/she arrives at his/her home or the home of the Babalwo orlynlf who peformed this ritual for him/her, On all these, a stanza in Otura-vfl says:
Ajenje nl'rgrln, egbgrg nl'd f)|afUnOrnmll If t'Qrun bQw'y fbg ni wqn nl k w ge Translation
Ajenje nl'rgn, ggbgrg nf 'd He wastheAwo who cast If for Qrnmll When coming from heaven to eafth He was advised to offer gbg When he was in heaven, Qrnmll was a prominent leader among his fgb He was respected and adored. While he was among his fgb in heaven, there was no crisis because he was always applying his wisdom and understanding to administer their affairs. When it was time for him to come to eafth, the figb accepted this fact reluctantly. They made it clear to him that they could not afford his staying too long on earth. They urged him to make his sojourn on eafth very short and snappy. Because of this, Qrnmll went to Ajenje-nl'rgn-ggborg-ff'd, one of his numerous students in heaven for If consultation. During this session, OtUra-Me) was revealed. Ajenje-n1'regUn-ggbgrg-nf'd, told Qrnm'il that he had already been blessed with all Ire in life and he is duty bound to achieve all of them before he should contemplate returning to heaven. He was told to offer gbg as prescribed above. The Awo however told him thata time would comewhen his fgbg would be asking him to return to heaven urgently. He was however not to do so until he accomplished all his assignments on eafth. Instead, he was to send Arok to his [gbQ so that he would have ample time to
915
finish his assignments on earth. Qrnmll was taught how to prepare the ArokO.
Shorthly after this, he left heaven for eafth.
it difficult to administer their affairs as effectively as Qrnmll used to do when he was with them. The situation was not going as smoothly as they would have loved. Much as they tried, they could not find any meaningful solution to many of their problems. They were all convinced and concerned thatthe situation was notthat bad when QrUnm'll was with them in heaven. Tired of all these problems, they met and concluded that Qnfnmll should be summoned back to heaven to come and take overthe administration of the affairs of his Fgb. This time, it was not yet up to 10 years that QrUnm'll left heaven for eafth. They began to summon him repeatedly. They appeared to him in his dreams, he saw them in the corners of his room in flashes, he knew about them in all the If that he cast for himself and others. That was when he knew that there was the need for him to send the Arok0 to his Fgb so that he could accomplish his mission on eafth.
While on earth, his f;gbQ in heaven found
He procured all the materials he needed for gbg and the preparation of the Arok and called another student of his here on eafth to help him prepare He offered the gbg and instructed the Awo on whatto do aboutthe preparation of the ArokO.
it.
While they were doing these, his [gbQ in heaven sent delegates to him in order to bring him to heaven on that day. In heaven however, a big reception was prepared for his arrival. That was the only topic for discussion among all members of the Fgb in heaven atthattime. They were allfull of expectations.
As soon as Qrrlnm)l and his Awo completed the ArokO, the delegates arrived. The delegates asked Qn:nmlla to follow them to heaven. They explained to him that all his [gbQ were anxiously awaiting his arrival because they all missed his unequalled administrative capability. Instead of following the delegates, Qrrlnmll handed the ArokO to them and was singing thus:
l'w l'w nll Ay kl n t w O Egbqrq nl'd Ajenje nl'rgn egbgre nl'd N l'ya-m'ya nl'lAy kl n t w O Egbqrq nl'd Ajenje nl'rgn egbgrg nl'd N bl'mg-l'mg nl'lAy kl n t w Egberq nl'd Ajenje nl'rgn egbgrg nf 'd N kq'rc-mq'l nl'l Ay kl n t w O Egbgrq nf'd Ajenje nl'rgn ggbgrg nf 'd
N
916
il,
N
otuo u"i
Ajenje nl'rgn egbqrq nl'd N j'ogb-j'atQ nf'lAy kl ntw Egbgrg nl'd Ajenje nl'rgrln egbgrg nl'd N nlregbogbo nl'lAy kl ntOw Egbgrq nl'd Ajenje nl'rgn ggbqrq nl'd
Fgbqrqnl'do
l'$gin-m'e$n nl'l Ay kl
t w o
i
Translation
I will receive my blessing of wealth before I Egbgrg ff'd, I praise you Ajenje nf'rgn ggbgrg nf'd I will claim my blessing of a good spouse before I return Fgbqrg ff'de, Ajenje ff'rgn ggbgrg nl'd I will receive my blessing of good children before I return Egbqrq nf'de, Ajenje n1'rgiln ggbgrg ff'd I will accept my blessing of strong horses before I return Fgbqrg Ajenje ff'rgn ggbgrg I will claim my blessing of comfoftable home before I return Egbqrg ff'de, Ajenje ff'rgt1n ggbgrg ff'd I will receive my blessing of long life before I return Fgbqrq rf'd, Ajenje ff'rgn ggbgrg ff'd
return
ff'de,
rf'd
The delegates could make no meaning of the contents of the Arok0 and the song he was
singing. They begged him to explain the meaning to them. Qrrlnmll removed the
head of the pigeon and told them that it represented financial success. He said that needed to succeed before he could return to heaven. He showed them the head of a hen and said that it represented a good spouse. He explained that he must be blessed with a good spouse before he could return to heaven. He brought out the heads of the rat and fish; he explained that they represented children. He made it abundantly clear that he could not come to heaven until he had children who would carry on for him when he decided to return to heaven. He brought out the head of a guinea fowl and told them that it represented peace and comfoft. He explained that he would not return to heaven until he is comfortable. He brought out all the fruits and told them that they represented sweetness and happiness. He said that without these, he could not return to heaven. He showed them all the contents in the bag of ArokO and explained what they
he
all
917
represented. He promised that as soon as he acquired all the good thngs of life, he
would return to heaven.
When the delegates heard these statements, they were very sad and disappointed that it was obvious that Qrunmll was not prepared or ready to return to heaven at that point in time but they recognized the fact that he needed to accomplish his mission on eafth before returning to heaven. They accepted the ArokO from him and asked him how soon he would return to heaven; instead of giving a definite response, he only said, 'very soon', They could not understand that. They again asked him to tellthem how long it would take him to return to heaven. His response again was, 'very long'. After much deliberation, the delegates returned to heaven together with the Arok, minus Qrrfnm)l.
After this incident, Qrrlnmll lived on eath for several years and achieved all the Ire that he had chosen in heaven before he finally returned to heaven to meet his [gbg. He was given a rousing welcomewhen hefinallyarrived in heaven.
Ajenje nl'rgn, egbgre nl'd
firnOrgnmlla
Bab t'Qrun bQw'y pbg ni wqn nl k w ge
gb'gbgrr'bg N l'w l'w nllAy kl n tw o Fgberq nl'd Ajenje nl'rgn egbgrq nf 'd
N
l'ya-m'ya nl'l Ay kl n t w O Fgbqrqnl'd Ajenje nl'rgn ggbqrq nl'd N bl'mg-l'mg nl'lAy kl n tw O Fgbgrqnl'd Ajenje nl'rgrln ggbgrg nl'd N kq'l-mQ'l nl'l Ay kl n t w O Fgbqrqnl'd Ajenje nl'rgn egbqry nl'd N I'Qgin-m'qgin nl'l Ay kl n t w o Fgbgrq nl'do Ajenje nl'rgn ggbgrg nl'd N j'ogb-j'atQ nl'lAy kl ntOw O Egbqrq nf 'd Ajenje nl'rgn ggbqrg nl'd N nlre gbogbo nl'l Ay kl n t w O Egbqrq nl'd 918
l,l'
**"
r",
Ajenje nl'rgrln ggbgrg nf 'de Kp,KOjnna !w b ni l'tllregbogbo Atole Ire gbogbo l b ni I'QsQ Qbarlga
Translation
Ajenje nl'rgn ggbgrg rf'd He wasthe Awowho castlf for QrUnmll When coming from heaven to earth He was advised to offer qbg He complied I will receive my blessing of wealth before I return Fgbqrq ff'de, I praise you Ajenje nf'rgn ggbgrg nl'd I willclaim my blessing of good spouse before I return Fgbqrg n1'd, Ajenje nl'rgn ggbgrg nf'd I will receive my blessing of good children before I return Fgbgrq nl'd, Ajenje ff'rgn ggbgrg rf'd I willaccept my blessing of strong horses before I return Egboro nide, Ajenje niregun egboro nide I will claim my blessing of comfoftable home before I return Egbqrq rf 'de, Ajenje n'i'rgrln egbQrg rf'd I will receive my blessing of long life before I return Fgbqrg rf'de, Ajenje n'i'rgn ggbgrg ff'd Before long, and nottoofar Come and join us in the midstof alllre in life That is the guarantee we get if we follow If, the Qba of all Oga
If says that this person shall be blessed with all Ire in life before he/she returns to
heaven.
L2.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has been trying his/her best to help others as much as he/she could. If says that the people he/she is helping will plan against him/her in such a way that he/she can never believe. If says that these conspirators will be exposed and the shame of their actions will live with them for the rest of their lives. If however warns that the person for
whom this Od is revealed must never plan any revenge or pay back evil with
evil.
919
This person must have a large heaft and must be able to forgive and forget all the evilthat people doto him/her.
Ifa advises ths person to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, traro he-goats and money, He/she also needs to feed If with a matured she-goat. On
this, If says:
rf lfo Mo lfO If l be
Emi na l b Wn nl nl'bo l ba sl Orunmlla l b s{'lAlr
Translation
If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away If declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed Theyasked thatwhere had it landed? Orunmll responded that it had landed in Alr's palace
QrUnmIl was staying inlpap bnd at this point in time. During his stay in this town, he had taken good care of all the people in the land. He had healed all those who were ill, he had turned barren women to proud mothers; he turned debtors to rich people; he settled several rifts inhibiting progress and development in the land. Ipapo town witnessed u nprecedented growth. Qrr1nm'll to see him urgently. Qrnmll went immediately, Alr asked Qrtlnmll to consult If for him. He did and Otrlra MI was revealed, QrrJnmll told Alr thatthe reason why he had asked for If consultation was that his favourte wife was pregnant and had been in labour for five days but she had not yet been able to deliver the baby. He assured Alr that his wife would have a safe delivery. He advised Alr to offer gbg with one matured she-goat and money. Alr complied. A few moments after, Alr's wife gave bifth to a bouncing baby grl. Alr wasvery happy.
One day, Alr sent emissary
to
As soon as the baby was delivered, QrUnm)l asked Alr to permit him to return to )pp, but Alr would have none of it. Alr insisted that QrUnm)l must do the IkgsQdy,Imgf and the naming ceremonies before he could be permitted to leave. In short, Qrrlnm'il was reluntactly allowed to return to Ippo after he had spent two months with Alr.
920
ll, oru r", rf lfo

Mo l fO If l be Emi n lba WQn nl nl'bo | ba sl Qrrtnmll l ba sl'lAjerO
Translation
If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away OrUnmll declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed They asked that where had it landed? Qrrlnmll responded that it had landed in AjerO's Palace
Not up to two ltadOgr:ns (17 days) that Qrrlnm'll returned from Alra's palace, the emissary of Ajer arrived. AjerO asked Qrnm'll to follow his emissary immediately because there was an emergency. When he got to AjerO's palace, If was consulted. During consultation, he discovered that Ajer's wife was also in labour and she was also having difficulties with the delivery. Qrrlnmll asked AjerO to offer gbg with a matured she-goat and money and he did. Soon after, the wife gave bifth to a bouncing baby girl. As soon as this happened, Qrrlnm'll asked for permission to leave and he was granted. the baby began to weep uncontrollably. All efforts to stop her from weeping failed. AjerO became confused. He sent emissary to go and bring Qrnm'll back. He gave them three horses. He asked them to run quickly to meet Qrnm'll before he got to lppo and bring him back. He instructed the emissary to release one to the horses to Qrrtnmll to ride back to his palace. The emissary met Qntnm)l at the boundary of Ippo town. He told him to return to Ijero Ekitt immediately. He mounted one of the horses and they rushed back.
A few moments after this,
When he arrived at Ajer's palace, he met total chaos. Everyone was running helter skelter without knowing what to do. Qrunm)l consulted If and it was revealed that as soon as he, Qrnm'if had leftthey had been calling the new baby different names which her Ol had rejected. Qrnmll made it clear to AjerO that the baby brought a special namefrom heaven.
When Qrunmll gave the baby this special name she stopped crying immediately. After this, Alr refused to permit Qrrlnm'll to return tolpp until after two months. Before Qnfnmll returned tolpapO, many people in the land had began to grumble that Qrnm)l was no longer interested in taking proper care of them. They complained that
921
Qrunmlla preferred to go and work for other people at their expense. When they confronted Qrunm)l with this allegation he responded that an Awo must never refuse to attend to the call of anyone who needed hs/her service and assistance. He also pointed out to them that there was no major crisis unattended to when he left them and that he had always endeavoured to return tolpp atthe earliest oppoftunity.
If lfO
Mo
lf
If lba
Emi na l ba Wn nl nl'bo l ba sl Qrnmll l ba d'l Qwrngrtn-Aga
Translation
If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away Orrlnmll declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed Theyasked thatwhere had it landed? Qrunm'll responded that it had landed in Qwrngun-Aga Palace
Qwrngr1n-Aga also summoned Qrnmll to come and help him solve his problem. He went. He consulted If for Qwrngrtn-Aga. He recommended gbg and QwrngrlnAga compled. Qrunm'll performed the gbg and all other rituals necessary to solve the problem. He was only allowed to return home after three months. When he returned home, he did not meet his wife at home.
When he asked all his neighbours where his wife had gone, they told him that his wife died not up to three weeks that he left. They assured him that a proper and befitting burialwas gven to her. They showed QrrJnmll where her remains were buried. When he saw the grave, Qrnmll burst into tears. He wept uncontrollably. The people blamed him for leaving the town for too long. In the evening of that day, all the elders in the land came to commiserate with him. He thanked them for their good gestures. He was even very proud of them for all the steps they took in his absence.
When the elders left, Qrnm)l did not know whatto do. He was totally devastated. He did not know where to staft without his beloved wife. He was unable to sleep. He wept again and again. He kept reminding himself that it was a taboo for an Awo to weep over the death of anyone. Yet the tears kept coming. He could not help it.
Very early in the morning, Qrunmll summoned up courage to consult
If.
Why had If
abandoned him by allowing his wife to die without giving him any pror warning? He
922
l,l, o*o r",
had gone to do the assgnment of If, why had If paid him in this rnanner for all his efforts? When he cast If Otr M3) was revealed. If told Qrrlnm'll that his wife was alive. He was told to offer gbg with two he-goats and money against conspirators. If explained to him that the people of Ipap were the ones who captured his wife and sold her out to the people of lbariba town. If said that he must urgently offer the gbg and move to Ibaf ba immediately. If warned that those in Ibalba were also planning to sell her out because as soon as she was brought into that land, series of misfoftunes had been happening to them there. They had consulted If and they had been advised to move out his wife from their land if they wanted peace and harmony to return to the land. If said that they planned to take her to the market the next day, because that was the day If asked them to sell her out in the market.
When Qrunm'lla heard this, he quickly offered the prescribed gbg and mounted the horse which Ajer0 gave him and headed forlbaba town. He arrived there at dawn the next day. He headed straight for the market. When he got to the market, there was nobody there. He waited impatiently for the market to open.
As soon as the market was opened by the Prkyis, the market officials, Qrrtnmll began to move from one stall to the other. Soon after, he saw his wife being brought to the market. When they saw each other, they threw caution into the wind and hugged each other. Qrnm'il told the man who brought his wife to the market that he was interested in buying her back. The man simply told Qrunmll to take her away free of charge! The man was so happy that he had been relieved of problems. Qrnm)l and Qsrnfunrnf lyg his wife headed back home.
On their way, Qsunfunrnllyo explained how she was captured very early in the morning,
beaten into pulp and dragged out of the house naked. She told Qrrlnm)l that they wanted to kill her there and then but some of them said that she could be sold in the market to make money instead of just wasting her for nothing, That was how they decided to sell her off.
What did the people say that she had done? Qsunfunrnllyo responded that the conspirators said that Qrrrnm'lla had abandoned them. One of their children twisted his ankle and they complained that Qrnmll was not around to help them straighten the leg. Thatwas the only complaintthey made against her and her husband.
Qrnmll told Qsunfrlnnf lyo that it would not be wise for them to run away from Ipp at that time. At the same time, it would not be wise to arrive in broad daylight. They waited untilthe dead of the nightand both of them sneaked home. The next morning, Qrunmlla ordered for several kegs of $eket, maize beer and Emu, palmwine. He also ordered for several kolanuts. When he secured all these items, he sent for all the people oflppo land, both young and old, to come and have a feast in his
923
home so that he would show his appreciation to them for the befitting burial they gave to his beloved wife.
In the evning, all the inhabitants of the land congregated in Qrnm)l's house. He thanked them for all what they had done for him in his absence. He prayed to Oldmar to please pay them back in the same manner that they had done to him. Noneofthemcouldsay'Asg'. Hethenaskedthepafitobedeclaredopened. Itwasthe ring leader who declared it opened. That was when QsunfUnlgyg brought palm wine, Sekete beer and kolanuts for the ring leader to use in declaring the pafi open. All the inhabitants of lpapo land could not believe their eyes. They were all serued with kolanuts, Seke,te and palmwine. None of them could either eatthe kolanuts or drinkthe
beerand palmwine.
they must drink and eat. They just could not. Then Qrnm)l asked them; 'what wrong did I do against you, for you to treat me the way you did'? None of them could answer the question. One by one, they quetly left in shame. None of them was able to fathom what went wrong. How did Qrunm)l know where his wife was? Who told him? How did he manage to see through their plan and conspracy? After much deliberation, they went for If consultation. They went to the home of this
QrrJnm)l insisted that
Babalwo for If consultation:
l'o,tl ejQ Obl I'obl ImOrn
9tl
fmu I'qmu r-jojo IX filn Kkerlpep Abfgba ibQ lbg ni wQn nl kl wqn ge
Translation
The beer is an alcohol of contention The kolanut is that of trouble And the palmwine is that of amazement These were lf-'s declarations to the youths of Ipap And same was declared to the elders of Ipap They were advised to offer gbg
The Awo castigated them for conspiring and planning evil against the Ambassador of Oldmar on earth. He said that they had done something that might spell doom for
everybodyintheland. Hemadeitcleartothemthatwhattheyhaddonewassomethng that they too could never accept. They therefore needed to go and tender ther
unreserved apology to Qrnmll.
Instead of listening to the advice of the Babalwo, they began to argue that they did
924
oro r", what they did because Qrrlnmll had chosen to abandon them. They claimed that QrUnm'il had no right to leave their town for any other place when they were not yet readyfor him to leave.
The Awo responded that Qrrlnm)l was not anybody's propefi or possession. He said that QrrJnmll was free to go to anywhere he likes and at anytime he desired. The Awo got angry with them when they continued to argue. He told them that he had originally intended to follow them to go and appeal to Qrunmll to please forgive them but the way they were arguing, he would not follow them anymore. He chased them out of his home and told them to go and face the consequence of their actions. That was when the elders and youths of Ipp realized that they had hithefto been arguing blindly. They appealed to the Awo to follow them to beg Qrnmll, the Awo agreed after much persuasion. When they got to Qrunm'll's home, they began to beg. The Awo led the elders and representatives of the youths to Qrrlnm)l's house. They began to beg him. All of them prostrated. The Awo did not give QrrJnmll the chance to say anything. He assured Qrnm)l that they had narrated everything that took place to him and they had been found guilty. After much appeal, Qrr:nm)l forgavethem.
ii
All what they did to Qrnmll, the Qba of the land was not informed. When he heard what had happened, he summoned everybody to his palace; including Qnlnm)l. He asked them to narrate their stories. They did. The elders and youths oflpapO began their blind arguments once more. They were again found guilty. The Qba was pafticularly angry with the elders whom he accused of misleading the youths. The Qba said that the elders did not give proper leadership in the land. He ordered for them to be severely punished. Qrrf nm'll however pleaded for them and the matter was settled a micably.
It did not end there.
If lfO Mo lfO If l ba
Eminaa lba WQn nl nl'bo l ba sl Orrlnmll l b sl'lAlr
If lfo
Molf
If l ba
Emi naa lba WQn nl nl'bo l ba s{ Qrnmll l be sl'l Ajero
rf lfo Mo lfO
925
lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftaton
If t be
Emi na l ba Wqn nl nl'bo l be sl Affnmll l ba sl'|e Qwarngrtn-Aga lbg ni wqn nl kl wqn 9e WQn gb'Qbo, WQn r'bg Nje Awgn Qtl I'o, tl ejQ Obl I'obIlmQrn $mu I'erhu r-jortjo
Dlfiln Kkerlpap Abf'gbe bQ KkerIppwgn klltl ejg If mo b wgq t, mo 9 egun wgn Agba lpp wgn kll tl ejQ If mo b wgn rO mo ggun wgn
Translation
If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away Orrlnmll declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed? They demanded to know where it had landed. QrUnmll responded that itwas in Alr's palace If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away QrrJnmIl declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed They demanded to know where it landed in Qn:nmll responded that it had landed in AjerO's Palace If declared that it had flown away I responded that it had flown away Qntnm)l declared that it had landed I responded that it had landed They demanded to know where it landed in Qrnmll responded that it had landed in Qwarngn-Aga's
Palace
They were advised to offer gbg Theycomplied Now, the beer is an alcohol of contention The kolanut is that of trouble And the palmwine isthatof amazement These were If's declarations to the youths oflpp Same was declared to the elders there
926
+,+,
a*"
u"i
Theywere advised to offergbg The youths of)ppo were nevertired of contention If, I challenged them and I won The elders oflpapo were nevertired of contention If, I challenged them and I defeated them.
If says the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to have the mind to forgive.
He/she has been absolved by Oldmar. He/she only needs to forgive those who erred against him/her.
13,
If says that the percon for whom this Od is revealed must always do good must eschew bitterness, wickedness and hatred in all his/her thoughts, speeches and actions. If says that if this person does well, he/she does so for himself/herself. On the other hand, if he/she is wicked, he/she does so for himself/herself. If says that whatever he/she does, he/she will be the first to reap the fruit of his/her character. If advses this person to understand that whatever s it that if done to him/her will pain him/her, he/she must never do it to others. As long as he/she keeps this in mind and follows it in all his/her ways of life, then joy shall be his/her poftion all the days of his/her life.
and
If advises this person to offer gbq with one matured he-goat and money.
this, If says:
Bl
On
os ire
re rq
O se filn ara Bl o sl s'lk O ge e fun ara
DlfilnAfju
Tl 9agbe lg ilQ Has Ebq ni wqn nl k w
$e
i
Translation
Ifyou do good
You do so for yourself
And if you arewicked You do so foryourself This was the message of If forthe Blind Man When going to beg foralms in Hausa land He was advised to offer gbg The Blind Man was popular for his style of begging for alms. He would never beg
anyone
927
to give him alms. He would simply tell anyone he me! 'If you do good, you do so for yourself; and if you are wicked, you do so for yourself'. He used to trek from one village to the other, from one town to another and from one house to the next, begging for alms. Many people used to render their assistance to the Blind Man because they considered his style of begging as a great challenge to their individual and collective
character. Unknown to the Blind Man however, was the fact that the Qba of Hasa land considered the blind's man style of begging as irritating and preposterous. The reason being nursed by the Qba was that what the blind man was saying was highly philosophical and that such wise saying had no business coming out from the mouth of a beggar and a blind man for that matter! The Qba felt that i[ was only him, his royal home and his Council of Chiefs who had the right and the privilege to make philosophical statements. He therefore concluded that the blind man would be taught a bitter lesson that other people would learn from. One day, the Qba summoned his best hunter to get a live cobra for him. Within two days, this item was procured. The live cobra that the hunter got was very big and wild. The Qba ordered him to putthe cobra in a bag. This was done. In the afternoon of that day, the blind man came as usual and the Qba presented this'giff to the bling man. When the blind man touched the bag, he thought it was a pangolin. He was very happy and in orderto show his appreciation, the blind man declared; Bl oge ire O sefiln ara re Bl osl g'lk O ge e fin ara re
Translation
You
Ifyou do good dosoforyourself
And if you are wicked You do so for your self The blind man putthe 'gift' on his shoulder and continued to beg for alms. While he was going from home to home begging, he metthe ArQmg, heir apparent. The ArQmg was angry that the blind had been given a gift by his father. Because evil begets evil, the wickedness of the father was also in the son. The ArQmg could see no reason why the blind man should retain this gift. Out of anger, he moved to the blind man, gave him three heavy slaps on the face and snatched the'gift'away from him. In his reaction, the blind mandeclared: 'Blog ere,Ogefrtn ra rg, Bi osl ge'k,OFefnara rg',and he left.
928
l,l, aura uei As soon as the blind man was out of sighf the ArQmg decided to examine the gift that the blind man was carrying about. He dipped his hand inside the bags and behold!
cobra struck him and poured all the venom that it had accumulated for three days during the time it had been held captive into the hand of the Arqmg. The ArQmg screamed uncontrollably, passers-by rushed to the site, they saw the cobra and killed it. But before assistance could be given to Arqmg, he had died. His lifeless body was then taken tothe palace, When the Qba heard of what had happened he remembered the saying of the blind man. Guilty conscience could notallow him to raise his hand againstthe blind man.
Bl
the
(.
og ire
O sp
fun ara rg
Bl osl gTka O se e fin ara e
DlfifnAfj
Tl gagbe lq ilQ Has lbg ni wqn nl k w ge g6bor rubg
Ojln Sw b ni lrgegun
KO p,, Qna
Arg$gun la b ni lsg
QpQ
(
Translation
If you dogood You do soforyourself And if you arewicked You do so for your self This was the message of If forthe Blind Man When going to beg for alms in Hausa land He was advised to offer ebg He complied Nottoo long, soon after Come and meet us where we celebrate
victory
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed must never thin( say or do evil to anyone. If he/she does, the evil will definitely recoil on him/her. On the other hand, if anybody is planning evil against the person for whom this Od is revealed, If says that the evil will boomerang and the person shall live to regret for the rest of his/her life.
L4.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to apply wisdom, patience and understanding in all his/her activities in life. If says that this person lacks the patience to look at events from all sides before taking action. If says
that
929
he/she also needs to view things passionately before commttng himself/herself. If advises this person to offer qbg with nine'bags'of money (each bag contains 20,000 units of cowries). On this, If says: Kg nfl r ganhngahn Iogmu glrlglrl I'Qyln agbr Owtff rn mi nl'gsmotl j O fn mi l'jo motl re AjO kan, jO kn tl O rn mi I ryl kq
.
Ajoayg'ni-lgnu ni Dtfiln Qrunmll Tl baba re'lQrun lqq kq kt !b9 ni wqn nl k w ge

Translation
tthatsounds like gong The sound of bQnlbQ drum is louder atthe backof drummer You have sent me on an errand and I went You have also sent me on a journey and I went This particular journey you are sending me is filled with travails These were the messages of If to Qrnmll When going to heaven to learn wisdom He was advised to offergbg
Kg musical instrument is
QrUnmIl was living peacefully with his wife QgunfrlnnlQyQ in Il-IfQ. His wife was carrying a seven-mouth old pregnancy when Qn:nmlla decided to go to heaven to go and learn the wisdom of elders. He went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation in order to determine how his journey to heaven would be. The Awo advised Qrrlnm)l to go and that his journey would be very successful and fruitful. Three days afterthis, Qrttnmlld setouton his journey.
It took him three years to reach the gate of heaven. When he got there, he went straight to the committee of wise elders in heaven. When asked what he came for, he responded that he had come to learn the wisdom of the elders. They demanded for and received nine bags of cowries from Qrnmll. The following day, Qrrtnmll began his studies. This first lesson he was taught was'EIf afQfg b r1fQ, m dtlr l'bQ igi' meaning 'when the wind is strong, don't stay under a tree'. He was instructed to repeat this one thousand times a day. He was also asked to look for one thousand meanings of this statement. He was directed to get one meaning per day for one thousand days to complete the one thousand different meanings he was asked to look for.
QrUnm)l complied and did as he was instructed. This research took him three years to complete. Hethen wentbacktothecommitteeof thewise men in heaven.
930
completed the congratulated him and asked him to procure a rooster to feast the wise elders to celebrate his success. Qrunm)l complied and told them that he wanted to learn more. They taught him "B'dO b kn, m wQQ." Meaning "If the river is full to the brim, do not swim in it". He was then instructed to repeatthis a thousand times a day and to find one thousand meanings as instructed above for one thousand days. This research also took him another three years to complete. After completion, Qrrlnm'il went to the committee to repoft back to them. They congratulated him and asked him to procure a ram tofeast the wise elders in order to celebrate the success. He complied and told them that he wanted to learn more.
Atthis stage, theytaught him 'M blnu Ojg kan'. Meaning 'Never getangry overany issue without prop er deliberation or in a haste'.
The wise elders also instructed him as they have done earlier. Qrrlnmll complied and this also took him another three years to complete. Thereafter, he went backto them to give repoft of his research. Seeing his repoft, the wise elders congratulated him on his success and asked him to kill a cow to make a feast for the elders. He complied. They told him that his studies had completed and asked him to go back home.
On his way back to the world the joumey was supposed to take him three
on getting there, he told them that he had
assign*qf
years. He was
however returning in company of two great personalities and their entourage. These personalities are 'Mdrlrlgrf olowo ay, The rich man on eafth' and 'Mdgfi olowo grun, the rich man in heaven'. Each of them was accompanied by 200 entourage carrying the belongings the rich men were going to use on eafth.
One afternoon, they suddenly found out that there was a turbulent wind to contend with. The entourage therefore decided to stay somewhere to allow the wnd to blow itself out. They all looked for a safe place to hide themselves from the effect of the wind. Mdtlr1gu olowo ay however chose to stay under a big banyan tree. Qrnm)l remembered immediately that one of the teachings he had come to learn in heaven was "Bl afQfQ b fe, m dr l'be igi' , meaning 'if the wind is blowing turbulently, don't stay under the tree'. He then came to Mdrlrlgrl olowo ay and advised him to leave where he was because it could be very dangerous to stay there. MdgrJ olowo ay however assumed him that it was perfect to stay there, and that was not his first time to stay under a tree where there was a strong wind. All efforts to dissuade MdJg olowo aye to stay under the tree fell on deaf ears. Eventually, he was left alone to stay there.
A few moments after this, the wind became stronger, so strong
that it tore off one of the branches of the tree. When the tree branch fell, it ht Medgr1 olowo ay on the head, broke his head into pieces and killed him on the spot.
Immediately after this, pandemonium broke out Qrnmll managed 931
to bring
back
Ifa Dda: An nvtaton to lfa Consuftation
normalcy and also arranged for the burial. He even gave out one of his dresses for burial. Mdt1t1grJ Olowo ay was gven a befitting burial under the superuision of Orrlnm'll.
A few days after, they proceeded with their journey together with the entouraged of Medg olowo ay. They reached the river at the boundary of heaven that they needed to cross. There had been a heavy rainfall and which made the river to be filled to the brim. The seasonal pattern in heaven was three months of rainfall non-stop and three monthsof dryseason non-stop.
Qnlnmll remembered the second lesson he had learnt that 'B'dO b ktln, m wQ,.' meaning that 'when a river is full to the brim, do not cross'. Qrunmlla therefore instructed all the people (402) including himself going to the eafth not to cross the river because of the strong current. He advised them to wait for three months before the current could subside. He concluded that it would be very dangerous to cross the river at that time. Mdgr1 Olowo Orun however would accept none of that, He was in a hurry to reach the eafth. He knew that it would take them three years to move from heaven to ea.th. He therefore could not see any reason why he should wait for three long months before he could embark on his journey. He then decided to cross the river. All appeals for him notto do so fell on deaf ears.
When he got to the middle of the river, he missed his step and the river current swept him off and he fell inside the river. The river then swept him away out of sight. Other entourage then waited for three months for the water level to go down before crossing the river. After three months, they saw the decomposed body of Mdlg Olowo Qrun n between the roots of some river plants. QrUnmIl took one of his caps, plucked some leaves and put in the cap for the burial rites of Medg Olowo Qrun. He was then given a befitting burial beside the river. As from that day, henceforth, if anybody died inside the river, they are buried beside the river and given the same rites as Qrunmll did above.
Thereaftel they moved on, all the entourage that came with Mdrlr1gt1 Olowo Ay and MdgrJ Olowo Qrun said that they do not know anywhere or anybody on earth. Therefore, they decided to go with QrnmIl who had shown love to their masters to his house on eafth and delivered allthe riches in his house.
Eventually, they got to the eafth and headed for Qrunm'll's house. By the time Qrrlnm)l got home, it was already late in the night. He entered his house and to his surprise, he mettwo people sleeping and was wondering who could be sleeping with his wife. 'Could this woman be sleeping around with men in his absence?' Qrnm)l thought and became so infuriated to the extent that he decided to behead the two of them now that he had caught her red-handed. Suddenly, he remembered the third lesson he learnt for three years during his course of study while in heaven that 'M bln
932
OjQ kan" meaning: never get angry
without proper deliberation and investigation of any matter, As a result, he decided to calm down and wait till the following morning before he could take anyaction.
ll
uwa uei
In the morning, when the wife saw Qrrfnmll, she became happy to see her husband and immediately called her child Awogoro come and greet your father; he has arrived'. There and then, QrUnm'il realized that the person he saw last night who slept together in the same room with his wife was actually his son. What would have happened if he had killed him in the midnight? The thought pre-occupied Qrnm'll's mind, and said to himself that it would have been a tragedy for him if he had done so. He then ordered the 400 entourage to bring into the house all the riches and possession he inherited from Meqg Olowo Ay and Medrig Olowo Qrun. Qrnm'il became successful and
prosperous and was singing thus:
NjgAwo$oro$eo 2ce
K pajbe kaQ K m l d'bQ mQ
Awo$orogeo
Translation
Indeed, it is difficultto be an If practitioner For someone to prepare land for cultivation Without going back to plant anything on the land Yes, If is difficultto practice
If says that if there is a pregnant woman where this Od is revealed, the child when born is to be named 'Awogoro', As long as the person for whom this Od is revealed follows all the directives of If as stated above, he/she shall never live to regret the
action.
Kg nll rganhngahn Ibemb gtrlglrl l', yln agbr O w tff rn mi nl'99 mo tl je o tl fn mi l'j mo tl re Ajo kn, ajo kan tl rn mi I r yl kQ
Ajoayg'ni-lgnu ni Dl fitn Qrrlnmll Tl baba lre'l qrun lQq kq k Ebg niwqn nl k w ge Ogb'gbgrrrt'bg
jelwogorogeo
K pajba kalQ
2ce
933
K m l d'be mq
Awo3oroseo
Translation
KF, musical instrument is it that sounds like gong The sound of bQrbQ, drum is louder at the back of the
drummer
You have sent me on an errand and I have gone You have also sent me on a journey and I went This pafticular journeyyou are sending me is filled with travails These were the messages of If to Qrrf nm'll When going to heaven to learn wisdom He was advised to offer gbg
He complied
Indeed, it is difficultto be an If practitioner For someone to prepare land for cultivation Without going backto plant anymore Yes, If is difficultto practise
15. If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed to have the fear of OlOdmare at the back of his/her mind all the time. He/she must recognize the fact that no
matter how powetful he/she may be, Oldmar is the source of all powers and He can take away any power that is being abused or misused from the owner of
such power.
If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is put in a position of authority, he/she needs to exercise his/her authority with the fear of Olodmar at heaft. He/she must never maltreat others. He/she must not see such power
as a vehicle for vengeance or for showing his/her superiority over others.
Conversely, If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she will have victory over a more poweful opponent who had been using his/her power, position and/or influence to oppress, intimidate and/or inflict pain.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with one matured he-goatand money. He/she is also expected to feed Egu Qdara with one roaster. After this, he/she needs to put his/her faith and fear in Oldmare in all his/her thoughts, speeches and actions. On this, a stanza in Otura M)
says:
Igbgnwg mjjl ni o ge gb'gbQn s'j txfinAlkdl

Tll g'gru Old mar AgOJn Qba atgnl ql l9gg forl g'apeji omi
934
l'1, otura uei
Igba rtt'Qrun bQ w'l ay Sbg niwQn nf k w ge
Translation
The two elbows cannot be used to place a basket onto This was If's messageforAlukdf
the
ceiling
The messenger of Oldmar When coming from Qrun(heaven) to Ay(earth) He was advised to offer gbg Alkrldl was one of the very many messengers of Oldmar. He was usuati'i sent by Him to deliver special messages to the human race at regular intervals. All these messages he had delivered without any fault and also without questioning the rationale behind them. The attitude of Alukardf had endeared him to many lrnmglQ in Heaven. Whenever there was any message to be delivered, the IrnmglQ would quickly suggest the name of Alukndf to Oldmar. He would then be sent, and the message would be delivered as quickly as possible,
During the course of delivering Divine messages to human beings, Alknd came to realize that there was great love and affection for human beings who live on earth by both Oldmar and the lrrlnmglQ. Alukdf could not understand why this should be so; was it not the same human beings who kill, maim, hut and destroy each other at the slightest opportunity? Why should Oldmar be in love with those who destroy the environment; pollute the air and water; kill insects, rats, fish, birds and beasts at will; wage war on each other for no other justifiable reason than to show supremacy over one another? Why should Oldmar be in love with those who were not in love with Him; who disrespect Him and His IrnmqlQ; and who had not shown any remorse?
Initially, all these baffled Alkr1d'i. They later turned to confusion for him. In his confused state of mind, he was determined to punish them for all what he perceived to be msbehaviour of the human race.
When the time came for AlUkandl to come down to earth to deliver Oldmar's message, he saw this as the opportunity he needed to take advantage of to deal a deadly blow on all the ungrateful human beings. When he was coming on his assignment,heaskedforspecialpoWersandhisrequestwasgranted.
On his way, he decided that he would show no mersy to anyone; why should he show compassion to those who destroy Mother Nature at will? He concluded within himself that they did not deserve his pity or mercy. The day he arrived on earth was a market day. As soon as he set his feet on eafth, he declared:
t
935
'
IgbQnwqmjjl niOgegb'gbqns'ja DlfrtnAlkdl

Tlf 9'gr Oldmar AgOJn Qba atgnl ql leglgforf g'apeji omi Igba t'Qrun bQ w'l ay emi Ahkattdf, Alkrrdl
Eyltbwmlninpa
Alkrrdl !
Translation
Thetwo elbows cannot be used to place a Basket onto the ceiling This was If' s message for me Alukarrdf
The messenger of Oldmar AgQttln When coming from Qrun to Aye Behold, here comes Alukandt , Alknd'i Whoever I like will I kll
Alknd
Before anyone could realized whatwas happening, Alkndf released the special power
to him in heaven and began to kill anybody and everybody in the market. Pandemonium everywhere! Everyone ran for dear life! Nobody could really explain what went wrong. The next day, people came to pick the corpses of their loved ones for burial. Unceftainty enveloped the world. They all gathered n small groups to make meaning of what had just taken place. They could not. At last, they approached the Qba who in turn fixed a general meeting to take place in the market on the neK market day.
given
On the appointed day, the whole market place was filled to the brim. Those who lost their loved ones were first given the oppoftunity to speak. While they were expressing theirordeal and agony, Alkndf arrived and declared:
Ey,t
emiAhkadf, Alkdl to ba wu ml ni n pa
!
Akrrdl
Translation
Behold, here I come Alukdl Whoever I like will I kill
Alukr1d1!
The whole market scattered instantly. Everybody ran helter-skelter. Many were killed by AlUkndl himselfi, many more were trampled to death. In all, more than a quafter of
936
ll
Otura Meji
the population died.

From that time, it became a regular occurrence every market day. Nobody dared to go to the market anymore. Chaos and anarchy took over completely. Nobody wished to go out in the day time, talk less of night time. Anyone who wished to live long needed to fearAlukandt.
One day, some elders gathered themselves together and went for If consultation in order to determine exactly what was going on and at the same time, find a permanent solution to it.
The Awo told the elders that what was gong on was misuse of power and opportunity. They were told that Alkd' thought that he could fight for Oldmar and the Irnmgle. The Awo assured the elders that nobody could fight for them but rather, Oldmar and InlnmglQ do their fightings when the time was right and appropriate. He assured them futher that Alkdf would surely fail because he was not sent on the assignment he was carrying out. He advised the elders to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. After this, he told them to feed Egu Qdara with one big rooster. The elders complied immediately.
As soon as the gbg was offered, EgU Qdara petitioned heaven and complained that Alknd had been misusing the special powers given unto him. He said that he had wrecked untold havoc on eafth. He insisted that only the withdrawal of that power would do. Oldmar sent other lrnmgle to go and investigate what Egu Qdara had said. They confirmed all his repolt and the special power given to AlUkandl was withdrawn. Unknown to Alkr1dl that he has lost his special power, he was busy planning his adventure on the next ma,rket day. EgU Qdara was equally busy gathering people together to confront Alkr1dl on the next market day. EgU Qdara assured the people that their arch enemy had no more power to wreck any havoc on them. He told them to stand firm.
On the market day, Alkrldl came as
expected. As soon as he came he declared:
Em
Alkdf Alkdl
!
Eyltbwmlninpa
Alkdl
Translation
Here I comeAlukand'i Whoever I like I will kill Alkdr!
937
Instead of panic, Alkndf met resolute determination. Instead of fear, he met courage. They all responded in unison, saying:
IwqAlukadf, Alkdl Iwg kll bQQr OlQrun

Alkrrdl !
Translation
Behold, you Alukandt
You have no fearofGod at heaft
Alknd
Alkdl was shocked and surprised. He made to rush them but instead, he realized that he had no power to do anything. The next thing he saw was the people tying his hands and legs together. He was unceremoniously sent back to where he came from heaven. When he arrived, he was not allowed to return to eafth again, ever.
IgbQnwq mjeil ni o ge gb'gbQn s'j
DlfinAlkdl
Tll 9'9r Oldmar AgQtn Qba atQnl ql legelqgQfort g'apeji omi Igba tl nt'qrun bQwa'lay Ebq nl wQn nl k wa se
O
ko'ti ogbonhins'ebo
emi Alukatrdf, Alktrdl
Eyltbwmlninpa Alkdl ! Iwo

Iwq Alukarrdf, Alkdl Iwg ktl bQQr OlQrun Alkdl ! Translation
The two elbows cannot be used to place a Basket onto the ceiling This was If' s message for me Alukandt The messenger of Old ma r AgOJn When coming from Qrun toAy He was advised to offer ebo He refused to comply Behold, here comesAlukandt , Alukndf Whoever I like will I kill Aluk1d'i! Behold, you Alukandt You have no fear ofGod at heaft
938
+,1,
aura uei
Alukdl!
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall overcome his/her enemy who appears to be stronger and more resourceful than him/her atthe moment.
Conversely, If warns all those connected to this Od never to think of revenging for or on behalf of Oldmar and/or lrnmglQ. They fight for themselves when the time is ripe and appropriate.
16.
'
If says that majority of the problems being faced by the person for wfiom this
Od is revealed was caused by his/her inability to avoid using or doing what his/her taboos. The person, for whom this Od is revealed, especially during Iteld or IkggQdy, must avoid all the things that are forbidden for him/her. Failure to do so can only lead to pains and sorrow.
were
If advises this person to offer gbg with a matured he-goat and money. He/she must also avoid all things which were forbidden for him/her. On this,
Otrlra-Me't says:
Dlfiln
Eye sunkn eji, Awo Eshl Mogbe
Esl-Mogbe
Tl sunkn qrq Ohun Opo gle'ble o d'erinmi, awo
Oyq'rf
t
I
ljado
filnQbaljd
Tl sunkn oj Oun O ba're Qkan gogogmq'kn, O bQslnU okn mQ rr Dlfiln Esltt-Mogbe Eyl tl eewq maa b nf 'wJg fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
The bird longs for rainfall, the Awo of Cast If for Eseltl-Mogbe When he was lamenting that he lacked success in all his undertakings The Pillar lies prostrate and becomes unremovable, theAwo ofTjd Cast If forthe Awo of Ijd When lamenting that he lacked success in his life Only one Okn bead enters the midst of other beads and adds value to the lot If cast for Eshl-Mog be He whom wQ (taboos), were destroying his destiny He was advised to offer
Eslt1-Mogbe
ebg
939
lfa Dda: An invtation to lfa Consuftation
If. During hislteld, Otr-MJl was revealed as his qba Ijd had Otrrra-MJi as his own Od during his Odu. On the other hand, IkgsQdy. Wth allthe promises of this Od, they both had very little to show in terms of achievement. Conversely, they had long stories of woe to tell. Their lives had no
Esh1-Mogbe was initiated into
meaning to them anymore. When qbaljd wanted to staft a business venture, he organized a group of his friends together. They began to contribute money, and the money was handed over.to one of them to staft business, The friend became successful instantly. The next month, the same amount was contributed and given to another friend and this friend was also successful. There were twenty of them in this monthly venture. As the organizer, Qba Ijao was expected to collect his own money last.
Twenty months after, when it was his own turn, all his friends disappeared. He was left in the cold. He prayed and fasted, all to no avail. Beside this unfoftunate experience, he lost three of his daughters in quick succession. These daughters were his favorite children and they took after their mother in all ways. They even chose to do the same work that their mother was doing. This made Qba Ijado to be very proud of them. 'Why must these lovely and obedient children died just like that?'he queried, He concluded that it must be the handiwork of his enemies or the Elders of the Night. In the case of Esl-Mogbe, he had changed his work several times and yet, he did not succeed. He was convinced that he was better than most of his friends in all depaftments of life. He used to tell his friends so. Most of his friends were more successful than him. This led him into excessive drunkenness to 'drink off' his sorrows. His wife and children abandoned him when he became an alcoholic. He told lies freely in the hope that he could use such lies to cover up some of his weaknesses. This only brought him shame and odium. He concluded that his imaginary enemies were at work and vowed to revenge. He tried to destroy the achievements of his imaginary enemies and he was caught. He was given the beaten of his life.
One day, both Esel-Mogbe and Qbaljd
met. They quickly realized thatthel) had a lot in common; they both had stories of woe and calamities to tell; they were both
unsuccessful; they were both moving from grace to grass; they were both subjects of ridicule in their various communities; life had became wofthless to both of them. They were then attached to the common bond of sorrow. When Qba Ijado told Eselu-Mogbe that his parents told him that OtUra-M) was revealed during his IkgsQdy, Esh1Mogbe responded that the same Od was revealed during his own ItgtoOU . That was when they both knew that their misfo.tune was not a mere coincidence.
Very early in the morning one day, Esh1-Mogbe went to the home of 'Fye sunkn eji' for If consultation. The Awo told him that his misfoftune had nothing to do with the handiwork of wicked people or witches. He rushed out of the home of the Babalwo out
940
of angen He was totally convinced that his enemies were actually at work .nr,.Jiiffil. He called qba ljd his friend and explained this to him. They both reflected on it and they both decided to go to other Babalwos separately and return home to compare the information they had gathered. Qbaljad wentto'0p gb'ble deflml'and EshJMogbewentto'Qkan gogogmg'kQn bQs|n okn mQ roro'forIf consultation: What were the causes of their misfotune in life? Could they overcome all these problems? Did they still have the chance to succeed in life? The two Awo told them that they had been engaging themselves in those things that their destinies had forbidden. Consequent upon this, all their misfoftunes and pains had been self-inflicted. The Awo assured them separately that if they could avoid all the taboos in their Od, they stood the chance of stopping all the misfortunes, erasing them from their lives and moving foruard. In the case of Esl-Mogbe, he was asked if he remembered all the taboos that were enumerated for him to avoid. He responded that he could not remember any, When 'OpO gb'brlle o derinmi' asked Qba Ijado if he could remember his own taboos. He responded that his parents never told him that he had any.
'Qkan ,sogo Qmg'kn bQ Sinrl okn O mQ roro' gave Eshl-Mogbe sixteen (16) taboos and the consequences of breaking them. The same taboos were given to Qbaljado by '0p gbe'ble delml' These taboos are:
I No OtUra-Me) child must engage in any form of financial contribution, thriftor Cooperative this isto avoid being duped orswindled. ii. Must avoid eating squirrel to avoid exposing oneself to enemies and conspirators. ili. Must never brag or show off to avoid being run down by enemies. Iv. Must never engage in excessive alcoholic drink to avoid working against is/her destiny. V. Must never engage in arguments to avoid attracting negative aura and spirituality to him/her self. Vi. His daughters must never engage in the same work as their mother to avoid losing them in quick succession. vii. Must not be changing work at will to avoid running ahead of his/her destiny. viii. Must never revenge to avoid inflicting more pains on himself/herself. ix. Must never show wickedness to avoid being turned against in his/her community, x. Must never tell lies to avoid being ridiculed publicly. xi. Must never fast or skp meals to avoid working against his destiny. (Otrlraxii. xiii.
M) children who engage in fasting will never be able to achieve their goals in life) Must never be envious of other people's success to avoid public odium. Must not lay too much emphasis on his/her rights to avoid confrontations
I
941
xiv. xv. xvi.
with
the Elders of the Night. Must never be selfish to avoid losing all he had gained in life. Must avoid using QpgerQ bird to avoid missing great opportunities in life. Must never use any paft of rb tree to avoid being disqualified from
assuming leadership positions. When both of them returned home, they compared the information they had received. Nobody needed to tellthem before they realized what had caused their downfall. They also realized that to pick up their lives and start afresh was entirely left in their hands.
Eye sunkUn ejirAwo Esel Mogbe D{filn Eshl-Mogbe Tl sunkn QrQOhun Oyg'rl
fibg ni wqn nl k w qe Opo gUe'buh d'erlnml, Awo ljado Dlfirn gba ljdo Tl sunkn oj Oun O ba're f bg ni wqn nl k w ge Qkan gosoqmq'kn, bqsln okn mq roro ffiln Eslrt-Mogbe Eyl tl ewQ ma b nl'wJg fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Erolpo,eroQfa
Sni gbg'bg nlb, kwa gg'bg o
Translation
When he was lamenting that

undertakings
The bird longs for rainfall, the Awo of Eshl-Mogbe He castlf for Eshf -Mogbe
he
lacked success
in all
his
He was advised to offer gbg The Pillar lies postrate and become unmovable, the Awo He cast If for Qbaljado
ofljd
When he was lamenting that he lacked success in his life He was advised to offer gbo
Only one Okn bead enters the midst of other beads and adds
value to the lot If cast for Esh1-Mogbe He whom eewQ (taboos) were destroying his destiny He was advised to offer gbg Now, travellers tolpo and Qfa towns Letthose advised to offer ebo do so
942
a*a uei The most impoftant thing to do, according to the stanza above is to first examine ourselves before pointing accusing fingers at others. It is better to determine first whether the cause of our misfortune can or cannot be traced back to our doorsteps before we begin to accuse witches, wizards, enemies and conspirators. More often than not, these imaginary 'enemies' may even not be aware of our presence not to talk of thinking about how to create problems for us.
il
943
B.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OTNA MEI TON THOSE BORN BY THE OD DURING ITELD OR IKOSEDAVE
For Otra Mjl children they had been blessed from heaven that they would come into this world and succeed. This is because in their last incarnation, they peformed so marvelously well that the Divinities in heaven consider it imperative to bless them and ensure that they return to the world to live a contented, fulfilled and satisfactory life. This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to imitate Otrra Mi chldren in anything that they do or achieve. Not everybody has Divine blessing for what they do or achieve here on eafth.
Otura Mjl children males and females are usually blessed with wealth, good and
understanding spouses, children, sound health and so on. For allthese, they have a lot of enemies, particular from their immediate families who could not see any ones so blessed in the family. It is not possible to stop them from achieving all these great things, but these Ire can be scattered about for them. This is the reason why OtUra Mjl children need to work hard and offer regular gbg against a situation where all what they achieved in life are scattered in their lifetime.
Otura Mjl children are born leaders. Their leadership qualities make them loved and respected by their followers, They will also be blessed with children who will also be
born leaders. Theirchildren will also be loved and respected bytheirfollowers.
Otura Mjl children are kind-heafted. They love to wipe out sorrow from the lives of those who have them. As they are doing this, Oldmar is adding more to their purse. *** Conversely, anytime they add sorrow to their lives. This is the reason why any good orevildone byOtura Mjl children are multiplied and giventothem as bonus.
The marital life of Otura Mjl children is blissful; but like all other things that they achieve in life, the tendency is for enemies to drive away their spouses from them. The enemies usually make diabolical plans to separate these couples. In the end, they will neversucceed.
'Otrra Mjl children see no reason whatsoever to maintain reticence on any issue. They talk where they are supposed to keep their mouths shut. They go to seek advice from and narrate their stories to those whom they are supposed to keep their secrets from. This attitude only leads them into trouble. It is however difficult for them to keep their months shut. Those who love Otura Mil children need to learn how to cope with
this weakness in them,
In all, Otrra Mil children enjoy their blessings on eath. They act as mouthpiece for
944
o"'"'"t'
other people and when they die, they leave indelible marks on the sand of tim
"'1.'
c.
AFFTLTATED rR('NM9LF/ORISA OF Or(lnA MEJI
1. If For protection, success and suppoft 2. Orl For foftune consummation 3. Od For success and spiritual upliftment 4. Egu Qdara For victory over adversary success and accomplishment 5. Egb For financial success and leadership 6. QbalUway For protection against pestilence and untimely death 7. Iya-Mi-O$OrOga For protection against childlessness
D. TABOOSOFOTIJRAMEJI
i. No Otura M) child must engage in any form of financial contribution, thrift or Cooperative this is to avoid being duped or swindled. ii. Must avoid eating squirrel to avoid exposing oneself to enemies and conspirators. I. Must never brag or show off to avoid being run down by enemies. iv. Must never engage in excessive alcoholic drink to avoid working against his/her destiny. v. Must never engage in arguments to avoid attracting negative aura and spirituality to him/her self. vi. His daughters must never engage in the same work as their mother to avoid losing them in quick succession. vii. Must not be changing work at will to avoid running ahead of his/her destiny. viii. Must never revenge to avoid inflicting more pains on himself/herself. ix. Must never show wickedness to avoid being turned against in his/her community. x. Must never tell lies to avoid being ridiculed publicly. 'xi. Must never fast or skip meals to avoid working against his destiny. (Otura xii. xiii. with xiv. xv. xvi.
Mfl children who engage in fasting will never be able to achieve their goals in life) Must never be envious of other people's success to avoid public odium. Must not lay too much emphasis on his/her rights to avoid confrontations the Elders of the Night. Must never be selfish to avoid losing all he had gained in life. Must avoid using Qpeere bird to avoid missing great opportunities in life. Must never use any part of Araba tree to avoid being disqualified from assuming leadership positions.
945
Ifa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consuftation
E. POSSIBLE
Males
NAMES OF OTRA METT CHILDREN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3.
Ifdhnsi If responds to this Ifkred If brings all Ire home Awgro If is difficult as a practice
Osubdo 0s settles him Olrunggo God manifest His Majesty
Females
AdrQmkn The crown affiliates with Okn beads
Mkej
Iflyin
Do not be in a hurry If has honey
Aeon(f AsovE.
946
Chapter L4
IRETE MEJI
lt
llil
tt
tl
Chapterfoufteen
IRETE MEJI
Alias: Ejl- Elemere)
A.
1.
assures the person for whom this Od is revealed during Ikgsdye orltqlod that his/her life shall be blessed wlth profitability. He/she will never die young. He/she shall be happy and very comfortable. He/she shall also be blessed with the suppoft of IlQ, the mother-earth.
If
If advises him/her to offer gbg with one big he-goat and money. He/ she also needs to find out what IIQ will take from him/her and feed her accordingly. On this,Irgt-M) says:
Iyn Bmbm lkn inu igba QrQ bembem ko kn ikn gblagb
Dlfiln l|mjeyl Tlyoo k'reay je Sbg ni wn nl kO waa 9e
Translation
A big morsel of pounded yam may fill a calabash container to the brim But a big issue cannot fill the stomach of an elder
This was lf's declaration forllQmjQl Who shall be blessed with all Ire in life He was advised to offerebo
When llQmjQli was coming to eafth from heaven, he chose, and was blessed with, all the good things of life wealth, good spouse, nice and lovely chi ldren, peacefu I fa mi ly of orientation, comfoftable neighbourhood, sound mind, good health etc.. When he arrived on7 eafth he had allthat it tookto be successful in life.
948
propefties and all other good things of life? would he live a happy and fruitful life on eafth? These and many more were the questions at the back of his mind when he approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. The Awo assured him that he had the chance to succeed in life because he had chosen all the lre in life as part of his destiny. The Awo advised him to pray for three things in his life: one, a trouble-free life; two, sound health; and three, long life. IlQmje{was advised neverto go outof his way to court trouble so that his prayer for a trouble free life will be accepted by Oldmar. He was also advised never to misuse, abuse or overuse himself physically, psychologically, emotionally or spiritually in order for his prayer for sound health to be accepted. He was also cautioned against being a "hero", he must also find means of saving his life when death threatened, especiallywhere itwas possibleto do so. Thatwaswhen his prayer for long life would be accepted. The Awo then advised him to offer qbg with a matured he-goat and money. He was also advised to feed Il, the mother eafth, because he had a very strong connection to her. The gbg recommended for llQmjqf, he was reminded, was not for wealth or success; but rather, it was for victory against trouble, ill-health and untimely death. IlQmajQl complied and offered the gbg as prescribed. He also took the advices of the Awo serious. He started off as a farmer. His harvests were beautiful. Before long he was a huge success. He soon took a spouse. Together they made bigger cultivation and reaped better harvest. His wife proved to be a simple, unassuming, gentle headed easy going and honest woman. They were blessed with many children whom she trained to fear Oldmar and have respectfor elders. when the children grew up, the family erected a magnificent propefi in the family compound. They managed to stay out of trouble at all times. They did all things with moderation and were blessed with good health. They consulted their If and performed all prescribed gbo regularly. They were very happy with life and life was very happy with them. They lived long and fulfilled lives. They became a model of some sort in the community. All envious people were kept at bay by the community. The whole community regarded llQmajQl and his family as ambassadors of the community, and as
949
One day, IlQmajgyi went for If consultation in order to determine what his success chances in life would be; would he succeed? Would he be able to attain his goals in life? Would he be blessed with wealth, spouse, children,
sucn, mey were protected and detended.
Iyn Bmtbm l kn in igb QrQ bmbm ko krrn ikn gblagb Dl fn llmajeyd Tl yO k'r ay jg lbg ni wn nl k w ge gb'Qborr'bg KO p,, kOjlnn I w b ni nl jQbrtt lregbogbo Jebt iregbogbo l b ni lSsQQbarlga.
Translation
A bg morsel of pounded yam may fill a calabash container to the brim
Buta big issue cannotfillthe stomach of an elder This was lf's declaration for llQmjgf Whoshall be blessed with alllre in life He was advised to offergbg
He complied
Before long, nottoo far Join us in the midstof all Ire in life It is that which If has guaranteed for us.
All that reman for the person for whom this Od is revealed are trouble free life, sound health, and long life in order to enjoy all these divine blessings.
If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she will never live a chaotic life. If assures him/her that if he/she can dedicate all his/her life to If, he/she shall be made an ambassador of Oldmar. He/she shall also be blessed with allthe Ire in life.
2.
If advises this person to have the sign of If on his/her person at all times. He/she needs to have the Id of If round his/her wrist and neck at all times. If possible, he/she can also have it round his/her waist. Wth this, all negative principalities will maintain their distanc from him/her because they will know that he/she has the sign and protection of If on his/her person. If recommends for this person to offer gbg with two rats, two fish, two hens and money. He/she is also advised to feed If with one matured she-goat. On this,Irgtg950
meJr says:
Tff
D,lfnAtka sellarl Oldmar fbg niwQn nl k w ge
lqrunyan nfodokt
Translation
During dry season, it is possible to jump over a stream This was lf's message forAtQka, the lapwing The ambassador of Old mar He was advised to offer gbq
AtQka, the Lapwing, was born into the family of great If priests and priestesses. He however took to farming as hs own means of livelihood. He was quite successful as a farmer, but he was not a very happy man. He knew that something was missing in his life but he could not put his fingers into what was amss. Much as he tried, he could not figure it out. All he knew was that the peace of mind and contentment that he feruently prayed for in his life were not there. Yes, he was financially alright. Yes, he had a good family. But yes, he was not satisfied with his life. He was howeverdetermined to do something about it.
One day he went to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he be blessed with peace of mind in his life? Would he be contented with his life? Would he live long and be protected against
the vagaries of life? The Awo advised Atqka to go and put his mind at rest. He was assured that he would not only be protected, he would also be elevated. He would be blessed with peace of mind and contentment. Atqka was told that he had been chosen as an fla, ambassador, of Oldmar. Consequent upon this, there was the need for him to devote all his life to If. He must study If as his religion, profession and his complete way of life. He was told that he had no need to go to the farm for farming or to the river to fish or fetch water. He was to stay in his home to serve If and Oldmar. He was told that anytime he went out, it must be in the service of Oldmar.
951
ftqka was also advised to offer gbg and feed If as prescribed above. He complied. As soon as he leftthe home of the Babalwo, he summoned all
the members of his family and announced to them that hencefofth, he was going to devote his entire life to the service of Oldmar through If. At first, his family found it difficult to understand how he could do this when, according to them, he had everything going for him. He made it clear to them that what he needed most in his life was not monetary gain but rather internal peace and contentment. He told them that he had not been at peace with himself all his life. The family had no option but to respect his view; after all, what he planned to do was not strange to the family.
He began his studies in
earnest. The initial stage was tough and rough. Surprisingly, instead of feeling bad about the downward trend of his
finances, he was in fact happy, he found out that bringing joy into the lives of others was more rewarding than all the wealth in the world. Before he finished his studies, he was already at peace with himself. His life had meaning to him. He saw life from a different perspective entirely. His family noticed this and they were all very happy for him. Most of his friends and business partners did not easily accept the fact that Atoka had finally abandoned farming and trading in farm produce. They would go and persuade him to farm and trade, even if on paft-time basis. Atqka would however respond that as an Ilaf of Oldmar, he did not need to farm, fish or trade anymore. Eventually, all of them gave up and left AtQka alone to chaft the path of his life as it pleased him.
When he finished his studies, he became an instant success. He was known far and near. He was in very high demand. This pleased him more than any other thing in his life. He was very happy assisting people. These people also showed him their appreciation. They were always by him to help him. He was loved and happy; he had internal peace; he was loved and respected. In addition, he gained more financial success than what he had when he was a farmer. AtQka lived and died a very contented
man.
t)l firn Atka Tfi sellar{ Oldmar
lgrunyn fodo kt
952
Ebg ni wgn nl kw 9e gb'Qbo, rrt'bg Mo di llerl Iknf mi o r'oko Atqka d IIad obdmar Modi llarl lkin, mi o r'odo Atqka d llir{ oldmar Ko pe, kOjlnn
Ew b'ni b'yQ f w wo're o
Translation
During dry season, it is possible to jump over a stream This was lf's message forAtQka, the lapwing The ambassador of Old mar He was advised to offer ebo Hecomplied I have become thellaf of Ikn, I have no need to farm Atka has become the Ilal of oldmar I have become the llaf of Ikn, I have no need to fish Atka has become thellari of old mar Before long, nottoo far Join us in the midstof happness Come and perceive all lre of Life
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall live a happy
life. He/she shall be contented with his/her life. He shall gain respect and honour, and in addition, he/she shallnot live in povefiand want.
3.
If says thatall the blessings in the family of the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be divided into two; one part shall be given to him/her while the other part shall be shared by all the other of his/her family. If's says that this is so because the woman who gave bifth to this person had offered a lot of gbg on his/her behalf even before he/she was born, and when he/she was young, the prayers of his/her mother had been given favourable consderation and accepted by Oldmar ever before he/she was born. For this reason, he/she
members
isi
953
Entitled to allthe Ire in life. In order to open the door of all these Ire in life, If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with four guinea-fowls and money. On this, If says:
Poro byll Aala uaytt
Dl filn tdeb Tfl $ e Yy Qke gbq ni wqn nl k w Se
Translation
Poro b$'r (the crops cultivated heap this way) Aata Uayrt (and the farm boundary that way) They were the Awo who cast If for Ldb Who was the mother of Qke She was advised to offer gbg
When Ldeb was newly married, her major pre-occupation was to be blessed with a child that she would be very proud of, and who would be the center of attraction in the whole community. Ever before she became pregnant, she made several visits to the home of the groups of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. All what she was begging for was for her to give bifth to the most important child in the whole community. She wanted to be seen and known as the mother of the gem child of her community. She believed that if Oldmar gave her this child, then her life was wofth living. All the gbg that were prescribed for her by these Awo were performed by LdQb.
When she became pregnant, she continued to go to these Awo every seventeen days and she continued to perform all her gbg as prescribed. She never stopped this practice after the child had been born. (The child was named Qkg because he was cocooned in amniotic sac when he was born). Qke grew up to become a very intelligent boy. He was well-behaved and very obedient. When he grew up, he went to the home of the same Awo whom his mother used to take him to when he was young, for If
954
consultation; would he succeed in life? During consultation,IrgtQ revealed.
MT
was
TheAwo assured 8kthatallshall bewellwith him. Theytold him thatever before he was born, his mother had offered allthe necessary gbg for him to be a successful man on eafth. He was assured that his mother's prayers had been fonrrarded to Oldmar for consideration and approval by EgU Qdara. After due consideration, OkE was informed, Oldmar had approved his mother's prayers. Qkg was told to go home and do his best in all the things he was doing and ensure that he stayed out of trouble. In order to ensure that all these Ire in life manifested, Okq was advised to offer gbg with four guinea fowls and money. He promptly complied. As soon as Qke dd this, anything he touched became instantly successful. He was blessed with so much money that people believed that half of the wealth in his family actually belonged to him, while the remaining half belonged to all other members of his family. It was the same story with spouses, children, horses, propefties and all other good things of life.
Poro byll Aala baytt Dl firn Ldeb Tff geYy Qke Fbg ni wgn nl k w 9e gb'gbo, r'bg Aj ilyll kQo? T'Qkq ni o T'Qkqt'qk I'e! rrk Aya ilyll kQo? T'Qkq ni o
T'qkqt'okql'eJu trk !9in ilyfl rtkQ o?
T'Qkg ni o
T'qket'okql'eJ k Ire gbogbo il yll kQ o?

T'Qkg nio
T'qkt'qkq I'eJU rtke
Translation
Poro byli (the crops cultivated heap this way)
955
Aata ay(and the farm boundary that way)
They were the Awo who cast If for Ldb Whowasthe motherof Qkg She was advised to offer qbo She complied Who owns all the wealth in this home? They belong to Qke 'T'QkQ t'Qke' is the sound a guinea-fowl makes when itsquawks And the women in this house? The belong to Oke 'T'QkQ t'Qke' is the sound a guinea-fowl makes when itsquawks And allthe blessings in this house? Theyall belong to Qke 'T'Qke t'Qke' is the sound a guinea-fowl makes when it squawks
If promises the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she shall be looked up to for guidance and assstance in all aspects of life by his/her family and communty. If says that because much has been given to him/her, he/she is strongly advised not to disappoint himself/hersell his/her family and his/her community.
4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not only be blessed with all the good things of life outside where he/she was born, he/she would also have a lot to show for all these blessings. If says that there are three of them who are moving together but who are not born in the same town. If assures the three of them that they will all succeed in their new place of abode and they will be able to take the evidence of their success backto their home lands.
If advises each of these three people to offer gbg with three white pigeons, three ducks, three roosters, three guinea-fowls and money. On this aspect, If says:
Aro-gbgede-gb filn Qlbrinjg Qmg wgn l'de Isanh fbgageygrf niwgn nl kwaage
956
Translation
Aro-gbagede-gb He was the Awo who cast If for Qlbrinjg The indigene oflsanlu Land He was advised to offer gbg forsuccess and accomplishment
Qlbrinjg was an indigene of lsanlU town. He left his home town and travelled to Ad-Eld to settle. When he arrived in his new home, he knew only one person in the town. This person used to visit fsanhl as a trader who sold clothing materials to Qlbrinjg's relatives. It was through this trader that Qlbrinjg moved to Ad-Eld.
Soon after he got to this new town, he realized that it was not easy as a non-
indigene to succeed. His host had little time to introduce him to other
people because of his travelling and other busy schedules.
Qlbrinjo was in a state of dilemma when he met Jgu. Jgu was an indigene of QtunmQba land. He also came to Ado-Ekltl to settle when he heard that business thrived in Ad-Eldti. He did not have much business links in his new place of abode but he decided to try his luck anyway. When he first arrived, it was difficult for him even to eat. He was determined to stay on in spite of this temporary setback. He began to fetch water and cut firewood for people in order to survive. It was during one of his trips to the stream to fetch water that he met Olbrinjo. His dialect betrayed him as a stranger in Ad-Eldtl. They talked. They became instant friends. They decided to stay and worktogether.
Three weeks after this, the two friends met Qkanlawgn. Qkanlawqn was ' from Altamgde Akoko. He also came to Ad-Eki to begin a new life. He had tried his hands on two business ventures in his home land and had failed woefully in both. Something kept telling him that he would succeed elsewhere. He made some enquiries and decided to move to Ad-Ekt. The third day he arrived in his new abode was the day he met Qlbrinjg and Jeg. The three of them became inseparable. They did everything together. Where you found one, be sure that the other two were close by. Before Iong, the whole town of Ad-Eld began to notice them as close friends.
\,rlI(: uoy, LllE LlllEEt
! Ltgt|| JoL LtJgELttEl rvr )gttrJuJ Lt)LuJJtvr vt| |r|!,vy LrtEy
would progress in life. During their discussion, they realized that there was the need for them to begin the ventures they knew how to do best. Qlbrinjg stated that his family specialized in hunting and he had also participated in several hunting expeditions. He was convinced that he would become a successful hunter in Ado-Eld. Jgu was a farmer all his life. He knew how to use manure to produce bountiful harvest. Not only this, he knew the tricK to use to keep pests, rodents and birds away from his farm. He concluded that with the fertile land of AdEkltl, coupled with good business climate, he was bound to succeed. Qkanlawqn said that he had all along been a trader all his life. Even though he had tried selling cloths and wood carvings and had failed, he knew that he would succeed because the business environment in Ad-Eld was right for trading.
That day, the three of them concluded that they would procure three types of locally made guns and gun powder for Qlbrinjg from their collective saving so that he could staft his hunting in earnest. They did. The remaining money was spent on buying cutlasses, hoes, cudgels, knives and other farming implements for Jgu. They approached the community head of their area for farming land and Jgu was given land. They told Qkanhwgn to be in charge of selling all the games killed by Qlbrinjg and all the farm products of Jgu. The three of them were in the businesses they were acquainted with which they understood very well once again, The first day, that Qlbrinjo went to the forest for hunting, he came back home with two big antelopes and one grassscutter. They cooked the grass cutter for food and sold the two antelopes. The sale convinced the other two friends that Qkanlawgn was a fantastic trader and a hard bargainer.
With this initial progress, Qlbrinjg was still not totally satisfied. He decided to approach Ar-gbagede-gb, the best Babalwo n Ad-Ekt at
that period for If consultation. The Awo told Qlbrinjo to offer gbg as stated above. The Awo explained that to have bountiful harvest or to kill several games were not enough for success. What was more impoftant was for these produce to meet the market atthe most appropriate time and for them to strike the right chord in the minds of the consumers. This was even more impoftant when
958
r-vrrrrLsrllrg Lrs lqLL
LlrcrL
were many. There was therefore the need to offer gbg so that his own products would be the most attractive to those who would consume them anytimethey reached the market.
Qlbrinjg was impressed with the explanation and he offered the gbg as prescribed by the Awo accordingly.
Soon after this gbg was offered, things began to change for the better for Qlbrinjg. People preferred his animals to those of others. Qkanlawgn used to have hard times placating aggrieved customers who could not see any animal to buy anytime he carried Qlbrinjg's games to the market. Qlbrinjg began to show signs of success more than his two other friends.
One day, Qlbrinjg called a meeting for the three of them to have another round of serious deliberation. He made it clear to his two friends that the gap of success between him and his two friends was beginning to widen. He declared that he was convinced that if the gap continued to widen as it was going, there was bound to be envy and that was very dangerous for their friendship. He said that such development was unacceptable to him
L!ru)E lJrilrglllg LilE >clllg PluuuLLs LU
Lf
le llldf
KeL
because he cherished their mutual love and respect more that all the wealth in the world. Solution? He urged his two friends to go for If consultation in the home of Aro-gbgede-gb and ensure that they offered all the gbg that he prescribed for them. After much deliberation, Jgu agreed to give Qlbrinjg's advice a trial.
Aro-gbagede-gb DlfnJgu Qmq Ode Qtunmgb Ebq a*ygrt ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Aro-gbagede-gb He was the Awo who cast If for Jgu The indigene of QtnmQb town He was advised to offer qbg for success and accomplishment
When Jgu went to Ar-gbgede-gb, he was also assured of success. He was also advised to offer the same ebg that Qlbrinjg offered for the
same reason as mat or v|aDennJg. ne arso compileo as aovrseo. Soon after this, Jgu had not only a bountiful harvest, his produce also met the market at the most appropriate period. Again, QkanlawQn had hard times explaining to those who did not see anything to buy why this was so and to exercise patience. Jgu also became very successful.
In all these, Qkanbwgn was finding it very difficult to make much profit for himself. He had not changed much from his old poor self. One day, Qlbrinjg and Jgu insisted that Qkanlwgn must go for If consultation to find out why he had not succeeded like them. He was also advised to offer all the gbg that Ar-gbgede-gb would recommend for him. They made it clear to QkanlawQn that anyone who knew the three of them when they stafted to move together would have the impression that he was not being fairlytreated.
In the end, QkanlwQn agreed to go for If consultation in the home of Argbgede-gb, to find out the way forward:
Ar-gbagede-gb Dlfiln Qkanlawgn Tll g'gmg wgn nl Altamgdg-Akoko Ebgeqeyqrl niwQn nl kw9e
Translation
Aro-gbagede-gbd He was the Awo who cast If for Qkanhwgn The indigene of Altamgde-Akoko land He was advised to offer gbg for success and accomplishment
Ar-gbgede-gb blamed QkanlawQn for waiting for too long before coming for If consultation. He was however assured that it was not too late. He recommended the same gbg for Qkanlawgn and he assured him that he would succeed as his two other friends. Okanlawon offered the ebo as prescribed.
As soon as he did this, his situation changed for the
better. He began to
960
maKe nuge proflts from nts sales. I he more proft he made, the more hs customers loved his goods. They considered the goods to be expensive because they were of superior qualities. He soon added clothing materiats and wood carving products to his sales. Surprisingly, he began to make more profits in these than in the sales of animals and farm produce. That was when he knew that was not the witches and wizards in AltamgdeAkoko who prevented him from succeeding when he was there. To convince himself, he took his goods to his home town and he sold everything. Including the sack he used to load the goodsthere!
it
The three friends got married in Ad-Eldti. They were blessed with several children; they acquired many propefties and they were highly respected in the land. When it was time for them to return to their respective home lands, the people of Ad-Ekltlthrew a lavish farewell party for them. They all depafted from Ad-Eldti with tears of joy rolling down the cheeks of both indigenes and visitors. Aro-gbagede-gb Dlfn Qlbrinjg Tll g'gmg won l'de IsanlU lbgageygrl niwqn nl kOwaage gb'gbg, rU'bg Aro-9bagede-gb DlfnJgu Qms Ode Qtmqb gb'Qbg, rrt'bg Aro-gbagede-gb D fn Qkanhwqn Tff g'gmg wgn nl Altamqde-AkokO Ebg a$eyqrl ni wqn nl k w 9e gb'gbg, rrt'bgK pe, kO jinn f wa ba ni nl wQwO ire gbogbo jq Isanlrr n'il etbrnjq Qlbrinjg le re Isanlu Isanh n'il Qlbrnjo Qtunmqb nitiJgu Jgu l r'odeQtmQb Qtunmgb nilJgu
961
vngrlrgttt
tr I lrttrl,
uYtl
Qkanlawqn la r'eleAkoko Akk n'ile Qkanlwen o
Translation
Aro-gbgede-gb He was the Awo who cast If for Qlberinjg The indigene oflsanhf He was advised to offer gbg for success and accomplishment He complied Ar-gbgede-gb He was theAwo who cast If forJegue The indigene of QtUnmQb town He was advised to offer gbg for success and accomplishment Aro-gbagede-gb He was the Awo who cast If for QknlwQn The indigene of Altamgde-Akoko land He was advised to offer gbg for success and accomplishment He complied Before long, nottoofar Join us in the midst of all blessings of life IsanlU wasthe home of Qlbrinjg Qlbrinjg succeeded And returned tolsnhj Isanht wasthe home of Qlbrinjg Jgu was an indigene of Omgb After the success of Jgu He returned to QtmQba his homeland Jgu was an indigene of Qtmgba Altamgde-Akoto was the home of Qkanlawgn Qkanbwgn succeeded And returned toAkoko land Akkwasthe home of Qkanlawgn
If advises three friends who are from different lands to offer qbg so thatthe three of them will succeed together. It is also impoftant for the three of them to offer gbg so as to prevent a situation where one or two of them succeed and the others do not.
5.
If says that it foresees the blessing of all ire in life for the person for 962
whom this ocl is revealed. lf says mat mts person snall De Dlesseo with honour and followership. He/she shall be respected and adored.
If says that right now this person is in hot pursuit of wealth at the expense of his/her spiritual elevation. If warns him/her that whether
he/she scrambles for wealth or not, he/she will be blessed with wealth; but if he/she loses his spiritual essence, then he/she has lost all.
If advises him/her to offer qbQ with two pigeons' two guineafowls, four rats, fourfish, plenty of shrimps and money. He/she needs to be eating shrimps regularly in order for his/her wealth to
reach his/her hands as quicklyas possible. On these, If says:
ApOaj ba'lQ, r jlnnginni ApO gmg'kn ba'le r jogbojogbo Mtorl kl n l nl lsinmi Ni mo 9e n gal sinmi
AreAj le s kir Algbigba l Kanrankanran r'Okun Algbigba l Kanrankanran r'Qs Alagbigba l Karankanran r'de Oylnb Dfi filn YemqsQ lldo Tl sunkn Oun ri're Sbg ni wn nf k w Fe
lyinogbt'Ogi
mQ
Translation
A bag full of cowries landed and made a ricocheting sound And a bag full of Qmq'krln beads landed and made a dull In orderfor me to have rest in That is why I have refused to give myself rest now You no longer listen tothe instructions of the Ofiga You areallin hotpursuitof wealth
future
sound
The Agbigba diviner chants repeatedly to the seas And chants repeatedly to the lagoons And even chants repeatedlyto Oyinbo man's land These werethe messages of If forYemgsQ IldO Who was weeping in lamentation of her inability to secure all ire
963
iltiltt
Yemese Iledo was a very hard-working woman. She had been trained to appreciate the value of hard work. She was told by her mother that if she wanted to rest when her hair turned grey, she must work hard when her hair was black. This lesson she tookvery seriously. In her bid to succeed in life, she had no time for any other thing. She totally abandoned all her ancestral Onga and she did not remember the days for venerating any of the Og. However, there was no market day she did not know around her community. Anyone who wanted to go to any marketwould go and ask her
what to expect in that market and she would supply them with the information in an accurate manner. She was a wondeful market analyst. Surprisingly however, she did not have much to show for her versatility.
Much as she tried, her condition did not improve. Tired of this, she summed up courage one day and decided to go to the home of the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation. Would she succeed in life? She asked.
The group of Awo assured her that she would surely succeed in life. They told her that even though it was a good thing to be hard-working, it was actually the blessing of the 0g and approval of Oldmar which really make one to succeed. She was told that since she had abandoned the Onga they too had closed their ears to her cries and had chosen not to assist her in her quest for success. She was advised to continue to be hardworking but at the same time, find enough time to venerate the Orig and oldmar regularly. It was by so doing, she was assured, that success would come her way. After this, the Awo advised her to offer gbg as stated above. She was also advised to eat shrimps regularly and use same to feed all her OrIg. She complied. She also planned her life in such a way that nothing was allowed to disturb her from worshipping her Onga on a regular
basis. Soon after this, her life began to change for the better. She was able to see that it was not only hardwork that made life wofth living. She realized that organizing one's life in an orderly manner was even more important than hardwork alone. There oughtto be time for work, time for leisure, time for worship, time for rest and time for all other things of life. when she
964
reatrzeo tnar tr was me ume Tor a cnange oI $atus, sne Degan to plan for marrage. She was successfully married. She had splendid children. She trained her children well. She was blessed with the wealth she had been yearning for, and her wealth had meaning to her because she had people to share her wealth with. She was able to live a contented life.
jlnnginni Apo gmg'kn ba'l r jogbojogbo Mtorl kl n l nl lsinmi

ApO aj ba'l$, r
Ni mo ge gal sinmi
ArAj l s kr Alagbigba l Kanrankanran r'kun Algbigba n l Kanrankanran r'Qs Algbigba l Karankanran r'deOylnb DlfilnYemqsQIIdo T1 sunkn un O rf re Ebq ni wn nf k w ge gbbg, rrtbg
Ko pe ko
lyinogbt'Ogi mq
jlnna
Ire gbogbow ya dttru Ire ajtf Od Edlnl kd Owlnnlwlnnl, ed l nl k d
Iregkgtl d
Edlnl kd Q wlnnlwlnnl ed l nl kd Iregmgtl d Edlnl kd Qwlnnlwlnnl ed l nl kd Ire iltl kOd Edlnl kd Qwinnlwlnnl ed l nl k d Iregbogbotl kd Edlnl kd Owinnlwlnnl ed l nl k d
Translation
A bag
fullof cowries landed and made a ricocheting sound

965
And chants repeatedlyto the lagoons And even chants repeatedryto Qyinb man's rand These were the messages of Ifa foryemgse Ibdo Who was weeping and lamenting of her inability to secure all ire in life She was advised to offer gbg She complied Before long, nottoo far Allthe ire in life came in abundance The ire of wealth that had failed to come It was ed, the shrimps, which ordered it to come QWinnlwlnn'i, ed had ordered it to come The ire of spouse that had failed to come It was ed which ordered itto come QwfnnlWinrTi ed had directed itto come The ire of children that had failed to come It was ed which ordered itto come Qwlnnlwlnff ede had directed it to come The ire of properties that had failed to come It was ed which ordered it to come 'Qwinn)wlnrf ed had directed it to come The ire of ail bressings that had faired to come It was ed which ordered itto come Qwlnnlwind ed had summoned it to come
d ucrg I ull or Vm9'Kun Deads landed and made a dUll SOund In orderfor me to have rest in future That is why I have refused to give myserf rest now you no ronger risten to the instructions of the onga you are all in hot pursuit of wealth The Agbigba diviner chants repeatedry to the seas
/ar ru
If says thatthe person forwhom this od is revealed shallbe blessed with all ire in life. All he/she needs to do is to organize his/life in an orderly manner and try to identiff his/her priorities. He/stre must also be close to the Oga and Oldmar.
6'
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has all it takes
966
the
to succeed in life, especially if he/she plans to leave his/her place of birth in search of greener pastures elsewhere. If says that at initial stage, it may not be easy because he/she may have to contend with four obstacles in his/her quest for success. If advises this person not to confront these obstacles, but rather to use wisdom and understanding to get round them to his/her succeed. Ifthiscan be done, this person will surely succeed.where He/she will have course to celebrate. others had
failed.
If recommends for this person to offer gbg with animal bones (any
animal), yam peeling, corn, tf, corn mealofal, and money. On this, a stanza inlrgtQ M) says: Okltl bebeeba nif pQkun opp D,lfirn LlgboQgege T1 le r gun'gi gla n'lfQ lbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
okl babaab n'ipQkun opp He wastheAwowho castlf for Ligb0 Qggge
When going to climb the tree of prosperity in IfQ He was advised to offerebo
Llgb Qgege had made several attempts to climb the tree of prosperity in Ib-Ie and he did not succeed. Why? At the foot of this tree (Fge tree) were four wild-looking animals which prevented anyone from climbing the tree. These animals were agb-mQmQ, ram; btlkg, he-goat; aj, dog; and kkg-Qtan-galfija, cock. Allthe people who had attempted to climb
the tree were chased away. Those who tried to brave it were bitten mercilessly by the dog, hit forcefully by the ram and he-goat, and
scratched with nails bythe cock.
In spite of this, Ligb Qgege was fully determined to climb the tree. He knew that anyone who climbed the tree would become prosperous, even beyond his/her wildest dreams. When he got to the foot of the tree, he saw the four animals sleeping. He quickly but stilthily stepped forward to climb the tree, only to receive a nasty bite from the dog guarding the tree.
967
There must be a way of climbing this tree, he reasoned. When he could not think of any other trick to climb the tree of prosperity, he decided to approach the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he
succeed in climbing Fg, the tree of prosperity?
The Awo assured Llgb Qggge that he would be able to climb [gg, the tree of prosperity. He was told that success did not come cheap or easy. That was why he needed to expect obstacles at the foot of the tree. Llgb Qgege was counselled thatwheneverthere appeared to be obstacle on the way to one's success, it could not be removed with force; rather the obstacle must be overcome with wisdom and understanding. The Awo told LigbO Qggge that he had not succeeded in climbing Fge, the tree of prosperity because he had failed to apply wisdom and understanding. Paft of the wisdom to apply in overcoming the four obstacles was approaching If for solution. The Awo explained fufther that the four animals were wild because there was nobody there to feed them. It was therefore the duty of Llgb Qggge to go and feed the animals in order to make them positively disposed towards him. The Awo also advised Llgb Qgegg to offer gbg with animal bones, yam peelings, corn, corn meal offaland money. He was also asked to go to the foot of EgQ, the tree of prosperity, and feed the animals with the same items. He complied.
As soon as the offered the gbg, he went to look for more of the items and proceeded straight to the foot of the tree. As soon as the animals sighted him, they were all ready for a big fight. Instead, he placed the bones for the dog; he gave the yam peelings to the ram; he gave the cock the corn; and gave the , corn meal offal to the he-goat. At first, the animals were looking at him with suspicion. It dd not take long before their hunger
decided for them. They began to eat what Llgb Qgege brought for them. He repeated his visit and feeding on the second, third and fourth
day.
On the fifth day, the animals were already waiting for him. The dog was wagging its tail when it saw him. The ram and he-goat moved close to him and they were all playing with him. He gave them the food. The animals 968
were busy eating when Llgb Qgege wentto the foot of fgq tree to climb the tree. The animals took no notice of him. He climbed the tree to the very top and the animals could not be bothered. On top of the tree, he was blessed with all the prosperity anyone could ever acquire in life. ligb Qggge became the most successful person throughout his own world atthat point in time. He was full of joy for his accomplishment. He returned to the Awo who made If for him that he would Iike to offer that pafticular gbg once more. The Awo however told him that it was not the practice to offer one gbg twice. He only needed to praise his Awo who did the gbg for him; the Awo needed to praise If for making the predictions come to pass; while If needed to give thanks to Oldmar for putting Agg to the gbg Okltl bebaaba nif pgkunopp Dlfirn LlgboQgegq Tf g r gun'gi qla nffQ [b9 ni wQn nl k w Qe gb'gbo, r'bg AjldtQg kll j kl wgn g'egE Agb-mQmQ ldl qge kff je kl wgn g'egq Akkq-o, tln-galje ld| ege kll je K wgn g'eg Obkqld ege ffi je kl wgn g'ege Llgbo 0ge9e l w fi ggbqn inrt m'ta filmOrn m'bl w 19 r gun qge igi Q| 'Ife jq Qgqge d o, g agnla Igi gla l gun
fnit
b g'QgQgQ
Translation
okl babaab rf pQkun oppo He was the Awo who cast If for Llgb Qgege When going to climb the tree of prosperity in IfQ He was advised to offer gbg
He complied
The dog at the foot of [gQ did not allow anyone to climb [gQ tree The ram atthe footof figq did notallow anyoneto climb fgg Tree The cock did not allow anyone to climb fgg tree And the he-goat did not allow anyone to climb the
tree
969
Llgb0 decided to procure alligator pepperwith wisdom And procured ob'i, kolanut, with understanding And he wentto climb Fge, the tree of prosperity in Il-IfQ Behold QgQg, the tree of success Anyone who climbs Qgege The person has climbed the tree of prosperity
If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that in order to succeed n life, instead of using confrontation to remove obstacles; he/she needs to be using wisdom and understanding. By so doing,
prosperity is assured. Success is guaranteed.
7.
Ifa says that the person for whom this Od is revealed may be suffering from chest and head pain. He/she may be having some dizziness or lightness in his/her head, while at the same time,
he/she may be experiencing some heaviness in his/her chest or be feeling some ache therein. Ifa says that these are normal because Qrunmll and $ng are protecting his/her head and chestfrom the attack of lkrl, Death and that is why he/she is having the sensations in his/her head and chest. If says that as soon as he/she offers appropriate gbg for this, the sensation will disappear. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer ebQ with one matured he-goat and money. After this, he/she needs to feed If and Sang. On this,If says
KekbTdl mergb D,l filn okk Tl lgg f gwE ti'ku fbg ni wqn nf k w $e
Translation
Keke bldr mrgb He cast If for Qkk
Who was going to stretch his hands to push death away He was advised to offer gbg
Akpo had paid his dues. He had served all the 401 Irunmole diligently. He had the fear Oldmar at the back of his mind. He spoke the truth at 970
all
He was humble and easily going. In spite of all these however, Ik, Death was in his hot pursuit. Akp was notaware of this development
times.
atall.
$ng, also known as Qkak, felt that it was his responsibility to protect AkpO because Akp had serued him well. $ng was well pleased with Akp and he, $ng, was determined that AkpO must live to his old age. consequent upon this, $ng went to KQkQ bldl mrgbe to find out what he needed to do in order to protect Akp from the threat posed by lkrl. The Awo informed $ng that Akp must be put at arms length to lkti. This, $ng was determined to do. Anytime Ikrf approached Akp, gang would place his hand on Akp's chest and push him away from Ikrt. when this was being done repeatedly, Akp began to develop some feelings of discomfoft in his chest. All herbs to relieve him of this discomfort applied by Akp proved non-effective.
Kekb'ldl mrgb Dl filn Orr
Tl rt lgedu'rlllemre lbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Keke
bldl mrgbe
He cast If for Odd
Who was going to protectthe Of of he who is destined to die Young. He was advised to offer ebo
Ik was becoming increasingly frustrated. He could not understand why $ng was standing in his way. He decided to use another strategy to kill Akp at the slightest oppoftunity. When Qrunmll realized that, he approached KQkq b\df mrgb for If consultation on behalf of his AkpO.
He was advised to try all that he knew to protect the head of his Akp from being chopped off by Iktl. As a result of this revelation, Ornmll never left his Akapo alone. Anytime that Iku approached, Orunmila would cover the head of his Akapo with his two hands and body. This action precluded Ikrl from gaining access to Akp.
971
While $ang was busy pushing Ik and AkpO away from each other, Qrrfnm)l was protecting the head of Akp from any form of danger. Akap soon began to feel some sensations in his head. Again, no herb
could cure it.
One day, Akp himself approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. He was informed that the head and chest discomfoft he was feeling was not as a result of any physical problem. It was rather the manifestation of the efforts of $ang and Qrnmll to protect him from untimely death. He was advised to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He was also advised to feed If and $ng as appropriate. Akp did, as soon as he did this, the pain in hls head and chest disappeared.
Keke b'ldl mrgb fitn Qkk Tl tr lgg fo, wg t'ikrt fibg ni wqn nl k w 9e
gb'(tbo,
r'bg Keke bTdl meregbe
D,lfitnOrO fi rr Qg du'r{ Ilmer fbg ni wqn nl k w $e gb'Qbg, rrt'bg jg tani y du'rll ml filn mi?
oddrIf niydu'rll mlfitn mi

$ng ni Qkaka tfffgwgt'ikrr Odd Ifa niyodu'rfl mlfun mi Qrrrnmll ni Odudr tff du'dl llemere oddur If niydu'rfl mlfitn mio
Odrr
Translation
Keke bldl meregb He cast If for qkk Who was going to stretch his hands to push death away
Keke bldr meregbe
972
He cast If for dUdU
When going to protectthe O of he who was destined to die Young He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Now, who will protect my O for me Odd, If isthe oneto protect myOf for me Sango is Okaka who pushes death away Odd, If will surely protect my Orl for me QrrJnmll is Odd, who protects the O die young Odd, If will surely protect my Of for me Oddu, If will surely do it for me.
of he who is destined to
If says that Qrrlnmll and $ng will not allow the person for whom this Od is revealed to die young. As long as he/she continues to think, say and do all those things which please Oldmare and the InJnmglQ at all times, even if he/she had been destined to die young, the two lrnmglQ and OIdmar will extend his/her life and make him/her live to witness
his/her old age.
8.
If says that the person for whom this Od is reveled shall be placed among Kings and Queens of this world. He/she shall be in the midst of shakers and movers of his/her community. Whatever he/she says will matterand will betaken seriously byall.
If also says that there is no condition or situation that this person

will not be able to adapt himself/herself to. This is his/her own talent and it is a special blessing from Oldmar. If advises this person to put on all the dresses that he/she has in his/her life in one day - even if these dresses are more than five hundred! All he/she needs to do is to put on these dresses one after the other. He/she however needs to undress one before wearing another. By so doing, he/she will receive honour and glory from Oldmar. On this aspect,Irgt MJi says:
Edelhln ojgt'Qhrrn
973
LU f ils 'trcrgeilqr presence and brief him properly on what he was going to do when he got to the abode of Oldmar. The Awo told QbAtl that many fine and competent people failed in life, not because they could not perform, but rather because they were not properly briefed on what they were expected to do. The Awo said that after the briefing, Qbtl needed to put on his entire dresses one after the other. During this process, Qbtl needed to see how Alggmg would share the same dresses so that he would be able to
ur ue dPPrsilsilsrve, vuclrdrd wd5 cruvrsgu tu suilililuil
judge whether or not Alggmg would be able to perform up to Qbtl's expectation. The Awo said that any dance that one planned to dance outside in the midst of the multitude must first be practiced and danced inside the home. That would give the onlooker the oppoftunity to determine how the dance would Iook like when danced outside. This would also give them the oppoftunity to make corrections and amendments if and where necessary. Qbatb thanked the Awo and left. He complied with all the advices given to him bythe Awo. After much practices, he felt satisfied that Algqmg would peform satisfactorily when he got to heaven to pafticipate
in the ceremony of Oldmar.
When Alggmg got
to heaven, he went straight to Oldmar and
announced that he was the representative of Qbtl. When the ceremony stafted, Oldmar adorned himself with an immaculate white dress. The whole heaven was in white. Those on eafth who were not aware of what was happening in heaven looked at heaven and concluded that the sky was very clear. In heaven however, all the Irnmol were dancing in procession past Oldmar. When it got to the turn of Qbatl, Alggmg came fonruard and adorned himself in the very same dress worn by Oldmar with the cap and shoes to match! All the other lrnmglQ stood still in amazement. OIdmar was highly impressed. Oldmar went to change His dress to Agg [t, the dark dress with Fll abetiaj, the dog-ear cap, and a covered shoe to match. The whole heaven turned dark and those on eafth believed that it was about to rain. As soon as Oldmar stepped out, behold, Alggmg had adorned himself in the same dress, the same colour, the same frl and the same shoes! There was tumultuous applause and those on eafth believed that thunder had struck in readiness for rainfall in heaven. Oldmar put on sn-nyn, Alaa, rn, dandg, apere d0d, and so on, with crowns, fila; GQbl, kgtQ etc. to match, and Algemg replicated 975
EOegnun oJgt'lnln Dl firn ooganta QgQQrQmagbo oldmar nl kow b oun g'gdrn nlAlggmg I'ounyo rn lg fibg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
place
The language in this place is different from that of the other

And the dalect of the other place in different from that of this
place This was lfa's message for Ooganb Qseeremgbo Whom Oldmar invited to come and celebrate with Him
He said he would send Alggmg, Chameleon, to go
and
represent him He was advised to offergbg
When OIdmare created the unverse, He gave OOgarrta QpQQrQmagbO (QbaHl) an impoftant role to play. Afterthe creation, Qbtl was given the free hand to add to, or subtract from, the qualities of some creatures. For example, Qbtla was he who made sugarcane sweeter than bamboo, even though they looked alike. QbaHla also made the banana sweeter than many fruits which looked like it, Qbatl made birds faster than buttedlies and gave the parrot more intelligence than other birds.
In the case of Alggmg, Chameleon, Qbath gave him the capacity to adopt the colour, design, pattern and even complexion of whoever and whatever he got in contact with. Qbatl was so proud of Alggmo that
he made him one of his right hand persons.
One day, Oldmar summoned QbaHl to come and join him in celebration in heaven. QbaHla felt that it was time for him to showcase Alggmg to Oldmar. He wanted Oldmar to see his wondeful design. Consequently, he decided to send Alggmg to represent him at
the ceremony. Before he did this, he went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he not be disgraced in his bid to send Algqmg as his representative? The Awo assured Qbath that Algemg would perform marvelously where he was being sent. For this reason, Qbatl had no reason to fear
974
tfa Dda: An invitaon to lfa Consultation
them alll Itwas a mostwonderfuloccasion in heaven. At the end of the ceremony, Oldmar called Algqmg. He told Algqmq that it was one thing for anyone to be given the tools to perform; it was another thing for that person to know how to use the tools provided for him and perform excellently. Oldmar declared thatAlggmq had peformed well. He blessed Alggmg that he would lack nothing on eath. Oldmar said that there would be no dress on eafth that Algemq would not be able to replicate. Allthe lrrtnmglQ present chorused a resounding Agg!!!
Edlhln igt'Qhn Edeqhun o jgtThln Dl fitn ooganla qgeer+magbo Oldmarnl kw b un g'gdrtn nl Alaggmg I'OunYO rn 19 fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e gb'$bo, r'bg Ko p4' kQilnna E wa ba ni b'YQ, I w wo're o i onlruru a99 kll w{n I'QdQAlgqmg Eyl t bwu Qga niiYolo
Translation
The language in this place is different from that of the other place And the dialect of the other place in different from that of this place This was lf's message forOogal Q9eeremgbO Whom Oldmar invited to come and celebrate with him He said he would send Alggmg, chameleon, to go and represent him He was advised to offerebq HecomPlied Before long, nottoo far come and join us in the midst of joy and celebration of all Ire Alggmg will never lack anY dress Whichever Pleases him will he wear
If also says that this person needs to work hard if being sent anywhere to represent others. The potential to succeed is there alright, but he/se must put more effolG to excel.
If says that if someone plans to send another person to represent him/her in anyevent, assgnment or occasion, that person needs to put his/her mind at rest because n/stre will be well represented. He/she shall be praised for 976
I
ii
trete Meii
lii
his/her choice of representative and the representative too shall be praised and blessed for a job well
done
9.
If says that there is a contentious matter facing the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that with the appropriate gbg, he/she will overcome that problem. There may also be the problem involving love or matrimonial issue that this person is facing presently. If says that he/she needs to offer gbg so that he/she will be able bcorne out of the problem unhuft.
If advises this person to offer gbg with six big kolanuts, one plate and plenty of money. If says that if this can be done as quickly as possible, this person shall not be humiliated or
blamed for his/her actions. On this aspect, If says:
9kg r Aya rq
Ddaftn Qkgrg jggbg Tl y fg oblnrin Ik tn TlyOfobl me,fa kg fbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
Let peace be with the husband And with the wife too This was lf's message to QkgrJQgbQ, the squirrel
Whoshallsnatch the wife of Ikrf , Death And use six kolanutforappeasement Hewas advised to offerebo
Ikrl got married to a very beautiful woman. The woman was very obedient to him. Yet Ikrl treated her badly. He threatened her and her family all the time. At a stage, Ikrl locked her up in a small room and never allowed her to go out again. This woman lived in constant fear. She lost interest in life and all its meanings. She prayed every time to Oldmar to pull her out of her
problem.
977
\,rlIg
LClyt Yf\YlY
YYCit VVC|lv{.llllV
CIJ\JLL llr Ltrrv l\rlvJ!
rrt Jvuvr
vr rvvvr
I rv
soon heard the sob of a woman. The sound was so faint that he initially thought that his ears were playing trick on him. He listened carefully and he heard the unmistakable voice of a woman moaning and weeping quietly. He moved quietly to the direction where he was hearing the voice, When he gotthere, he realized thatwhere the woman was crying had been sealed up completely. Who could have done this to a human being? He queried. 'Who is there?' Qkere asked softly. The woman said, 'it is me. Please help me'. The deep melancholy and desperation in her voice were too much for Qkere to ignore. He tried to break down the door but he could not. 'Do not worry. I have tried to break the door but it was firmly locked. I am coming backtomorrow to help you out of this place. I promise you', Qkere said and left. Throughout that day Qkere was not his normal self. At night, he could not sleep. Who could do this to a human being? He continued to ask himself. The next day, he moved into the forest with a crow bar with which to break the door open. When he got there, much as he tried, he could not break down the door, He had to dig a hole on the ground where he passed Ikrl's wife from bondage to freedom. The woman thanked him profoundly but there was nowhere the woman could go. She told Qkere that she would prefer to follow him backto his house. She vowed that instead of returning to Ikr1, she would rather preferto lose her life.
On their way to Qkgrg's home, the woman narrated the story of her
life. It
was a pathetic story indeed. She told Qkere the story of constant intimidation, outright aggression and unbelievable cruelty, which
'her entire family was also under the threat of
sometimes bothered on sadism. She had nobody to complain to, because Ikrl. Now that she ha'd escaped, nothing could make her return to her enslavement.
In the evening of that day, both Qkere and lkrl's wife slept on the same mat. One thing led to the other and they became man and wife. From that day however, Qkere had no peace of mind anymore. He was always in constant fear and apprehension. He knew that Ikrt would not keep quiet and allow anyone to snatch his wife without a violent reaction from him.
978
trveryoay, vKgrg oecame more ano more oesperate to flno soluuon to tnrs problem. Unknown to anyone, Ikrl was actually in love with his wife. He thought that the only way to secure this woman for himself permanently was to scare and intimidate every one from her. He thought that if he
frightened her hard enough, he would be able to secure her total commitment. He was totally unaware of the damage he had caused this woman socially, physically, psychologically, mentally and spiritually. As far as he was concerned, feeding and clothing her were more than enough requirements. He was playing his role as a husband hehelieved. Why then should she run away from home? He queried. After much deliberation, he concluded that a misguided person had seduced his wife. He vowed to
teach that person, together with the entire members of his family, a lesson they will never forget in a hurry. He began to hunt his wife's seducer everywhere.
As Ikrl was hunting for his wife's alleged seducer, Qkere was been haunted by the fear of Ik and all the possible consequences of what Ikrt would do to him when caught, In his desperation, he went to Qkg rQ and Aya rg for If
consultation: would he suruive this contention? He asked. The Awo told Qkere that he was living in constant fear of the repression of his action. He was told that he was involved in a contentious issue, which he was not sure whether it will end up in his favour or not. The Awo assured him that it will end up in his favour. He was then advised to offer gbg with six kolanuts and plenty of money. He complied immediately. The gbg was placed by the road side. As soon as the gbg was performed, Eg Qdara took control of everything. He went straight to Ikri and asked him what his troubles were. Ikrl responded that his wife who was his personal property was snatched away from him by an unknown person. He said that it was totally unacceptable to him and that the culprit would be severely dealt with. ESU Qdara said that Ikrl must teach the culprit a bitter lesson, and he promised to follow Ik to find this illusive culprit. Egu Qdara led IkrJ to the way where the qbg with six kolanuts was placed. He showed lkri the kolanuts and told him to consume it as lktl was fond of eating kolanuts. IkrJ could not resist the kolanuts because they were big and enticing. After eating three kolanuts, ESU Qdara declared that there was nothing Ikrl could do against the person who had snatched his wife anymore. Iku asked why this should be so, and Eg Qdara stated that the person who snatched his wife was the
979
same person who placed the kolanuts where Ik had picked them. He added that it was a taboo and totally unethical for Ik to consume a person's gifts and then go ahead and kill such person. He consoled Ikti to take heaft and accept the loss of his wife in good faith. There and then Ik knew that he had lost out.
Aya r Dl firn Qkerg jegbg Tl yO fg oblnrin Ik tn Tlyofobl mqfa kg lbg ni wSn nl k w Fe
9kgrq
gb'Qbo, rrr'bg
Ko p ko
jlnn
f w b ni lrqOgun If d al99 Qpqab'qewr
Translation
Let peace be with the husband And with the wife too This was lf's message to Qkgrg jQgbQ, the squirrel Who shall snatch the wife of lkrl, Death And used six kolanuts for appeasement
He was advised
to offer gbg
He complied
Nottoo long, soon after

Come and meet us where we celebrate victory Here comes If
The holy palm tree that manifests with efficacy
10.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed or someone close to him/her is presently erecting a building. There is the need for him/her to offer gbg immediately in order to aveft an impending disaster. This is because as this person is erecting a propefi on eafth, his/her Fgb in heaven are also erecting another property for him/her in heaven in anticipation of his/her arrival. This is why it is necessary to offer gbg so that the house in heaven will be demolished while the one on eafth will be completed. If says that if this is not done in time,
980
as soon as he/she completes the construction of the
he/she runs
circumstances.
the risk of
propefi on eafth, losing his/her life under mysterious
If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured ram and money. A make-shift tent will be erected with sticks and palm fronds to represent the house in heaven. The ram will betied tothe make-shifttent. Then the ram will be chased helter skelter in such a way that it will eventually pull down the make-shift tent. The demolished tent represents the propefi being erected forthis person by his/her Fgb in heaven. Afterthis, the ram will be slaughtered and its head buried where he/she is erecting his/her This is why it is advisable to do this ritual atthe site where the house is being erected. It is also advisable that this ritual is done before the completion of the house. On this,If says:
gnnugn bq'f Awowgn nllAlr P'klmgbO b'Og Awo Oke ljer P'tlOro b'Ognral'y bl qbQeeb Fa - nae n - k-sl -tr - pee gdq a gbQn'mi nll wO'le -eja Ap'ajb nlw'laparo OlrtgbOngbtlrrh ni wqn fi ggun gltu Akg gsin nll s'r bgranyln-bQrnyln
Pa
house.
B'Qgin bil Sgin a k gbinrin-gbinrin h'nu
Dlfiln LlgboQgeg
Tl mg'le re l'y Tl wqn p'ilQg t'Qrun p k w fbg niwgn nl kO w 9e
Translation
He-who slaughters-a-vulture to feed If, the Awo of Alr's Household He-who-slau g hters- k la magbO to feed Og, the resident Awo in the mountofljerb He-who-slaughters-ti0ro to feed Ogn, he who is as bold as impofted knife He-who-stresses-something forcefully until it breaks and scatter Everywhere Those who drain the stream destroythe home of fishes Those who clear farmlands destroy the home of bush
fowls
981
A bg cluD ts rt mat ls used to scaEer a cloo A stallion is it that gallivants while running When a horse wakes up
the mouth with reins These were lf's declarations to LIgb Qggge When constructing his house on eafth
It
is gagged in
While another
is beng constructed in
heaven
for him to
come
and reside in it He was adviceto offerebo
Ligb Qgegg was very successful
in his chosen career; he made good money in his business. As a result of this, he planned to erect his own building in his family compound. He was given all the necessary approval
and suppoft by the elders of his family.
When the construction of the building began, Llgb Qggge was having strange dreams and his instinct kept sounding him a note of warning that somethng was amiss. Much as he tried, he could not fathom what was wrong at the time. He therefore decided to approach the group of Babalwo mentioned above for If consultation; what was responsible for these strange dreams? Would he be able to overcome all the negative feelings he was having? Would his dreams return to normal? These and many more questions were what were at the back of the mind of Ligb Qgege when he consulted If. He was eager to get to the root of all his problems.
The Awo told Ligb Sgege that he had been having series of strange feelings and that was why he came for If consultation. The Awo assured him that he would overcome the problems. The Awo however explained to him that while he was assuming leadership positions in life, he was equally a leader among his Fgb in heaven. When he left heaven for this world, his Fgb were expecting him to return very soon in order to assume his leadership position once again, As soon as his Fgb saw him erecting a house on eafth, theytoo were busy erecting another one for him in heaven. They were full of expectation that he would soon join them in heaven. The Awo concluded that if LlgbO Qgegg was not ready to die and go back to heaven to join his [gbQ, there was the need to offer gbg as prescribed above. LigbO Qgegg weighed the Awo's options; dying to go and assume his leadership position in heaven, or straying behind to continue to play his 982
teaoersnrp rore on earun. He rureo In favour of me latter. consequently, he complied and offered the gbg as advised.
The day the gbg was offered was the same day the building being erected for Llgb Qgege in heaven collapsed. This sent a strong signal to the Egb in heaven that LlgbO Qggge was not in a hurry to join them. As a result of this, his Fgbg left him to complete histasks on eafth before returning to join them in heaven.
Pa gnnugrln bg'f Awowgn nllAlr P'klmgbo b'Oge Awo Oke ljer P'tlOro b'Ogn, al'y bl Qbeb F-n n-k-sl-trt-pQ 9de a gbQn'mi nll wO'le eja Ap'jb nlw'lpar olgbgbtlla ni wgn fi rggun ogltu Akg gsin nll s'r bgranyln-bQrnyln
B'Qgin b Egin a k gbinrin-gbinrin h'nu
jl
Dlfiln tlgboQgege Tl nmg'l e r l'y Tl wqn ttp'lQgt'qrun p kwa lbg ni wqn nl k w ge gb'gbg, rrt'bg E bwaw'lOrun n
!wtnt'aymgo
IjOgun Qrun ab'ew orl Sk Il Awo m w l'run Qggrgre, ilAwo m w I'Qrun
Translation
He-who slaughters-a-vulture to feed If, the Awo of Alr's Household
He-who-slaughters-akalamgb
to feed O$, the resdent
Awo in the mountofljer He-who-slaughters-tiro to feed Ogn, he who is as bold as impofted knife
He-who-stresses-something forcefully
scatter Everywhere
until it breaks
and
983
I nose wno oraln tne Stream oe$roy me nome or ilsnes Those who clear farmlands destroy the home of bush fowls A big club is it that is used to scatter a clod
A stallion is it
that gallivants while running
When a horsewakes up
It
is
gagged in the mouth with reins
These were lf's declarations to LdgbO Qggge When constructing his house on eafth While another is being constructed in heaven for him to come and reside in it He was adviceto offergbg
Hecomplied Please, come and assistto demolish the house being erected in heaven And come and consolidatethe one on eafth Ye! The heavenly forces with grey feeble hair The home erected forAwo in heaven is collapsing To the ground, the home erected forAwo in heaven in collapsing
If says that this person shall not be allowed to die young. He/she will live long to his/her old age. That is the message of If.
11.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is blessed with good He/she had chosen all the good things of life without excepton and everything had been well recorded in his/her Of. There is howeverthe problem of the factthat his/her fsQ, legs, do not complement his/her Ori. In other words, his/her legs are working aganst the realization of the promises and potentials of his/her destiny. There is the urgent need to correct this anomaly. In order to
Of.
correct this, there is the need to offer qbg with three white pigeons, three gunea fowls and money. After this, the Awo will prepare a special soap with hlpaldde leaves. These leaves will be
pounded and mxed with the soap.
The person needs to dig three holes, wash his/her head in the hole at the center; and wash the left leg in the hole on the left while the right leg will be washed in the right hole in that order. If this can be done, If assures this person that his/her frsg, legs will stop working
984
aganst his/her O'1. A stanza inlret-MT on this issue If says:
Iwg
D,l
QtQ
Emi QtQ ote a mi d'dodo gbko-gbko
fil n Al'rl-ire-m-l'Qs-ire Ebq ni wqn nl k w ge

You imprintone leg oflrgti I also imprintone leg oflrgti
Translation
When the imprint becomestwo Then the truelr-etQ MI is formed This was the message of If to he-who-has-favourable-Ol but lacks good legs He was advised to offer ebo
When Alri-ire-m-lgsQ-ire was comng from heaven, he had chosen allthe good things of life for himself. On getting to the eafth, he started with farming job in anticipation that all will be well for him. He was very good at the job; whatever he planted it always came out fine and with good quality. The people within his community had also recognized him for his great potential and dexterity in crop production. During the market days, people always waited for his farm produce. Unfoftunately for him, before getting his farm produce to the market, one thing always led to the other and the result would be his inability to make good sales. Some of the people waiting for him would have left as a result of impatience, some would have decided to purchase from another seller, and others might feel that the prices of his products were too expensive.
Al-ire-m-lQsQ-ire did this for a long time, but unfoftunately, he could not make any headway. One day, he decided to change from furming to trading. That he could go into buying and selling of goods perhaps, this time around, he would succeed financially. In this business, he showed good business acumen that made him stand out among othertraders in the market. Unfoftunately again, whenever he decided to go and finalize his trading deals with people, he would become disappointed as people who had initially showed intention to buy from him would suddenly lose interest.
985
This also went on for several years without stop.
The thought of how to make ends meet and possibly succeed financially pre-occupied his mind. One day, he decided to go for If consultation: would he become prosperous in life in whatever profession he chose; would he also measure up in the society like his colleagues; what could have been responsible for his failure? All these and many more were the questions he posed during If consultation.
The Awo assured him that he would succeed as he had every potentialto be great in life. He was also told that he had chosen all the good things of life as entrenched in his Akrrnleyan right from heaven, but his major set back is the fact that he had not chosen good legs along with his good destiny. As a matter of fact, it was his legs that were working against the realization of his good gifts and potentials. He was then advised to offer gbg as mentioned above, after which a special If soap would be prepared for him to cleanse hls head and legs legs in order to make his legs compliment the potentials of his Ol.
Alri-ire-m-lgsQ-ire
began to flourish, and soon after, he became successful; even more than others who engaged in the same profession with him. Wth his resounding success, he was able to marry a good wife, have children and build a house of his own.
In the end, he was happy, rejoicing and thanking the Awo.
complied. After a while, his trading
Iwg
QtQ
Emi t Qte mejl d'ododo gbko-gbko Dl fit n Al'rl-ire-m-l'ese-ire fbg ni wQn nl k w Se
gb'bo, ru'bg Ikin mi ErlglAlq If je kl n l'rl ire Kl n sl I'gsQ ire
Translation
You imprintone leg oflrgt I also imprintone leg oflrgtQ
When the imprint becomes two, then the truelrgtQ-M) is
986
Formed This was the message of If to he-who-has-favourable-O-but Lacks-good-legs He was advised to offer gbg He complied
Mylkin, frig-Alg If please let me have good Otl

And good Legs to complement
it
If says that this person will be blessed with good Of and good Legs to
complement
it.
He/she shall become prosperous in all his undeftakings.
L2.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg so as to avoid getting into serious trouble within seven days. If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He/she is also to feed Egu Qdara with one big cock. Also, If says it foresees the Ire of children for those suffering from childlessness where this Od is revealed. If assures them that they shall be blessed with the fruit of the womb. For this to happen, If advises each of the women to offer gbQ with four rats, four fish, two hens and money. There is also the need to feed If with one matured she-goat. On these two aspects,If says:
QpgkJg a q'dl bQrbQr Dl firn Igb Tl m$nu snrhn gmg lbg ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
QpktQ, the young palm tree, with its broad base The Awowho cast If forlgb
When lamenting herinabilityto begeta child She was advised to offerqbg
Igb had been married for many years but she had no child to show for it. Much as she tried, all her effofts proved abortive. She applied several herbs and roots but it had no effect on her. In the end, she went to
987
QpqkQtQa g'df bQrEbQrQ for If consultation; would she be blessed with the fruit of the womb? She asked.
The Awo assured her that she would be able to have her own children if necessary gbg was offered. She was advised to offer gbe as stated above, she complied.
Within three months, she became pregnant. She later gave birth to bouncing baby boy named In
pqkJQa s!'dl bQrgbQr DlfilnOdan Tl mgnusnrhngmg lbg ni wqn nl k w $e
Q
Translation
Qpgkete the young palm tree, with its broad base The Awo who cast Ifa forQdan When lamenting her inabilityto begeta child She was advised to offer gbg
Qdan was also married for severalyears. She too was not blessed with any baby. She also tried all she knew and she equally failed.
One day she went to her friend Igb to find out what she did before she became pregnant. Igb told her that it was Qpgke,tQ a g'df bQrgbQrg; who consulted and did IfQ work for her. The next day, Qdan went to the same Awo for If consultation: would she too be as lucky as her friend? She asked.
The Awo assured her too that she would be blessed wlth children of her own. She was advised to offer the same gbg which her friend Igb offered. She complied. The same If work was also done for her. She too became pregnantand gave birth to a bouncing baby boy named OOrn.
QpgkQtQ a g'dl bQrqbQre
Dlfirn 9aa9a Tl mQnu snrhn gmg Sbg ni wQn nl k w ge 988
Translation
Qpeke,tQ the young palm tree, with its broad base TheAwo who castlf for $g When lamenting her inabilityto begeta child She was advised to offer gbg
$aa$a was facng the same problem as her friends Igb and Qdan. She too went to the same Awo for If consultation. The same assurance was given to her. The same gbg was advised and offered, the..same Ifwork was done for her, and she became pregnant and gave bifth to a bouncing baby boy named Abg.
The three children In, OrUn and Abg whom Igb, Qdan and $g begot respectively were sent to QpktQ a g'df bQrQbQre for training as If priests before they were up to three years old. By the time they were 20 years old, they had become very proficient. Everyone was searching for them because of their accurate predictions.
Igb n'igb In QdAn I'Qdn Oorrn $agayok nital'Abg Dl filn Orrnmila Wgn n! k waa g'qbg K m ba l'slr ojq mje
Translation
Ina the child of Igb Oorun the child of Qdan And Abg the child of SaaFa They castlf for QrUnmlla Theytold him to offergbg To avoid getting intotrouble within seven days
Qrnm'll was the Bab-If of QpqkqtQ a g'di bQrQbQrQ who in turn was the Bb-If of In, Orn and Abq. Qpekete a g'dl bQrbQr was well trained and he was very intelligent. No wonder then that his three students were also brilliant.
One day Qrunmlla invited the three Awo for routine If consultation.
989
Du ri n g consu
ltation, IrgtQ- M) wa s revea ed .

I
The Awo told Qrunmll to offer gbg in order to avoid trouble within seven days. They told Qrrlnmll thatthe trouble was very close and that only gbg could avert it. They stressed thatthere was the need for Qrrlnm)l to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money, He was also advised to feed Egu Qdara with a big rooster. Qrunmll failed to comply with this advice. Seven days after QrUnmlla consulted If, he left home very early in the morning. He instructed his wife, AgbQnn, to help him wash some of his dresses and prepare a sumptuous meal for him before he returned in the evening. By the time Qrunmll returned home, he was feeling very hungry but was in anticipation of treating himself to a lavish meal that evening. He knew that AgbQnfn was a fantastic cook. He however forgot about food when he realized, to his chagrin, that Agbonln had packed all her bags and baggages and had left the house! What could have caused this? What was his oftence against this woman? Who had taught her to do this against him? Why was it that nobody in the whole community stopped her from going away? Why did she pack his own belongings along with hers? What kind of wickedness and injustice were these? Would he be able to get her back into his home? Who was to blame for allthese?
In the end, Qrrlnmll decided to do something about it urgently; he brought out his Qbg llasq. This was a knife that when used to stab
someone's footprint, the person would not be able to move from the spot he/she was at the time the knife was used on his/her footprint. This was what Qrnm)l did. The effect of this action stopped AgbQnln in her track. She could neither move forward nor backward. At this time, she was negotiating a hill between two deep gorges. QrnmTl began to pursue his wife. He met her where she was. He tried to grab her. She tried to shake him off. As she did this, unfoftunately, she fell into the gorge on the right, while Ornmll fell into the one on the left. She died instantly. Qrrlnmll was in the gorge for seven days, writhing in pain and hunger.
990
Igi kan gbq I'ew tutr l'gbo Dlfirn Pory

Ttl S'gmg Qba Ode ldo Igbatl fomi ojrl sngbregmg [b9 ni wgn nl kw ge
Translation
Atree has dry leaves
But its roots are fresh and alive
If castfor Pory The daughter of the Qba ofldo-land When weeping in lamentation of her inability to beget a baby She was advised to offer gbg
Pory was a favourite daughter of the Qba ofld-land; she was loved by all in the palace. The unfoftunate paft was that she had been involved in several relationships with many influential people, but all had failed woefully. She married Alr, AjerO, Qwrngn QbalyQ, Oljombo, Offtagi-O1l and QlwQ but the relationships collapsed because of her inability to have a baby for any of them. In the end, she returned to her parents' palace to nurse her emotional wound. One day, her mother called her and told her that it was not proper for her to stay in her parents' house when she was supposed to be in her husband's home. The mother said that she kept having this dream that she became pregnant and was blessed with a bouncing baby boy. She prayed for her daughter that the spirits of her ancestors would make the dream come true. She also advised her to go for If consultation. That was how Pory found herself face to face with Igi kan gbg l'w tut l'gb for If consultation;
would she be blessed with the fruit of the womb? Would her mother's dreams cometo pass?
The Awo told Pory that she was suffering from childlessness and assured her that she would soon be a proud mother of her own child. She was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. She was however informed that she was an ApQtQbl and that her husband who would put her in the family way would be met along the road and the man would be a great Babalwo.
991
a momer. Sne toto me Awo mat sne wouto offer that gbg on that very day. She procured all the gbg materials and returned to the home of the Awo. The gbg was offered. In the end, If did not take the shrine of EgU Qdara for placing the gbg. Instead; it took a spot between two gorges as the site to place the gbq. Pory took the gbg to the
Porye was determtneo
De
to
spot.
As she was praying, she heard someone moaning at the bottom of the gorge. Itwas Qrnmll. He had been there for seven days. He begged her to pull him out. She tied her head-gear together with her sash and used it as rope to pull QrUnm)l up to the surface. They went home together. They fed If together from evening of that day till daybreak. They fed another type of If from evening till daybreak. The first If they fed opened the door for their prayers to be accepted by Oldmar. The other If they fed led to
pregnancy.
As soon as she became pregnant, Qnf nmll gave her Id,
Ifa beads, to keep for the coming baby, He left on another spiritual assignment and never returned for 16 years. The baby was born in his absence. It was a baby boy. The Id was worn round his wrist. The boy was named Qlgmg as instructed by his father. Six months to the time of QrnmIl's return, the people of Alay waged a fierce war against the people of Ido and most of the inhabitants of Ido were either killed or captured, Qlgmq was one of those who were lucky to be captured. They sold him into slavery to one merchant
in Alay.
As soon as this was done, there was a terrible problem in Alay land. If .was cast in order to determine the cause of the problem and at the same time, find solution to The Awo told them that malevolent spirits had entered their town and for this reason, there must be spiritual cleansing of the land in order to chase away this spirit. After fufther consultation, it was concluded that a human being should be used as gbg material. Whom could they use? In the end, they settled for Qlgmg, the child of Qrnm)l.
it.
in Alaaye town. As soon as the inhabitants of Alay sighted Qrnmll, they were full of joy thattheir gbg would be performed by the very bestAwo
On the day that this gbg was to be performed was the day Qrnm)l arrived
992
on eafth. They pleaded with Qrtlnmll to help them pedorm the gbg and he agreed. The people tied Qlgmq to a tree. Qrnmll examined the gbg material but did not recognize him as his own son - after all, that would be his first time of seeing him. The boy was already 16 years old. All the other materials for the gbg were brought out in readiness for the great gbg to be performed by Qrnm'll himself. glgmg knew that he was the main material for the gbg. He had earlier cried and cried but to no avail. Again, tears began to roll down his young cheeks. He stafted to cry loudly in lamentation of his ordeal. He remembered the stories his mother had narrated to him about the circumstances of his bifth and he began to narrate it loudlyto himself. He said:
Qpkqte a 9'dl bQr$bQrQ Dl firn Igb Tl mQnu snrhn gmg fbg niwqn n| kw 9e
gb'borr'bg Igb ma bl Igb bf Ina DlfilnQdan

gb'bo,
b
Spekqtea S'dl b$r$bQr$

Tl mQnu snrhn gmo Fbq ni wQn nl kw ge
r{'bq
Qdan maa bl
Oorun Qpk, te a S'dl bQrqb$rQ Dlfirn $aa$a Tl mnu snrhn gmo Sbg ni wqn nl k w $e gb'Qbo, r'bg saaga ma bl bl Abe Igb n'igb In Odan l'dn Oorrn $aaqayk nitiAl'Abg
iI
DlfirnQrunmll WQn nl k r'bg K m ba l'slrojq meje ko'tl Qgbgnyin s'bg
r.
993
tutu I'egb
Igi kan gbg l'w
fx fitn Poroy
Ttf g,gmggba Odeldo Igbtf fomi oj sngbregmg fbg ni wqn nl k w se
gb'gborr'bo
WQn nl k ma gb'gbg tg s,e Qffn Igbaff yo gb ebq d ib k? At'nl-m,enff k to t,n-m,na At'ene-m'n ko t ajgta-mo jgta fttgta-m!9t" kq t aiijern_m,jgrin AtTj gri n - m Q'j 9 ri n ko t AiU, ru rr _ rro5 rr rr At'tja rrt - m oja ru n t<o to Attera " _ mojelJ'' t'jefa -m_q'jgfe ko t ltrjeje_mo,jej;
lrfstAtgoje
frtgt-Ato o mu lrtgf-AtQ rrbg I'qfin t yt gbiri pory lw yg Qrrtnmll nf ,nrt Qfln Awgn mejejt wjg b'gf mq,j WQnhlnjgbg'f mq'jr EyingbQno Eyinm,Qran
lyin o_mqwfpe poroy to bt L b'Olgmeo h h lyin o mg wlpe poroy t bf et9m9 o
etgmg
QrUnmll oo!!t pory lVin o mQ'p pory t bf etgmg o fyin o mQ,p t bf elgmg!!!
Translation
Speketea g'df bQrgbgrg The Awo who cast If for Igb When lamenting her inabilityto geta child
She was advised to offer She complied She begot In QpketQa g'df bQrQbQrg
ebo
When she was to give birth
When lamenting her inability to beget a child
The Awo who cast If for Qdan
994
II
'TY'C
MUJ'
Shecomplied When she was to give bifth She begotObrn
Qpekeea Se'dl bQrbQr The Awo who castlf for $g When lamenting her inabilityto beget a child She was advised to offergbg She complied When she was to give bifth She begotAbQ Igb nigb In Qdan lQdan Oorun Saaga yk ni ti Al Abq They cast If for Qrunm'il They told him to offer gbg To avoid getting into trouble within seven days He failed to comply Atree has dry leaves But its roots are fresh and alive Ifa's message for PorOy The daughter of the Qba ofldo-land When weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto begeta baby She was advised to offer gbg Shecomplied She was directed to place the gbg near a gorge When she took the gbq there What happened after? What happened today was not as much as what took place yesterday What took place yesterday was not as much as what happened three
days ago
What took place three days ago was not as much as what happened four days ago The problem four days ago was not as much as that of five days ago What happened five days ago was not as serious as what took place six days ago What took place six days ago was not as much as what happened seven days ago EglAlo 0 j9 (Qrr:nm)la) ate nothing FgrAh had nothing to drink fr'lg'lAlg was lying in the ditch writhing in pain PorOy rescued Qrrtnmtla from the ditch Both of them fed If from nighttillday break
995
And they fed If again from night till day break You are notwise You lack understanding You fail to know that pory was the woman who begot glqmq Who begot elgmg o he he eeeee Don't you know that pory it was, that gave birth to glgmq Qrnm)l o oh!t! Don't you know that porye it was, that gave bifth to ergmg!r!
mother!
when Qrunm)la heard this from elgmg, he began to shake from head to toes. He realized that elgmg was undoubtedly his own child. He moved closer to Qlgmg and he saw the Ide If that was tied round his left wrist, 'who gave you this'? Qrnmll asked. elgmg responded, 'My mother'. And who was your mother?' elgmg responded that pory was his
Qrnmll knew that it was a taboo for any child of If to be used to feed If. Qlqmg was ceftainly a child of what could he do under this circumstance to save the situation? How would he be able to save the life of Qlgmg? He did a quick If consultation and he knew exactly what to do.
If.
He called the inhabitants of Aly to quickly procure a she-goat and a very sharp knife. They did. He used the dull edge of the knife on the neck of Qlgmq and it failed to cut the boy's neck. He used the sharp edge on the neck of the goat and it sliced the goat's throat into two. They used the goat to feed If and Qlgmg was released immediately.
unacceptable to If. That was why the knife failed to cut his throat. Qrunmlla then decreed that as from that day henceforth, no human being must ever be used as gbo materialto be used to feed Irnmgl or ORga. It became a taboo from that day to use human being for any gbg or ritual purpose.
QpqkgtQ a ge'dl bQngbQrg
Qrnmll explained
to them that using elqmg as gbg material was
Dlfiln lgb
Tl mqnusnrhngmg lbg ni wqn nl k w se
gb'borr'bg
_ 996
Igb ma bl Igb bl Ina

QpqkQtQa Se'dl bQrQbQrq
Dlfiln Odan
Tl mQnu snrhn gmq [bg ni wqn nl k w $e
gb'bo,
r{'bg
Qdan ma bl bl Orn QpqkgtQ a f'dl bQrqbQrg Dl filn $aa$a Tl mgnu snrhn qmg lbg ni wQn nl k w s. e gb'Qbo, r'bg $a9 maa bl bl Abg
Igb n'igb In Qdan I'Qdn Oorun $a9ayko nitiAl'Abg Dlfiln Qrrtnmll WQn nl k r'bg K m ba l'slrojQ mje ko'tl Qgbgnyin s'ebg Igi kan gbg l'w tutr l'gbo
IX filn PorOye Tfi I'gmg Qba Ode ldo Igbatl fomi ojrl sungbr gmg fbg ni wQn nl k w 9e
gb'Qbg, r'bg WQn nl k maa gb'Qbg lg s'etl O, fln Igba y gb 9b9 d ib kq? At'nl-m'entl ko t t'n-m'na At'an-m'n ko t tlje, ta-m5eta At'ljgta-m'jeta kq t t'ljqrin-mQ'jqrin At'ljgrin- mQ'j gri n ko t Atlj'a r -mj'ar At'lja r - moj a r rt ko t AtFtj qfa - mQ'j gfa At'lj gfa-mo5e, fa ko t At'ljeje-mQ'jeje
lrlslAlqojg
frlgl-Alg o mu
Pory lw ygOrunmll nl'n Qfln Awgn mjejl w jq b'gfa mqj
[rl9l-Alg
rtbg I'Qfln t yl gbiri

!
997
WQn hln
jg bg'f mq'j
lyinogbeno
t bt etgmo L b'dlgmg o h he ee lyin o mQ wlp pory to bl Qlgmg o OrUnmll o o!t! fyin o mQ'p poroye l bl elgmg o Eyin o mQ'p poroy l bt el9m9!!!
lyinm'Oran lyin o mQ wtpe poroy
KO p,, kO
E
jlnne
f w b'ni b'ye
w wo're o
Translation
QpgkgtQa Se'df berebere The Awo who cast If for Igb When lamenting her inabilityto get a child She was advised to offergbg
She complied When she was to give birth She begotln QpgkJea g'dt bQrqbgrq The Awo who cast If for Qdn When lamenting her inability to beget a child She was advised to offer gbg She complied When she was to give bifth She begotOrn QpktQa 9e'd1 bQrQbQrQ The Awo who castlf for g9 When lamenting her inability to beget a child She was advised to offergbg Shecomplied When she was to give birth She begotAbq Igb nigb In Qoan tQdan orun $aa9a yk nitiAtbe They cast lfa for Qnrnmll They told hm to offer gbg To avoid getting into trouble within seven days He failed to comply
998
Atree has dry leaves

But its roots are fresh and alive Ifa's message for PorY The daughter of the Qba ofldo-land When weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto begeta baby She was advised to offer gbq She complied She was directed to place the gbg near a gorge When she took the qbQ there What happened after? What happened today was not as much as what took place yesterday Whattook place yesterday was not as much as what happened three 490 What took place three days ago was not as much as what happened four days ago The problem four days ago was not as much as that of five days ago What happened five days ago was not as serious as what took place six days ago What took place six days ago was not as much as what happened seven days ago FglAlQ o je (Qrrlnmll) ate nothing fg]Alg had nothing to drnk FnlAq was lying in the ditch writhing in pain Pory rescued Qrnmll from the ditch Both of them fed If from nighttillday break And they fed If again from night till day break You are notwise You lack understanding You fail to know that Poroy was the woman who begot Qlqmq Who begot Qlqmq o h h e Don't you know that Porye it was, that gave bifth to Qlqmq Onlnmll o oh!!! Don't you know that Pory it was, that gave bifth to Ql9m9!! Before long, nottoo far Come and join us in the midst of joY Come and behold Ire
days
If says that the person for whom this Odtl is revealed shall be a recipient of the blessing of all Ire in life. If also says that for this person, he/she needs to express himself/herself whenever he/she found himself/herself in any serious trouble. By so doing, he/she may find help which will bail him/her out of that
trouble.
999
13. Ifa says that there is a group project going on where this Od is
revealed. If says that this project will succeed but one person or group cannot do it successfully. There is the need for all those involved in the project or assignment to pafticipate fully in order for it to succeed. If this is notdone, nothing on eafth will make itsucceed. If states fufther that apaft from the fact that all hands must be on
deck, each individual or group must have a specific function and this should be done in such a way that there should not be duplication of duties and each duty or assignment must be clearly defined. In one
word, there is the need
to have a clearly defined division of
responsibility with everyone or group assigned to specific duties in orderto ensure the success of the assignment or project. If advises those involved to offer gbg with four pigeons, four guinea fowls, four hens, four cocks and money. There is also the need to feed If with one matured she-goat and to feed EgU Qdara with one matured he-goat. On these, Ir-etQ M)
says:
Afllakalaka m ja lakalaka Ddfitn Ornmll If t'Qrun bQw'lAy Baba yO ma lgg t{n'l Ay $e

$bg ni wqn nf k w ge
Translation
That which dangles precariously without breaking and falling This was lf's message to QrUnm)l When coming from Heaven to Eafth When coming to mend the world He was advised to offer gbg
There were several problems on eafth which called for urgent attention. There were problems in the home and even outside the home. Without urgent attention, these problems would multiply and become crisis. That was why Qrnmll chose to come to the world to attend to these problems and profer solutions. He went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he succeed?
1
000
The Awo assured him that he would succeed. He was advised to offer gbg as mentioned above. He complied. As soon as he did this, he came into the world. The day he arrived on earth was the day he began his work. He faced the problems in the home with the understanding that if the problems in the home were solved, finding solutions to those outside would be easier. Before he got anywhere, the problems outside became overwhelming and could no longer be ignored or delayed. He rushed outside to profer solution only for him to realize that the problems he had left behind in the home were getting worse.
Instead of praises, people began to heap abuses on him. They blamed him for not assisting them enough. Some of them even said that when he knew that he was not competent enough to find solutions to their problems, why did he staft the process at all? They blamed him for giving them false hope and accused him of raising and dashing their hopes.
when Orrinmll reflected on what was happening on eafth, he concluded that the situation was actually getting worse. He concluded that the best
thing was for him to go and report his failure to Oldmar.
A
fllakalaka ma j lakalaka Dlfifn QrUnmlla If rt t'qrun bQ w'l Aye

Baba yO ma lgg trf n'l Ay ge fbg ni wqn nl k w Fe
Translation
That which dangles precariously without breaking and fall ing This was If's message to Qrnm)l When coming from Heaven to Eafth When coming to mend the world He was advised to offer gbg
Qrnmll gotto Oldmar and narrated all his experience on earth to Him. He told Oldmar that he had failed to find any solution to the problems plaguing the world. Oldmar responded that he failed to solve the
1
001
problem because he was trying to do it alone. He was told that he needed another person to assist him in this assignment. Oldmar chose Eg Qdara to be his paftner. Qrunm)la was told to concentrate on finding solutions to all the problems in the home while Egu Qdara was to be in charge of proffering solutions to all the problems outside the home.
oldmar summoned Ep Qdara and instructed him to go. for If consultation on the assignment that he was to be given. He went to the same Awo who consulted for QrrJnmll. He was assured that he would succeed and was advised to offer gbg. He complied.
on the day they were to return to eafth, oldmar summoned both of

them to His presence. He told them that each of them should concentrate on his own paft of the assignment. He told Qrunmlla never to dabble into finding solutions to problems from the outside. That should be left to Eg Qdara. He also told Egu Qdara not to venture into finding solutions to problems in the home' He needed to leave those to Qrnm'il. They were advised to concentrate on their own assignments. Qrrjnmll was to become a specialist In finding solutions to domestic problems while Eg Qdara should becomethe expeft in proffering solutionsto problemsoutside the home. Oldmar also instructed Qrnmll to ensure that all what would need were supplied to him at the junction of the three crossroads so that he would have no reason to come inside the home. Wth all these instructions, both of them leftforeafth.
became very easy for them to concentrate on their assignments. Es Odara was able to find solutions to the crises taking place outsde the home while Qrnm)l succeeded in finding solutions to those problems inside. All the needs of Eg Qdara were supplied to him at the junction of the three cross-roads and he had no need to come inside the home to find out what was happening there,
It
Afllakalaka m j lakalaka D,|filn Qrunmlla If t'qrun bQw'lAy

Baba yO ma lgg t{n'l Ay ge Sbg ni wgn nf k w 9e gb'Qbo, r'bo
1002
If d'lAytn Bfi qeti il
Nt'odeygs'llQ Afllakalaka m j lakalaka Dlfiln Egu Qdara T1t'Qrun bqw'lAy Tf yO ma lOtn'lAyge

Ebg ni wgn nl k w ge
gb'$bor ru'bg
KOp, kojlnn Ew b ni l'tOllre Atol lre l b'ni I'ese QpQ Nje e je k Ig m t'Eg ba l'rlta Kmt'ojrl bgQdQdQ.
Translation
Afrlakalaka m ja lakalaka This was lf's message to Qrnmll When coming from Heaven to eafth When coming to mend the world He was advised to offerebo He complied When he got to eafth As he was attending to problems in the home Those from outside were calling for attention Afrlakalaka m ja lakalaka 'This was If's message to Eg Qdara When coming from Heaven to eafth When coming to mend the world He was advised to offer ebo He complied Before long, not too far Join us in the midst of all Ire in life That is what If guarantees for all its followers Please give af I what belong to E9 to him at the junction of the three
crossroads So that he will have no cause to peep into the parlour
If says that the persons or groups for whom this Od is revealed shall
succeed if they could specalze.
1003
14. If says also that if the person for whom this Od is revealed plans to
go into any business venture, he/she will succeed more if he/she goes into paftnership with other. The roles of each partner must however be specifically spelt out ever before the commencement of such business venture. By so doing success is assured. Crises are
also eliminated ever before they stafted.
If says that the Elders of the Night (witches) are fomenting trouble and wrecking havoc where this Od is revealed. Unfortunately, several innocent people are being wrongfully accused over what they know nothing about. investigation before accusing anyone. Those falsely accused must be apologized to and appropriate gbg needs to be performed. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is one of the people accusing others wrongfully, he/she needs to apologize to his/her victim(s) and offer gbg. Conversely, of he/she ls one of the people being falsely accused of wrongdoing; he/she needs to take everything in good faith. If he/she is begged, there is the need for him/her to accept the apology graciously without any ill-feeling. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money, whether he/she is the one accusing others or he/she is the person being accused of wrongdoing. On this, a stanza inlrgt| M) says:
Eyet pooyl ryln l'jde ApOn Dl fin QrUnmlla Iy mi rr b wgn j WQn nl lyewa nl Ebq ni wqn nl k w 9e
If says that there is the need for proper
Translation
Fyel pooy rt'in l'jde Apqn
He
When Iy
wastheAwo who castlf for Qrnm'll m i (Witches) were fi g hting aga inst them
1004
And theywereaccusing lyewa (QSun)

There was no compound in Il-IfQ that was free of problems. In some compounds, their crops failed, In some, they were afflicted with pestilence. Yet in some others, there were domestic crises. Some people lost their children. Wealthy people had turned to chronic debtors as a result of inexplicable downturn in their economic foftune. In this same town, Qpun had been very vocal in her defense and advocate for the rights and dignity of women. This had brought her face to face into contention and confrontation with several influential men and women in the town. All these did not deter her in her struggle for the emancipation of women in the community. Those who had been in contention with her began to accuse her of being responsible for all their woes. Before long, the whole town believed that Qgun was the one inflicting pains, sorrow and tears on the people of the community. They accused her of being responsible for their failed haruests, ailments, loss of the lives of their children and the downturn of their economic fortunes.
One day, the citizens accused Qpun to her face. She pleaded her innocence but nobody believed her. They planned to banish herfrom the community; but before that, they decided to report her to her husband, Qrrfnmll. When they told Qrnmll what her wife had been doing to foment trouble in the community, Qrnm'll pleaded with them to exercise restraint and do a
thorough investigation before jumping into conclusion, so as to avoid a situation where innocent people were wrongfully accused. The people concluded that Qrnmll was merely supporting his wife in her wrong doings. They said that both Qgun and her husband would be banished
together.
That evening, Qrnmll and Qgun had a lengthy deliberation. What baffled them was that even if anyone accused Qpun of any form of wrong-doing, they were supposed to know that Qgun would never fight against anyone to the extent of hufting his/her child. Yet, Qgun was accused of taking the lives of these children. Being a mother herself, they were expected to realize that there was no InlnmglQ or Oflg who loved children and young
1
005
ones more than Q$un. This notwithstanding, Qgun was sqid to be responsible for the death of the children she loved most. After much deliberation, they concluded that If must be consulted. That was how Qrnm)l went to fygl p00yr r/in l'jde ApQn. one of his former students, for If consultation: would they be able to see the light of this problem? Would what or those responsible for the problems in ll-Ife be exposed and brought to the fore? Would the innocence of Qgun be
established without doubt?
The Awo assured Qrrf nmll that the innocence of his wife would not only be established beyond any doubts, but the culprits would be exposed and put
to well-deserved shame. He advised Orrlnmll to offer ebo as stated

above. He complied.
As soon as this gbg was offered, ESU Qdara went into
He approached the head of the witches of Il-IfQ and told her that he would like
action.
to join them in making life difficult for QSun and her husband Qrnmll. The woman was very happy to hear this. She invited Eg Qdara to their meeting to allow him break the good news to all the Elders of the Night by
himself. At the meeting, EgU Qdara told them that he hated Qpun with all his heaft. He would therefore love to join hands with them to inflict more pains on her. The witches told Egu Qdara that they could never forgive QSun because she had been disturbing them from carrying out their plans. Anytime they tied anyone down, especiallychildren and young adults, QSun would gothereto untie them. They explained to EgU Qdara that they were not interested in Qgun's children, they could therefore fathom no reason why she would be the one stopping them from sucking the blood and eating the flesh of their victims who were in no way related to her. Egu Qdara explained that he hated the manner in which QSun carried herself. He said that she was too arrogant for his liking. In the end, they concluded that since the blood of children was purer than that of adults, and since their flesh was more delicious, Qgun had no right to prevent them from enjoying this delicacy. For having the effrontery to confront them in the first place, she must be punished and allthe blames must be heaped on
1
006
her. After this, they dispersed.

The following day, Egu Qdara went back to the head of the Elders of the Night and asked her how they shared the blood and flesh of their victims. She told him that as the head, her share was one-tenth of the blood and the head of the victim. ESU Qdara asked her whom she was sharing all the internal organs, especially the heaft, liver and kidneys to for consumption. She responded that her deputies used to share those pafts among each other. 'That was cheating'lEg Qdara thundered, 'don't you know that those pafts, together with the intestines are the real delicacies that must be reserued for her as the head and indisputed leader?' He queried. 'Why must you allow yourself to be cheated like this? You must confront these deputies and claim your right! There must be an emergency meeting today where allthese anomalies must be straightened out. You must never accept anything less than the head and all the internal organs of all the victims. Anyone willing to consume these delicacies must wait for her own turn to become the leader! I will support you all the way!'
As soon as she heard these words from Egu Qdara, she went into a rage. Everything and anything enraged her. Two of her daughters were among the Elders of the Night. She hated them for keeping quiet when she was being cheated. She summoned this emergency meeting. By the time the meeting commenced, itwas clearthatthe head was annoyed. She abused all of them. 'You are all cheats! After all the help I had rendered to you, all of you still cheated and conspired against me! You are all ungrateful fools! Ingrates! Thieves! Liars! I will punish you all!', she cried.
The deputies could neither understand nor stand all these insults. ESU Qdara had earlier gone to these deputies to embolden them not to take any insult from the head. He told them that the head had been too full of herself. She was too self-centered and she had been using too much derogatory language againstthem. 'Rise up and claim your right! Demand for your respect from her! She is not in any way more qualified than any of you to be the head! She even lacked proper administrative capacity. I will support you all the way!'
As the head began to curse and abuse them, they responded and
1AA7
panclemonum broke out! They began to expose each other: those whose homes were destroys; those whose crops failed; those whose children were killed and consumed; those whose relations were on their sick beds; those who were experiencing downturn in their economic fortunes were all listening and hearing what the elders of the night were saying. They were all livid with theirown rage.
Epu Qdara excused himself from the meeting, claiming that he was going ease himself. None of them took notice of him in their fight, Eg went
the people and declared; 'why are you all passive? why do you all keep quiet when you heard all what these women were saying? you, can't you see that it was your mother who has been responsible for your illness? And
to to
you, did you hear your wife saying that she took away your manhood? And you, can't you see that your younger wife was responsible for the death of your four children born for you by your senior wfe? What are you all waiting for? Go and dealwith these people! I willsupportyou allthe way!'
The people carried cutlasses, hoes, sticks, batons, and clubs and so on.
They rounded up all these witches. They were all dealt with
appropriate.
as
I)lfiln Qrrtnmll Iy mi bwgnj
Eyel poyl ryln l'jdeApqn
WQn nl lyewa nl fbg ni wqn nl k w Fe gb'Qbo, ru'bg
Iyewa Otooro lfon
tctt
b'nil j d'bi emg o.
Translation
Eyel p00yi rf n I'oude Apgn He was the Awo who cast If for Ornm'll
Whenlymi were fighting against them And theywere accusing Iyewa He was advised to offier gbg He complied
anyone to the extent of harming his/her child
Behold, QSun Iyewa OtOoro Efqn
will never fight
against
If says that those responsible for the problems taking place where this
Od is revealed shall be exposed and broughtto book.
1008
If also advocates patience and understanding for the person who was
accused wrongfully as the culprits shall be exposed. If says that he/she needs to accept their apologies when begged for forgiveness in good faith.
15.
If says that there is the need to offer comprehensive gbg for the community because there were many unfoftunate events taking place in the town. The cause of this is not unconnected to thefact that the community had offended the lrnmolQ and Onga. These
divinities are angry with the community and they must be appeased to bring back normalry into the community.
If also warns those who represent others to be truthful and honest in alltheir assignments. If they fail to do so, the consequence may be very disastrous and may even lead to loss of lives. In the same vein, lf cautions that there must not be a situation where people will be paying back good with evil. If they are helped, they must show appreciation and must not let those who do them good regret their actions. They must not maltreat those who had assisted them one
way or the other.
If advises that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to offer gbg with two matured he-goats, 2 rats, hvo fish, two hens and money. They also need to feed If with one matured she-goat, feed Egu Qdara with one matured he-goat and feed Qbatl with 16 snails, shea butter, tr 6 chalks, 10 metres of white cloth and drinks. On allthese, If says:
OjleqAye Igngan IfQ Qrunmll wosun, kowqn
Translation
OffeAye (the emissaryof theworld)
Igangan IfQ (the delegate of Ile-IfQ) Qrnmll had a deep meditation and arrested them
1009
Qrnm)l was the spiritual administrator of the world. He was based in IlIfg during the dawn of time. He hadlmrf lgb, also known as ebtal and Akle, also known as Eg Qdara, as his If students at that time. He also had Oflgg Aye andlgangan IfQ as his messengers whom he used to send to Oldmar at regular interuals to receive instructions on how to administer the world for it to be a comfoftable place to live for human beings.
At first, OfSe Ay and)gngn If were pelform.ing their assignments with
dilligence and truthfulness. At a stage, they became envious of human beings. They realized that it was only human beings who sinned against oldmar and lrrlnmglQ, yet they were forgiven and given another chance. why should human beings be given another chance; to sin again? They wondered. It reached a stage that OJigq Ay andlgangan If decided that they would be delivering false messages to Qrunmll in order to punish these wicked human beings. They began to do so and the world began to experience problems. This went on for a long time. Qrrlnmll, Imulgb (QbaHl) and Akle (E9 Qdara) consulted If to determine what was responsible for the problems they were encounting on earth. If revealed to them that Ofse Ay and Igngn Ifg were the ones responsible. They had deliberately been delivering false information in order to create confusion and chaos. If recommended for both of them to be sanctioned accordingly. Theywere both rounded up and eliminated.
began. The inhabitants Il-IfQ of confronted Qrnm1l and demanded to know what right he had for killing his messengers. They accused Qrrfnmll of being jealous of the prominence of his two seruants. All explanations failed to satisfy them. At a stage, they beat up)mrllgb (Qbatl) and tore up his dress to shreds. They also slapped Akle (Egu Qdara). Qrnm]l lfd himself somewhere. when they left,Ornmll, QbaHh and Eg Qdara packed their belongings and left ll-Ife. Qrrlnmll declared that he never knew that he no longer had honour in Il-IfQ.
As soon as they left Il-IfQ, all spiritual consultants in the whole world refused to consult for Il-IfQ. Those who were Babalwo, those who were water and crystal gazers, those who were Adg, (those who used cowries for consultation) those who used three, four, eight and 16 cowries 1010
As soon as this was done, another round of crisis
decreed that nobody should consult for them in Il-IfQ anymore. Il-Ife people said they could live their lives without the spiritualists. lQrunm)l and his two students (Qbtl and EgU Qdara) wandered in the forest for several days before they arrived at a place known as [lju-u-ko-s'Ekg-kos'kn, the wilderness where there is no rafter or ropes. They erected three huts made with im leaves one for Qrrtnm)l, one for Qbtla and the third one for ESU Qdara. Meanwhile, in ll-Ife, there was serious crisis. Rain failed to fall; pregnant women could not deliver their babies; strong people became sick and feeble; crops failed; the rich ones became poor; pestilence enveloped the whole town; streams and wells in Il-IfQ dried up completely; the breasts of nursing mothers ran dry of milk and dropped down flat on their chests; domestic animals began to die one after the other; human beings began to follow; many of them died of hunger and thirst; trees and shrubs turned brown and died one after the other. There was panic and confusion; those who had litherto boasted that they could live their lives without the help of all the spiritualists realized that they needed them more than ever before. Unfoftunately for them, everyone they went to for assisstance, they were turned down. They pleaded for mercy buttheywere ignored. Astheywere moving from one place to the other, they came across a Babalwo who took pity on them and was readyto assist on compassionate grounds:
Alkn nfl rln nl lkgkg Nll rln nl lbb
Dlfnwgn l'tu-IfQ
NljQ Ajogun ka wgn m'l
pitipiti
Translation
The crab is itthatwalks in hidden places And walks in the dark If's message forthe inhabitants of Otu-IfQ When Ajogun overwhelmed them completely
The Awo told them that they had offended those who had done them a lot of favours. These people had shown them their anger and that was why they were in the situation they found themselves. He advised them to go and approach another Awo called IpQpQn )sepo pQrQpQrQ for assistant. He assured them that if there was anyone on earth at that time who could
1011
assist them, that person was uponpon lsepo seresere. I ney manKeo nlm and left in search oflpgnpgn)sepo Feregere . Before long, theyfound him.
IpQrrpQn lsepo geregere Dl filn wgn l'tu IfQ NljqAjogun k wgn mq'l pitipiti Ebg niwqn nl kl wgn w 9e
Translation
IpQnpQnIsepo Feresere He was the Awo who cast If for them at Otu Ife When Ajogun overwhelmed them completely Theywere advised to offergbg
The Awo told them that they were suffering from self-inflicted pain and agony. They were advised that if they wanted all their sufferings to go, they needed to procure a life antelope for gbg.
All of them dispersed in search of a live antelope. They searched everywhere but could not find any. One day, they found a live antelope.
They began to pursue it. The antelope sensed that it was being pursued and it began to run deeper and deeper into the forest. It soon reached [lju-u-ko-s'QkQ-k-s'kun, They pursued it to the forest. As soon as they had simply got there, the antelope could no longer be found. disappeared! They searched everywhere but could no longer find the antelope. Instead, they found the three huts built by Qrrfnmlla, Qbatl and Eg Qdara. Who could be living in this deep forest in the middle of nowhere? They wondered. One of them threw a stone at the hut and Qbatl came out. When they saw him, they allthrew themselves on the ground and began to beg him. Before long, Qrnm'll and Eg Qdara also came out, They begged the three of them for forgiveness. Qbatl refused to listen to them. They begged and begged. All their pleadings failed to impress Qbatl. At a stage, he told them that he was the one who had withheld the rain and had opened the sky to let in intense sunshine. When asked why he did so, he responded that he intended for all the rats, fish, birds and beasts to die of drought and starvation. He also wanted the human raceto dietoo!
It
That was when QrrJnmll and Egu Qdara joined in pleading with Qbat. 1012
vtuilililct trxptcilileu ru rrril LilcrL Liley dil gufrsufne ain[ uSe rafs, flsn, olrqs and beasts for other purpose. It is human beings who will go and procure all these items for them. They pleaded with him not to let all the living things on eafth die because that would be against the wish of Oldmar. After much deliberation, Qbtl agreed to take a compassionate look at them. He told them to go and procure two rats, two fish, two birds and two beasts as fine for throwing stones at theirlmu huts. They went back home and broughtthe items, singing thus:
Kl Kl Kl Kl Kl
ir eku k m ra irueja km ra iru eyq k m ra ir eran k m ra ir nlyen k m ma ra o Ejl ElqmerQ gba w o
Translation
Maythe rats not die off May the fishes not cease to exist Maythe birds notvanish on earth Maythe beasts notgo into extinction May human beings notdisappearon eafth Ef Fhmere firgtQ-Meji) please comes to our rescue
When they got to where the three lrnmglQ were, they took all these items from them and asked them to return home. Obatb released the rain and the world returned to normalcy.
Ojlqe Ay Igngn IfQ Qrunmlla w sun, AwqIfQgbQ
kowgn
WQn han blAganlloye WQn p'ariwo bl Agte WQn blnrfr wQn lg r b Won O b Baba nl'l
Qr{nmll nl'l
AkalegmgQdQ Qrrnmlh WQngba ltl Imlgb qmq qdq Qrnmll WQn fa Qdn ldl re ya peere-peere
1013
9runmfl nl 9 Oun O tilQ I'QwQ nf 'tQ yt mg Qrunmfl w bl'nrt Oun ti gmg lkgfa rg mjejl WAn kg'rl sl !ljrr-u-ko-s'eke-ko-s'kn Awgn lfedamu tfttl Okod pgan
obodtaba
Aboyun l k bltibi-tire Agan ot'gwql b'osn
Qba koje'ko Olw di onlgbs Oknrnr-bti ko dtde Albtly di atbffkr
lsin
IlAyw d'qta
WQn bQrQsff dmrr kiri d Qdq El'ta, Flern' ft'qjo, ati Ian frQQrrndrnrgrrn WQn nf wgn ti fi yan ekq je WQn hn kiri-kiri WQn dqdqAtkn nlt rln nt ltOto Nfl rln nt lbaba Bf gni tl kO b'dge Awo Od Ohlweri nf kl wn ma te
Ipgnpgn fsepo serqgerQ tg IpQpen tsepo ggrgggrq b
NfjQAjogun k wgn mQ't pitipiti Ebg lo nl kl wn w ge O nl kf wqn ma wa Agbenrtn oyQ 19 yl ! A9 bQn rtn de f t ju-u -ko-s'ke_ko-s,k n Iqn WQn d ib l mu m-ta gbath nl kl wQn tg r m eku mjl Eja mejl, eye mf ati gran mjl a sOkolm wa WQn bg O9 tftl oganta nf un o nff gbe Oo+a nt Oun o nff gbt Qrunmfl w fg'hn sl Oog4 r,vfpe Qrnmll wt egbed nffortjl If nl onlkolo trln kolo gln L'jqtiQba ti rr j9
Dlfitnwgn l'tu lfg
Afi gbatta ebatrtsa
AojeiruQbayff rt
1014
A rjeeja,aloeja An jegyera tr loe,yg
Qba patapata tff b wgn gb'de lrnj Oun lfa okn eji so w da qseeercoorn stlQ Wn nl nltorl klnni nl kl irrl gmg eku l ba ra nii nl kl r gmeeja | ba ra nii nl kl irrl gmgqyg le ba ra nii nl kl iru gmg gran | baa ra nii nl kl rrt gmgenlyan E baa ra nii Qrrrnmll nl a jQekur loeku
A tr jg eran, rt lo gran qmg nlyn ni yO sl w wgn w fin wa Kl int eku k m ra Kl iru eja k m ra Kl ir eyg ko m ra Kl irU gran k m ra Kl iru nlyn k m m ra o
Efi glgmgrQ gba w o Kopkojlnn

Ewa bani b'yQ
$wwoireo
Translation
OfreAye Igngan IfQ
QrrJnmll had a deep meditation and arrested them
When the inhabitantof Il-IfQ heard thatthesetwo had been Eliminated They screamed likethe masquerade oflloye land And shouted like the Elders of the Night In their rage, they rushed to confront Qrrtnm)l at home They did not meet him at home Akle was a student of Ornmll They slapped him in the face Imlgb was another student of Qrunmll They tore his Odn dress to shreds Qrnm)l declared that he never knewthat he had no honour in Il-Ife anymore Qrnm)l gotangry He left Il-Ife together with his two students They headed for flu-u-kO-s'eke-ko-q'kn in the deep forest
1015
Theywentto allAwos
The inhabitants of Ir-IfQ began to rive in miseryand confusion Penis became switch Female genital became lb, leather Pregnant women were unable to deliver safely Barren women could not become pregnant pba's horses had no grass to eat The rich became chronic debtors The invalid could not regain their health Those who had hill..f:. p.en giving bith to bouncing babies began to deliver still-bifths Theywere running from pillarto post
And those doing consultation with cowries The Awo said they had used their cowries to buy corn meal They went from piace to place
They got to the crab walks in hidden places And walk in the dark As f it has nothing to do with the stream TheAwoof Oluwri If's message forthe inhabtants of Otu-If When Ajogun overwhelmed them completefy He asked them to go tolpQnpQntsepo gQre9ere IpQnpgnlsepo Fere$ere He wastheAwo who castlf forthem atOtu_lf When Ajogun overwhelmed them completely They were advised to offerebo The Awo told them to took for a rive anterope as gbg materiars They pursued an antelope to [tgu_u_ko*?tg-_i,; They saw the three huts made with lmo leaves Theythrew a stone atthe hut QbaHl asked them to go and bring two rats, two fish, two birds two beasts as penalty for throwing stones at ImU hut 31d They begged OOga fora long time Ogl refused to accept their apology QrUnmIl declared to Obtl thus If declared 'orrikolo trJn kolo sin, Since the period that ebas were being installed None had ever been like this one The exception is ebtl Obatfsa Qba patapata who lived inlranje iand He was the one who held onto [he rope of rainfall And released that of intense sunshinb They asked him why he did so
'
1016
declared that he wanted all rats to die off wanted all fish to cease to wanted all birds to vanish on eafth wanted all beasts to go into extinction even wanted all human being disappearfrom the eafth's Surface Ornmll said thatwe eat and use rats We eat and use fish We eat and use birds We eatand use beasts And human beings are the ones who procured all these items for Us May the rats not die off May the fish not cease to exist Maythe birds notvanish on eafth May the beasts not go into extinction May human being not disappear from the eafth's surface E Etqmqrg, please come to our rescue Before long nottoo far Join us in the midstof haPPiness Comeand behold alllre in life
He He He He He
exist
If says that the tribulation of the person or group for whom this Od revealed shallsoon come to an end. There is the need for him/her/them to bury his/her/their pride and tender apoogy where and f necessary.
is
16. If warns the person for whom this Od is revealed that there
is the
need for him/her to do Ipese for the Elders of the Night so that the problems that he/she is encountering presently, caused by the witches, can be eliminated. If says that the life of a youth is being threatened by the Elders of the Night where this Od is That is why If recommends this gbg in order to prevent this youth from experiencing untimely death.
revealed.
If advises that there is the need to offer gbq with a matured hegoat and money. After this, there is the need to dolps with one matured she-goat. This she-goat will be slaughtered from the
back of its neck as against its throat. The flesh of this goat shall also be distributed raw. It must not be cooked in the house where this Qbq
1417
ts oTTereo
or
In
me nouse or E aDatawo. un tnts, lra says:
Eran t kker p'e,tq Owlwl drln ldrtn n
DlfitnOrunmlla Tlyofi ewregb'gmg rQ I'ewf Eleye lbg ni wgn nl k w 9e
Translation
Eran, Digitaria debilis,
is it that
grows branches from
its
inception The owldoes not make the same sound that it made yesterday This was the If cast for Qrr:nmll The one who will rescue his child from the hands of the witches w i t she-goat He was advised to offer gbg
In this Od, Akp was successfully married with children. The family had been living happily until Akp inadveftently found himself in contentious circumstances wth the Elders of the Night. How dd t happen? Some people came to him for If consultation when their children were experiencing inexplicable ailments. After consultation, AkpO declared to the client that the problems were caused by the Elders of the Night. He thereafter recommended appropriate gbg and'ips. The client complied. The ailments disappeared.
Before long, Akp had been known as an expert of some soft of matters relating to children and their welfare. This was where AkpO had inadveftently offended the witches. Unknown to him, most of the children that he had saved from untimely death had lithefto been targeted by the Elders of the Nightfor consumption. They were the ones who had marked the children before they began their sickness. In fact, these ailments were actually the signs the Elders had put in their body in order to have an excuse as to what caused the death of these children when eventually they died. They viewed Akp as an enemy who had been removing their potential meals from their mouths. They therefore concluded that AkpO must be punished for this. They decided to take his best child to replace all the children he had denied them of consuming.
1018
efore tong, rne [avounte cnilo or AKapo Decame lll, all meolcaons ne nao successfully administered on other children failed to have any effect on his own child. The child became leaner, paler and weaker by the day. AkpO's family was thrown into confusion and sorrow. That was when Qrrfnmll decided to come to Akp's aid.
One day, Akpo had a dream and Qrnmlla told him that his problem was caused by the Elders of the Night; therefore he needed to consult If. During consultation, If told Akp to offer gbg with a matured he-goat for victory for the child and the family. After this, he was to use one matured she-goat as a substitute for his child because the child's flesh had already been shared by the Elders of the Night. They were only waiting for the death of the child before the physical possession of his body parts is taken, He was instructed to slaughter the animal from the back of the neck, which was an unconventional way of slaughtering animals, because the Elders of the Night planned to eliminate his child in an unconventionalway. He was also told to share the flesh of this animal raw as no part must be cooked in his house. Akp complied with the gbg and shared the flesh of the shegoat among those living around his house. Within one week, the child became alright and fully recuperated. Happiness then returned to Akp0's family.
Eran ti kker p'Qtq Owlwl dun ldn ana
DlfinOrunmll Tl yOfiewtre gb'gmg rQ I'QwQ Eleye lbg ni wEn nl k w qe gb'Qbg, r'bg $ni tl gb'ap, $ w gb'ap Odtod n wqn p'gran aj je o odl-odl $ni tl rtgb'gs, q w gb'ese
Odl-odl ni wQn p'gran eje je o
Odl-odl ni wQn p'gran aj je o
odl-odl $ni tl rtgb'yln, q w gb', yln
odt-odl fni tf gb'orf, e w gb'orf Odl-odl niwqn p'gran jS je o odr-odl

1019
fni tl gba'fun, e w gba'fun Odt-ot ni wQn p'gran aj je o

w gb'grn Od-oO ni wQn p'gran aj je o
g
g w gb'Qdg Od-oO ni wQn p'gran ej je o
odt-odl lni tl gb'grn, odl-odl sni tl gb'edg,
odr-odl fni tl ]tgba gaK, gw gba gakl Od-ot niwQn p'gran jgjeo odl-odl Eni tl gba fkr, gw gba fk Od-odl niwqn p'gran aj jeo odr-odl Eni tl rtgba'gQ, g w gba'ge Odl-odl ni wgn p'gran ej jeo odl-odl
Translation
Eran, Digitaria debilis is itthatgrows branchesfrom its Inception The owl does not make the same sound as it made yesterday This was the If cast for Qrrf nnlll The one who will use a she-goatto rescue his child from the hands of the witches He was advised to offer gbg Hecomplied Those who are entitled to the limbs, do come and take your Share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered Truly, it is unconventional Those who are entitled to the head, do come and take your Share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered Truly, it is unconventional Those who are entitled to the neck, do come and take possession of your share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered It is unconventional indeed
1024
Those who are entitlecl to the intestines, clo come and take your Share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered Truly, it is unconventional Those who are entitled to the bowel, do come and take your Share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered It is unconventional indeed Those who are entitled to the lungs, do come and take possession of your share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered Truly, it is unconventional Those who are entitled to the chest do come and take your Share In unconventional means, the animal of the witches is Slaughtered Truly, it is unconventional
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be rescued from the hands of the witches.
1021
B.
SIGNIFICANCE (J)F rKE I E MEJI rr.rK I nrr)tr l'Lrli(|I n r THE OD DURING ITFLD ORIKqSFDAVE
IreJQ Mil children normally live happy and comfoftable lives. They have the support of the mother-earth, which ensures that they are blessed with profitability. They are equally the beloved of Oldmar. They regarded as the ambassadors of Oldmar here on eafth. This is a major function thatlretb M] children pefform splendidly. It is also part of the reason why they do not need to go into any job where they would be sweating profusely before making theirdailY bread.
lrgtQ Mil children succeed more outside the shores of where they are born than for them to stay in their places of bifth. Anruhere they go, they
turn into their abode. They do not believe that anybody is discriminating against them wherever they are. They also cooperate with those whom
they met wherever they go. For all these, they take their chances and take advantage of whatever opportunity that comes their way. preparation were made for them in order to demolish the homes being erected for them by their Fgb in heaven so as to be able to live the ones they are erecting hbre on e,th. This is very impoftant in order to avoid a situation where they will lose their Iives as soon as they complete acquisition of any property on eafth.
It is always advisable for lre.tQ Mil children to ensure that special
Manytimes,IrqtQ Mil children are accused of perpetrating the evil, which they know nothing about. The organizers of these falsehood will make everyone to believe that it is truly the handiwork of IreJQ-Mil children, the truth will prevail in the end: unfoftunately for these falsehood perpetrators lrgtQ Mil children do not easily forget orforgive anyone who did any evil against them.
gng and Qrnmll are the two major IrrlnmglQ who protect alllrgtQ MI children against untimely death. $ng protects their chest while Qrnm)l protects their head. Wth these two InJnmgl behind them, longevity is sure. To succeed most in life, it is best for lrqt Mi children to enter into joint 1022
parunersnrp w|tn orners. rr rs nor aovlsaDre Tor tnem ro go Into any Du$ness alone, as this will not bring maximum profit for them. If they go into paftnership business, they will be able to maximize their profits, especially if all paftners involved in the business specialize in different fields and categories of the business segments. They however need to spell out the
joint
involvements
of each partners in the business ever before the
commencement of such venture. They also need to spell out the profit/loss sharing formula beforehand. By so doing, friction and misunderstanding are nipped in the bud.
Ire,tQ Mjl children also sufFer from the problem of contention with Elders of the Night. They try to stop them from achieving their goals in life. However, with appropriate gbg andlps, this problem will become a thing ofthe past.
the
C. AFF'ILIATED IRUNMOI,DONISA OTINNTE Mfi 1. If For success, victory long life 2. Egu Qdara For protection, success and stability Forfortune consummation 3. Orl 4. Egb Forfinancialenhancement 5. QbAtl Forsuccess and happiness 6. $ngo For protection and long life 7. Qqun For protection against slanderers For protection and success 8. Od For long life and prosperity 9. Ile
D. TABOOS OFIRFTF MEJI

1. 2. 3. 4.
Must not eat squirrel To avoid untimely death Must never pay evil with evil To avoid the multiplication
of
eviland disaster Must not use eran grass for anything To avoid contention Wth Elders of the Night Must not use owlfor anything - To avoid contention with Elders
1023
5. 6. 7. 8. E.
of the Night Must not engage in sole proprietorship business To avoid unconsummated foftune Must not use any of the monkey family for anything To avoid untimely death. Must not implicate others in whatthey know nothing about To avoid humiliation and disgrace Must noteatcrab To avoid protracted problems
POSSIBLE NAMES OF]RET NN.fr CHILDREN DURING
Irgspnv
1. IlQmaje,yl May mother-eafth sparethisfrom consumption 2. Qtant A child of special bfth 3. Qlberinjg Honourwas greatas an elephant 4. Arundu A small-statured child 5. Ifadurl If protects my head 6. Ifgbmll If saves me
Females
Males
1. IlemajQyl May mother-earth spare this for consumption 2. Qlbrinjg Honour is as great as an elephant 3. Iyewajare Qgun isvindicated 4. gldqb Honour is wofth sharing
Aboru Aboye.
1024
Chapter 15
OSE MEI
l
ll ll ll
tt lt tl
Chapter 15 OS MJI Os Or-UBADAN

A.
1.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed has been
destined to become the most important person in his/her family from heaven. This is not all; he/she shall also be blessed with a child who shall become the king/queen of his/her family.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg so as to be able to realize the potentials of his/her destiny to the fullest. At the same time, he/she also needs to offer another gbg for his/her
child to becomethe most important person in his/herfamily.
to offer ebq with two pigeons for him/herself and another two for the child, two hens for
advises this person
lf
him/herself and another two for the child, and money. It
does not matter whether the child had already been born or not. The impoftant thing is to offer this gbg in order to.usher in the promised greatness and accomplishment. On this, QSg Mfl says:
Idanndan natpa ile D,l fitn wn l'de lh-la Ibi wgn gb rbi Oltl I'Qmg fibq nf wQn ni kl wqn w $e
Translation
Idan nda n reflects as the la m p of the mother ea rth This was the If castforthe inhabitants of the Big City Where they give birth to prominent people
1026
if
They were advised to offer gbp
ose rrzeli
The inhabitants of Il-11 planned to make their new found land,Ibadan the largest and most prosperous cty in Yorb land. For this reason, they went for If consultation: Would they be able to realize their dream? Would their town grow to be the biggest in Yorb land? Would commerce and politics flourish in this new town? These questions and many more were what were in their minds when they went for If consultation.
The Awo assured them that their new town would grow to be the largest town ever. For this to happen however, there was the need to offer qbg in order to beget great sons and daughters who were full of energy and dreams which would help in propelling the town into greatness. The Awo told them that just as Idanndan reflects to show the greatness of the mother eafth, so also will their sons and daughters grow to ensure that their dreams become reality. The Awo concluded that the wonders that a horse could not perform while on eafth, its tail would perform more than thatafterthe horse had passed on. The Awo advised them to offer gbg as prescribed above. They complied. As a result, their sons and daughters stafted building the town in terms of engaging in commerce, politics, administration, etc. and thus, the town grew to become the Iargest city in Yorb land up till today as it was foretold by the Awo. Seeing the potentials abound in the town, other inhabitants from other lands came to settle their-in. As a result, the inhabitants of llu-nl became successful and prosperous as the town also continued to progress and expand and grow stronger even in terms of military strength and weaponry. Idanndan ntpa le Dl fin wQn l'deltr-la Ibiwgn 9b bi Ohl I'Qmg fbg nl wQn nl kl wQn w Se WQn gb'Qbg, wqn r'bg Eiolpo, EroQfa
F
w gb'qmg ohl g'eSin gog
1027
Translation
Idanndan reflects as the lamp of the mother eafth Ths was the If cast for the inhabitants of the big city Wheretheygive birth to prominent people They were advised to offer gbg Theycomplied Travellers tolpo and Qfa towns Come and place the prominent people on deserued horses.
If says that the community where Qgq-Mel'is revealed either during

IkqSQdy orltenff will benefitfrom the blessings of this Od.
2. If says that it foresees prosperity
person for whom this Od is revealed. If this person is a man, If foresees the Ire of a loving woman who will assist him to succeed in life. The woman in question has the tendency to bring financial accomplishment to her husband. On the other hand, if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a woman, she will be blessed with an understanding husband who will make her a proud mother of many children in life. For the man, If advises him to offer gbg with two pigeons, two hens, two guinea fowls and money. He is also to feed If with for
the
one matured she-goat and feed Aj with one white pigeon. For the woman, she is to offer gbg with two pigeons, two cocks, two guinea fowls and money. She is also to feed If with hro ratsrtwofish and a matured she-goat. On these,If says:
ofara jgewAd EweAde ba'lQrofara jgew Il
Ewe ila ba'le, Ew ogngun l ba'l, r gbamldo-gbmldo ro gbaalukgkg-gbalkgkq
D{filnAj
nw'gkg ImQrn-n yn klri f bq nl wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
When okra leaf drops, it resembles Ad leaf When Ad leaf drops, it resembles okra leaf When OgUngun (araba) baf, adansonia digitata, dropped,
it
made
1028
f !,
oo u.
crackng sound These were If's declarations to Aj (wealth divinity) When in search of a compatible husband
Aj was a very pretty lady; she was full of life and vitality. Oldmar put her in charge of financial wealth. When she came into the world, she had several relationships with men who mismanaged her, and treated her with disrespect. In the end she would leave them; and as soon as she left them, those men would become wretched. Tired of this kind of life, she went for If consultation: Would she be able to have a compatible husband? Would she be able to have an understanding husband who will treat her with care and respect?
The Awo assured her that she would realize all her heaft's desires. She was then advised to offer ebg as stated above. Aj complied.
Ewe ila ba'lg, o f ara jg ew Ad EweAde ba'l, ofara Ew Ogngun l ba'l, r gbemldo-gbamldo ro gbaahrkgkg-gbelkgkg
jgewIl
Dl fitn
Qrrlnmlli
If rtfomi oju sngbrAjeguurugu Fbq nl wqn nl k w ge
Translation
When okra leaf drops it resemblesAd When Ad leaf drops, it resembles okra leaf When OgUngun (araba) leaf, it made cracking sound These were If's declarations to Orunmll When lamenting his lackof wealth
He was advised to
I
leaf
offergbg
0rnmll was very hardworking, efficient and proficient in his chosen field but he had nothing to show for it. Most of his clients did not see any reason why he should be adequately compensated for all his effofts to improve the qualityof theirlives. Asa resultof hispovefty, hefound itdifficulttosecure
1029
a wife and give brth to children because he could not see how he would be able to provide adequate mantenance for the wife and the children.
Tired of living from hand to mouth, Qrnm'il decided to consult the Awo mentioned above who was incidentally one of his former students, for If consultation: Would he be blessed with financial success in life? Would he be commensurately remunerated for his effolts? Would his clients give him recognition in consonant with his effoft to improve their lot? All these and many more were the questions Qrnm'll asked During If consultation, Qgq-M) was revealed. The Awo assured him that he would succeed but that the success would come through a woman. Ornmll was advised to offer qbg as stated above.
If.
On the day that Qrnm)la went for the gbg was the same day that Aj also came to offer her gbg. Seeing Qrnmlla, Aj asked If secretly whether this was the man that If had promised she would meet. She consulted If and it was in the affirmative. Similarly, Qrrlnmll also asked If whether this was the woman that If had assured him. If said yes. The two of them met, discussed and made arrangements as to how they would become husband and wife.
The two families were consulted and consequently, the marriage was contracted. From there, Qrnm)l prospered in his profession, took proper care of Aj and thus became wealthy. Aj, on the other hand was of great
benefit and assistance to Qrnm'il because of his understanding and care. As a result, she decided to stay permanently with Ornmll and both of them prospered together. Aj became happy and also begot proud children for Qrnm)l. They were both rejoicing with all the good things that had come out of their relationship. QrnmII stafted to praise Aj for assisting him to become prosperous while Aj also was praising Qrrlnmll for making her a proud mother that nobody had ever done for her. Both of them had causeto praise each otherfora long time.
Ew il ba'lg, of'ara jg ewend EwAd ba'l, ofara jgew Il Ew ogngun l ba'lg, r gbamldo-gbmldo ro glaal kgkg-gbalkgkg
DlfitnAj
1030
f ose
nreTi
rw'qkg ImQrn-n yen klr Dlafun Orunmila If rrfom oju sngbreAj guurusu Fbq nf wQn nl k w ge WQn gb'gbo, wQn r'bg If l'mi kg'b0oslAj
Ajlsgmld'gba N k'boslAj
Aj nl If m k'bOosl i mi mo Iwg lo sg mi d'glQmo
If m k'boosl i mi m
Translation
When okra leaf drops, it resembles Ad leaf When the leaf of Ad drops, it resembles okra leaf When gngun (araba) leaf dropped, it made a cracking sound These were If's declarations to Aj (wealth Divinity) When in search of a compatible husband If also declared to 0rnmll When lamenting his lackof wealth They were advised to offergbg Theycomplied If says I should praise Aj Aj has made meto be prosperous I willsurely praiseAj Aj asked Qrnmll notto praise her Because he had made her a proud mother Qrnmll, do not praise me anymore
All those praises belong to Ia
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with a good spouse. Both husband and wife shall complement each other and both of them shall acheve their heas'desires in life.
3.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessed with financial success. If says that he/she needs to work hard but not n work that is too rigorous. If says that Qgq MT children excel in professions that are consdered to be for lazy people.
1031
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to change his/her style of working if he/she had been doing any strenuous
work.
If says that it is more advisable to use his/her brains. It is by so doing that unqualified success can be guaranteed.
If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is being looked down upon or cheated by those who are more poweful than him/her, he/she needs not despair at all. These people will sooner or later come back to him/her with cap in hand to seek his/her favour.
He/she too must never look down or cheat anyone as this may have adverse effect on his/her success.
If recommends for this person to offer gbg with four rats, four fish, two pigeons, two hens, two she-goats and money. Two of the rats and fish, one pigeon, one hen and one goat shall be used to feed If. On this, If says:
Ssolongo
Plrl parc
DlfilnQrunmll
Baba yo ma s'OwO fiakadl k'aye f bg nl wgn nl k w qe
Translation
The smaftness of Olongo bird And the agility of parO, paftridge These were the messages of If for QrUnmIl When going to take wrestling as a profession He was advised to offer gbg
Qrunmll believed in trying his hand on any and all professions as long as they were within the ambit of socially accepted norms in the society. It was this reason that made Qrnmll to choose wrestling as his profession. In order to succeed in throwing all his opponents down, Qrnm)l went to prepare many special devices. These devices were so effective that if an elephant confronted him in a wrestling duel, the elephant will be thrown down several times and no sweat would come out of Qrnmll's body for all his effot. The efficacy of this devices impressed Qrnmll so much so that 1032
il o"e
rueTi
he congratulated himself in advance.
One day, a wrestlng competition was announced and a date was fixed for the duel. All the great wrestlers across the Yoruba land were present. These included Alr, Ajer, Qwa-Qrngr1n Aga, OljorRb, and even Qlqfa, the greatestof allwrestlers of thattime. On the day of the competition, all the wrestlers came out and one by one they were thrown down and eliminated by Qrrlnm)l. It took him no time to throw down Alr, he did not even sweat before he threw down Ajer. His breathing pattern did not increase before he threw down Qw'rngrf n Aga. He was still looking fresh after he threw down Oljmb. By the time he engaged QlQf, the greatest wrestler as at that time in the duel, QlQfa was no longer sure of his ability. In the end, Qrrlnmll defeated Qlqfa, the greatest wrestler hands down. Orrlnmll was consequently declared the greatest wrestler of all generations. For his effort, Orrlnmll was given a live cat and a leopard skin to signiff that his back never touched the ground in defeat. When he got back home however, he met his family expecting him to bring home money because they were already feeling hungry. Orrfnmll had nothing to give his family for food. He was thoroughly abused by his wives. They called him a never-do-well who was good for nothing in the home. They screamed at him that even though he had to defeat everybody in the duel, he did not have the capacity to peform his marital and domestic obligations. As he tried to explain to his wives and children, they shouted him down and called him severalterrible names,
For two years, Qrunmll remained the undisputed wrestling champion; but he had nothing to show for it. At this stage, even his friends and relatives had joined the wives and children in casting aspersion on him. He had neither respect nor honour among the community members because his
wrestling championship dd not translate into any meaningful

developments in the community.
Tired of this development, Qrnm'il approached the two Awo mentioned above for If consultation. They were his former students and were well
1
033
trained by Qrnm)l. During consultation, Qgg Mfl was revealed that he had hithefto been acting like someone endowed with lots of brawn, but with little brain. He was told that hencefofth, there was the need for him to use more of his brain/intellectual prowess than his physical clout. They told Qrnmll that most of the people he defeated during the wrestling contest would have paid anything, just anything, to have the oppoftunity of throwing (casting) him (If). This was the oppoftunity that Qrrtnm'll had all along been denying these people. They told him that he must allow himself to be thrown down by anybody interested in engaging in a duel (consultation) with him. They summarized it all by asking him to announce it that he no longer had the physical strength of throwing anybody down but can now be thrown down by anyone interested in engaging him in a duel. They also advised Qrunmlla to offer gbg as prescribed above.
As soon as people heard that Qrrlnmll could no longer throw people down but can allow himself to be thrown down in consultation, Alr was the first person to arrive at Qrnm)l's house. Qrnm'il gave him the Qpglg. Alr threw down the Qpglg in consultation and Qpe MT was revealed.
Qrnmll declared that Alr threw down the Qpglg in consultation because he needed more financial success in life. He was assured that he would get all he wanted. He was advised to offer gbq four white pigeons, one sheep and 16 bags of cowries. Alr delivered all these
items to Qrnm'll's house that same day.
The next person was
Ajer. AjerO threw the Qpglg (If) down in
was because he needed peace of mind in his life. He assured Ajer that he would get his heat desires. He advised Ajer0 to offer gbg with 16 guinea fowls and eight bags of money. Ajer complied.
consultation. Qrnmll told Ajer that the reason why he threw the Qpgle
Next, Qw-Qrngr1n Aga came for consultation. He also threw down the Qpgle and Qrr1nmlla told him that he needed more wives and children. Qw-Qrangn Aga was told that he would get what he desired. He was then advised to offer gbg with 1O rats, 1O fish, four matured shegoats and six bags of money. He complied.
As soon as Qwa-Qrngrln Aga left, Oljornb came into Qrunm'il's house
1034
t os"
nzeTi
for consultation. He also threw gpglg down; Qrunm'il told him that he had come in order to have victory over his numerous enemies. He was assured that he would be able to achieve his heaft desires. He was advised to offer
gbg with three matured he-goats and 17 bags

complied.
of cowries.
He
After this, came QlQfa; he threw Qpglg in consultation and was told that he needed peace and tranquility in his domain. He was assured that he would realize his heart desires. Orrinmll advised him to offer gbg with 17 yam tubers, two matured pgs and 17 bags of money, He complied.
All the movers and shakers of the society began to queue in order to throw Qpgle in consultation in Orrlnmll's house. Qrrlnmll told them what they came for and prescribed gbq for them. Most of them complied with the recommendations as pronounced by Qrrrnmll.
Within three months, the life of Qrrlnmlla had completely changed for the better. The first thing he noticed was that his wives who had hithefto being raining curses and abuses on him began to smile and praise him. They were always at his beck and call. And why not? Qrnmll was able to fulfill his marital and domestic obligations even in excess of their expectations. His family and friends spoke well of him. His community respected and honoured him as well. Ornmll became happy and lived happily with everyone.
Ssolongo Plrl par Dl fitn Qrrtnmll Baba yo ma s'wolJakadl k'y fbg nl wgn nl k w Qe gb'Qbo, rrl'bg SqsOlongo Olongogggq
Edr o l j
SsOIongo OlongoSeFe Bod'f o l'ku SqsOlongo Olongogggg

1
035
ldu
o |ea
SeseOlongo Olongo s.999
Bod'fol'ja
SESOlongo Olongogggg
Fr o le
ja
$qsgOlongo
Olongoggs,g
Bod'fol'yq
FesqOlongo Olongogggq
Fdu o
leja
SesqOlongo
Bod'fol'ran
SSOlongo OlongogqqE
Fd te je
FeqeOlongo
Translation
The smatness of Olongo bird And the agility of par, partridge These were the messages of If for Qrnmll When going to take wrestling as a profession He was advised to offer gbq He complied The smaftness of Olongo Olongo is reallysmaft Fd (If) needs notengage in any physical combat $QgQ Olongo If you throw (consult), If you shall offer rat SS Olongo Olongo 9Q9g ldrt needs notengage in any physicalcombat $QgQ Olongo If you consult If, you shall offerfish
$QgQOlongo
OlongogEgg pdu needs notengage in anyfight $Q9Q Olongo If you consult If, you shall offer birds
036
o"",v"7i
Olongo Olongo gggg !dr: needs not engage in any fight $QgQ Olongo If you consult If, you shall offer beast $qgQ Olongo Olongogggg Edrl needs notengage in a physicalcombat $SgQ Olongo
$Qgq
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed should use more of his mental capacity than his physical prowess. This is more impoftant especally when he is faced with difficulties wth regard to achieving his/her
heart's desires.
4.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a good wife for the man for whom this Od is revealed. If says that the woman will play a significant role in the life of this man. If also advises this person to serue Qbatl and to observe the Qsg rituals every Qsg day.
On the other hand, If assures a woman in search of a spouse that she will be blessed with a good one. If assures thatthe man she will meet will ceftainly know her value and treat her with the honour and respect she deserues. She needs to continue to be well behaved and act as a shining example for other women.
If advises this person, if a man to offer gbg with two hens and money. If a woman, she is advised to offer gbq with two cocks and money. There is also the need to feed Qbatl with eight snails, eight native chalks and shea butter. On this, If says:
qewoo rrln wO A kl i ta ogqmq gblgbe l'sn Dl firn oosarla QseQrQmag bo Ti nlo re gbe OJos n'iyawo f bg nl wqn nl k w 9e 1037
Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation
Translation
gE woo, it breaks into pieces rrn w, it cracks into tiny fragment It is not the practice to paint dry palm-fronds with camwood
These were If's messages for oosanla QsqQrQmagbo (Qbatl) When going to have the hand of OjQse (qse day) as wife
to achieve the mandate which Oldmare set for him on earth. He had
OOsanla Qsggrgmgb was n dire need of a spouse who would assst hm
earlier had several women in his life but none of them could complement his effoft. This was frustrating but QbaHh was fully determined not to rest until he was able to get a woman of his choice.
On the other hand, Ojqse was in search of a man who would understand her and treat her right. She was ready to assist her man to achieve his life ambition and realize his destiny if well treated. Unfortunately for her howeve6 she was always meeting men who did not appreciate her value and give her well deserved respect. She was however convinced that for every woman, there was a man. The only thing was for her to meet her man at the right time. Consequently, she was prepared to continue to try her luck until she gotthe right man in her life.
One day, QbaHl met OjQsQ and they discussed. Both of them immediately developed interest in each other, especially when they realized that they
were both suffering from the same problem. Qbatl went for If
consultation this time in order to ensure that the mistakes of the past were not repeated.
The questions at the back of his mind were: Was QjQsE good for him? Would she complement his effort in life? Would he be happy with her? Would she also live happily with him? The Awo assured him that Ojqse was his dream choice. He was told that he would live happily with her and she would also be happy with him. He was assured that OjQsQ would complement all his efforts in llfe as long as she was treated with respect and honour. Qbatl was advised to choose one out of the four religious days in honour of OjQsQ. He was instructed to break kolanuts for OjQsQ on these
1038
il
ose
r,eti
days on a regular basis. The Awo told Qbatl that Qjqse did not demand for more than this, and that if it was done regularly, Ojqse would assist QbaHb in every aspect of his Iife. QbaHl was advised to offer ebg as prescribed above. He complied accordingly.
As soon as this was done, appropriate steps were taken to formalize the relationship between Qbtl and OjQsQ. Every OjQse (QSe day), Qbath used to break two kolanuts in honour of his wife. In turn, OjQsQ would summon all Ire of wealth, joy, satisfaction, accomplishment, success, victory peace of mind, sound health and so on to the home of Qbtl. Wth all these, Qbatl had the time and presence of mind to assist others and to achieve his mission on eath. Qbath lived with OjQsQ happily and successfully ever after.
gqwoo rrtn wO A kl ta ogomQ gblgbe l'sn Dl filn Oosarrla QseQrQmgbo Tl rlo r gb OJQse n'iyawo Fbq nl wQn nl k w 9e gb'gbg, r'bg Qba l, obl qsg g te'mi r o Onl I'ojQQsQ
Translation
woo, it breaks into pieces rrln wO, it cracks into tiny fragments It is not the practice to paint dry palm-fronds with camwood These were If's messages for OOsar la QsgQrQma g b0 (QbaH When going to have the hand of OjQse (Qse day) as wife He was advised to offer ebo He complied Qbanla, the great Qba, I hereby offer my QsQ kolanuts Today is the QsQ day
9q
If assures the person for whom this Od is revealed of great things in life as long as QsQ days are observed regularly. If also advises the man for whom this Od is revealed to treat his wife with honour and respect. The woman is equally advised to complement all the effofts of her man at all times, and to assist him all in all ways in order for him to achieve his goals in
1
039
life.
5.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is presently facing problems from two different angles. These problems are agitating his/her mind and is weighing him/her down. If assures this person that he/she will overcome these problems. If stresses further that the two problems shall be overcome in one day.
If also warns a woman where this Od is revealed against loving more than one man at a time. If says that the sacredness which Oldmr put on the chest of a woman is so delicate that it cannot accommodate more than one man at a period. If says that if this woman is in the habit of sleeping with more than one man at a period, she would lose the gift of sacredness that Oldmre had given her and she would never be able to overcome most things
agitating her mind. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with hro matured he-goats in order to overcome the two problems in one day. He/she is also advised to feed If with one cock or hegoat. If this can be done as advised, victory is assured. On this, If
says:
Ss omr obinrin O grln'nl I'ojrl Akaya oblnrin nl o gb'eljl DdafnQsg Tlysegun mejl l'ojQ fbg nl wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
The pointed nipple of a woman's breast cannot pierce the eye The chest of a woman does not accommodate two men in intimate love making atthe same period These were lf's declarations to QsQ Who shall overcome two problems in the same day He was advised to offer ebo
Qsq was an accomplished Babalwo. He was proficient in the areas of
1040
os"
ue.i
midwifery and finding solutions to health problems. He had solved several complcated pregnancy problems and the women involved had delivered safely. He had also been able to cure several ailments which people had believed to be incurable. Qse had peformed several miracles in these two fields that every one considered him to be the best expeft that had lived on eafth.
Wth all these achievements however, Qs to threaten him that they would abandon the home because there was no peace at home. They were always accusing him of solving other people's problems but lacking the ability to resolve the problems in his own home. They used to compare him to a great swimmer who swam the oceans and seas
successfully, who swam in the lagoon with ease and swam in the rivers and streams without problems only to be washed away by the little flood in his own backyard.
Tired of these types of problems, QsQ approached the group of Awo

mentioned above: Would he overcome these problems? Would he be able to solve his own problems as he had been solving for other people? Would he be able to bring back peace and harmony in his home?
The Awo told Qsq that he was actually being faced with two major problems - one on eafth and the other in heaven. The Awo explained to him that most of the problems he had been able to solve for other people were actually created by some evil doers on eafth. These people enjoyed seeing others suffer. They took pleasure in inflicting pain and agony on other people, That was why they saw Qse as their arch enemy who had been a hindrance in the achievement of their sadistic aoal. The Awo explained fufther that these evil doers were the ones who had combined
with negative principalities in heaven to create hardship for QsE. The Awo said that there was the need to overcome the evil principalities in heaven.
Qsq was however assured that he would be able to overcome the problems from these two angles in one day. He was advised to offer ebe as
prescribed above. Qsq complied. As soon as he did so, all the evil machinations of these evil people were 1041
lfa Dda: An nvtaton to lfa Consultation
exposed and people saw them for what they were. fg Qdr also confronted the negative principalities in heaven and overcame them for Qse. All of these happened in just one day. Since thattime, QSe had peace of mind and comfoft in his home.
Ssom obinrin Ogrln'nl l'jrt Akaya oblnrin nl gb'eljl a fun Qsq Tlysqgun mejl l'ojQ fbg nl wqn n| k w ge
gb'$borr'bg
Erlpotit'Qfa
Igba
QS
Njg mo sggun t'ay tiln N o lg r sg t'Qrun o Ejl Qse rQ gmg ab'iggun waarawa
se'gun mejl I'ara to rq'ni
Translation
The pointed nipple of a woman does not piercethe eye The chest of a woman does not accommodate two men in intimate love making atthe same period These were If's declarations to Qge Who shall overcome two problems in the same day He was advised to offer gbg He complied Behold! I have conquered the battle on eafth I shall definitely conquerthe one in heaven too l-.lere comes Qge-MI the decsive conqueror Travellerstolpo and Qfa towns It was after Qge overcame two adversities that the mind was at peace
If says that this person shall be victorious and shall gain peace of mind and joy in his/her life.
6.
If says that it foresees the ire of long life and prosperity for the person for whom this Od is revealed. If assures him/her that he/she shall not die young. If says that he/she shall live to witness all his/her hair turn gray and he/she shall become old and feeble before he/she passes on. 1442
if o"" r".,,
If says that there are sx elders where this Od is revealed who need to urgently offer gbg for them not to die in quick successions. If says that the six elders are decision makers of some soft and they need to offer ebg in order to prolong their lives. If however warns these elders to be careful with the types of decision that they take so that they would not be deciding issues against themselves.
If advises these people to offer gbg with one ewe and two big rats. After the gbg, the big rats will be powdered with IyQrosun,
divination powder, and tied in the entrance of the house so thatthose coming in and out of the house will have the )yQrosun covering hair on their heads. This will make their heads look gray like the heads of old people. By so doing, long life is assured; old age is guaranteed. On this, If says:
the
Irun-n pq l'Orl Irun-rln d'ew

EgbO pe l'se Asl ma djaktq Akg aroro pq I'Orl Ohun l f'ara jg akg alaggmg Dffiln Agbaagba mgf Tl wqn s'Ofin QrQ kan qrq kan Tl wqn nl wgn O gbodQ h'ewu fbg nl wqn nl kl wqn w se
Okka
Translation
If the hair stays too long on the head It will turn grey with old age When a sore stays too long in the leg It will turn to elephantiasis If a male lizardstaystoo long on Okik tree Itwill resemble a male chameleon These were If's messages to the six elders When it was decreed that nobody must grow grey hair Theywere advised to offer gbo
1043
A brand new socety must be built, the lawmakers in ll-Ifg of old declared. In order to realize this ambition, new decrees were promulgated. Part of these decrees was that those who grew grey hair on their heads could no longer be productive. They could not be useful for the new Il-IfQ of their dreams. The decision makers were convinced that old people could only
consume without reciprocating with any meaningful contribution to the progress of the new Il-IfQ. They decreed that such people had no place in the scheme of things. Consequently, the law-makers decreed that as soon as it was noticed that anyone had grown grey hair, such a person must be sentenced to death. These law-makers were OhJwo, Lls, Ar, Qdgfin,Iya Abfye and Llk. The first four were men while the remaining two were women. Several people were putto death and the new decree was used.
One fine morning, Qtrtn, another high-ranking Chief in the town woke up and noticed, to his dismay, some grey hair on his head. His attention was drawn to this development by his wife. Qtun could not believe what his wife told him. In order to prove to him that she had seen correctly, the wife pulled out some of the gray hair on his head and showed it to him. Qtr:n broke down in tears. He knew that what he had seen was his death sentence. He cried and cried. The whole family cried with him. He was a kind-hearted man. He had assisted several peopleto succeed in life. Would this be the end? He had all the good things of life going for him at that particular point in time. Would this be the end? He had the prospect of reaching greater heights in his life. Would this be the end? His influence extended beyond the shores of his land. Would this be the end? His family and other relations depended on him for guidance and upkeep. Would this be the end? He loved his family and relations deeply and they gave him great joy and satisfaction. Would this be the end? He was blessed with sound health and sharp intellect. Would this be the end?
He summoned all his family members for a discussion. They deliberated at
length on the issue. They cried and cried when they realized that the situation was hopeless. Hopeless? Had they consulted If on it to find out what If had to say? They had not. The family concluded that If must be consulted right away. That was how they approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: what could be done to ward off this impending painful death? The Awo told Qtun and his family that they had approached
1044
lf
ose vel
If because they had a heavy load on their minds. He told them that the threat of death and disaster had enveloped them. He however assured them that with appropriate gbg, their despair would give way to hope and boundless joy. He advised them to offer gbg as stated above. They complied. The Awo made sure that the two big-rats powdered with
IyQrsn was personallytied abovethe main entrance of Qtun's home. On the very day the ebg was offered, the six decision makers summoned an extra-ordinary meeting to deliberate on the fate of Qtrfn. They had noticed that Qtrfn had grown grey hair on his head. He must be put to
death fofthwith. The fact that Qtun was a high-ranking chief in the
community meant nothing to them. He must be arrested immediately and be executed forthwith. At the end of their deliberations, they headed for Qtunt home.
When they passed through the main entrance of Otun's home, the IyQrsn that had been powdered on the big rats sprinkled on their heads and Es Qdara stuck the powder there permanently and turned the hair on their heads grey. They did not notice this at first. When they approached Qtrln, they made him realize that they had noticed that he had developed grey hair on his head and according to their law; he must be put to death. They told him that they were aware of his high position in the community but that he must realize that the position notwithstanding, the law is no respecter of anyone. Consequent upon this, they concluded that they would have to take him away to be summarily executed immediately.
As they were speaking, Ego Qdara had whispered into the ears of Qtun what to say. So Qtun thanked the six law makers for their concern over him. He then asked them the number of executioners they had available and also asked them to explain to him why they had come to arrest him when it was clear that the seven of them were guilty of the same 'offence'? He pointedly accused them of paftiality and one-sidedness. Why should they come to arrest him for the same offence that they too had committed?
whv?
At first, they could not understand what Qtun was saying. As a matter of fact, they thought that the knowledge of his death had turned him mad.
1045
your ,what is this one talking about?' they asked.each other' 'Look at , ha. gt"y ha.ir', he screamed' The six heads and tell me if you too did not head a-nd'realzed to their chagrin that rawmakers rooked ai each oreris their heads tool what went wrong? grey hair had completely prepared to die today but you must other, 'I They queried equally die
lfa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultaon
of anyone, all of you must ".t remember that the law is no respecter same offence!' Qtun screamed' today because we have commtteJthe and panic, Qtun retorted! 'Are when he realizeJ tn., state of confusion promulgate a decree you are you you not pr"p.r.J to die today? why did qu'rckly and desperately made a not prepareo to reai t: F#aker must be postponed as a result of the decision tfrat tne-eiecution of Qtrln none of that' They must all be new development. Otun wou have pardoned. They agreed to executed tnat oa'pr he must be unconditionaily had grown grey hair on his/her pardon Qtun und .u.ry otner peiion wno had come to effect the execution head. rhs ncrulili" six of'tem who
.*r.d ;;
of Qtrrn.
old age without the fear of being From that day, people lived to their were given the assignments executed. T ld'on", in the community youths inur. oi*aor an'd "*p"r'rence whire the which wourd continued to usetheir brains and energy'
,..*
rrun-n pq I'oi Irun-n d'ewrl

EgbOPel'sQ Asl maadiiaktq Akg aroro Pg l'rl Okika Ohun l fara jg akg al99m9
Tf wn s'fin QrQ kan QrQ kn Tf wgn nl wgn o gbodq h'ew e Fbq nl wQn nl kl wgn w 9
DlfilnAgbaagba m.fa
Dlfiln Qtun ll-Ife Tl wQn nf ko gbqdq h'ewrl
fbg nl wQn nl kl wEn w 9e gb'Qbg'r'bg Nja r'ewr l'rlQtn ihl gbaY{ o Ati d'r{ ew jin'raawa
GbogbolwrQw IfQ 1046
ilf ose
rureli
Atl d'r{ ew jin'raa wa
Translation
If the hairstays too long on the head
Itwillturn greywith old age

When a sore stays too long in the leg It will turn to elephantiasis If a male lizard stays too long on okika tree Itwill resemble a male chameleon These were If's messages to the six elders When they decreed that nobody must grow grey hair on his/her head They were advised to offer qbg The same message was gven to Qtun Who was asked notto grow grey hair He was equally advised to offer gbg Hecomplied We have noticed grey hairon the head of QtUn We have forgiven each other Allthe law-makers of Il-IfQ We have forgiven each other on the issue of growing grey hair.
If assures the. person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she shall overcome the threat of death and impending doom that is presently
agitating his/her mind.
7.
If advises this person to offer gbg for prestge and honour. If says that he/she needs not struggle to attain a very high position or be bestowed with a high title before he/she is accorded respect, honour and prestige in the community. If assures this person that he/she would be the center of attention and attraction anywhere goes as he/she will be highly rated among his/her peers and
contemporaries.
he/she
yards of white clothe, 16 yards of red clothe, 16 yards of chocolate brown clothe and money. The gbg is to be placed by E9 shrine. By so doing, prestige and honour are assured. on this,
If
If advises this person to offer gbg with a matured she-goat, 16
says:
104
Ogq+ereogbgdQ rln bl Ogorigo Bl wQn b p awqn rln bl ogogo psQ q wgn nff m 9$ Dlfitn FygOlongo
To l'huny b OgongO fbg nl wqn nl kw 9e
lqaio
Translation
that cannot walk like Og0g0 the Ostrich trf it attempts to walk like Ogng Itwillend up breaking its legs This wasthe message of If for Olongo Who intends to accompany Ogr1g on a journey She was advised to offer gbg
OSeSere is a bird
0gr1g, the Ostrich was the biggestof all birds. She had majestic gait, she walks like a queen among the birds. She was truly the queen of the birds. She could not fly like all other birds. She did not need to fly but could run at speeds as fast as 65km/hr (a0mph). The way she used to run about the
fields more than compensated for her inability to fly. She was highly respected in the birds' kingdom. She was accorded her due respect and honour. Nothing happened in the birds' kingdom outside her knowledge and without her consent. On the other hand, Olongo was one of the smallest birds on eafth. She could fly but she Iacked the inability to walk and run like gng. She could only hop a short distance before taking off in a flight. She however kept dreaming of a daythat she will be in a position to walk and run like OgOngO. She believed that walking and running like Ogong was the ultimate achievement in her life. She was also convinced that itwasthe onlyway she could be respected and honoured. To Olongo, fulfilling her destiny was the most important thing she could do in her life. And she feltthat walking and running side by side with 0gg was the way her destiny could be fulfilled.
One day, 0gOgO planned to go on a long journey. She announced her intention to all the other birds. Olongo saw this as the oppoftunity she had been waiting for. That was why she approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would she be able to walk and run like 0g0ng0? Would she grow big to the size, or almost the size, of OgOngO in order to strengthen her inability to trek and walk like 0gOgO? Would she be
1048
il* os" rueli
respected and honoured like Ogng? The Awo told Olongo that she was not created by Oldmar to be as big as OgOngO. Not only that, she was not destined to be as honourable as OgongO. Instead, Oldmar had destined her to be the most beautiful and the most prestigious birds on eafth. The Awo advised Olongo to concentrate her effofts on enhancing the talents and potentials which Oldmar had given her. Consequent upon this, the Awo advised her to
offer gbg with one matured she goat, red clothe, white clothe, chocolate brown clothe and money. Olongo complied reluctantly.
As soon as Olongo offered this ebg, Egu Qdar went to work. He changed the plumes in the body of Olongo to red, white and chocolate brown. The colour combinations were beautifully put together and aftistically designed in such a way that it changed the life and look of Olongo completely. All the
other birds, animals, rats and fish that saw Olongo after the gbg was offered gazed at her in wonder and amazement. They could not believe
their eyes. On the day that Olongo and Ogong travelled on their journey, Olongo mounted the back of 0gog and stayed there until they reached their destination. All those who saw Ogongo gave her honour and respect. It dd not end there; they gave Olongo her deseved prestige and complemented her for being the most beautiful bird that Oldmar created on eafth.
Oqeqre o gbqdQ rln bl Ogongo Bl wQn b P wgn rln bl ogOngO FsQ e wgn nll m Se To l'hun y b ogorrgo lg ajo lbg nl wQn nl kw ge gb'Qbo, r'bo Ko pgo, gna o jin E w ba nl b'ayg, q wa wo're Ko pgo, gna o jin
I filn lyq Olongo
Translation
Osefere
is a bird
that cannot walk like 0gOrlg the Ostrich
1049
If it attempts to walk like 09090 Itwillend up breaking its legs

This was the message of If for Olongo Who intends to accompany Og090 on a journey She was advised to offer gbg She complied Nottoo long, and in due course Come and meet us in a happy and joyful celebration
8. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall overcome
his/her enemes. If says that this person's genital shall play a significant role in the way he/she will gain victory. If advises this person to offer gbg with a big neede, three cocks and money. He/she is also to feed his/her gental with one cock. On this, If
says:
sekrluogbaokooo na gUaja o gb'ogoil Emi kff se klu-klu t'mi i sere

fin Ojogan (Akek) Tly mafiru gq'gun qta rq FbqnlwQn nl kge
D,l
Translation
It curyes and accommodates twenty It stretches and accom modates fofi I do notcurue and stretch forjoke These were lf's declarations to OjOgan, the scorpion The one who shall use his genital to conquer his enemies He was advised to offer gbg
Oiogan, the scorpion was in the midst of enemies. His enemies included the brown rats, big rats, rodent antelopes, deers and so on. They marched on him and kicked him at will. They made it a point to pester his life, but unfoftunately for OOgan, he was powerless to do anything about it. Tired of this type of existence, OjOgan went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would he be able to overcome his enemies? Would he be able to stop all his enemies from pesterng and intimidating him? Would he be feared and respected among his friends and enemies? These and many
1050
ose l,leti
more were what pre-occupied his mind when he went for consultation. The Awo told him that all his enemies had no respect for him. He however assured that his enemies would be forced to respect and regard him. He was however advised to offer ebe. He complied immediately.
As soon as the gbg was offered, E9 Qdara went to work. He removed the needle from the ebo and fixed it to his tail. Es also laded the needle with
was
poison.
The same day that Egu Qdara completed his assignment, the big rat approached Ojogan in order to pester his life as usual. Egu-Qdar told Oogan to sting the enemy with the needle attached to his tail. He did. A few moments after, the big rat was dead. The rabbit, grasscutter, rodent and lizard met the same fate when they tried to intimidate OjOgan. That was how OjOgan used his genitalto conquer his enemies.
se krlu Ogba okOo na gUaa o gb'ogojl Emi kll sg krllu-klu t'mi i sere Dl filn Ojogan (Akeke) Tl y ma f iru $e'gun gta rg fbgnf wQn nl kge gb'Qbg, r'bg KO pgo, ona Ojin
!wa ba'ni l'jggogun

Ajaseogun I'awa wa I'gsgObarlsi
Translation
It curues and accommodatestwenty Itstretches and accommodates fofi I do not curue and stretch for joke These were If's declarations to OjOgan, the scorpion The one who shall use his genitalto conquer his enemies He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Soon after Join us where we enjoy victories over enemies
051
lfa Dda: An nvitation to lfa Consultation
9.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall overcome his/her enemies. He/she shall be able to ward off all external uprisings and shall be able to beat his/her foes hands down. He /she however needs to be careful with his/her friends and loved ones. The person for whom this Od is revealed must beware of internal uprising and conspiracy from those whom
he/she loves.
'
The biggest disadvantage of a leader is that he/she can only know those whom he/she Ioves sincerely but he/she cannot know those who sincerely love him/her. For this reason, he/she must not place absolute trust in anyone.
that he/she can do anything with impunity. He/she must be aware that uprising can emerge at anytime, giving any flimsy excuse.
If advises this person to put it at the back of his/her mind at all times that human beings are the most difficult creatures to administer. He/she should therefore place all his/her hopes on If for assistance. He/she also needs to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money, after this, there is the need to feed If with one she-goat and feed Eg Qdara with one cock. On all these, If says:
Omi 9q
Gbolgbo ge omi fqsq 9 nl gbogbo Kl o ma f'gsg gq o Dl filn Ajgnn Tl ge Olr Il lbeden fbg nl wQn nl k w ge
Conversely, this person must not think
Translation
Let the water spill out and flow away And let the roots break Let the water gently cross over the roots So that passers-by will not break their legs These were If's declarations to Ajgnn
1052
ose
rvr"7i
The leader of Ibadan hnd

He was advised to offer gbo
When Ibadan was founded, it was designed as a military base. Most of the inhabitants of this town were soldiers and members of their families. Ajgnn, a Military General, later became the leader of the town.
During his period, there was no war or external aggression that he did not contain. Sometimes, he would be engaged in battle from severalfronts at the same time. In the end, he would come out of the battle triumphant. He never lost any battle. He was regarded as a great tactician and strategist.
In the home front however, the story was totally different. On several
occasions, he was almost consumed by the conspiracies of his own people. There was hardly any step that he took which did not attract opposition from his own people. Many times, his own wives and children were involved! Ajgnn could not understand why this should be so. He decided to involve everyone in the decision-making process. During deliberations, they would all agree on a line of action to be taken. As soon as thls step was being put into action, the same set of people would begin to criticize Ajgnn. They accused him of being high-handed, callous, wicked and inconsiderate. There was nothing he did that satisfied everyone inlbadan.
Tired of all these developments, he decided to approach the Awo stated above for If consultation; would he be able to overcome the internal crises he was facing? The Awo explained to him that winning battles that he engaged in with enemies outside was nothing compared to the ability to contain crisis internally generated by conspirators. The Awo made it clear to him that enemies usually stayed outside the home while conspirators lived inside with their intended victims. The Awo said that internal war against the conspirators was a war he could not win and at the same time, it was a war he must not lose. He was advised to offer ebo at alltimes to be able to contain alltheir conspiracies.
053
Ajgnn said that what baffled him most was that even his own blood relatons were also involved in all the plans aganst hm. The Awo responded that it was not a surprising phenomenon. That was only to show him how difficult human beings were. He was advised to offer gbg and feed If and Egu Qdara as prescribed above. He complied. The Awo told him to remember at all times that he was paying the price of being a leader. He was told that this price could be very heavy as he had seen. Ajgnn returned home with the fulldetermination to succeed in life. He had no full confidence in anyone. He decided to move himself away from all traitors and betrayers. He cleared a bush far away from his home and cut down anlrk tree he found there. He decided to erect his new home there. When some people saw him doing this, they called his attention to the fact that the site he had chosen was where the Elders of the Night used to have their meetings and that thelrk tree he had just cut down wasthe spotwhere people used to placethelps meantforthese Elders. They concluded that his choice was not appropriate for a residential home. Why should he believe these people? Ajgnn queried. He had been betrayed over and over. What assurance had he that this was not another plot against him? He felt that he had no reason why he should trust anyone again. He concluded that his instinct should guide him in all things he planned to do. He announced to these people that he had decided to live in the new site whether they like it or not. Before long, he completed the building and moved in together with the members of his family. The Elders of the Night considered this the greatest insult and affront that anyone could perpetrate against them. They summoned an emergency meeting in order to decide the fate of Ajgnn. In this meeting, it was unanimously decided that Ajgnn must be made to suffer a slow and painful death in order to serve as deterrent to others. Not only this, his family members must also be made to suffer the same fate. If the remainlng relations refused to Ieave their site for them, they would be made to suffer from generation to generation.
As soon as these decisions were taken, Ajgnn fell
him from one health center to the other without avail. One day, he remembered that he had earlier been warned against erecting his home on
ill. They carried
1054
loo't"/t that site. He realized to his regretthat he could only be sure of those whom he loved; he had no way of knowing those who really loved him. Before he could inform others in his household, IkrJ, Death arrived. He prayed to be given another chance to return to eafth at a later date. He promised that if his request was granted, he would rely on nobody except If and Eg Qdara. He would no longer be disappointed whenever anyone misbehaved. He would be ready for any surprise at any time. He had accepted the fact that human beings could never be satisfied, no matter how hard one tried.
Omi ge Gbogbo 9$ Omi fgsg s, nl gbongbo Kl o m fgsg gg o Dla fin Ajgnn Tl ge Olrl Il lbadan Fbq nl wqn nl k w $e gb'qbo, r'bo jg Ajagunna gb ml o Orl Ihl sro If 9b ml 9mg nlyen 9Or o
Translation
Let the water spill out and flow And let the roots break Let the water gently cross over the roots So that passersby will not break their legs These were lf's declarations to Ajgnn The leader oflbadan Land He was advised to offer gbg He complied Ajgnn please come to my rescue Leadership had its high price and is very difficult If, please come to my rescue Human beings are very difficult
If assures this person that he/she shall be assisted to contain internal crises and conspiracies aganst him/her at all times.
1055
Ita Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
10.
If says that there s no profession that the person for whom this Od s revealed during Ikqsedy or \eqd cannot engage in, except all those which are against the law of the land, especially stealing. It is therefore a taboo for the person for whom this Od is
revealed to engage in robbery fraud, prostitution, smuggling, drug trafficking, blackmailing, kidnapping, and gambling and soon.
If says that there is the need for this person to offer gbg for his/her business to progress. He/she shall receive the blessing of If and Oldmar at all times if he/she stays within the limits of the law. On the other hand, if this person engages in any vice, he/she shal! incurthe wrath of If and Oldmar.
If advises this person to offer gbq with two pigeons' two guinea-fowls and money. He/she is also to feed If with one duck. On this, If says:
Agaluwew, Awo wgn n'Ibdn Mesl'QgQ filn wgn n'Ibdn Mesl-QgQ N'll OklyQl, gmg Egb di'ra ogun Fbq seygrl nl wQn nl kl wQn w 9e
Translation
Ibadan land He cast If for the inhabitants of Ibadn land In the home of OltlyQl, ofprings of Egb who needs not make any special preparation before going to war They were advised to offer gbg for accomplishment
A,Saluwewe, their Awo in
The inhabitants of Ibadan wanted to know the types of professions that they could engage in that would bring them success. That was why they went to the home of the Babalwo mentioned above, Aglww, for If consultation. During the consultation, Qse-MI was revealed.
The Awo told them that there was no work they engaged in which would not bring them success. They however needed to steer clear
1
056
llf ose
rureTi
of all illegal things such as stealing and other related jobs. They were told that any job they did would accord them recognition and honour as long as the job was legal. They were all warned to avoid
doing anything which would drag the good name of If into the mud, lestthey incurthe wrath of the Divinities.
They were also advised to offer gbg as stated above. They all complied. As soon as they did this, they allwent about various jobs farming, hunting, trading, fishing, knitting,"tooking, traveffing lfa practice and so on. They were all recognized and blessed by If. Those who engaged in stealing/ smuggling, fraud, prostitution, blackmailing, drug trafficking, kidnapping, gambling and so on were cast outand sanctioned by If.
AgalUwew, Awo wgn n'fbdn Mesl-Qgg Dl filn wgn n'Ibdn Mesl-Qgg N'll OlrtyQl, qmg Egb O di'ra ogun lbg seygrl nl wqn nl kl wgn w ge Wgn gbq'bo, won r'bg Awo tl rtta lla, Awo na n Awo tf ttta'ef, Awo n ni Awo tl ta lyQ, Awo n ni Awo rlta isu, Awo n ni Awo tl ta agg, Awo n ni Awo se ode, Awo n ni Awo tl nmg llg Awo n ni Awo tl ta gja, Awo na ni Awo tl rlge ounje, Awo n ni Awo tl se Qne, Awo n ni Awo to nkg orin, Awo n ni Agaluwew o d o, Awo Od lbadan Aye lfa dn j'oyln lg Awo t ba ja'le, l ba If je
Translation
Aglww, their Awo in Ibadan land He cast If for the inhabitane of Ibadn land In the home of Oluygl, offsprings of Egb Who needs not make any special preparation before going to war
1457
lfa Dida: An invtaon to lfa Consuftation
They were advised to offer gbg for accomplishment They complied The Awo who sells okra, is still an Awo The Awo who sells vegetable, is still an Awo The Awo who sells salt, is still an Awo The Awo who sells yam, is still an Awo The Awo who sells clothes, is still an Awo The Awo who engages n hunting, is still an Awo The Awo who engages in construction, is still an Awo The Awo who engages in fishing, is still an Awo The Awo who sells food, is still an Awo The Awo who engages in traveling, is still an Awo The Awo who sings, is still an Awo Here comes Agaluwew, the Awo of lbdn land The Life of lf is sweeter than honey Any Awo who engages in stealing and vices has spoilt the name of If and has automatically cast him/herself out of Awo community
If says that this person needs to endeavour to ensure that he/she is not cast out of the communty of responsble people, He/she needs to live and act within the confines of the law at all times.
11.
If says that for this person to succeed in life, his/her surest bet is hard-work. For him/her there is no shoftcut to financial success and accomplshment. He/she needs to use his/her brain and plan for his/her success and future. Outside this, there is no other way for him/herto achieve success in life. If advises this person or group of persons to offer gbg with three pigeons and money. Each individual is expected to offer this gbg. After the gbg, he/she is also expected to concentrate on his/her chosen career. On this, If says: $qkbg, Awo od lbadan Dl fitn won l'de lbadan Wgn nfomi oju sngbr ire gbogbo
fibg ni wgn nl kl wgn w ge
Translation
ggkubg, the Awo of Ibadan land
1
058
ii* o""
He was the Awo who cast If for the inhabitant of Ibadan land When they were lamenting their inability to succeed in life They were advised to offer gbg
"",
The inhabitants oflbadan were very ambitious right from the inception of the town. They had big dreams and they also think big. They planned for Ibadan to become the biggest and most popular town on eafth. They also wished the town and the inhabitants thereof to be blessed with financial success.
One day, they went
above for If consultation: Would this town expand to become the biggest and most populous town on earth? Would the inhabitants become the richest and most influential? Would they be blessed with thriving business enterprises? Would this town become a major trading post? Would the individual inhabitants of thistown be blessed and respected?
to $qkbe, the Awo mentioned
If said yes to all their questions. If said that it was clear that the
inhabitants of Ibadn land were ambitious. They talked of big things and concieved great ideas. The Awo however told them that thinking and speaking their intention to become great were not enough; there was the need to match these with pragmatic action to succeed. They were told to concentrate on their work in order to translate their dreams and speeches to reality. The Awo assured them that there was no profession that would not bring them success. He therefore advised them to diversify their work and avoid a situation where all of them would be doing one profession. Some of them needed to farm; some to hawk; some to be traders; some to be blacksmith; some to be wood carvers; some to be singers; some to engage in cooking; some to be herbalist; some to be If priests; some to be Osa devotees, etc. There was no job they concentrated upon that they would not succeed. They were advised against smuggling, acting as hired assassins, kidnapping, fraudulent practices and so fofth. The Awo also advised each of them to offer gbg with three pigeons and money. They all complied and went to their various homes. They were all expecting the success which the Awo assured them that they would be blessed with. Unfortunately however, no success was fofthcoming. They waited for
1059
lla Dida: An invitaton to lfa Consuftaon
one year but instead of progress, there was chronic retrogresson. The citizens suffered.
One day, they all decided to go to ggkbe's home to accuse him of lying to them and cheating them. They wanted him to know that he was the one who told them never to cheat or lie but he was the same person found guilty of the same offense. When they got to his home, he could see from their countenance that they were not happy with him. He then told them to narrate what was amiss to him. They did. The Awo told the inhabitants of Ibadan that even though the inhabitants of Ibadan offered the gbg of three pigeons each, they had failed to offer the greater ebq which was heeding the advice given by him for them to embrace hard work. The Awo explained to them that procuring gbg materials is the minor paft of gbg while heeding the advice given is the main vital aspect of gbg. The Awo advised them to go back home and embrace hard work as he had earlier advised. They returned home and decided to give the advice of Sekbe a
trial. Within three months, everything began to change for the better. Their various businesses thrive. They became successful and they began to plan great things for themselves and the community. They returned to $gktlbe to give him thanks and praises. Sgkrtbe told them to remember thisastheir motto:
$gkbe, Awo od lbadan Dl fitn won l'de lbadan Wgn nfomi oju sungbr ire gbogbo fbg ni wgn nl kl wgn w ge Wgn gbQ'bo, wgn r'bg Sgkbe ma ma de o Awo ode lbadan Aqe b'qni ko ba s'isg gni kfl la Translation $gkrtbe, the Awo of lbadan land He was the Awo who cast If for the inhabitants of Ibadn land When they were lamenting their inability to succeed in life They were advised to offer gbg
They complied Here comes Sekbe
1
060
ose t"ri
The Awo of Ibadan land Can't you see that without hard-work there can never
be
success?
If says that the person or group for whom this Od is revealed is assured of success as long as he/she or they are hard-working and focused. Conversely, the financial problems that the person or group for whom this Od is revealed is presently facing is due to lack of hard-working. There is therefore, the need for the person or group to embrace hard-work and
offer gbg as prescribed above.
t2.
If says that there are two friends who need to offer ebo where this Od is revealed. These two friends are doing illegal things in the Community and as if that is not bad enough, one of them is planning to cheat the other with trick. Ifa advises both of them to desist from their clandestine act. At the same time, If advises the one planning to outwit the other to stop because it will never work. If they refuse to put an end to their anti-social activities, they shall be put to
everlasting
shame. If says that there is
the
Need for each of them to offer gbg with one he-goat and money and to turn a new leaf. On this, 0s MeI says:
filn onlkor
A b filn Olbdn Awgn mejeefi jg ng'odg oru f;bg ni wgn nl kl wgn ge
Blatllek fojrl kan'ra
gni
Translation
Even if we shall die There is the need to set eye on each other for the last time
These were If's declarations to Offkoo And also declared to Ohf bdn They were both engaged in hunting in the dead of night
061
OnfkOr and OltJbdn were accomplshed robbers, there was no where that they had not gone to steal. Anywhere they went, they were always successful. For this reason, they believed that anywhere they went to raid; theywill hurl homea lotof booties, One day, they went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned
above in order to determine whether or not they would continue to succeed in their act. The Awo told them that both of them were engaged in illegal business and thatthey needed to desist from it. He also told them that one of them was planning to outwit the other. Such person should stop fofthwith; otherwise, he would be put to everlasting shame. They were also advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. It was only the thief from Ikoro land known as Offkr complied. The thief fromlbadan land bluntly refused to offerthe gbg.
One day, the two friends went to steal, their loot was the biggest they had ever made in their lives. They packed everything and stored it in the home of the thief from lbadan. They decided that they needed to wait for about five market weeks for all the uproar to subside. (One market week is five days). As soon as their loots were packed into the home of the thief from Ibadan, he started having ideas. He saw no reason why the other person should share part of the loot. He began to see the loot as exclusively his. After all, he reasoned, the whole thing was packed into his house. He began to plan with his wife on how to take over everything. They soon came up with an ingenious plan. The thief from Ibadan said that he would pretend that he had died and the wife would be weeping, wailing and gnashing her teeth. True to plan, the day that On'ikr came to the home of the thief from Ibadan, he metthe wife and children of the latter crying thattheir husband and father had died last night. Offkr could not believe his ears because he had planned not to engage in any stealing anymore. He only wanted his share of the loot and use it to settle down and plan his future, But hearing that his friend had died was a blow to him that he might not be able to realize his dream. When he saw the wife and children weeping, he felt pity for them. However, something kept telling him that something was amiss. He then told them that he would like to set his eyes on the
1062
lf o"" rurq
corpse of his friend at least for the last tme before he was buried.
He was then taken into the room where the 'corpse' of his friend laid. When he got into the room, he pulled out the cutlass that he had kept under his garment and declared that even though he had lost his own share of the loot, he would however, give his friend a mark that he would take to heaven to show them in heaven that he, the thief from lkoro, was frustrated on eafth. He hit the friend with the sharp edge of the cutlass on the head. His friend jumped up in pain! Onfkr was surprised that his He then told them to quickly give him his friend was not dead after own share of the loot. The thief from Ibadan gave Onlkr his own share, though in shame. And he began to nurse his wound. The news of the incident soon filtered into the town. Anytime they saw someone with a mark on his forehead, they would know that it was the thief of lbadan. It soon became the talk of the town and people stafted making a joke of it. Anytime they saw someone with a mark on the head, they would jokingly say that 'your mark looked like that of the thief from lbadan'. He couldn't bear this anymore; and since that time, he lived his life in full shame and ignominy.
all.
Blatllekt
A fort kan'ra eni Dl fn OnlkOr A b filn Olbdn Awgn meieejl jg ng'odg Oru fibg ni wgn nl kl wgn ge Ero lpo atl tOfa' fni gb'$bg nibQ ko waa 99'bg
Translation
Even if we shall die There is the need to set eyes on each other for the last time These were lf's declarations to Onfkoro And also to Oltfbdn They both engaged in hunting in the dead of the night They were advised to offer gbg Only OnlkOr complied Travellers to Ip and Qfa towns Let those advised to offer ebg comply
1063
If says that this person will not be put to shame. For this reason, he/she must not plan anything that will bring him/her shame and odium.
13.
If says that the person that people are searching for where this Od is revealed is neither dead nor lost. This person is alive and well where he/she He/she is even well established and contented where he/she is staying presently. This person is however, not prepared to return home. They should therefore, not waste money in offering gbg for him/her to return home. All what they can do is to send people to go and visit him/her where he/she is living now, so that he/she will nottotallyforget home.
is.
On the other hand, if someone is planning to travel on a long journey and this Od0 is revealed, there is the need to offer gbq and feed Eg Qdara before embarking on the trip. If advises this person to offer
ebq with
two hens, two pigeons, two guinea fowls and

cock.
He/she also needs to feed Egu Qdara with one this,If says:
money.
On
Tlabd
Il Ohlwo la kQq d
Tlaobay
A y'QdQdQ OjgbQna
Qdede ojgbQna ni mo kQkQ ye M ko j kl n raye d'l ohlwo filn Op Tl sjawo r'Ode lbadan f;bg ni wgn nl k w Se
Translation If we arrive in a strange town We need to go to the home of the
OhJwo
If we must make a temporary stop It must be in the home of the OjgbQna

It was the home of the OjgbQna which I stopped temporarily This precluded me from geing to the home of the Ohlwo These were lf's messages to Op When going on spiritual expedition to Ibadan
1
064
!,I
ose uej
town. He was a very competent Babalwo. One day, he planned to travel on a long journey in search of success and financial accomplishment. He had no specific place in mind. He therefore
Opo was a citizen of QyQ
went for If consultation in order to determine whether or not his journey would be successful. The Awo assured him that he would not only be successful, but that he would make his final destination his permanent home. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above. He did.
When he set out on his journey, he met another Awo, Atg-t<a (Irgtq-Ika) on the way,Irgtg-Ika had just founded Ibadan land. He asked Opo to go to his newly found land to help him see to the welfare and well-being of the inhabitants. 0p went tolbadan. When he got there, he was generally accepted. Everyone in the land loved and respected him. He soon became a household name inlbadan land.
Meanwhile, the relatives of Opo became worried that they had heard nothing about him. He had spent five years on his journey and he had not sent any message home. They began to search for him. One day, they went to the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would they be able to see him again? Was he still alive or already dead? Was Opo lost in his journey and was not able to trace his way back home? The Awo assured Op's relatives that he was neither lost nor dead. He told them that Opo was already a successful Babalwo where he was. He told them that as a successful Babalawo, he may not want to come back home. Allthey needed to do was to keep in constant communication with him so that he would always remember home. With this advice from the Awo, the relatives of Opo felt a bit relieved.
On getting home, they decided to find out his location and to send a message to him. They chose somebody to do this, and on getting to Ibadan land, he discovered that the person he was looking for actually lived in that town. On getting to 0p, he was so happy seeing him in his
1
065
magnficent condition. He then narrated the ordeal they had encountered in an effoft to search for his whereabouts. Op too was happy to see the representative. He then gave him a lot of gifts to be given to the family and relatives back home, stating that he may not be coming back home to settle, but from time to time, he would be sending messages to them. When the relatives of po saw the gifts and messages sent to them, they became happy that OpO was not lost after-all; he only went tolbadan for spiritual expedition. Opo was then hailed and praised as a great Awo.
Tlaobd
Il Olrtwo la kqq d TlaObay
A y'QdQdg OjgbQne Qdede ojgbQna ni mo kqkE ye Nl ko j kl n raye d'l Ohtwo Dla fun Opo Tl rt sjawo r'de lbadan Fbq ni wgn nl k w Se gbQ'bg r'bg Opo tl a rt w A 9e lbadn l r Awo rere re lbadan
Translation
If we arrive in a strange town
We need to go to the home of the Oltiwo If we are to make a temporary stop It must be in the home of OjgbQna It was the home of the OjgbQna which I stopped by That precluded me from getting to the home of the Olwo These were If messages to OpO When going on spiritual expedition to Ibadan He was advised to offer qbg He complied The Op that we have been searching for He had actually gone to Ibadan OpO, the vftuous Awo had gone to)badan
If promises to make the person for whom this Od is revealed a

1066
fl o"" r,,r"7i
promnent personality outside the place where he/she was born. He/she will however not be willing to return to where he/she was born.
L4.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is being pursued by Ikrl, Death, and there is therefore the need for him/her to offer gbg in order to overcome the threat of Death and at the same time to be respected by all the evil forces of life. If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. There is also the need for him/her to feed If with a big she-goat. On this If says:
A kll f lpQnj b Babalwo gb'l A kff fi lpqnj l Babalwo bQ s'de Fni t ba fi lpgnj b Babalwo gb'l fni t b fi lpnjg l Babalwo bQ s'de olwaarQ y t'gsQ bg glyn rn Dl fifn Lpd, gmg OrOrO ewa Eyl t rrfi ggbQn In pa'w Tl Ik fi ggbQn inu wa kiri fbg ni wgn nf k w $e
Translation
One does not live with a Babalwo with malice One does not chase out a Babalwo with malice If one lives with a Babalwo with malice And if one chases out a Babalwo with malice Such a person will fall into a pit full of emmets These were If's declarations to Lpd, the Beautiful She, who was using her wisdom to acquire wealth And whom Death was using his own wisdom to pursue about She was advised to offer gbg
Lpde was
a paragon of beauty. Every part of her body was well
proportioned. She was also blessed with humility and a deep sense of humour. She was highly intelligent and deeply respectful. She was well
trained by her parents. To crown it all, she was very enterprising. She was unbelievably good in business.
1067
When she was ready for the marrage market, she settled for a Babalwo. She devoted all her life for her husband, her children and her business. She equally had the love, respect and fear of Oldmar and the Irnmgl at heaft. She was a role modelfor allyoung women in the community.
In her business, she was very successful. She was making good money in her business. She was using the money she made to help her family. Her husband was very fond of her. All the relatives of her husband adored her
and held her in high esteem.
There was however, one snag. As happy as she was, she was always fearful of her future and her well-being. She was always having terrible dreams which portended evil and disaster. Unable to bear it any longer, she discussed her fears with her husband. After much deliberation, it was concluded that If would be consulted for guidance and appropriate action on the issue.
One day, she went to another Babalwo for If consultation: Would she overcome this problem? Would she live long and be the mother of her children for long? Would she continue to make profits in her business? Would she be blessed with happiness in her home? The Awo told 'Lpde that as she was busy making profits in her business, so also was Ikrl, Death, busy making plans on how to eliminate her. She was however assured that Oldmar Himself and the Irnmgl would ward off the impending disaster. This was because of the fact that she was the wife of If and a daughter of Irnmgl, who was doing all things that pleased the IrnmglQ at all times. She was also informed that there was no need for her to fear Death as what was wofth fearing was Fear itself. She was advised to have confidence in If and Oldmar. She was also advised to offer gbg as stated above. She complied.
As soon as this was done, Eg Qdara himself sent fqru , Fear, to constantly accompany'Lpde even/where she went in order to intimidate and scare Death away from her. That was what happened and Lpde was able to live and go about her business confidently. She lived long and happily. She also died happily at her old age.
1
068
f ose
r,"ri
A kll f lpQnj b Babalwo gb'l A ktl f lpqnj l Babalwo bQ s'de Fni t b fi lpqnj b Babalwo gb'le Eni t b fi lpQnjq l Babalawo bQ s'de OlwaarQ y t'ese bg glyan rn Dl fitn Lpad, gmg OrOrO e,w Eyl t rrfi ggbQn In pa'w Tl lkr fi ggbQn inu wa kiri fbg ni wgn nl k w Se gbg'bo, r'bg KO pe kO jlnna F wa ba ni lalk kangiri Alkrl kangiri l b ni lo+q Qpe Ik bl o b wg'l Kl o br Awo Bl in b j korlko il A beer aja
Translation
One does not live with a Babalwo with malice One does not chase out a Babalwo with malice If one lives with a Babalwo with malice And if one chases out a Babalwo with malice Such a person will fall into a pit full of emmets These were lf's declarations to 'Lpd, the beautiful She who was using her wisdom to acquire wealth And whom Death was using his own wisdom to pursue about She was advised to offer ebo She complied Before long, not too far Join us where we receive the blessing of longevity That is what If guarantees for its followers Ik, Death, if you enter a home Be fearful of an Awo If fire guts the grass of a home It will have fear for the roof
If guarantees the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she will live long in spte of the incessant death threats in his/her life. If says that Death will fear this person and move away from hislher life.
069
15. If warns that there is a woman where this Od is revealed who

must be given to a practicing If Priest as a wife. This woman cannot marry any other person who is not an If Prest. If this Od is revealed to a woman during lkgsQdy orIelgOu, the woman must be married to an If Priest. If Priest here, means a person who has undergone Ielgdu and who is also working as a Babalwo. A person who has just undergone IelqOU wlthout being a practicing Babalwo cannot marry the woman in question. This is just in order to protect her Iife.
There is also the need to offer gbg for this woman so that her
children will grow old enough to a stage of maturity before she dies.
If says also that there are many women looking for children where this Od is revealed,lf assures that these women will be blessed with children. If advises each of those concerned to offer gbg with one matured she-goat and money. On these, If has this to say:
Imgnmq d o, oblnrin ge'dl ynkl Dl fn In Tl fomi ojrl sngbr gmg fbg ni wgn nl k w ge
Translation
The lightning exposes the buttocks of a woman This was the If cast for In When weeping in lamentation of her inability to beget a baby She was advised to offer gbg
In was sick and tired of living a life of childlessness. Anytime she saw her colleagues with their children, she used to feel sad and depressed. She used to weep daily because of this, and she continuously prays to Oldmar to open her own womb so as to have her own baby who would make her proud and happy in life. One day, she went to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: Would she be able to have her own baby? Would miracle happen in her life which would remove her from
1074
f ose
rre;
the league of barren women to the group of proud and happy mothers?
The Awo assured her that she would be blessed with her own baby. She was advised to offer gbg with one matured she-goat and money. She dd. The following month, she became pregnant. She later gave bifth to a bouncing baby boy. During the lkgsQdye of the baby, the Awo told Ina that her baby was a Babalwo from heaven. She was advised to put him in the care of an If Priest who would train him as a Babalwo. The baby was named Inki, after his mother.
Inki was handed over to the Awo who cast If for his mother when he was just two years old. He specialized in finding solutions to the problems of childlessness and related ailments. He soon became more proficient than his trainers. There was no woman who would approach him for assistance who will not smile at the end of the day. Soon, everyone knew him aslnki, the Awo of Oldmar because of the belief that, it was only those whose prayers were about to be answered by Oldmar who would go to Inki
for assistance on the problem of childlessness.
Inkl, Awo il Oldmar
firn onljm-Nkl jl, gkrn gmg l sun fbg ni wgn nl k w ge
Translation
fnkl, the resident Awo of Oldmar He was the Awo who cast If for Otfrjm-Nki Who wpke up and wept in lamentation of his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer ebo
Ofijumu-Nl( was in love with children, but he had no child of his own. That was why he went to)naki for If consultation: Would his wife beget a child for him? Inaki assured On.ijmrf-Nkithat he would be blessed with a child of his own. He told him to offer gbg with one matured she-goat
1071
and money. He did. As soon as Orftjm-Nl('s wife finished her menstruation, she went to Inl( in order for him to give her asejg, herbal
soup, to eat so as to be blessed with pregnancy.
On the very day that Ofrjm-Nl('s wife went tolnl('s home, he was not prepared for her because he was not expecting her that day. All the herbs and roots which he needed forthe sjg had not been procured.
Consequently, )nki decided to give her a temporary asejg so that her trip to his home would not be in vain. He scraped some alloyoff a brass moftar in his home, imprinted Qsg-Me) into it and recited incantations into it. He gave itto Orfijm-Nki's wife to take. She did. The following month, she became pregnant. She later gave bifth to a baby boy. The boy was named 'Orfijm-Naki, Qmg ar'd idg gnyn jg' meaning 'Otftjm-Naki, offspring of those who use brass moftar to prepare pounded yam for consumption'.
Inkl Awo OlrO

Dl
filn OlrO
Tl fomi oj sngbr tgmg fbg ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Inl(, the Awo of Olr
If for Olr When weeping in lamentation of his failure to have his own child He was advised to offer qbg The reputation of Inki as the best If Priest who specialized in gynecological problems had spread far and wide. When Olr failed to put his wife in the family way, he was advised to approach Inki for solution. Consequently,Inki was invited: Would it be possible for him (Olr0) to impregnate his wife and become a proud father in his life? Would he be able to produce an heir to the throne of his forefathers? He asked.
He cast
Inkiassured Olr that he would be able to impregnate his wife. He was advised to offer gbg with one matured goat and money. He did. He was also advised to send his wife tolnld the very day that the wife finished
1072
ili
ose uei
her monthly period. He took note of this instruction.
daythatthe wife finished her period, she wenttolnki's home. Again,Inki was not prepared for her because he had not procured allthe herbs and roots necessary for the asejg. He did not want her to return
On the very
home empty-handed, he went out to get some kn leaves (a kind of grass used in the olden days to thatch the roof of a house). He grinded the grass and imprinted QsQ-MT into He recited the incantation and handed it overto hertotake. Shedid. She became pregnantthatsame month. She gave brth to a bouncing baby boy. The boy was named Olr-fkan.
it.
Inakl Awo'Lbld Dd fn Qlblda Tl fomi ojrl sUngbr tgmg fbg ni wgn nl k w ge

Translation Inl(, the Awo of Qlffda
He cast If for Olffda When lamenting his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer gbg
It was the reputation of Inaki which Qlbfda heard of that led him to go
and consult If in his home. He too had been suffering from childlessness. When he got to lnki's home, he wanted to know if he too would be as lucky as others who were by then proud parents.
Inakiassured ' Lbida that he too would soon become a father. He advised him to offer gbg with one matured he-goat. He complied. Inki also told him to send his wife to him Clnak) on the very day that the woman finished her menstruation. He did.
home. He therefore scraped the wooden pillar in his house, grinded it into a fine powder,
On that day,Inki had nothing to give the woman at
imprinted Qse-melf into it, recited the incantation and handed it overto the woman for usage. That same month, the woman became pregnant. She soon gave bfth to a baby boy. The baby was named Op,.the Pillar.
1073
During the lkgsQdy of this baby, If instructed that the baby must be initiated into If as soon as possible and that he must take to If practice as his profession. This was exactly what was done. Opo grew up in the home of Inaki. He too specialized in finding solution to gynaecology problems. Before long, his own reputation also spread like wild fire.
Opo Awo Olwu Dl filn Olwu, AmiwO Aja
Igbati rtm'gnu snrhun gmo fbg ni wgn nl k w Se
Translation
OpO, the Awo of Olwu
He cast If for Olwu, AmiwO Aja When lamenting his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer gbg
olwu had no child. He had grown old. He desperately needed an heir. All efforts to get one had failed. IRaki, the most outstanding Babalwo at that time had grown old and feeble. He could no longer move about as he used to do before. Olwu had no alternative but to invite OpO, Inl('s student for If consu ltation.
When Opo arrived, he assured Olwu that he would surely beget a child. He advised Olwu to offer gbg with one matured she-goat and money. He complied, He did If preparation, sjg, for Olwu's old wife. She became pregnant and gave bifth to a baby boy. The boy was named Atie a child born by an old couple. Opq Awo Otrbdn Dl filn Ohbdn Ojlgbln Qmq ajQgbln jQkarahun lgbatl rtmml ojrl sngbre gmq fbg nl wgn nl k w ge
Translation
OpO, the Awo of Ohlbdn
He cast If for Olbdn, the snail eater He who eats snails together with its shell When he was lamenting hs inability to beget a baby He was advised to offer ebo
1074
iloorun"rt
Ohibdn was also suffering from the same problem of childlessness. He heard that there was one Babalwo living with Olwu who had helped Olwu to have a baby. Oklbdn was a bossom friend of Olwu. He asked Olwu to release Opo for him in order to help him get a baby. Olwu obliged him. 0p went to lbadan. He cast If for Olbdn. Qsg-MJi was revealed. He assured Olbadan that he would be blessed with a child.
He advised Oltlbdn to offer qbg with
a matured she-goat
and
He complled. As soon as his aging wife finished her period, Opo prepared a5eje for her. She became pregnant that same month. She gave birth to a baby boy. The boy was named Atie a child born by another old
money.
couple. Three years after, Ohlbdan invited Opo again. He told Opo that one child was not enough for him. He said that he needed another baby. OpO assured him that he would be able to have another baby. He advised Oltibdn to offer gbg with one ram and money. He complied. When his wife finished her monthly period, he prepared an asejg for her. She She became pregnant that same month. She later gave consumed
it.
brthtoa babygirl.
When Olbdn heard that his wife had delivered safely, he retorted thus; meaning, 'these Babalwo are 'Nkan m lQrQ wgn Babalwo something in their declarations'. This was because OpO had said that it would be a female babyand itwas so.
fif'
During thelkgsgdy of this baby, If said that the first word spoken by the father would be the name of the baby. She was therefore named honour' 'Nkanlgl' meaning 'There is something 'Nkan' 'Something', for shoft. Opo explained to Ohlbdn that Nkanlol was If's wife from heaven. She must therefore be handed over to a practicing
in
or
If Priest in marriage not just anyone who had done ltefffa, but to
someone who was a Babalwo.
When Nnkanlgl grew up, Opo had Ieft Ibadan for other places. The intention of Ohlbdn was to hand her over to OpO to marry. When they could not find Opo, Ohibdn gave her out to Olwu, Op's friend. Olwu
1075
was not a practicng Babalwo but had undergone the process oflten'f. Nkanlgl became the wife of Olwu. She soon gave brth to a baby named Ire for Olwu.
Olwu was a very powerful warrior. He had fought and won many battles. He went on another military campaign. This time, he took Nkanlql along with him. As a matter of fact, all the campaigns he went as from the time that he got married to Nnkanlgl, he used to take her along with him. Whenever he returned from any campaign, Ohlbdn used to send his first child, Atie, to go and enquire after the welfare of his younger sister. Olwu would then in turn send his own son, Atie to go and inform Olbdn that all was well. This was the routine between these two great leaders and warriors for about seven years before everything changed for the worse.
One day, Olwu went on a military campaign. As usual, he took Nnkanlgl along with him. When they got to Qsun River, the river was full and uncross-able. They gave Qsun many things to flow away and allow them to pass. The river remained full. Olwu approached the riverand declared 'Qsun, please allow us to pass. When we return, I will give you something'. As soon as he said this, the river flowed away and the soldiers moved to their destination. They had a very successful campaign.
On their return however, when they got back to Qgun River, it was full again. Olwu remembered his pledge to Qgun. He threw jewelries into the river. They were all returned to him. He threw goats and sheep to the river. They were all returned, He threw household utensils to the river. They were all returned. He threw dresses and other clothing materials to the river. They were all rejected. All what Olwu gave Qpun River were rejected.
The soldiers who followeO Olwu to war were all impatient to get back home and reunite with their families. That was when Basorun, the war generalismo, told Olwu that he was the one causing their delay. How? Olwu promised to give Qgun River'Nkan', 'Something', but he had not done so. If he wanted them to go, he must hand over his wife Nkanlgl to QSun River! Olwu could not believe his ears. He was so sure that Qgun River would never accept his wife. He threw Nkan to the river and she
1076
ose
rvrei
was promptly accepted!!! Olwu had given Qsun River 'Something' as

pledged!
There and then, Olwu knew that there was bound to be serious crisis between him and his friend/in-lary Oltibadn. When Olbdn heard that Olwu was on his way home, he sent Atie to go and enquire after the welfare of Nkanlgl. At the same time, Olwu sent Atie to go and break the bad news to OhJbdn. Both Ati and Ati met at Ogbr River. When Ati told Atl what had happened, a big fight ensued. That was what Ohibdn heard of, when he raised his own soldiers to go and confront Olwu. On the other hand, Olwu raised his own soldiers to counterattack. Several lives were lost. Ogbr River turned red with blood from both sides. The very foundation of YOrba Nation shook violently as a result. In the end, Ire, the child of Nkanlgl was raised by foster parents. The hatred and enmity between Olbdn and Olwu lasted throughout the lives of the two warriors.
ImQmQ d o, oblnrin g'dl ynrlkl
D,l fifn In Tl fomi ojrt sngbre gmg fbg ni wgn nl k w se gb'gbo, rrt'bg Igbat y bll, o bl Inakl Awo ni wn nl k m se Inekl, Awo il Oldmar Dl firn onljmu-Nkl i, ekun gmg l sun Fbg nl wgn nl k w Se gb'Qbo, r'bo Inkl Awo Olr Dl fitn OlrO Tf fomi ojt sUngbre tgmg fibq ni wgn nl k w se gb'Qbo, rrt'bg Inkl Awo'Lbld Dl fitn Qlblda Tl fomi ojrl sngbr tgmg fbg ni wgn nl k w ge gb'Qbo, r'bo Opo, Awo Olwu
1477
Dl fitn Olwu, AmiwO Aja Igbati rtm'$nu snrhun gmg fbg ni wEn nl k w Se gb'gbo, r'bg Igbatf ybl, bl Atl OpO, Awo Olbdn filn Olbdn Ojlgbln 9mq ajQgbln jQkarahun jl, gkrtn gmg l sun Fbq nl wgn nl k w ge gb'gbo, rrl'bg Igbat y bl, bl Atl Olrtbdn ni gmg kan kO t oUn Fbq ni wQn nl k w ge O tun gb'bg, r'bg Igbe y tn bll, bl Nnkanlgl wn w fi firn Olwu, Amlwo Aja Nnkanlgl m bi, bl lre je ohlbdn ohn olwu o nll tn lllf Ire, Kil gbQnj mo Iy rQ Olwu o O b mi w ly ml O ma rlbi yan-an-an-an-an Ir+ kll gbQnj mo ly rQ!
Translation
The lightning exposes the buttocks of a woman This was If's declaration forln When weeping in lamentation of her inablity to beget a child She was advised to offer gbg She complied And she gave birth to Inal( InaK was instructed to practice If as his profession Inki, the resident Awo of Oldmar He was the awo who cast If for Ofijmu-Nl( Who woke up and wept in lamentation of his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer gbg He complied Inl(, the Awo of Olr0 He cast If for Olr0 When weeping in lamentation of his failure to have his own child He was advised to offer ebo He complied
1
078
ose uei
fnaK, the Awo of 'Lffda He cast If for Qlbfda
When lamenting his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer ebe He complied OpO, the Awo of Olwu He cast If for Olwu, Am)wO j When lamenting his inability to beget a child He was advised to offer gbg He complied And he gave bifth to AtiQ Opo, the Awo of OhJbdn He cast If for Olbdn, the snail eater He who eats snail together with its shell When he was lamenting his inablity to beget a baby He was advised to offer gbg He compled And he gave bifth to AtiQ OhJbdn declared that a child was not enough for him He was asked to offer gbg He complied And he gave birth to Nkanlgl She was given to Olwu in marriage Nnkanlgl gave birth to Ir The enmity between Olbdn and Olwu can never end forever He (Ire) could not grow to maturity before his mother will passed on Olwu, please help me search for my mother to make me proud Ir will never know his mother!
If cautions the people for whom this Od is revealed to please heed warning and follow the advices of If strictly.
16. If says that there is someone where this Od is revealed who is

aspirng for a leadership poston. If says that this person has the physical, financial and charismatic capabilty to assume this position. In spite of all these qualifications however, If warns that this person should not be given the position. This is because if given, this person will be so high-handed that he/she will scare everyone away from the group, communty, cty, state or naton.
1479
Conversely, If says that if this Od is revealed to the person who has
come for If consultation on his/her chances of being picked to assume a poston of authority, this person must be seriously warned against being too high-handed, lest he/she is eventually removed from position with ignominy. If says that to assume the position is nota problem; the issue however, is howto maintain the position.
If advises this person to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to change his/her attitude for good so as to avoid a situation where he/she will be conspired against and be removed from that position. On these If says:
In u wgn ni dra lw a won nl sunwn If a wgn ni sunwqn N o je kl wQn p wgn lg il Kl wgn lg r j'r w
I)l firn Yrp Tfi g'gmg nlka merlndlnlgn Eyl t loun o j'y larln lgb$ f;bg nl wqn nl k w ge
Translation
Their heafts are impure And their characters are nasty Even their If is unacceptable That is why they are not invited to people's homes For them to cast If and pedorm ebQ for others These were Ifa's declarations to Yrp, the Nettle Offspring of the owner of the sixteen rooms with backyards When planning to assume the position of authority in the forest He was advised to offer gbg
big
Yrp, the nettle, was like beans or tamarind. He looked so ordinary. He appeared simple and straight-fonrard. He talked with humility at all times. Anytime he opened his mouth to speak, people saw wisdom in his speeches. Hewasconsidered a man ofvision and wisdom. Bythetime he had grown up to maturity, all the inhabitants of the forest were already considering him for leadership position. One day, Yrp was summoned
1
080
ii
ose
uei
to the midst of elders of the forest and was informed that it had been decided to place him in a position of Authority. He was told to give it
consideration before taking a final decision.
Yrp was so happy with this development that he rushed to the home of the Awo mentioned above in order to determine how grand the installation ceremony would be. He was not really concerned with whether or not he would succeed in his new position. Unknown to those who proposed Yrp forthe new position, he had been harboring great malice againstall those in the forest. He had therefore been waiting for the oppoftunity to revenge against what he considered to be injustice that the people perpetrated against He promised himself to inflict pains and
him.
embarrassments which the people would not forget in a hurry on them. So, his questions during If consultation were - one, to know how befitting the installation ceremonywould be, and two, to knowthe bestwayto make those who cheated him before suffer.
The Awo told him that he would surely be installed. He was however warned against being too high-handed, wicked, uncompromising and inconsiderate. He was advised to be accommodating lest he was dethroned with ignominy. The Awo also advised him to offer qbg as
prescribed above.
When he heard all what the Awo said, he became livid with rage. He considered the warning and advice of the Awo as insultive and impetinent. He promised himself that he would surely teach the Awo a lesson on how to respect those in pcsitions of authority as soon as he was installed. He stormed outof theAwo's home.
Soon after this, Yrp was installed as the head of the trees in the forest.
was a memorable occasion. As soon as he was given the staff of authority, he sprang into action. He stafted with those who installed him. He simply sprinkled some of his nettle dust on them. The Kingmakers stafted to scratch every paft of their bodies. This was not enough to stop the nettle dust from itching them. They soon removed all their dresses, including their undergarments. It was not enough. They were completely naked! Yet, they continued to scratch their bodies. Not until they rubbed
1081
It
every paft of their bodies with palm-oil did they feel any form of relief. The whole area was thrown into pandemonium. The crowd dispersed in confusion. The Kingmakers were thoroughly disgraced! After this, anyone who moved close to Yrp was in trouble. They ended up suffering the same humiliation like the Kingmakers. The whole forest began to fear Yrp. At a stage, he was known as a leader who would never robe his subjects, but rather preferred to strip them naked in broad daylight. Everybody ran away from him. He had no friend. Nobody was exempted in his vengeance.
One day, the people gathered together to find a lasting solution to the threat of Yrp. All the members of the forest were sick and tired of his style of governance. They wanted him removed by all means. They planned to do this without moving close to him. In the end, they came up with the plan to set fire on all the areas that Yrp could be found. This
was exactly what they
did. Yrp died in the fire, full of regrets.
In u won ni o dara lw a wgn nl O sunwqn If a wgn ni sunwqn N o je kl wQn p wgn lg il Kl won lg re j'r wa Dl filn Yrp Tll g'gmg nlk msrlndlnlgn Ey t lun j'oye lan lgbg fbg nl wgn nl k w Se
ko,tl Qgbonyin s'ebg Yrepe lwg lo O g'eni Yrp lwg lo g'yn Igbatl wQn fi q l'd oy Lo sg gbogbo il d'ahoro
Translation
Their healG are impure And their characters are nasty Even their If is unacceptable That is why they are not invited to people's homes For them to cast If and perform ebQ for others These were lf's declarations to Yrp
1082
Offspring of the owner of the sixteen rooms with big When planning to assume the position of authority in the He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Now Yrp, you lacked manners Yrp you are not a decent being When you were installed into a position of authority You turned the whole community into a desefted area
lf 9"" u"/i backlards
forest
If warns that any leader who is too harsh or wicked will find himself/herself to blame in the
end.
Abgnt Aboy.
(
1
083
A.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OSE MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THE ODU DURING ITOSEOAYE ONITIODU
Those born by Q+e Mjl during lkgsQdy lelqOu are destined to become the most impoftant persons in their families. They are also endowed with children who become leaders in their community. It is therefore in the best interest of this persons to ensure that they are offering ebo for themselves, they also need to do the same for their children.
These children are also blessed with good understanding spouses who help them to getto the top in life. There are bound to be oppositions to the relationship at the initial stage; but in the end, they will live happily together for the rest of their lives. For Q9 q Mjl male children, their wives will be instrumental to the consummation of their foftunes. For Qgq Mil female children, their husbandswill makethem proud and happy.
or
and
In the lives of Qqg Meil children, the only panacea to financial success is hard work, and more hard work. In their lives, without hardworkthere can never be financial success. On the other hand, Qqe Mejl children need to use their brains more than their brawn. They need to stop in order to conquer. They also need to use their brains in order to make their clients,
customers and partners feel important and needed.
It is in the best interest of Qge Mil children to observe If and Obatala

Qse days on a regular goals in life.
basis. This will certainly assist them to achieve their
The lives of Qge Mjl female children are such that they must never be promiscuous and must never sleep with more than one man at the same period. If they do this, they will destroy their chances of consummating their founes. They will also not be able to make ends meet. For peace of mind, these women need to maintain their chastity and dignity. The leadership qualities of 0g Mjl children are in question. They lack proper administration. They are known to be very high-handed, uncompromising and wicked. For this reason, they have the tendency to drive people away from themselves even though they are generally loved
1
084
ff
ose tel
Sometimes 0g Mjl children take decisions aganst themselves and to carry out such decisions end up becoming problematic. This is it is in the best interest of Qge Mil children to be careful with the types of decisions theytake.
by
all.
why
'
For QgE
Mjl children, males and females, what they need to struggle for, more than any other thing on eafth, is respect and dignity. They do not need to struggle to become the highest person in rank. They only need to
ensure that they maintain their respect and dignity at all times.
c,
AFFTLTATED rRNMQLF/ORTSA OF qSF MEJI
1. If -For progress, success, victory and love 2. Od -For comfoft and happiness 3. Egu Qdara -For victory success and accomplishment 4. Opo -For good children and stability 5. fdan Ogb -For longevity. 6. Aje -For financial success and marital bliss 7. Qbetl -For marital bliss and success 8. Qqun -For foftune consumation 9. Orl -For foftune consumation
10. 11.
Oke
FgbS -For leadership and success
-For childbearing and upbringing
D.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
TABOOS OF OSE MEJI

Must never eat fki, bush goat for anything To avoid unconsummated foftune Must not use Olongo and Apar, partridge birds for anything - To avoid unconsummated foftune Must never use scorpion for anything - To avoid being exposed to enemies Must never be promiscuous - To avoid unconsummated foftune Must never engage in anti-social activities - To avoid public disgrace and humiliation 1085
6. 7. E. 1. 2. 3.
Must never show laziness - To avoid unconsummated foftune Must never eat Okro - To avod financial hardship
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OSE MEJI CHILDREN
Males Ol-Qmg - Leader among children Ifagtlfo - Ifa is truthful Qlbld - Honour is dazzling
1. 2. 3.
Females
oketyt - oke gave bifth to this

Amylwe - A child that brings prestige to the family
thped
- Honour coverage in the family
Abgru Abgy.
086
Chapter 16 OFN MEIT
ll lr tl ll ll ll
Chapter 16
Or(1ru MEJI
(SRANGN MEI)
A.
1.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed
during
Ikqsdy or ltQld, unlimited success is guaranteed. If says that he/she shall become a great leader in life. He/she shall be very valuable and influential in the community, the way the eye is to the whole body. If says that this person will attain leadership position from youth and his/her influence will spread farand wide. If advises this person to offer gbg with
hro fresh fowl eggs, two
pigeons, shea butter and money. After this, he/she will also procure one pigeon, one fresh fowl egg, shear butter and jpnjk leaves (let me live), the leaves will be grinded into fine
paste, the egg will be broken and mixed with the grinded leaves, the pigeon will be slaughtered and the blood drained into the mixture with oil, shea butter will be added to the mixture and mixed properly into fine paste. The paste will be used by the person for whom this Od s revealed to rub his/her body regularly. In this Od, If says:
As'ra k'sdn A rln'rln gbQrg a k'san Akfl l'ni nl Mqsan K mu lpqn

Dla fun Oj Tl rtlg r jg glja l'wjg ara fibg nl wQn nl k w 9e
1088
Il
orun uei
Translation
We rushed to pluckoranges And walked leisurely to pluck oranges If we have contacts where oranges are grown We surely cannot suck unripe ones These were lf's messages to Ojr1, the Eyes
When going to become the leader among allthe pafts of the body He was advised to offer gbg
Ojrl, the Eye, was relatively smaller than most pafts of the body such as the arms, legs, hands, feet, neck, chest, abdomen and so Oj was position in the however ambitious. He wanted to occupy a very influential body. For this reason, he went to the home of the Awo mentioned above to determine how he would do itto attain his life ambition.
on.
The Awo assured him that he would be able to accomplish his Iife ambition. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied.
When Oj was comlng into the world, Oldmar instructed Qbtl to make them in pair and place them in two identical sockets in front of the head for them to be part of the face. Oldmar also instructed that they must be the pathfinders for the whole body. That was why it was Ojrl that was saddled with the responsibility of making living things created by Oldmar to see things and find their ways from place to place. Without Oj, eyes, living beings would have been in permanent darkness. For this reason, Oj was jealously guarded and protected bythose who have it.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall occupy the position that Oj has in the body in his/her community, group, society
and/or country.
As'ra k'sn A rln'rln gbQre a k'sn Akll I'Qninl Mgsan

K mu alpqn Dl filn Oj Tl lg r jg Qlja l'wjo ara lbq nl wQn nl k w ge gb'Qbg, rrl'bg
1
089
'
Ojrl w j'Olja nlgba y{ o F j n ma rln F j n ma yan
Translation
We rushed to pluckoranges We walked leisurely to pluck oranges If we have contacts where oranges are grown We surely cannot suck unripe ones These were lf's messages to Oj When going to become the leader among the other pafts of the body He was advised to offer ebg
He complied
Ojrl has now become the leader among all the other pafts of the body Let mewalk leisurely And march majestically
If says that this person shall have a say in the affairs of his/her group,
socety, communty or country.
2.
If says that most of the achievements of the person for whom this Od is revealed had gone down. These achievements shall however be regained while many more shall be added unto them for him/her. If advises the person not to despair or panic. All that he/she needs to do are to work hard and be hopeful.
If however advises this person or group to offer qbg with 1O white pigeons, 10 rats, 10 fish, 1O hens and money. After this, the person for whom this Od is revealed also needs to procure 20O wrpl (palm tree maggots). These maggots will be cooked for this person together with ewe aj (wealth leaves), t will be consumed by the person for whom this Od is revealed after offering the gbg and the recitation of this Od. A stanza in this Od on this
aspect says:
Ajylmk, Awo wgn n'il Alr
Ero towq glrlglrl Frja Fjj
wg'ja
090
'i!t
orun uej
firn wgn nl ltokrt-Agbgn T'lslQgj Eyl tl won jl, ff wgn o r'aj tuntun n mQ Fbg niwQn nl k w Qe Translation
Ajyimk, the residence Awo in Alr's household And the crowd who rushed intothe marketsquare Fja Fjrlj They werethe Awo who castlf forthem atltku-Agbgn Atthe southern paft of the market Those who woke up and could not find new sources revenue They were advised to offer ebg
of
generating
The inhabitants of ltoku-Agben town, especally those living at the

Southern side of the market square found themselves n an inexplicable financial mess. They could not understand why, in spite of their enterprse and hard work all their avenues of making progress blocked totally. They paddled left and right, front and backward, yet, their canoe stood still. As the last resoft, they went to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; would foftune ever smile on them again? Would they succeed where they had now failed? Would they be able to attain their desired goals in life? Would accomplishment return to their town once more? And above all, would they have course to smile at the end of these travails?
The group of Awo assured them that even though there appeared to be a huge clog in the wheelof their progress, nonetheless, failure willgive room for success; disappointment will give room for oppoftunities; desperation will give room for contentment; while sorrow will give room for boundless joy. The group of Awo advised them to offer gbg as prescribed above. They all complied. They also looked for wrpl, palm tree maggots, to prepare their Individual herb soup for consumption. After the gbg, they all went back to their various responsibilities.
Before long, after the offering of the gbg, the doors of oppoftunities began to open, happiness returned to the community, Those who were sick regained their health; chronic debtors were able to repay their debt. As a result of the boundless opportunities which had returned to,ItOk-AgbQn
1
091
lfa Dda: An nvtaton to tfa Consultation
town,
,otned their tt:^o^Y.t::t nornes for themsefves' lo"i". un ber*tins e"1-ur".y,"r" "."a oppottunities economc and financial combined' made I|s "noiry:r: happier. rhese tuo for beer rt": ;ii#"."\,J,rn g"Tti-qrari peopte were lre, .n. in rtoko_Agbon. or "br:_!o i when 'i"j"lH,Tfl uAsbsn,,hev
3lfaved and thev
wealth.- Chronic bachelors advand;; ;f ,il conduciv and married' Ma'ied to'pt economc environment to get i'n'*"'" not
spinsters took
t was ea:y to work and procure
b"gil;."
inthe:?rt'
sure oi the future had their fears crriuien] FJi,.rr, morhers and chirdren an on io n"*
r"?l'il[*
,y;,il+I1,
,il$;::tlkt*:t;t*:xi:tJ:::.f
ror. r*YlrlTslrl ws'ja

Df
Erto
Ajyfmk, Awo wQn n,ife Afr
filnwqn m ltok_Agbo T'isalgoja sf .eoo,, *qi _Ireajetiewa ko d 'Jb;

_wqn
Ey u y-olT o r,aj fbe nf wq nF_.qn ro
jt
*.
tuntun n m
"l
I ti je,sba "*oro,rf,ria t."

"r. T, ::_1_*q
iI
freajtitun.f,ieae
y.9 gooSbo ti tun wo,t d ti jg'gba a*oro,rp;;= I rre sbosbo t tui
:rl d ti j"'g " I Iregmgt "*o.orrp-JJ o serere I," goog|iieffi lT

J,il . n*n*r.
*.'.lTl" gmq ti trn wo,t
_freayat.awaOrf aya tun *g;fe _Ire de je'gu. a*oronpaia Iti aya o Ire t
de
il
o ir"ure
ssrsrs
Translation
Ajyf mka th.e residence Awo n Afr,s household And the crowd
,ho ,rr]Giinto tne marketsquare

1092
'i\
Fja Fjnj
otun uei
Thosewhowokeupu.couldnotfindnewsourcesof
generating revenue TheY wer advised to offerqbg TheY comPlied re orwtln *ntrl hitheto we lacked It has now returned to us We nave consumed 200 AwroPl ii. oi*"alth has returned in torrents The ire of sPouse has returned We have eaten 200 AwrOPl in droves And ire of spouse has returned lacked The ir of citldren thatwe The ire of children has returned We have eaten 200 AwOrOnPl like locusts The i f tnitOttn has returned All ire that we were looking All ire has now returned We nrve consumed 200 AwOrPl At rqhve returned to us asexpected
rnev wi ne Awo who cast If market Atthe southern Partof the
for them atltokr-Agbqn
'
for
.:i
Ifassuresthepersonorgroupforwhomthisodisrevea|edthat atthe and be grateful to Oldmar

to Jmile he/she/they shallirave course
end ofthe daY.
3.
with a very high title in life' honoured be person.shat this If says that his/her nim/trei popular and shall enhance
The title shall make
communitY' Prestige in the
Ifsaysthatthispersonsha|lgivebirthto.ama|echi|dwhoshal|take while he/she is still alive' If nir"iniiLu"n from position over that the need for this person for whom t ti'r'.i happens, ?iis says tnat position peacefully and move away tne vact to revealed this od is
from that communitY'
If
ordinates of the person
association, one of the subor environment working a it is in is revealed shalltake over
fo;;*
1
this Od
093
the position he/she occuped. Also, if this happens, it is in the best interest of this person to leave the work or association and move
elsewhere peacefully.
If it is during Ikgsgdaye for a male baby, the name of this baby is either Ariwogla or Awolgl. This child shall live to take over the
position of his father.
If recommends for the person for whom this Od is revealed either

during IkgsQdye or Itld, to always go about with'irkQrQ, cow or horse tail. By so doing, his/her prestige and honour will shine through and he/she will be given space and acceptability in the community.
If advises this person to offer gbg with 3 pigeons, 3 cocks, 3 guinea fowls, 2 )rkQrQ and money. After the gbg, one of the
IrkQrQ will be handed over to him/her for use. On this, Qrngn M) says:
Afitnyinyin Aknyinyin
Qyinyina kn biah Dl fi n Qrngrtn, Elgbje lrkQrQ Igbatl rt m'mi ojrl sngbr gmg fibg nl wgn nl kw ge
Translation
That which is white and dazzling Thatwhich spreads and glows That which shines and is immaculately white These were If's declarations to Qrangttn Owner of 1,400'irkr, cow or horse tail When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto begeta child
He was advised to offer qbo
Qrngrtn was made the Qba of Ila land amidst pomp and pageantry. His reputation spread like wild fire. He was known, honoured and respected throughoutthe length and breadth of Yoruba land. 1494
ltii orun uei
In spite of all these achevements however, Qrngn had no heir to the throne. As a matter of fact, he had no child at all, even though he had several wives. This situation made him sad. This was the reason why he
went for If consultation; would he be a proud father in his Iife? Would he
have a child who will inherit the throne depafted? Would his sorrowturn to joy?
of his forefathers when
he
The Awo assured him that he would give bifth to a baby boy who will eventually take over his position. He was advised to offer gbg as stated above. He complied. Before long, one of his women became pregnant and gave, bfth to a baby boy. During Ikgsgdy, the baby was named Ariwogl. This baby had very rapid growth.
Because Qrngn had earlier been informed by his Awo thatthis child shall take over his position, even while he was still alive, he (Qrangn) decided to send this child out of Ila land to go and live elsewhere in order to avoid any situation that might lead to friction and competition between father and child. That was why Ariwogl was raised up outside the domain of his father.
Where Ariwogl was raised up, everybody knew him as a prince. The royal blood flowing in his veins made people to honour and respect him. He was treated as heir apparent. Before long, he began to gather followers and suppofters. Allthese supporters treated him like a royalty. One day, Ariwogl made up his mind to visit his father in lla land. All his suppofters and followers decided to follow him tolla land on this royalvisit. He rode on an immaculate white horse. He put on immaculate white dress. His beads were immaculate white. The crown on his head was made of immaculately white beads. His sandals were made of $ege efun beads. His irkQrQ was also pure white. The saddle on his horse was made of pure white leather.
When he got to the boundary of lla land, the news quickly spread to the town that an Qba higher than Qrngrln himself was coming to town. Qrngrfn was the only one who knew that this Qba was actually his son because of the way he was told that the Qba dressed. When he realized
1
095
that his subjects rolled out drums, guns and other muscal instruments to welcome the Qba that they consdered to be higher than him intoll land, Qrngn knew without being told that it was time for him to vacate the throne and give way for his son to ascend the throne. This was exactly what Qrangun did. He leftIla and never returned until he died. Ariwogl assumed the Qbaship position and reigned until he was old and joined his ancestors as one of the greatest Qba that Yorb land had ever produced.
Afitnyinyin Aknyinyin
Oinyin a kn b a| Dl filn Qrangn, Elgbje lrkQrQ Igbatl m'm ojrl sngbr gmg Fbg nl wqn nl k w 9e Ogb'gboror'bg Igbatl yWt, bl Ariwogl Srangn wa ti r'Qyln Qk Ariwo w gba'le lla kankan
Translation
That which is white and dazzling Thatwhich spreads and glows Thatwhich shines and is immaculatelywhite These were lf's declarations to QrangUn Owner of 1,400IrkQrg (cow or horse tail) When weeping in lamentation of his inabilityto begeta chld He was advised to offer gbg He compled He eventuallygave bifth to a baby boy named Ariwogl When Qrangun lefttown Merriment engulfed the whole oflla land
NOTE: This stanza is not a license for sub-ordinates to hatch up any evil design or conspiracy against their superiors. It is not an oppoftunity for a
child to plan to ovefthrow his/her parents or for junior ones to plan illegally to take over from their superiors. If the take-over is not allowed to come naturally like what happened between Qrngrln and Ariwogl, the usurpers will suffer for the rest of their lives.
1096
4.
I'l
**r",
If says that it foresees long life for the person for whom Ofun M3) is revealed. If says that he/she will live long to witness the birth and growth of his/her grandchildren. If advises this person to procure one hen. This hen is to be used to rub every paft of his/her body and then slaughtered for If. If says that if this is done, long life is assured. All evil forces that could lead to untimely death for this person shall be chased away. On this, If
says:
Onllrld Onllrlso K jl nl owrQ kutkt

K m'bl kan lQg
D,l
fdluyo
nf
nu igb
filn Qntnmll
Tl
g'aworell'adlg
Fbq nl wqn nl k w Se
Translation
Todaythe dewstops And again the dew drops Let us wake up early in the morning And offer one kola nutto lUyo in the forest This wasthe If castforQrtlnmll When going to ll'dig (where hen is used to ward off untimely death)
Qrnm)l was always confronted with the problems of people losing their loved ones in their prime. Many promising people died in mysterious circumstances. That was why Ortlnmll went to consult During consultation, If instructed him to use a matured hen as stated above in orderto ward off untimely death. Qrrf nm)h did.
If.
As soon as Qrnmlla began to do this, all those who came to him were protected from untimely death. For this reason, Ornmlla was regularly supplied with hens, because they knew that he needed them for the protection of people threatened with mysterious deaths of youths and
1497
young ones.
Onllrld Onllrl so K jl nl owrq ktkt K m'bl kan IQQ fdlyo nln igb D,l filn Ornmlla Tl g'aworell'adlg
Sbg nl wqn nl k w ge
gb'gborr'bg Ygbgn'k lg Ygb'rn lg

Ogb'dlg o, g'ara yeeyQQ Kogbgn'k Igo
Translation
Todaythe dewstops And again the dew drops Let us wake up in the morning And offer one kola nut to Ohlyo in the forest This wasthe If castforOrrJnmll When going toll'adlg He was advised to offerebq He complied It will chase away death And chaseawayailments Matured hen, shakeyour body And chaseawaydeath
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall live to his/her
old age.
5,
If says that the person for whom Ofrfn MJi is revealed is pureheafted, kind and consderate. He/she believes in justice, decorum and fair-play. In spite of these qualities however, he is not liked. People are panning evil aganst him/her. If assures him/her that he/she will overcome all these adversities. If advises him/her to continue to do good and put his/her faith in If and Oldmar,
If also advises this person to offer gbg with 16 pigeons and

1098
'il
orun uei
After the gbg, there is the need to make an If preparaton with tfl leaves mixed with black soap for bathing regularly. If these could be done, then he/she would overcome all the enemies and at the same time make tremendous progress in his/her life. On this, If says:
Ode nl d'r
money.
Sdedenl ran'kn Qdedetl wgn gb ran okn Ni wQn ti rg agg o Dl fitn Olrl-ire Tl wen f ejq I re v kiri o Fbq nl wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
Outside is for preparing dye The passage is for spinning rope The passage where rope is spinned Is also where clothes are dyed These were If's declaratons to Olf -ire, the Lucky one Who was being reported about in a malicious manner
He was advised
to offer ebo
Olf-ire, the Lucky one, was always finding himself face-to-face wth good things of life. He was always foftunate. When good things happened, he was always present to share in them; conversely, when misfortunes occurred, he was never involved. Five major events took place in his life
which convinced others that he was indeed a lucky person.
One, when he was a small chld, he fell into the well in their neighbour's house and was there for three days before people noticed that someone was there when they returned from their journey. He was half-dead when he was rescued. Everyone knew that if he had spent even two more hours, he would have died of cold. He did not drown in the well because there was a root offshoot which was in the well that supported his weight.
Two, when he was about five years old, there was a severe pestilence in
1
099
his village which killed several infants and young ones. He was the only survivor in his family compound among 17 children.
Three, when he was in his early teens, he went out on a hunting expedition with his elders. There was a fire outbreak in the forest. All the
hunters died but he miraculously survived with minor burns and bruises.
Four, when he grew up to become a young man/ he was very strong and brave. One day, there was a rift between his village and the neighbouring village. This rift later degenerated into a full scale war. He was one of the soldiers who were drafted to defend his village. His village was defeated. Allthe able-bodied men and women were marched to a plain ground in the village square and executed. He was however given two vicious slaps by the head of the enemy soldiers and ordered to get out of sight. He ran for cover and he was the onlyyouth left to tell the story.
Five, as soon as the war was over, the remaining people in the village gathered together in order to fashion out a way of moving their lives fonryard. They invited allthe remaining youths who were not in the village when the war stafted to return to the village in order to restructure it, both physically and economically. They made Olf-ire the head of the workforce. While they were doing this, Olf-ire came across a large sum of cowries and expensive jewels which was estimated to be more than what 15 generations could exhaust. He invited the whole village. After much deliberation, it was decided that the jewels should be sold while the proceeds should be used in reconstructing the village. Oll-ire was
handsomely rewarded.
He shared the reward among the youths who worked with him in the village reconstruction. That was how his troubles stafted. Some people felt that they ought to be given bigger shares than what they were given. Some felt that they were the ones who ought to share the money and not Ol-ire. Others felt that it was becoming too much of Oll-ire as he was seen as a survivor in all disasters he had ever been involved in. They concluded that he was the one whose spirit was bringing trouble into the village.
1100
ll
orun uei
Initially, it stafted as a mnor resentment aganst Olr'i-ire. Later, it gained currency. Anywhere he went, he realized that people were casting scornful glance at him. It later became an open hostility against him. He could not understand the basis of their hostility. Before long, the people gathered together to take a firm action against him. After much deliberations, they came up with three alternatives; one, to banish him from the land; two, to incarcerate him; orthree, to eliminate him outright.
On the night of the day when this plan was hatched, Olf-ire had a dream; in fact, it was more of a nightmare. In this dream, he saw himself stripped naked and tied to a horse with a strong rope and was being dragged through the major streets in the village. As soon as he woke up, he went straight to the group of Awo mentioned above for If consultation; was this dream a sign of something disastrous about to happen to him? If yes, what could he do to aveft the disaster? During If consultation, Oftln met was revealed.
The Awo told Oll-ire that people were narrating his story about. He was told that his problem originated from the fact that he had always been lucky in his life. They told Olfi-ire that most of the people had a lot against him because he had survived when mostof their relatives had perished; he had been blessed where most of them were still gnashing their teeth in pain and agony; and he had been elevated where others were being frustrated. He was however assured that he would overcome all the evil fashioned against him.
The Awo advised him to offer gbg as prescribed above. He complied; he was also advised to prepare the Ifa soap for use. He gave the moneyto the Awo to prepare the soap for him.
As soon as these were done, public opinion against Olf-ire began to change. His antagonists began to see him as someone who ought to be praised instead of being despised. They saw him as someone who was very lucky but who had been confronted with several near-death experiences. Before long, people began to seek his advice and sometimes ask him to tell them the story of his life. Nobody ever thought of planning evil against him anymore.
1101
Ode nl d'r Qdede nl ran'kn Qdedg tl wQn gb ran okn Ni wQn ti rg agg o
Dlfin Olrl-ire
gb'gborr'bg
Tl wqn r fi ejq q re v kiri o fbg nl wen nl k w 9e
jq enl ff n Qjq q m wl kr Atorl If niytot'ml sl rereo Atorl
Translation
Outside is for preparing dye The passage is for spinning rope The passage where rope is spanned Is also where clothes are dyed These were If's declarations to Oli-ire Who was being repofted about in a malicious manner He was advised to offer ebo He complied Now, those who repofts me about in a malicious manner Atofi, the switch If will switch public opinion in myfiavour AtoR
If says that for the person for whom this Od is revealed, If will change public opnon from bad to good for him/her. If says that he/she will gain respect and honour among his/her communty.
6.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to be humble at all times. He/she needs to have respect and conslderation for those who are lower than him/her. If says that in order to succeed in life, it is the duty of the person for whom this Od is revealed to put it at the back of his/her mind that it is a favour rendered to him/her if anyone agreed to be assisted. In other words, if the person for whom this Od is revealed assists anyone, he/she needs to consider
1102
lI orur r"' himself lucky that the person who needed the favour had assisted him/her to be assisted if he/she does not show pride or arrogance then success and accomplishment are assured.
If advises this person to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea fowls and money. After this, he/she needs to feed If with one hen. On this aspect,If says:
OgUn abg ni O t'orl op ra Okan gogo Ogn'n l ba'lQ LsgQIj d'oro Dl filn Ornmll Tl Babaysgara redi grU fbg ni wqn n| k w ge
Translation
Twenty blades cannot shave a pillar clean Only one live ember of charcoal turns a forestto dry land These were lfa's messages to QrUnmIla When he was to turn himself into a slave He was advised to offer ebo
When Qrnm)l was coming from heaven to eafth, he planned to be doing good deeds in the most profitable manner. He was onvinced that doing so was the best way to secure the highest spiritual points. Consequent upon this, he went to the home of the two Awo whose wise sayings were mentioned above for If consultation: would he be able.to positively influence the world and at the same time score very high spiritual points? The Awo assured Orrlnmll that he would surely be able to assist whoever came for assistance. He would also be able to gather very high divine rewards for himself in the process. He was first advised to offer qbg as mention above. Not only that, he was advised to ensure that while assisting those who needed his help, he must learn how to render this assistance in such a way that it would appear that those who received his assistance were in fact the ones who were doing him a favour. In other words, Qrunmll was to consider it an honour that the people agreed with
1103
Qrtlnm)l for him to help them. This was because if the people refused to be helped, then Qrnm'll would not be able to gather any spirtual reward from Oldmar. Qrnmll agreed with the Awo and offered the gbg as prescribed.
While on eafth, Qrnmll actuallycondescended very low in orderto render help to anyone. He would go all out of his way to help. He did not only consider it as an honour that he was allowed to help, he even made it clear that the honour was highly cherished. Those who received his help were all pleasantly shocked and surprised that they were the ones who were doing Qrunmll a favour by allowing him to assist them. Many people trouped to his house, they ordered him around and he gladly did his best for them. By so doing, he was highly favoured by human being and Oldmar.
Ogun abg ni t'orf op ra Okan $ogo gn'n l ba'le Tl Baba y sg ara re di grU fbg ni wqn ff kw Se gb'Qbg, r'bg KO p, KO jlnn f w b'ni b'yQ E w wo're o
Lsgelj d'oro Dlfin Qrnmll
Translation
Twenty blades cannot shave a pillar clean Only one live ember of charcoal turns a forest to dry land These were lf's messages to QrUnm'lla When hewastoturn himself into a slave He was advised to offergbg Hecomplied Travellers tolpo and Qfa town Come and join us in the midst of happiness Come and behold all Ire in live
If says that as long as the person for whom this Od is revealed is ready to show high degree of humility and level-headedness, then he will be blessed and favoured by Oldmar. 1104
Ii
orun uei
If says that something of very high propoftion is creating fear and apprehension into the mind of the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that this person is already seeing the signs warning him/her that all is not well at all. There is the need for him/her to offer gbg and feed the Elders of the Night as quickly as
possible.
If warns that this person must never sell or eat kr, bean cake in his/her life. It is a serious taboo for him/her so as to avoid a situation where he/she will constantly be in contention with the Elders of the Night. He/she must also avoid being miserly in all things he/she does. He/she must be open-handed atalltimes. If advises this person to offer gbg with 201 pieces of bean cakes (akara) and money. He/she also needs to feed the Elders of the Night with another 201 kr. On this aspect, If says:
Aga ke, kOdke
Qgblngbln rin bQQ ni o dbQ Allsen bgnl'h ibQnjgun? D{firn lruubamt Tl y d'gun lya awgn Fle, ye f bg ni wqn nl k w Fe
Translation
The hawk contnued to shout unendingly
And the hoopoe hummed ceaselessly Is there someone suffering from ailment around there?
These were If's declarations for Errlbdrnf Who would incurthe wrath of the witches
She was advised to
offerebo
frrlbrn'i, Dread-bvercomes me, was an expeft in making kr, bean cakes. People used to patronize her from far and near. Before long, she was known as the best kr seller in the land. She used to make huge
1105
lfa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultaon
profit.
She was highly rated in the
land. The communty leaders gave her
honour and recognition. In spite of these achievements however, Frbarff was very stingy. She saw no reason why she should give out to anyone. She could not give her kr out as sample. If anyone wanted to taste it, she reasoned, let such a person buy. She believed that by so doing, she would be able to maximize her profit.
One day, the head of the witches came to the market where frrf bnf was selling her kr. She greeted everyone in the market. When she reached Frrlbanf's stall, she greeted her. After the pleasantries, she begged frr1bmito give her one kr to taste. She refused bluntly, asking her to pay if she wanted to taste her kr. The head of the witches begged and begged. frrlbmi was not impressed; she told her frankly that she did not come to fry kr in the market because of her or for charity. She ordered the head of the witches out of her sight. The woman left quietly.
In the evening of that day, the head of the Elders of the Night summoned an emergency meeting of all her members. They all assembled at night. The head of the Night Elders wasted no time before addressing the witches; 'Greetings to all Elders of the Night! Since I was born, notto mention when I became the mother of the Elders of the Night, I had never been humiliated and dragged in the mud as I experienced today. prr1bmi disgraced me today because of one cake of kr! It is an insult I cannot live with. I must revenge! frrlbmi must be ruthlessly dealt with! I am prepared to hear yourviews on theWpe of punishmentthatwill be meted outto her. I do not wantto hearthat frr1bmi must be forgiven! She stands condemned!' As soon as she said this, she satdown angrily.
One of the high-ranking EIders stood to speak. She said, 'Greetings to our Mother and all Elders in attendance. I was at the market when our mother was humiliated by frbmi. It is totally unacceptable to me. It must be
addressed and frbmi's case must be used to sound a warning to others'. That was how all those who addressed the Elders spoke on that day. In conclusion, they decided that frrlbmi must not know peace of mind anymore. She must be harassed and terrorized day and night.
1106
i:\
o*, r",
On that same night, the Elders of the Night picked 11 birds and five animals to put fear into the mind of frbami. These birds were, Aga, the Duskey Thrush; Akalamagbo, the vulture; Owiwi, the owl; Elutn, the lark-heeled cuckoo; Parapad, the pennant-winged N ig ht-jar; AgblgbOn)wQnrn, th
Hoopoe; KQlQbQ, the white-spotted black bird; Altagb, the Grey-backed hawk; Klikli, the Plantain-eater; and [yg-)9b0, the eggs eater. fiyg-'igb was chosen as their head. The animals were Olgb, the CaU Aj, the Dog; Agntn, the Ewe; Aln, the smelly-rat; and Oket, the giant rat. The animals were headed by Olgb.
The birds landed on frbrnf's roof top and began to howl and chirp. They made terrible and terrifliing noises. As if that was not feaful enough, the animals went into frrfbmi's home, Aln and Olgb went into her room, Okete was at the backyard of her house, Aj was by the doorstep while Agntn was moving round the house. They too were making terrible and terrifying noises! Nobody could sleep in Erribmi's house on that day.
The birds and animals made Erbmi's home their abode. Within three days, she was lean. Her eyeballs bulged out as a result of Iack of sleep or rest. She began to cry incessantly. She dreaded the time she would return home because she knew that the birds and animals would frighten her out of her skin. Seven days after, frr1bmi was no longer a normal person. She could neither eat nor drink. She was too weakto go out; yet she dared not stay at home. When she could no longer withstand the situation, she ran to the home of Ofun-Meji for solution of her problem. First, she wanted to know what caused the problem for her. Second, she wanted to know what she could do to solve the problem.
Ofun-Meji told her that she was the one who stepped on the tail of a live cobra with her stinginess. She was told that the Elders of the Night were angry with her and in order to make peace with them, she must use all the kr she used to fry in a day to feed the Witches. She would have to do this for three days before her life could return to normal. frbami was ready to do anything for normalcy to return to her life. She did as the Awo advised.
1107
lfa Dida: An nvtaon to lfa Consultaon
As soon as ths was done, the birds and anmals left her home and never returned. frrlbmi also stopped frying kr altogether. frr1bmi later realized that when her troubles began, people went elsewhere to buy kr. It dawned on her that if people failed to see one person, they would quickly make do with another person. Her assumption that because she was the best kr seller around, people would feel her absence quickly disappeared.
Asa ke, kOdke Ogblngbln rin bQQ niodbQ Allsan bg nl'h ibQ njgun?
Dlfiln Erbml
Tl y d'gun Iy wgn Fleye [bg ni wqn nl k w ge
gb'Qbgrrrt'bg Kopr kOjlnna f w b ni l'r9Qogun Aja+eogun la b ni I'QsQQberlga
Translation
The hawkcontinued to shout unendingly And the hoopoe hummed ceaselessly Is there someone suffering from ailment around there? These were Ifa's declarations for Eruubami Who would incurthe wrath of the witches She was advised to offer ebo She complied Before long, nottoo far Join us where we enjoy victory over adversities
Ifa says that the person for whom this Odu is revealed shall overcome all his/her troubles in life. He/she only needs to learn how to be generous to
people.
8.
If says that it foresees the Ire of a child for a barren couple where this Od is revealed. If says that this baby, when born shall have at least one quality which will make the baby different from other babies. This baby may either be deformed in one way or the other, or
1108
l orun uei have some unique occult endowment that separates him/her from others. If says that in spite of this, the baby will grow up to become the most successful person in his/her community. The parents too will become very influential and highly respected.
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with 16 she-goats, 16 snails, 16 rats, 16 fish, 16 bottles of palm-
oil, 16 bottles of alcohol, 16 bundles of white clothes and money, If this can be done, nobody in that community will be as
successful as the person for whom this Od is revealed. A stanza of Ofr:n-lvteI on this aspect says: Ojgun nl nl'yn s'ln Tl nf ikn s'fyln danylndanyln Dlfirn Oosa Tl foml ojrl sngbregmg fibg ni wgn nl kw ge
Translation
The
frontof the leg is itthatwhen pregnant
Turns its belly backwards This was If's message to OOga (Oga) When weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto begeta child
OoEa (Origa) realized that all other Origa, Egngrtn, Or, IrnmglQ and human beings were proud parents. She was the only one left without a child. She cried and cried; yet, there was no child. She was however fully determined to beget her own child. That was what took her to the home of Awo above. Would she be blessed with the fruit of the womb? The Awo told 0g that for her; the path to begetting a child was too far and very demanding. Instead of being discouraged, she insisted that the Awo should tell her what ebe she needed to offer in order to make her beget a child. 1109
The Awo gave her the gbg materials as stated above. She procured all the gbg materials. The Awo offered the gbg for her and asked her to go to the home of Oldmar to demand for her child by herself. She was assured that her gbg was already in the home of Oldmar. When OoSa got to the home of Oldmar, she pleaded that she had come for her baby because she wanted to have her own child in life. Oldmar told her that there was no baby for her because no child was available that would complement her destiny. She pleaded that her gbg was heavy and that she peformed the gbg solely because she really wanted her own baby. Oldmar told her that He had seen her gbg and it was truly heavy. She was however informed that the only baby available was known as Qrq, Igek ge ( Profou nd Esoteric speech, I rreg u la r Act).
OoSa begged Oldmar to give it to her; after all, a baby was a baby. Oldmar gave the baby to OOga. She was however blessed that as soon as this baby was born, the whole world would bow for the baby and would
be looking for the baby. Oldmar said that all what she had used to perform this gbg would be the same items that the whole world would be procuring to Iook for the baby's favour and protection anywhere the baby
might be. OIdmar asked Ooga to go back to her home. She did. Soon after, she became pregnant. Nine months later, she gave birth to this baby. The baby had the right eye, it had no left eye; it had the upper jaw without the lower jaw; it had the left arm without the right arm; it had the right thigh without the leftthigh.
After the birth, the baby was named OrQ, Igekge. Others called her Od. Oopa was told that the baby could not live in the midst of people. The baby was taken to the forest. The forest where this baby was taken to was known as lgb-Od or Igbd (If grove).
Anyone who was to be initiated into If would have to procure rats, fish, birds, goats, kolanuts, bitter kolas and so on, and move to lgb-Od in order to see Od or OrQ, Igekrlge. OrQ was then collecting all these items in several folds every year. At the end of the Igbd exercise, people will ask,
1110
'iil
onn r",
'Which Od gave bfth to this person'or'what was his/her Od'. The whole world was now paying back all what Od's mother used as gbg material her. The properties of Od became endless and inexhaustible. While in Igbd, we would be the ones begging Od to please accept all what we have broughtfor)tqlod from us, thus: Ojgun nl l'yn s'lnr Tl nf ikn s'9yln danylndanyln Dl firn Ooga Tl f'oml oj sngbrgmg fbg niwqn nl kw 9e
to
gb'Qbgrrrt'bg Igba y bll, bl lgekge
Qrq nl wgn pe QrQ w 19 QrQw jeo QrQJe, QrQ mu o

QrQ
plrQrq-plrqrq
QrQ pa'sQt'Oun tTdln l'nu o Agar-magsa Agr-magga QrQ w lq o, QrQ w lg o QrQw re'j Qrg nllrrt u klnni Oun maa ge? Wqn nl Qfq w ne'ju w lqq d'eku nl b'hun b rc'j w lgEd'eku Awgn gdg ad'Qbltl rrbg nl'j Tl y'eku jQo Qrg plrgrq-plrrq QrQ pirQrQ-plrQrQ
orq pnQrq-plrQrq
Qrg pa'sq t'un tTdln I'qnu o Agr-magga Agr-magesa Org waa lq o, QrQ w lg o
Qrqwaa re'j Or nllru u klnni Oun maa se? WQn nl QfQw re'j
1111
fi p'qjajqo
W lqq d'eja nl b'hun b re'j B'hun b Qqd'eja Awgn gdg aflwq be l'do
QrQ plrQrQ-plrqrg QrQ pirQrQ-plrQrQ
Qrq pa'set'OuntTdln l'$nu o
Agr-magFa Agr-magga OrQ w lq o, QnQ w lg o OrQw re'j QrQ nl lr u klnni Oun maa ge?
WQn nl QQw re'j W lqq d'eJe nl b'hun b re'j B'hun b lQqd'e,yg Awgn gdgad't bg nl'j Tl np'gygjgro Qrq plrqnq-plrQrQ QrQ pirQrQ-plnQrQ Qrg pa'sQt'Ount'ldln l'gnu o
Agr-magga Agr-magesa QrQ w lq o, Qrg w 19 o OrQw re'j OrO nllrrl u klnni Oun maa ge? WQn nlQfOw re'j nl b'hun b re'j B'hun b lqq d'eran Awgn gdg ayln'lag bq nlJ
Tl p'granjgo QrE prrqrq-plrQrQ QrQ pirQnQ-plrQrQ Qrq pa'se t'Oun tTdln l'nu o
Agar-magga Agere-magaga ro w lq o, QrQ w lq o Orqwaa re'j QrQ nllrrt u klnni Oun maa WQn nl QfQw re'j W qq d'Iwin
s,e?
1112
'l'i orun uej
KO ma m sl'un Tl pa'win jgo
nl'j
jgQgbQrl9d'oj d QrQ nlq

Egba
Ege
nQ OgbQrl9d'ojrl d OrQ rlreJ
Nlblttlw
OrO
lgo
Qgberl 9d'ojrl do
Egba lg o
Translation
The front of the leg is it that when pregnant Turns its belly backwards This was lf's message to Ooga When weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto begeta child She was advised to offer gbg Shecomplied When shewould deliver She gave bifth to lgek9e Also known to all as QrQ QrQ come and travel QrQ comeand eat QrQ comeand drink
QrQ pirQrQ-plrQrQ QrQ pirQrQ-p)rQrQ
t'un tldln I'gnu o Agr-magga Agr-magga QrQ come and travel QrQ gotothewilderness QrO says that"whatwill I do there? They say"QrQ go to the wilderness And become a rat" QrQ replied that if he goes to the wilderness And turns himself into a rat There are several deadfall setters in the wilderness Who specialize in killing rats for consumption QrQ pfrgrg-rQrQ
QrQ pa'sQ QrQ pirQrQ-pIrQrQ QrQ pa'sQ t'Oun tldln l'gnu o
1113
Agr-magga Agr-magga Qrg come and travel
Orq gotothewilderness QrO saythat"what will i do there?"
The say; "QrQ go to the river And becomea fish Qrg replied that if he goes to the river And turns himself into a fish There are severalfishermen who use hooks Who specialize in killing fish for consumption QrQ pirgrQ-rQrQ
QrQ pirQrQ-pIrQrQ OrQ pa'sQ t'un tTdln I'Enu
Agr-magga Agara-maga$a Qrq come and travel QrQ gotothewilderness QrQ says tha$ "what will I do there? They says; "QrQ go to the wilderness And become a bird" QrQ replied that if he goes to the wilderness And turns himself into a bird There are several hunters with bird-lime Who specialize in kill ing birds for consumption QrQ pfrgrg-rQrQ
QrQ pirQrQ-p'lrQrQ
QrQ pa'sQt'oun
t\dln
I'Qnu o
Agara-mag9a Agr-magga QrQ come and travel QrQ gotothe wilderness OrQ says that; "what will I do there? They says; "QrQ go to the wilderness And become a beast" QrQ replied that if he goes to the wilderness And turn himself into a beast There are several hunters with canon Who specialize in killing beast for consumption
QrQ plrQrQ-plrQrQ QrQ pirQrQ-pIrQrQ Qrg pa'sQ t'un tTdln I'Qnu
Agr-mag$a
1114
Vt
orr r"j,
QrQ gotothewilderness QrQ says that; "what will I do there? They says; "QrQ go to the wilderness And become Iwin, Ghost There is nothing in the wilderness Capable of killing a Ghostforconsumption Now, let all uninitiated people close their eye QrQ isgoing Egb, paralysis is going (awayfrom our lives) Epe, injury is going (awayfrom our lives) QgbQfl, all uninitiated ones, cover your eye! QrQ is returning to the wilderness Where he had come from QrQ isgoing away Fgba s going away QgbQfi, close you eyes! ! !
Agara-maga$a orQ come and travel
If says that apaft from the fact that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall succeed more than any member of his/her family; he/she
shall also be able to ward off all evil principalities through the help of If.
NOTE: This pafticular stanza holds a lot of secrets and meanings about how If initiation is peformed. It therefore cannot be explained beyond this in black and white. Fufther explanation or education on this requires face-to-face studies with a highly competent If priest/priestess who will
demonstrate the full meaning of this Od to the student together with all the warnings and taboos. It is an aspect of If that cannot be trivialized or taken for granted, All readers are cautioned and advised to seek guidance on this.
expeft's
9. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed
problems as at the time this If is cast. for his/her problems are the same people wining and dining with him/her. They are the ones giving him/her restlessness.
is facing some If says that those responsible
1115
If however assures this person that he/she shall overcome all these problems. Besides that If promises to expose all the treacherous friends and relatives behind the problems. If advises this person to drill a spy hole in the front door of his/her home. As a matter of fact, all those born by Qrngr1n-M) during )kgsQday or Itglodu need to drill this spy hole in the front door of their homes.
By so doing, victory will be assured; all evil perpetrators will be exposed and putto shame.
If also advises this person to offer gbg with one matured shegoat, 10 snails and money. He/she also needs to feed If with one big she-goat. On this,If says:
Ayyff, ayeyll o s,q o Aynl fgn'ner Ayyff, ayyff o geo Aynl ro'k l'epe Ayyff, ayyff oggo Ay n nfr sg'gb d'Qgbun Ayyff, ayyll Se o Ayna nfl fgn'n ogrtltu TlwQnfi j'raawgn Dl filn gbogbo Qknknln Innmgle wQn p jg lqq I'ajg Ebq ni wQn nl kl wqn w ge
Translation
This world, this world is full of wickedness The world is it that collects ordinary ashes as fire for others to cook with This world, this world is full of atrocities The world is it that prepares food with sand for others to consume This world, this world is full of intrigues This world is it that turns mere calabash into mighty ditch This world, this world is full of vagaries The world is it that fetches red-hot clay stone to press on their bodies, and burn each other These were Ifa's declarations to the 401 Irunmole When going to form a business association
1116
l'l
otun uej
One day, all the 401 IrnmglQ gathered together. They decided to form a business assocaton which would be bringing extra funds to them. To them, it was the best way for them to be in touch with each other at all times and at the same time, uplift each other financially. Paft of their plan was also to deliberate on any venture before embarking on it. The person whose suggestion was judged the best would be given higher dividend at the end of the business transaction. When they stafted this business, it was an instant success. The first four times they embarked on the business, Ornmll's suggestions carrled the day, on the fifth, sixth and seventh occasions, all the other IrrfnmglQ strived to give better suggestions than those of Qrnmll, and they all failed. This was how envy crept into the affair. Why was it that only Qrnmll would be carrying the day all the time? Dd it mean that they would be subservient to him perpetually? Would this not give Orrfnmll the impression that he was more intelligent than all the others? That was how they began to conspire against QrrlnmIl,
One day, the remaining IrnmglQ gathered together to fashion out a plan to
deal with Qrnm)l. After much deliberation, they concluded that they would not allow him to have peace of mind. They planned to create fear into his mind. That same night, they delegated $ngo, Ogun and $npQnn to go and terrify him.
When they got to his house, it was in the middle of the night. They began to knock on his doors. They knoc d and knocked, When they heard his footstep, they disappeared. They did this all night. QrUnm)la could not sleep. This went on for five days. Qrrlnm'll told the others what he was going through. They gave him series of advices which they knew could and would never solve his problem. Behind him, they congratulated each other for a job well done. When Qrnm)l realized thatthe situation was getting out of hand, he went for If consultation: would he overcome this problem? Would those responsible be exposed?
1117
The Awo assured him that he would not only overcome his problem, he would also putthose responsble to shame. He was advised to offer gbg as prescribed above. A spy hole was also drilled in his front door. He was advised to tiptoe to his door any time he heard the knocking and peep through the hole in the door before opening the door. Qrr:nm'il complied with allthe advices and returned home. When it was night time, $ngO, OgUn and $npQnn arrived in OrrJnmll's home as usual. They began to knock incessantly. They were waiting to hear the footsteps of Qrnmll before they disappeared. Unknown to them, Qrrfnm'll tiptoed to the door, peeped through the spy hole; saw Ogn, $ng and $npQnn. Instead of opening the dool he began to sing, saying:
Ahl Age bgQ I'gmg ar'y tts o S bQ I'gmgar'y ge Olbnbl geblljgQ rg ni
laiq tt je
Lajqmu
'LkaySeblljqQ rgni
laiqtt je la jql mu
La
Qbahlway +ebl ljg g rg ni
jq j9 jq ta mu
Enlyn ge'ni b'ni d'r o BgQ l'gmg ar'y rtge o
Translation
waythe world behaves This is how people do Olbmbf ($ango) is it notyou and I We eattogether And drinktogether Lkay (Ogun), is it notyou and I Weeattogether And drinktogether Qbalway ($npQnn), is it notyou and I We eattogether And drinktogether
So, this is the
1118
i'i That is howthe world behaves!!!
orun uei
People perpetrate evl aganst others and later sympathize with them
As soon as they heard this, the three of them ran away in utter confusion; how did he see us when he did not open his door? They wondered. They went and woke up allthe other conspirators. 'He had seen and known us', they declared. 'Why did you wait for him to open his door before you hid yourself?' They queried the three of them. 'No, he dld not open his door before he mentioned our names', they responded.
The conspirators said that they would send three other IrnmglQ to QrnmIl's home the following night. They nominated Qbatl, Qgun and Yemoja to go and put fear into his mind. In the dead of the night, the three of them arrived at Qrnm'll's home and began to knock on his door with full force and repeatedly. Qrunm)l was ready for them. He tip-toed to the door and peeped at those knocking through the spy hole. He saw the three
of them and began to sing saying:
Ah! Aqe bee I'gmq ar'y seo F bee I'gmq ar'y ge Orlganla geblljg Q rq ni
'Qgun-OnHigebf ljgQ rg ni
La
ta jq je Lajq mu jqrr je
Lajqmu
Yemgja-Awoy qeblljgg re ni La jgrt je La jg mu Enlyn ge'ni b'nid'rO o Bee I'gmgar'y geo
Translation
So, this is the waythe world behaves This is how people do Onganta is it notyou and I
We eattogether And drinktogether Qgun-Onf kl'i, is it not you and I We eattogether
1119
And drinktogether Yemoja-Aw0y, is it notyou and I We eattogether And drinktogether People perpetrate evil against others and later sympathize with them That is how the world behaves! ! !
The three of them also went back to the other consprators to inform them that even without openng the door, Qrunm)l was able to see and know them. Not willing to accept defeat easly, the conspirators sent three
others to go to Qrnmll's home the following

Egtlngn and [gbQ.
night. They were
OrO,
As soon as they got to Qrrtirmll's home they began to knock on the door forcefully and incessantly. Qrrlnmll peeped and sawthe three of them. He began to sing thus:
Ah! Age bQQ l'gmg ar'y ge o 9 bee I'gmg ar'y ge Oro trttg gebl ljg Q r9 ni
La
jqtie
La jq
EgttngrtnAbal geblljgg rg ni
La La La
1mu
jq je
jq mu
j9 tt j9
Alr lgb geblljg q re ni
Lajqmu
Enlyn ge'ni b'ni d'ro o
B$Q
I'gmgar'y geo
Translation
So, this is the waythe world behaves This is how peopledo Oro-Ottq is it not you and I
Weeattogether
And drinktogether Egr:ngr:n-Abal, is itnotyou and We eattogether And
drinktogether
11zo
Wt orun
uei
These were Ifa'sdeclarationsto 401 Irnmgle When going to form a business association
They were advised to offer gbg Only Qrnmll complied with the advice So, this is the way the world behaves This is how people do Olbrrrbf (9ango) is it notyou and I
We
eattogether
And drinktogether Lkay (Ogun), is it notyou and
eattogether And drinktogether

We
Qbaluwaye ($anpQnn), is it notyou and I Weeattogether And drinktogether People perpetrate evil againstothers and latersympathize with them That is exactly how the world behaves Again, so this is the waythe world behaves This is how people do Onganta is it notyou and I Wedinetogether And winetogether Qgun-Offklf, is itnotyou and I Wedinetogether And winetogether Yemoja-Awy, is it notyou and I Wedinetogether And wine together People perpetrate evil against others and turn around to sympathize with them That is exactly how the world behaves And agan, so this is the was the world behaves This is how people do Oro-Ottg, is it not you and I We eat together And drinktogether Egungr:n-Abl is it notyou and I Weeattogether And drinktogether People perpetrate evil against others and then turn round to sympathize withthem That is exactly how the world behaves Before long, nottoo far Join us where we enjoyvictory over consprators
1123
If'assures the person for whom this Od is revealed that he/she shall surely overcome all his/her enemes who had ganged up and conspired against him/her. If says that there is nowhere that If states that a righteous person shall not face tribulations, but the assurance is that they willovercome.
10. If says that Eemq, Unusual Occurrence, is already residing with the person for whom this Od is revealed. If says that it is not in the best interest of this person to allow Eemg to take permanent residence in his/her home. If however promises to assist this person to chase outthis EemQ in his/her home and life. If advises this person to offer gbg with three matured roosters and money. On this, If says:
Adlg Oplpl nll fgsQ mejejl b kF sTl Adlg Oplpl nll fgsQ mejejl be k$e s'de fin Eemo Tfl ggmg wgn lde ljn-nn fbg ni wQn nl k w Se
Translation
fowl with clipped wings is it that jumps with its two feet into the house And jumps with its two feet outside of the house This was the message of If for Eemg, Unusual Occurrence
A
Their child inljan-nn land

Eemg, Unusual Occurrence, planned many evil things against the inhabitants of ljan-anna land. Her plans were very grave and uncompromising. She did not want to know whether her victims had ever
offended her before or on people.
not.
She simply enjoyed inflicting pain and sorrow
If she saw people enjoying marital bliss, she would create strife among the
1124
'iI o*r r",
couple. She organized accidents for people even right inside their homes. There were incurable illnesses that she inflicted on others. She turned people's financial success into disaster for them. She made others to weep where they were expected to be happy. Parents lose their loved ones under unusual circumstances. Children turned to orphans and there were nobody to assist them'. People lose their houses and homes to fire, storm, flood, e.t.c without any alternative accommodation. When all these happened, Eemg usually felt happy and would declare that such disaster
serued her victims right.
One day, Eemg went to the home of the Awo mentioned above for If consultation. Would she be able to inflict more pains on people?
The Awo warned her to desist from her attitude, lest she put herself into ridicule. She was told that she needed to confess and repent. , She was also asked to offer gbg as stated above.
Hearing these from the Awo, she felt highly insulted. She was very annoyed with the Awo. She warned them to take their time if they did not want her to bring chaos and conflict in to their doorsteps and homes. Why must she be the one to offer gbg; she queried? She was the one inflicting pains on others, why should she be the same one offering gbg? She concluded that the Awo were pack of cheats and thieves who were looking for means of extofting things from her. She spit into their faces and stormed outof their home.
As soon as she left, the Awo realized that Eemg had made a valid point when she said that she could not offer an gbg. True, it was those who did not want Eemg in their homes, land, communities, lives and ventures who were duty bound to offer gbg. This reality opened their eyes to what was happening to others around them. They were fully determined to help people solve the problems created forthem by Eemq,
Any time that people approached them for solutions to their problems, they
would be informed that the problems were caused by Eemg. They would also be advised to offer qbg with three mature cocks in order to chase out Eemg in their homes and lives, As soon as they complied, Eemg and the
1125
lfa Dida: An invitaon to lfa Consultaton
problems she had created would move out of their lives and homes. One day, the inhabitants of )jan-ann realzed that most of the problems which they encountered n their homes, communty and lives were created by Eemg. Consequent upon this, they approached the Awo to help them offer a mighty gbg in order for them to chase out EemQ from their community altogether. ,The Awo advised them to procure the gbg materials. They did. The gbg was offered. After the gbg, Eemg was forced out of Ijan- nn u nceremoniously.
Adlg Oplpl nll fgsq mjeejl b keS s1l Adlg Oplpl nll fqsg mejejl b kqqe s'de Dl fitn Eemq Tff ggmg wgn lde ljan-anna Fbq ni wgn nl k w Se kg'tt Qgbgnyin s'bq jelwq Eemq
AofegnTlQyffmQ Malgo!
Translation'
fowl with clipped wings is it that jumps with its two feet into the house And jumps with its two feet outside of the house This was the message of If for Eemq, Unusual-Occurrence Their child inljn-nn land She was advised to offer ebo She refused to comply You Eemo We do not wantyou in this land anymore Go away!
A
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be assisted to chase out Eemq from his/her life.
If also says that as much as we try to convince evil doers to change for good we must also be prepared to contain their evil activities in case they refused to have a change of heaft.
11. If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to take personal 1126
i:i
orun Meji
and envronmental hygiene very serous. He/she needs to take proper care of his/her envronment, ensure that everywhere is neat and tidy at all times. He/she also needs to bath regularly, wash
his/her dresses, brush his/her teeth, cut his/her nails and take care of his/her hair regularly. Failure to do this may cost him/her his/her marriage, loved ones and happiness. If also advises this person to offer gbg with one matured she-goat and money, He/she is also to feed If with another matured shegoat. Before feeding the If, however, t (If) must be thoroughly washed with all available If leaves. The person who is to feed If must be clean and tidy. The person for whom the If is to be fed must equally be neat and
the
tidy.
On this aspect, E)-Qrngrln says:

Flf tl a fg'ni la fi l ba nil ge l,llmQtl a mg'ni la fi b nil l
B'gni OtilQfq'nimq B'$ni Oth m'Qnlyn mQ Kl klukr ma d s, e i9 g araa re

Dl filn Orrlnmll Baba lg rfg ljo Tff g'gmg Alr n t9 refgAyQ
Tllg'gmgAje rr tg refeAdun
Qmq Qwrngrrn-Aga fbg ni wqn n| kw 9e
Translation
The love we have for each other makes us associate with one another The recognition we give each other makes us to get used to one another If there is no more love And if there is no more recognition Let everyone go his/her separate way These were If's messages for Qrnmll When gong to marry Ij, Dance The daughter of Alr And AyQ, Joy
1127
The daughter ofAjerO And also Adn, Sweetness The daughter of Qwarngn-Aga He was advised to offergbg
Qrnm)l was an extremely busy man; he had so many clients that he had lost count of their exact number. His clients spread from far and near to several towns and villages. As soon as he woke up early in the morning, there were several clientsto attend to.
Besides this, he was blessed with three lovely and interestng wives. The names of these wives were Ij, Dance, the daughter of Alr, the Qba of Ilara MQKn town. The second wife was known as AyQ, Joy, the daughter of Ajer, the Qba ofljero Ekiti town, while the third was Adn, Sweetness, the daughterof Qwrngn-Aga, the Qba oflla Qrangn town.
These women tried their best for Qrnmll in order to ensure that he succeeded in all his endeavours. They made him happy and they ensured that the home was comfoftable and crisis free. There was a snag however. Consequent upon the multitude of clients who trooped into Qrnmll's home, morning, afternoon and night, he had no time to take care of his personal hygiene. In his bid to satisfy all the people who came for assistance in his home, he had neglected his own looks and health. For example, he had no time to clean his teeth with his chewing stick because before he woke up, there were too many clients to attend to. He had no time to take his bath because there were many clients who sought his personal attention. He could not change his dresses because there was no time for him to engage in such luxury. The result of these was that 0rnmll stank.
At the initial stage, the three wives used to persuade him to take care of his personal hygiene, but he simply ignored them. It however reached a stage that the odour coming out of his body made his wives to vomit. He began to lose his clients gradually because they could not stand the way he stank. One day, the three wives decided to take a more drastic measure to ensure that Orunmila desisted from this bad attitude. They were convinced that there was mutual love between them and Orunmila; for this reason, they packed all their belongings and went to announce to Qrrfnm'il that they 1128
'li orn r",
were gong to their respectve homes. They made it clear to him that they would never return to his home. OrrJnmll begged and begged for them to stay but they refused. When he asked them to tell him why they were going, they said that it was because of his refusal to take care of his personal hygiene. They declared that they could no longer cope with his bad attitude. Orrlnm'il begged them to stay. They responded that they would stay only on the condition that Ornm'il agreed to clean his teeth, take his bath, shave clean his hair, cut and trim his nails and change to a new dress. Not only these, they said he must be taking his bath and cleaning his teeth twice daily. Qrrlnmll agreed that he would do as his wives had said. He said that he would make a big ceremony of his personal cleaning event.
On that same day, he instructed his students to go and fetch for hinl all If leaves, especially Q{ndn, teJe, rinrin and 198 other If leaves. In all, 201 different If leaves were collected. The students squeezed allthese leaves in water and Qrnmll was taken to bathroom with sponge and soap. He was thoroughly scrubbed. At the end of the exercise, Qrnmll came out
of the water cleaner, fresher and healthier (Ever since that time, the cleaning of If and Ikin is always a big ceremony involving several If
leaves).
After these had been done, the women continued to stay with Qrrlnm)l. He became richer and more successful. He even had more clients.
Flfe tl a fQ'ni la fi b nil 9e Mlmg tl a mg'ni la fi b nil l B'Qni Otlefg'ni mq B'Qni Otle m'Qnlyn mQ Kl klukr ma d se is araa r fifn Orrf nmll Baba r lg rfQ Ij Tll g'gmgAlr n lg refQAyQ Tll g'gmgAjer
n lgrfeAdn
9mq Qwarngun-Aga lbgniwn nl kOwa se BabafQwgn d'ltn 1129
Baba owQ Baba kn
Ati Ij,gmgAlr Ati nyq, gmg Ajero Ati ldrn tff g'gmg gwrangrtn-Aga WQn d'qr wQn l'won lg o Qrrtnmll nl getl yin nlg o wqn nl eg lwg
Es lkn L ge w wa nlg o Qrrtnmll nl da kl wQn pad Kl wQn lg wa ew If w WQn lgwa gbogbo rQw
w'l
NjAld ma weo FFr o Ald me w o S$o Ejl-OgbQba If 5q o Ald m wo Sguo Qtun rr n rqo $$uo Ald ma wQo Sf o Bl o d'bQ o gb w 9So Ald ma we o s$uo Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Ohlw SSo Ald m wQ o 9qu o Ko gb'Ap, tQbl, ko gb'Akp 9rg o Ald m wQ o $9 o Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn SF o Ald ma we o 5q o
1130
lli or, r"' Ko gbe Kegb gmg gra Su+ o Ald ma wg o 9So K'Erlwo OsJn ma ynkrl o 9q o Ald ma we o FSo QyQkrt-Mjl I'Olrtwo SS o Ald ma we o
Apa rere n'il rg o $gtt o Ald ma rtw o 9gr o Bl o d'bQ o gbe w $9 o Ald m wQ o
9fo
$9o Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Ohlw

SSo Ald me wQ o $9 o Ko gb'ApJQbl, ko gb'AkpO SUQ o Ald m wQ o S$uo Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn $q o Ald ma wg o $rq o Ko gbe Kregbe gmg Qr Fq o Ald m w$ o 9+ o K'Erlwo OsJn ma ynkrl o 9$r o Ald m wQ o
5qo Iworl-Mjl Qba If

1131
-Sq o AId ma weo 99u o Igodo rr ni'l rgo 9+ o Ald ma rtwe o S$ o Bl o d'bQ o gb w 99 o Ald ma we o 9Su o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Ohlwo 9q o Ald ma w o 9q o
Ko g b'ApQtQbl, ko gb'AkpO
9$u o Ald ma we o Sq o Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn $9t o Ald ma weo $Su o Ko gbe Kgb gmg Qr $9 o Ald m rtweo $q o K'Erlwo QsJn m ynk o
9f o Ald ma we o 9q o Odl-Mjl I'Olrtwo $9 o Ald ma wgo SSu o ffu rere n'il rg o $9 o Ald ma ttwe o $9rI o Bl o d'bQ o gb w Ssu o
1132
'll
orun ue
Ald m rtwe o $Su o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Oluwo 9uq o Ald m wQ o $9 o Ko gb'ApQtebl, ko gb'Akp 9Suo Ald ma we o 9q o Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn $9o Ald ma wq o Ssu o Kogbe Kegbegmg Qr 9+ o
Ald me weo 9F o K'Erlwo QsJn ma yank o Srgo Ald m wQ o 9q o
lrosn-Mjl eba rf $9o Ald ma w o 99o Idere rr nil re o SUS o Ald ma ttw o
$rl9 o Bl o d'bQ o gb w sU$U o Ald ma we o 9S o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Olrtwo
Sus o Ald m w o Sg o Ko gb'Ap, tQbl, ko gb'Akp Sus o
1133
Ald me we o 9+ o $q o Ald ma weo S9 o Ko gbe Kegbe gmQ Q;in $Su o Ald m rtwo S$ o Ko gbe Kegb gmg Qr SSr o Ald m weo FQ o K'Erlwo gsJn m ynkrl o $fu o Ald m wQo $9 o Qwqnrln-Mejl I'Olttwo 9q o Ald ma wo S9 o Ikol rr ni'l rg o F$ o Ald me weo
Fqo
Bl o d'bQ o gbe w
SF o Ald m wQ o
Fgo Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Oltlwo Fq o

Ald me w o 9Su o Ko gb'ApJQbl' ko gb'AkPo s9 o Ald m wQo 9g o Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn 9F o Ald m rtw o 9+u o
1134
!:it orun uei
Ko gbe Kegbe qmg Qre 9S o
Ald ma wo $rl9 o K'Erlwo QsJn ma ynk o Susu o Ad m rtwo Qbara-Mjl Qba If $rI9 o Ald me we o 9$ o fiu rere ni'l rqo $09o Ald m w$ o 9S o
9$ o Ald ma we o 9q o Kogbe'legb'Qn
Ko
9qo
Blod'bQogbw
gb'Oluwo
SSo Ald ma we o 9+ o Ko gb'Ap, tQbl, ko gb'AkpO $fl o Ad ma we o

Ko gbe Kugb gmg Qgln Sgu o
9go
Ald ma rtw o Sq o Ko gbe Kregbe gmg Qr 9S o Ald ma we o 9S o K'Erlwo OsJn ma ynkrt o 5+ o Ald ma rtwe o $9 o Qkenran-Mjl l'Ohlwo 1135
StSo Ald ma weo SS o Itlle rere ni'l reo 5$ o Ald ma wQ o $9 o Bl o d'bQ o gb w $9 o Ald m wQo $9 o Kogbe'lgb'Qn
Ko gb'Olttwo S$u o Ad ma wq o 9$ o Ko gb'ApQtebl, ko gb'AkpO
s9 o Ald ma we o sus o Ko gbe Kugb Qmg QsJn Sq o Ald m wo $9 o Ko gbe Kegb gmg Qr Sq o Ald ma we o Sso K'Erlwo QsJn m yenk o 9rgr o Ald m we o 9f o Ogrtnd-Mjl Qba rf $q o Ald m wo 9+ o Onto rr ni'l rg g Ss o Ald me we o 99 o Bl o d'bQ o gb w 9+ o Ald ma we o 1136
'll or, r,,, 5S o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Kogb'Ohlwo $ufu o Ald ma weo

SSu o Ko gb'ApQtQbl, ko gb'Akpo
$9 o Ald m w o 9$ o Ko gbe Kugb gmg QsJn $uq o Ald ma weo 9q o Ko gbe Kegb gmg Qr SS o Ald m we o 9F o K'Erlwo OsJn m ynkrt o $9 o Ald ma weo 9f o Qs-Mjl I'Ohlwo SS o Ald m wQ o Sf o Qta rereniErgo 5q o Ald m w o $9 o Bl o d'bQ o gb w $9 o Ad m rlwo F9 o Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Ohlwo SS o Ald m two Ss o Ko gb'ApQtQbl, ko gb'Akpo Sf o Ald ma rtwe o $s,u o
1137
Ko gbe Kugb gmg 9sJn
9+o
Ald ma we o 9q o Ko gbe Kegbe gme Qre
$9o
Ald m rtw o 5S o K'Erlwo OsJn m yank o 9$ o Ald ma we o $q o Ik-Mi Qba rf 9So Ald ma we o
9qo
Asl rr nil rg o
9$o
Ald ma we o 9Sro Bl o d'bQ o gb w $9 o Ald ma we o Sq o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Kogb'Ohlwo Sq o Ald ma we o Sq o
Ko gb'ApQtebl, ko gb'Akp SrSuo Ald ma we o
9q o Ald ma ttwe o Sq o Ko gbe Kgb gmg Qr FUF o Ald ma rtwe o SS o K'Erlwo QsJn m ynkrl o Sq o Ald m w o
1138
F,
o*r r",
QlggbQn-MjlQba If 9q o Ald ma weo S$o
SS o
Ojgrerenlrgo
Sq o Ad me rtwe o 9g o Bl o d'bQ o gb w $q o Ald m wQ o 9+ o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Kogb'Ohlwo SSo o

Ald m w,o 9$ o Ko gb'ApgtQH, Ko gb'AkpO 9g o Ald ma we o
5u$o
Ald ma rtw o
Ko gbe Kegbe gmg QsJn
9uqo
$rI9 o Ald m wQo Sf o Ko gbe Kegbe gmg Qr 9q o Ald me we o
K'Erlwo OsJn ma ynkrl o $rI9 o Ald ma ttwe o SSo Otr-Mjl Qba If S9u o Ald m wo $9 o Ipapo rr nl e re o 1139
$9o
$q o Ad ma we o
9So Bl o d'b$ o gbe w 9g o Ald ma we o Sug o Kogbe'lgb'Qn Ko gb'Ohlwo SS o Ald ma ttwQ o S9 o Kogb'Apgteblf Ko gb'Akp0 5Sr o Ald m wQ o 9So Ko gbe Kegb gmg QsJn S$ o Ald ma we o S$ o Ko gbe Kgb gmg Qr SUS o Ald m w o 9f o K'Erlwo Q$n ma yank o SF o Ald m wQ o 9F o IrgtQ-Mjl I'Olrtwo SFt o AId m wo $rI9 o EmQrQ rr nil re o 9S o Ald m rtw o $9 o Bl o d'bQ o gb w 5F0 o Ald m wo 9f o Kogbe'lgb'Qn Kogb'Ohlwo
1140
Y,I orun
*",
9q o Ald ma weo 9+t o Kogb'ApgtQbl, Kogb'Akp0 9gr o Ald m wgo Sgr o Ko gbe Kgb gmg QsJn
$qo
Ald m w o
9go
Ko gbe Kegbe gmg Qr 9+ o
Ald ma we o K'Erlwo QsJn m ynkrt o $q o Ald m wo 9g o Qgq-Mejl Qba If $9rl o Ald m rtw o S$ o lbadan rr nil re o $9o Ad ma ttwe o 9q o Bl od'bQogbw Sq o Ald m wQ o 9S o Kogbe'lgb'Qn
9$o
Kogb'Ohlwo
S9 o Ald m w o $tgr o Ko gb'ApQteH,
Kogb'Akpo 9g o Ald m w o
$9 o
1141
Ko gbe Kegb gmg QsJn Sq o Ad ma weo
$9rI o Ko gbe Klgb gmg Qr 9q o Ald ma w o 9q o K'Erlwo QsJn ma ynk o 9g o Ald m wQ o SF o
Otrtn-Uejl I'Ohlwo 9qo Ald m w o

9$u o
Il orangrtn n'il rgo S9 o Ald ma wQ o
9q o Bl o d'bQ o gb w 9+ o Ald me weo 9uS o
Kogbe'lgb'Qn Kogb'Ohlwo
9S o Ald ma ttwo 9f o
Kogb'Apgtebl, Kogb'Akp
$uq o Ald ma we o SUS o Ko gbe Kgb gmg QsJn Sgu o Ald ma weo 9f o Ko gbe Kgb gmg Qr SSu o Ald m wQ o Srs o
1142
llt onn u"
K'Erlwo gsJn ma yank o $9 o Ald ma we o 9S o
Translation
The love we have for each other makes us associate with one another The recognition we give each other makes us to get used to one another If there is no more love And if there is no more recognition Let everyone go his/her separate way These were lf's messages for Qrrlnm)l When going to marryIj, Dance The daughter of Alr And AyQ, Joy The daughter of Ajero And also Adn, Sweetness The daughter of Qwarngrln-Aga He was advised to offer gbg He complied After marrying these women Orunmll failed to take his bath And failed to apply any cream Then Ij the daughter of Alara And AyQ, the daughter ofAjer And Adn the daughterof Qwrngun-Aga They packed their luggage and decided to divorce him Qrrf nm'il asked them whythey wanted to leave him? They responded that his failure to bath And applycream Wasthe reason whytheydecided to leave Qrnm'll asked them to return He asked his students to go and procure If herbs for him They procured allthe herbs NowQrunmlla, Ald, istaking his bath SuSu o Alade is taking his bath SS o E-ogbe, the Qba of If 9S o Ald is taking his bath SuSu o
1143
Qtr:n is your home SF o Ald istaking his bath SS o When you getthere, please give us your suppott SEu o Ald istaking his bath
SE O
Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Olwo Stu o Ald istaking hs bath 5S o
Please, supPottAPQtQbf and AkPO
SP o Ald istaking his bath SS o Give supportto Ktlgb, the child of QgIn 99u o Ald istaking his bath $9 o And suppoft Kegbe, the child of Qr $9 o Ald istaking his bath SS o Do not allow Elwo QgIn, If adherents, to die young
9; o
Ald istaking his bath S$u o Oyeku-Meji is the Oluwo of Ifa
5S
Alade istaking his bath $9 o Apa is your home SF o Alade is taking his bath s$u o When you get there, please give us your suppoft SS o Alade istaking his bath 99 o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo
1144
Il,
Sp o Alade istaking his bath SE o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin 5p o Alade is taking his bath $9 o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora 9S o Alade istaking his bath Sg o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 9Su o Alade is taking hs bath 9ug o Iwori-Meji, the Oba of Ifa 5S o Alade istaking his bath SS o Igodo is your home SFu o Alade s taking his bath Susu o When you getthere, please give us your support Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Support both nuclearand extended families And supporttheOluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo SS o Alade is taking hs bath $u9 o Give support to Kuegbe, the child of Osin $9 o Alade istaking his bath
**
r",
1145
SPu o
And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora
t9 o Alade istaking his bath S9u o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young SFu o Alade istaking his bath SUS o Odi-Meji, is the Oluwo of lfa SS o Alade istaking his bath
.g9o
' ,/
Eju is your home
SSuo
Alade istaking his bath 5$u o When you getthere, please give us your suppoft g9 o Alade istaking his bath
S$ o
Suppoft both nuclear and extended families

And
suppofttheOluwo
.^,,..
SS o
Alade is taking his bath

S9u o
Please, support Apetebi and Akapo SF o Alade is taking his bath

SS o
Gve
supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin
Ss o Alade is taking his bath

SS o
And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora

SS o
Alade istaking his bath

9S o
Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o Alade istaking his bath
SS o
Irosun-Meji, the Oba of Ifa
1146
\I
$9u o Alade istaking his bath $ugu o Idere isyour home $9u o Alade istaking his bath $9 o When you getthere, please give us yoursupport $ug o Alade istaking his bath $uS o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo $u9u o Alade is taking his bath SS o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo $9u o Alade is taking his bath SSu o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin $9u o Alade istaking his bath $9 o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SE o Alade istaking his bath SS o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $ug o Alade istaking his bath $u9 o Owonrin-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa SS0 o Alade istaking his bath SSu o Ikolo is your home $u9 o Alade is taking his bath $ugu o When you get there, please give us your support $9 o Alade istaking his bath
oru, uej
1147
9S o
Support both nuclearand extended families And suppottheOluwo SS o Alade is taking hs bath SSu o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo 9S o Alade is taking his bath SUS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin tE o Alade istaking his bath 9up o And support Kuegbe, the chiH of Ora SSu o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o Alade istaking his bath $9u o Obara-Meji, the Oba of Ifa SS o Alade istaking his bath SS o Eju isyourhome 9S o Alade istaking his bath $9 o When you get there, please give us your suppoft SUS o Alade istaking his bath 9S o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo $9u o Alade istaking his bath SS o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo Sg o Alade is taking his bath SS o
1148
\ vtun Mett
Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin sSu o Alade istaking his bath SS o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora Sugu o Alade is taking his bath $9 o
Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young SS o
Alade istaking his bath SS o Okanran-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa Sugu o Alade istaking his bath Su$ o
Itile isyourhome
SuEu o
Alade istaking his bath SSu o When you get there, please give us your support $$u o Alade istaking his bath $9u o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo $9u o Alade is taking his bath $9 o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo $ugu o Alade is taking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin tt o Alade istaking his bath SSu o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora 9g o Alade is taking his bath Sp o Do not af low Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 9S o
1149
Alade istaking his bath 9E o Ogunda-Meji, the Oba of Ifa SF o Alade istaking his bath 9S o Onko isyourhome SUS o Alade istaking his bath SSu o When you getthere, please give us your support FuSu o Alade istaking his bath $9u o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And supporttheOluwo SF o Alade is taking his bath SuSu o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin 9S o Alade istaking his bath $ug o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora $9 o Alade istaking his bath 9S o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young SuSu o Alade istaking his bath 5S o Osa-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa tF o Alade istaking his bath SS o Ota is your home SSu o Alade istaking his bath $9 o
11
50
ll
When you getthere, please give usyoursuppoft $9 o Alade istaking his bath 5S o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo SS o Alade istaking his bath $u9 o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo SuSu o Alade is taking his bath S$ o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin 9S o Alade istaking his bath $9u o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SS o Alade istaking his bath SS o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Ika-Meji, the Oba of Ifa SS o Alade istaking his bath SS o Asia isyourhome SSu o Alade istaking his bath $9 o When you get there, please give us your support SS o Alade staking his bath SS o Support both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo SS o Alade is taking his bath Sgu o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo
uun MeI
1151
$9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osn $9 o Alade istaking his bath $u9u o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SS o Alade istaking his bath Spu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Ologbon-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Oje isyourhome SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o When you getthere, please give us your suppoft SS o Alade istaking his bath SF o Support both nuclear and extended families And supporttheOluwo SS o Alade istakng his bath $u9 o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin SUS o Alade istaking his bath SS o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SF o Alade istaking his bath
1152
\I
$9 o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 9S o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Otura-Meji, the Oba of lfa S9 o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Ipapo is your home SS o Alade istaking his bath Sut o When you get there, please give us your support Susu o Alade is taking his bath $u9 o Support both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo 9p o Alade istaking his bath 9$ o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Give suppoftto Kuegbe, the child of Osin S9 o Alade istaking his bath SF o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora $ug o Alade is taking his bath SS o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 5S o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Irete-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa Susu o Alade is taking his bath Susu o Emere is your home
Ofun Meji
1153
Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your suppoft Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Please, suppoftApetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Give suppoftto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ose-Meji, the Oba of Ifa Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ibadan is your home Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your support Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Suppoft both nuclearand extended families And suppotthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath
1154
1I
Ofun Meji
Susu o
Please, suppoftApetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath

Susu o
Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade is taking his bath
Susu o
And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o Alade istaking his bath
Susu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young Susu o
Alade istaking his bath Susu o
Ofun-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ila Orangun is your home Susu o Alade is taking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your support Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o
1155
Alade istaking his bath Susu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o
If says that it shall be well with the person for whom this Od is revealed.
L2.
If warns a person for whom this Od is revealed who enjoys great respect in the socety not to engage in any act that will put him to shame and ridicule. If says that the person may think that what he/she is doing or about to do will never leak out, but this is not true because no matter what he does to conceal it, the matter will surely come to public notice one day.
If says that this man is not only respected but equally trusted. This action of his will erode the trust and confidence that people reposed in him. This is why it is his dutyto live above board at all times.
If does not recommend any gbg material here. It is only for this person to desist from this shameful act. A stanza in Ofun-Mll whch
addresses this issue has this to say:
Oru ge b'ojt fgru qsan la ba Dl filn Ejl-Qrangn Baba lqqg'gkgAbuk fibg ni wgn nl k w ge
Translation
The night can be used as cover It is the broad daylight we are mindful and afraid of This was the message of If for EI-Qrngn Who shall become the husband of Abuk, a lady with hunchback He was advised tooffergbg
Abuk, the lady with hunchbac( was Qbtl's daughter. qbatl loved
1156
and pampered this girl, partly because of her physicat condton because of the fact that her mother died as soon as she was born. As a result, Qbatl was both father and mother to her. However, Abuk was a very recalcitrant She never listened to simple counseling from Qbath. She had a mind of her own. She believed that she must always have her way. This was not surprising to anyone since she had been spoilt byQbatl.
rJ;il
girl.
On the other hand, ET-Qrangun (Ofun M) or Qrangun M)) was Qbtl's
friend and confidant. There was nothing Qbtl would do without first discussing same with his friend, E)-Qrngr1n. They were so close that people thought that they both slept in the same house. As a matter of fact, the two regularly slept in each others homes.
When the behaviour of Abuk was getting out of hand, QbaHl sought the assistance of his friend in finding a way to contain her excesses. EIQrangUn promised to assist. Anytime Abuk misbehaved, Qbatl would send her to E)-Qrngrtn. She was just 11 years of age but her attitudes were more than those of 2l-year old girls. By the time she was 13 years old, practically everyone in the community believed that Efl-Qrngn was more of Abuk's father than Qbatb. Abuk was also very fond of E)Qrangrtn. She preferred to stay with E)-Qrangn at any time. For all these, Qbatb was very grateful. He welcomed any practical step which could tame Abuk. By the time she was 15 years, she had been seen as someone who was ready to change for good.
At this time, E)-Qrngn began to notice that the breasts, buttocks waist and face of Abuk began to develop into those of a fully grown woman. While other people saw her as deformed because of her hunchback, Abuk looked very beautiful to E) Qrangrrn. That was when ideas began to enter into his head. Befole long, he began to seduce her. Shoftly after this, he stafted to make love to her. This was a girl practically everyone considered to be his daughter! It got to a stage that they made love almost everyday. One day, E)-Qrangn went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above. He wanted to know what his success chances would be at that point in time. The Awo assured him that he would succeed and that
1157
nothing or nobody could stop him from accomplishing his goals. The Awo however warned him to desist from the shameful act that he was doing as failure to desist would put him to public odium. He was told that everyone respected and trusted him in the society but that act alone would tarnish his image beyond redemption. He was told that no matter how perfectly he tried to conceal this shameful and disgraceful act, it would certainly come to public attention and knowledge. When EI-Qrngn heard this, he knew exactly what the Awo was saying. 'He asked what gbg material he would need to procure so as to offer gbg for him not to be a subject of ridicule. The Awo told him that there was no gbg material for that. He only needed to desist from such act. The father making love to his own daughter would surely lose respect and dignity no matter how greatthe gbg offered. There and then, ET-Qrngn made up his mind never to have anything to do with Abuk again, except of course, for him to continue to act as her father. He returned home with the resolution atthat back of his mind. The next day, Abuk came to his house. He was still with the mind of not having anything to do with her any more in the illicit affair. By the time the unsuspecting wives of E)-Qrangn'directed her to his room, he was still determined to resist her. When Abuk entered the room, closed the door and sat on his laps however, allthe resolve and resistance dissolved. In no time, they were engaging in fierce love-making. They resumed on a daily
basis.
Before long, people began to notice changes in Abuk. At first, Qbatl was confused: Was it sickness? Was it disease? Was itfatness? Her body began to develop. Her face became paler than before. She vomited every morning. She complained of weakness every morning. She lost her appetite. She slept longer hours. By the time QbaHh came to believe his senses, his daughter, Abuk was already three months pregnant! He called on and asked Abuk to tell him who was responsible for her pregnancy. She refused to utter a word. What was this supposed to mean? Qbatl threatened her that if she refused to confess the owner of the pregnancy, he would not hesitate to report her to Efi-Qrangn whom he, Qbtl,
1158
fondly referred to as her father! Yet, she refused to utter u *orJl confused and annoyed QbaHl the more. He shouted on herthat if she had no regard for him, she must at least show respect for E)-Qrngn her father! What Qbatl said did not change anything.
-+ffi;
Early in the morning of the next day, gbatl went straight to E:l-Qrangrln and narrated evefihing to him. ET-QrangUn told QbaHl to put his mind at rest and that he would handle it. Wth this assurance, Qbtl returned home. When he got home, he told Abuk to go and meet E)-Qrangrln at home.
When Abuk got to E)-Qrangn's home, they simply resumed another round of love-making. It was after this that E)-Qrangn asked Abuk if truly she was pregnant. Abuk told him that she was indeed pregnant. Both of them knew that Efl-Qrngr1n was responsible for the pregnancy. E)-Qrangn however impressed it on her that nobody should know that he was the one who put her in the family way. This was because it would lead to scandal and ridicule for him. She was told that even Qbatl, her father, would be disappointed. Abuk promised him that she would resist all pressures on her to identiff the person who impregnated her. But for how long? That was the question whose answer hung in the air and was left
unanswered.
True to her promise, she refused to tell anyone about who was responsible for her pregnancy. QbaHl however relied absolutely on E)-QrangrJn to help him unravel the mystery. Anytime he asked E)-Qrangn how far he had gone, he would only tell Qbatl that he was still on it. He would advise Qbatb to be patient. This was the situation until Abuk put to bed. It was a bouncing baby boy. The naming ceremony was to take place on the sixth day. The confusion of QbaHl turned to worry. His worry turned to panic.
Qbath called Abuk and begged her to tell him who was responsible for her pregnancy. Abuk promised to tell her father but on the day of the naming ceremony. She asked her father to invite all the Qba and IrnmglQ to the naming ceremony. She told him to prepare a huge feast where every
1159
guest would wne and dine to his/her satisfaction. She told her father to get herthe mostexpensive dress befitting of such occasion. QbaHh did as she requested of him. On the day of the ceremony, all the IrnmglQ were there. All the Qba of Yorbland were present. Allthe movers and shakers of the world were in attendance. All of them came for only one thing - to know who was responsible for the pregnancy and the baby.
All the guests, including E)-Qrangrln ate and drank to their satisfaction. E)-Qrangrtn was confident that Abuk would find a means to avoid mentioning his name because he had convinced her that it was not in the interest of both of them for the whole world to know at that time. When it was time for Abuk to come out and dance, the whole gathering became very silent. She was gorgeously dressed. She told the musicians to listen to her and play music to her songs; she began her song with praises to her fathen She concluded her song in this way: gbatl,gbataga
pQlgo Qba t ta'l t le l'ala TI wgn pe l'obatl [ lQo Ni mo l'yn filn o
E
Ni
mol'ynfiln
Qrngrtn di mejl mol'ynfitn
Translation
I greet Qbtl, Qbt$a
Greetingstoyou
The Qba who sold Okra to prosper bythe boundary of the farm I greetyou The person who put me in the family way The person who impregnated me Qrangn becomes two (E}-Qrangrln) is responsible for my pregnancy
When the world heard this, all eyes turned onto E)-Qrangr:n. He simply covered his eyes in shame. He wished for the ground to Open and swallow him up alive, but no way. Case closed!
1160
Yl Ofun Meji
Oru ge b'ojrt
D,l
f;Eruqsan|abe filn Ejl-Qrangn
Baba lQQg'gkgAbuk fbq ni wqn nl k w 9e kqftl qgbgnyn s'ebg Nje ni mo l'yrlnfitn o Ni mol'ynfitn Qrngrln di mejl mo l'yn
fitn
Translation
The night can be used as cover It is the broad daylight we are mindful and afraid of This was the message of If for E)-Qrangun Who shall become the husband of Abuk He was advised to offergbO He refused to complywith the advice The person who put me in the family way The person who impregnated me Qrangn-di-M) (El-Qrangr:n) is the one responsible for my pregnancy
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be made a subject of public disgrace. This person s enjoined not to Disgrace Himself. He mustdesistfrom doing anything illicit.
13.
If says that it recognizes the fact that the person for whom this Od is revealed loves to do good all time. If says that he/she is very kind and compassionate. If says that this person loves to touch the lives of all the people close to him/her in positive ways. In spite of this however, If warns this person to ensure that he/she does all the good deeds completely for anyone that he/she wishes to assist. It is not his/her best interest to do anything in half-measure for anyone. The significance of this message is that if the person for whom this Od is revealed wishes to help anyone, he/she must ensure that the help is rendered completely. If this is not done, it is most likely that the help that he/she rendered may turn out to become subject of controversy and contention which may be used to find him/her gulty
1161
in the end.
If advises this person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbq with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to
feed Eg with
onecock.
On this aspect,If says:
Agoorelgetn ntl jg ml0rlyln Dl firn Nad onlwet-Mt Mjqtf lg rd'koeb qne Ebg ni wQn nl k w 9e
Translation
Doing good in half measure usually leads to failure to receive gratitude from those whom one assists This was If's message forAlad Otfwat-Mt When he was going to cultivate a farm bythe road-side He was advised to offergbg
Alae Orfwt-Met was a kind-heafted man. All the days of his life, he planned to assist people and give outto the needy. He was known to be a benevolent man. As a result of his benevolence, many people used to troop to his home to seek for one favour or the other.
They were never disappointed. The only time AIad could say 'no' to anyone was when he did not have what the person came for. He sometimes borrowed money from others in order to give out to those who needed the money. He was in the habit of giving out his own dresses to others if he felt that those who approached him for assistance needed the dresses more than him. This was the lifestyle of Alade On'iwt-Met.
One day, Alad planned to staft the cultivation of another farm by the roadside. By so doing, he felt that those who needed his assistance would have easier access to him and he would be able to be of help to many more people. For this reason, he approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he have bountiful haruest on the farm that he planned to cultivate? Would he be able to assist more people in the new location? These were the two questions at the back of Alade's mind when he approached the Awo for If consultation. He knew that with bountiful harvest, hewould have more capabilityto reach outto many more people. 1162
'l'l
Ofun Meji
The Awo assured Alad Onlwt-Met that he would certainly have bountiful haruest. The Awo however warned him that even though he loved to assist people, he however needed to ensure that whoever he wished to assist must be given complete help. He was told that giving help in half could only lead him into trouble. For example, if he planned to give
someone dress, it would be good for him to give the person complete dress - trousers, undenruear, and shift and cap to match. It was not good for him to give the person a trouser and ask the person to go and look for where to get the shirt underwear and cap. If he planned to feed someone, he must
be ready to give the person food, drink, snuff and so on in order to completely satisff the person. If this could not be done, Alade was
warned, it was better not to offer the assitance at all.
After ths, Alad was advised to offer gbg and feed Eg as stated above. Hearing these statements from the Babalwo, AlaOe was Iivid with rage. He considered the statements of the Awo as affront to his personality. He told the Awo that nobody needed to tell him how to assist others. He accused the Awo of planning to twist his arms in order to render more help to the Awo afterall, the Awo was one of the recipients of his good gestures. He told the Awo to go and drop into the lagoon if he (Awo) was not satified with the help he had received so far. Alade told him thatthe gbg would not be offered and that if the Awo was not pleased, then he could go and do whatever pleased him. Alad stood up to go. The Awo however told him that there was no compulsion in If. He, Alade, was free to accept or reject the advice of theAwo. With ths, Alad left. When Ahd stafted the farm cultivation, he realised that many more people had access to him. For this, he was very happy. He also had good harvestseason. That made him happier.
He soon realised that with many more passers-by coming to his farm, he needed to do more to assist them and easen the burden and fatigue of their trips. For this reason/ AIade used to roast yams and fetch water for all to take on their ways to and from their various destinations. When many people knew thatAlad was doing this, they were very grateful to him.
It however reached a stage that no matter the number of yams roasted or

1163
the volume of water fetched, everything would be exhausted in no time at all. For this reason, Aad designed a means of ensuring that everyone was helped. He decreed that whoever came to his farm had to choose between drinking coolwater and eating roasted yam.
Nobody was allowed to take both together any longer. It soon became a popular slogan among the people that'gnlkan l{f jg m) l'b Alade; bl o b jg'gu o 0 nlf mu'mi, bf o s'l mu'mi o tfii jg'gu' meaning; nobody can enjoy two things in Alade's farm shed; if you eat yams, you cannot drink water, and if you drinkwater, you cannoteatyams.
Before long, every traveller knew that if they got to Alade's farm, they would have something to take, but that they could never enjoy two things at the same time. This had become an unwritten law in this farm.
One day however, a man came to Alade for help. This man got lost in the forest. He had been wandering for five days without food and water. As soon as he got to Alade's farm, he began to plead to be given food and drink because he was very hungry and thirsty. He pleaded with Alade to have pity for him. Alad told him that he needed to choose one between eating yams to his satisfaction and drinking water to quell his thirst. The man pleaded that he would need both. Abd said that such was not allowed in this farm. After much pleading and refusal, the man chose to eat yams. Ahd gave him two medium size tubers of yam to eat. The man had not eaten one yam when his throat became dry and the yam got hooked to his throat. He begged and begged for water. Abd refused, claiming that he had told the man that he could not enjoy two things .together in his farm. The man fell down; the yam began to suffocate him. Alad felt that it was unmanly for him to change his decree. He refused to yield ground. Afew moments latet the man died.
As soon as the man breathed his last, people began to troop into Alad's farm. How they came to know about the incident was very strange to him. The story on the lips of all the people was that Aad lured a stranger into his farm with yams and strangulated him to death. AlaOe pleaded and explained his own side of this story. Nobody was prepared to believe him.
1164
Ahd was slapped and kicked. He was yelled at and abused. ii."fi;3' ordered to carry the corpse of the dead man to the Qba's palace. On his way to the palace, he fell down four times. As soon as he fell, he would be slapped and kicked more viciously and ordered to carrythe corpse again.
To his chargrin, he realised that all those kicking and slapping him were regular visitors to his farm who used to eat or drink there. He saw all of them thanking Oldmar that they did not fall into Alade's trap and become one of his victims as the dead man had become.
In the Qba's palace the question Alade was repeatedly asked after he had finished his story was that when the man had been pleading for water, why was he not given? When AlaOe told them that it was his policy that nobody could enjoy two things in his farmshed, Alade was abused and declared a callous man and a murderer. Ahd was arraigned for murder. When he was about to be sentenced Alad Onfwt-Met remembered the advice and warning of his Awo but it was too late to make any amendment.
Agoore lgetn nll j mlOrlyl n Dl fin Aad onlwt-Met Mjq rrle re d'ko eb qna f bg ni won nl k w 9e kg'tl qgbqnyn s'bg
Aladl bttmo Iba wa fow s'irrlfin ebo
Translation
Doing good in half measure usually leads to failure to reCeive gratitude from those whom one assists This was If's message forAlad Orfwt-Mtrl When he was gong to cultivate a farm by the road-side He was advsed to offer gbg He refused to comply Had Nad known He would have ensured that all the qbg and advice of the Awo were complied with
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not to be too rigid on any issue. For any rule, law or policy, there must be an exception. Refusal to bend the rules when it was imperative to do so was part of what
1165
ild utua.
put Alade off wt-Met into trouble'
t4.
revealed notto be greedy in If warns the person for whom this od is this person is presently anything tnai ne/she does. If says that
occupyingupo'itonofauthority.He/shemustbecarefu|notto make him/her a allow avaricious attitude ,"*oe him/her and for whom this Od is worthles tin. In this position, the person qualities; he/she is revealed i! expected to iossess leadership iiberal, patient,.truthful, honest' focused expected to be generous, "H"/rh" ir irppoied to very accommodating' and forgJi. .be alright' He/she must He/she tuiti" able and willini'to lead others
be selfless and intelligent. ne/ne must at the back of his/her mind at all times' have the fear of Olodmare
pigeons, three If advises this person to offer gbg with three
guinea.fowts,threecocksandmoney'He/shea|soneedsto aspect, gfun-MeI says: feed Eg Oi *th one big cock. On this
OnPa'bl nlli'jl Agba Qknirlw'
a
j',b
Tb j'rtaftrn Agb'Qr u rQ, a mgya lg
Dlfilneni iwaiu
Tl Yd'qnilkQYln Ebq ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
lme two lobes of the kola-nut The kola-nut breaker is expected to consl the four lobes nnivricous elder will consume three of his load by himself and move After consuming thre iur, he willcarY away (without anyone offering to assist) This was the message of If forthe Leader Who shall eventually become the Follower He was advised to offer gbq
od occupied the following when coming from Qrun to Ay, the 16 Tajg Number one; Qgq-MeI' positions of Authority and senirty - orul:ryrJi, Irosnrnnet ihree; Od'i-Met, Number foyt; N umber Two; Iwri M), ruu six; Qbara-Uefl, Number MI, Number Five; o*qn'rn- MT, Number
1166
seven; Qknrn-M), Number Eight; Ogunda-vl), Number Nine; OsaQs When they arrived on eafth, they maintained these positions. Ofun-ue and Qgg-Mel were accorded full respect and recognition as the leaders. None of the remaining principal Od dare questioned their authority. They did all things together. Whenever they went for If consultation for anyone, Ofun-Ue) would preside over the event. Whatever he said was final. Whenever they were to break Kolanut for their client, Ofrln M) would be the one to break it. They normally broke kolanuts with four lobes. After breaklng the kolanut, ofn-MJi would consume three lobes, leaving onry one 6ue ror the remaining 13 principal Od! QgQ Ml would take the remaining lobe leaving noting behind for the remaining 14 od ! yet, nobody was expected to quey them for whatever they did! If their clients offered a goat as gbg, Ofon tvte'i would share for himself the two thighs and one arm of the goat; Qgq N4elr would take the remaining arm, intestines, organs and the chest, leaving whatever remained for the remaining 14 oj-od to share.
Ogb, Number
M), Number 10;Ika-M), Number 11;Otrtrupgn M), Number 12; OtrrraMT, Number 13; )rgtQ-M), Number 14; Mj, Number 15; and ET-
16.
While this was going on, it was telling badly on the 14 remaining Ojrl-Od. To feed became a serious problem for them. Before long, they began to grumble against ofun-uet and Qse-M). They complained against their style of leadership. They accused them of avariciousness.
In order to placate the frustrated ojrl-od however, E)-ogb, the last in the order of seniority used to invite them to his home and enteftain them with the little that he had. He would appeal to them to maintain peace and be patient. He said that Ofun-M) would soon see the reason why he needed to have a change of attitude and approach. while doing this,
9YeLu M3), the second to the last in the order oi seniority, would also assist ET-Ogbe in enteftaining the other OjrJ-Od, just to ensure that peace was maintained. This went on for severalyears but Ofun-M) saw no reason why he should change.his style of administration and leadership. Qpe Me:l was also urging ofrln-Met on, telling the others to go and drop nio the lagoon if they were not satisfied.
1167
Tired of all what was happening, L2 of the remaining 14 Oj'1-Od (they excluded E)-Ogbe and QyQktl-M3T) met secretly and decided that they could no longer accept Ofrtn-Me) and Qgq-M) as their leaders. On that same day, they decided to make E)-Ogb, the least in seniority, the leader and QyQkrt-M;T the deputy. On that same day, they moved Ofun-Me) to the 16'n position and moved QgQ-Mel to the 15h position.
Before summoning E)-Ogb, QyQkrl Mfi, Ofrln-Vtet and QgQ-M), they invited EEU Qdara to come and sanction all their deliberation with Agg. When Egu Qdara arrived, he asked them to tell him exactly what had happened, They narrated the story to him. Eg invited the remaining four Ojri-Od0 (principal Od) to explain their own side of the story. They did.
Ofun-mefl was found guilty of avariciousness and conducts unbecoming of good teader. He was therefore moved from the first to the 16'n position as the other Oj Od wanted. Q9Q-MT was found guilty of aiding and abetting what was wrong and unacceptable. He was moved from the second to the 15* position. On the other hand, E)-Ogbe was praised for exhibiting exceptional leadership qualities and was moved from the 16'n to the first position. QyQktt-MT was also commended for suppofting what was righteous and was moved from the 15'n to the second position.
That was the way it had been from that day up till today.
Onpa'bl nll j'jl Agbe Qknjrlw,
It
had been
sanctioned by Egu-Qdara and had been accepted by Oldmar.
j'Qta
T b j'9tatn Agb'Qr u rQra mqya g Dl fin gni iwjrl Tl y d'gnilk, yln fbg ni wEn nl k w ge
kg'tl Qgbgnyin s'ebg Njealmq'w h u wgn ni o Alm'd p e wgn ni Ar iwjrl o, lo d'gni lkgyln AlmO'w h u won ni o
1168
tf
utun Meil
Translation
The kola-nut breaker is expected to consume two lobes
An avaricious elder will consume three
After consuming three lobes, he will carry his load by himself and move away This was the message of Ifa forthe Leader Who shall eventually become the Follower He was advised to offer gbg He refused to comply Now, it was their inability to act properly And their refusal to speak the right words at the appropriate tme These were whatturned a Leaderto a Follower It was their inability to act properly
If warns that refusal to act properly or failure to know how to utter the
right words when appropriate to do so can turn a leader to a follower; it can turn a respected person to a scorned and condemned person. It can also turn someone loved by all to the person hated and despised by the same people who hithefto loved him/her.
15.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is kindhearted. He/she loves to assist others as much as he/she can. If however warns this person not to exclude or ignore his/her
immediate relatives while rendering help to outsiders.
If says that the immediate family and relatives of the person for
whom this Od is revealed are pointing accusing fingers at him/her that he/she is assisting other people while he/she had abandoned his/her own blood.
If warns this person not to do so and if he/she had been doing it, there ought to be a change of attitude. Failure to accommodate
his/her own blood relations and assst them may not augur well for him/her in the end. This may turn him/her to subject of ridicule and
scorn.
1169
"o uua
;.oviseril;rson
Ayl'kun
for whom this od is revealed to offer gbg with
three pigeons, three hens, three guinea fowls, three cocks and money. A stanza in Ofun-M) on this aspect says:
Enlyn I'Qs A kff mg Q wQ k f k'l
ayj
T l'hun j'oyeOlore lbg ni wqn nl k w 9 e
DlfinAbe
Translation
The sea represents the world And the Lagoon represents human beingsthere-in No expeft swimmer can swim the length and breadth of the sea, which represents the world This was If's message to Abe Who wanted to take the title of The Benefactor He was advised to offerqbg
Abe was highly successful. He was also generous and kind-heafted. Many people rose up and succeeded through him. He fed the hungry; he provided medication for the invalid; he provided shelter for the homeless; he stood surety for others; he ensured that the weak were not cheated or intimidated; he ensured that necessary suppofts were rendered to those who needed them. He even sponsored many community-based projects, He had a marvelous reputation everywhere. He was highly respected from far and nean Several communities owed their advancement to him.
As he was doing all these however, no relation of his benefited from hls generousity. Much as they tried to convince Abe to cast a sympathetic glance inwards and assist his relations, he simply could not be bothered.
One day, all Abe's relatives gathered together to discuss about the situation. They complained that Abe assisted everyone who came to him for help, except his own blood. They did not understand why this should be so. After much deliberation, they concluded thatthere was the need to summon Abe to their midst so as to let him know the way they felt about him. Adelegate was sentto him. Adate was fixed forthe meeting.
1170
yt
ofun Mei
On the day of the meeting, they made it clear to Abe that most of their friends and acquaintance owed their success and elevation to him. Those whom they never knew at all also benefited from him. As kind and benevolent as he was, he had not helped anyone in the family. They pleaded with him to please have a change of heaft towards the family. Many of those present at the meeting stated the areas where they expected him to help them. These areas ranged from financial, emotional, social, psychological, to occult. They told him that the assistance that they required from him was not beyond him. This was because they had witnessed him doing more than those things for others.
In his reponse, Abe made it clear to them that this world was like an ocean while human beings there-in were like lagoons. He stated further that no matter how good one was, the person could never satis7 the world, because no swimmer could ever swim the length and breadth of the ocean. He told them that nobody could stop him from helping those whom he wanted to help and nobody could blame him for not helping them. He urged them to wait for their turn. He promised that it would soon come to theirturn and he would be ableto helpthem all.
The elders showed him howtheir living conditions had degenerated. They showed him that many of his relatives were going about in rags; the roofs of houses where they lived were leaking; the walls had cracked; some pafts of their houses had collapsed altogether. They stated further that they could not eat up to two times a day. They showed him many of them whose wives had not been able to become pregnant. They showed him many relatives who were in emotional turmoil. Some of his relatives were
about to be incarcerated over what they knew nothing about. They believed that with his influence, these people could easily be pulled out of trouble. All what Abe said in form of response was for them to wait for their turn. He told them that he would not appreciate being rushed into taking any action. The meeting ended without any concrete conclusion.
The relatives of Abe continued to wait for their turn. Outsiders continued to benefit from the generosity and benevolence of Abe. For 18 years, Abe's relatives continued to wait for their turn. For 18 years, it was not yet their turn to benefit from Abe's generosity and benevolence.
1171
Soon afterthis, Abe fell
ill.
Before help could be rendered to him, he died.
The news of Abe's death spread like wild fire. All those who had benefitted from his generosity were prepared to give him a befitting final burial. As a matter of fact, they made it a point of duty to do so in order to show their appreciation. They planned a special prayer sessions for him. They also
planned an all night party for him. They set up a seven-man panel to organise the ceremony. It was a well-arranged and befittingly organised
party.
On the day of the final burial ceremony, several people came from far and
near. Their orchestra played from town to town. They danced from
Abee ku Abe Olore
quafterto quarter. Their song was:
Abemmakoo
Abe Olore K m m s'$ni t'Abe o 9e filn o
Translation
Abe is dead
Abethe Benevolent Abe istrulydead Abethe Benevolent There is nobodythatAbe did not help
Those who benefitted from Abe's generosity joined the band-wagon. That
was how they did until they got to Abe's family compound. To their surprise, there was no activity going on in the compound. No member of Abe's extended family organized anything for him. Abe was buried on the very day he died by his relatives. The burial was done not because of their
love for him; but rather to prevent his corpse from stinking and causing bad odour in the community. As soon as he was buried, all his relatives forgot
about him.
When they heard outsiders singing and dancing that there was nobody that Abe did not assist, they knew that such false impression must be quickly 1172
ll
Otun Meji
corrected. They gathered together and began to sing thus:

Lot I'Abee Ku Abe Olore Abe m ma kt oO Abe Olore
Abeges1ta ni K9esTlo
Translation
It
is
true that Abe is dead
Abe the Benevolent
Abe Abe Abe And
istrulydead
the Benevolent is benevolentto outsiders neverto his blood relations
When people heard this, they were totally disappointed. They concluded that in spite Abe's benevolence, he remained an irresponsible man, since he was only good outside. Anyone whose relatives could not benefit from his/her generosity, influence or benevolence remains an irresponsible person. Thatwastheend of the paftyforAbe.
Ay I'Okun Enlyn I'Qs A kll mg 4 wQ k fi k'l ay j Dl fin Abe T l'hun j'oyOlore Sbg ni wqn nl k w ge kg'tl ggbgnyin s'ebg jgAbe krt Abe Olore Abe m m k oo Abe Olore KO ma me s'n t'Abe o ge filn o Lot I'Abee Ku Abe Olore Abe ma me k oo Abe Olore Abeges1ta ni
Kses'llo
1173
Translation
The sea representsthe world And the lagoon represents human beingsthere-in No expert swimmer can swim the length and breadth of the sea, which representsthe world This was lf's message to Abe Who wanted to take the title of Benefactor He was advised to offergbg He refused to comply Behold Abe is dead Abe the Benevolent Abe is truly dead Abethe Benevolent There is nobody that Abe did not help It is true that Abe is dead Abethe Benevolent Abe istrulydead Abe the Benevolent Abe is benevolentto outsiders And neverto his blood relations
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to be fair to

including his/her blood relations.
all,
16.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom Ofun-fUelT is revealed to offer gbg and feed Od in order to bring peace and
tranquility into the home of this peson. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a woman, it is not advisable for her husband or husband-to-be to marry any other woman beside her. If the husband-to-be is already married, it is not in the man's interest to add this woman to his wives. Doing so can only spell doom and disaster forthe man and the other women in his household.
Howevel if the person for whom this Od is revealed has already married more than one wife at the same time and this had brought
1174
l\
Ofun Meji
problems, there is the need to offer gbg and feed Od in order to return the life of this person to normal.
If recommends one matured he-goat as ebq. There is also the need to feed Od with one ram and eight snails. On these, OfrlnMT
says: Qdrtndun ab'ew phrrbe-plenrbe TetQreg n ablyg gbrldorlgl-gbodorlgl
Ddggbgggba niwQnge Dl fitn Qrrlnmll Baba lq rfgQrQ-MQdlmQdl Tll Fgmg OIwu $koorogble lbg ni wqn n| kw 9e
!baw'etfAdete I wo Qdrtndrln
Translation
TQtQrQgR are long and big in
apperance If you lookatAdQtQ Cactus leaves
Odr:ndrln leaves are thick to touch
'
And look at Qdundun leaves They look exactly the same These were lf's declarations to Qrrtnmlla When going to marry QrQ-MQdlmQdi The offspring of Olwu-$koorogble He was advised to offer gbg
QrQ-MQdlmQd, othenruise known as Od, was a daughter of Olwu $koorogble. From the time her mother was carrying her in her wombs it was clear that QrQ-MQdimQdi was not an ordinary creature. When she born, the events which happened around her and the world over confirmed that she was not an ordinary human being. During her lkgsQdy ceremony, the Awo who were there to perform the rites laid emphasis on the fact that the baby was specially endowed with unique qualities and powers from heaven. She could not, and must not be married to an ordinary person when she grew up to maturity. They named her QrQ-MQdlmgdi, Esoteric words, otherwise known as Od.
was
'
1175
Od was below average in beauty and physical appearance. She was very jealous of other women. At a stage, Od could only be found in the midst of men as a result of her jealousy for her fellow women.
All those around her were convinced that QrQ-MQdimgdi was endowed with extremely high spiritual and occult powers. She applied these powers to assist her father Olwu $koorogble to succeed and become great in life. Some other men who approached her for assistance were equally assisted.
When she was matured enough for the marriage market however, many men dreaded her. They knew that they could not withstand her spiritual and occult prowess. That was why her father Olwu $koorogble approached Qrnmll to marry her in accordance with the directive of If during her)kgsgdy that no ordinary man could marry her. Qrnmll consulted If and If gave him the go-ahead to marry her. If however warned him that he must call this woman and ask her to tell him her likes and dislikes before she ever entered his home.
As a result of this warning from If, Od was invited by Qrunmll for a oneon-one discussion. She asked Qrunm)l to meet her in her father's home at a specified date. When they met, she promised Qrnmll that she would assist him to success and greatness. She said that nobody would be able to overcome him. She said that none of his fellow lrnmglQ would be as great as him. She said that she loved being pampered, adored and respected by her husband-to-be. She concluded that she disliked to be seen by other women - as a matter of fact, she would never tolerate being
'seen by any woman on eafth. She laid emphasis on the fact that any woman who dared to see her would meet with terrible consequence.
When she said this, Qnf nmll told her that he was already married to many women. Consequent upon this, he would need to discuss this with his other wives before he could give her any reply on her likes and dislikes. QrQMQdimQdl agreed with him. Another date was fixed for another round of discussion before OrrJnmll leftfor his home.
1176
+fi ofun Mej
At home, Qnlnmll summoned all his wives and explained to them what had just transpired between him and Od. He told them that Od was uncompromising on the aspect of the fact that no woman must see her. He asked them to tell him their minds if they felt that they could abide by the unusual request of Od; and if not, he would be prepared to call it quit with her. All the women told QrUnm'il that there was nothing spectacular with that. They said that since the woman was not prepared to see them or be seen by them, they too were not ready to see her at all. They asked
Qrnmll to go ahead and marry QrQ-MQdimQdi. When Qnlnm'll and Od metagain, he told herthatthere was no problem. Od told Qrnm'il to go back home and find out very well. Three times Qnfnmll called his wives to ask them if they were very sure that they would be able to cope with QrQ-MQdimQdi and three times they all said that there was no problem. Forthis reason, the marriage was contracted. When QrQ-MQdlmQdi moved into QrrJnmll's home, she was given the room at the extreme end of the house. She loved the arrangement and all the other women loved it too. For six months, they lived together without problem. One day however, one of the women in the household of Qrunmll called the other women and said that it was the height of insult for a woman, the most junior wife for that matte; to order them not to see her and for them to abide by such rule. She said that it was clear that this woman was using a trick on them in order for her to avoid pafticipating in the household
chores. To add pepper to injury they were the ones cooking for
her,
fetching her water, sweeping the compound and washing clothes for her! She claimed that O;unm)l had tricked them into accepting the woman's rules. She accused Qrunmll of dancing to the tunes of the most junior wife. How could Qrnm'll allow this un-see-able woman to be dictating to her seniors in the house? The situation must be addressed and adjusted
accordingly.
Some of the other wives conceded that there was a marked improvement in their lives in the little period that Od entered into the home. They felt that such could be considered before taking any decision against the woman. 1177
And so what?, the other woman screamed. Was that enough for her to be the one calling the shots in the house? She must be put in her proper place, she declared. One of them suggested that they must confront Qrrlnm)l and ask him to find solution to the issue. Three other women said that Qrnm'il could do nothing because his head was permanently in the woman's armpit. The woman, Od was the one controlling even Qrnmll himself! If there was going to be any solution, it must be found by the women. That was how they all concluded that they would all go and meet the woman, drag her out of her room and make her to participate in the household chores. If she was dreaded by her husband, they had no fear for her whatsoever, they all concluded. Because QrQ-MQdlmqdl was living in the room at the extreme end of the house, the place was always dark. They went to look for lamps which they would light to see her in her room since she was living in the dark ever since she arrived in that house. The eldest wife told all the other women to bring out their lamps in their rooms. They did. She declared that they must drag QrQ-MQdlmQdi out that very day to expose her. Yes! they all chorused, dnd, off they went.
They burst into her room with their lamps on; they focused the lamps on her face. What they saw was unspeakable and indescribable. At that very instant, they all collapsed, fell and dropped dead!
When Qrnmll arrived home, he sensed something terrible
had
happened, he could not find any of his wives, He called on them and there was nobody to answer. QrQ-MQdlmQdl did not leave her room. OrrJnmll moved inside only to find the corpses of the women piled upon one another bythe door of QrQ-MQdimQdl. When he realised thatthey were all dead, grief overwhelmed him. He shouted and accused QrQ-MQdimdi of introducing agony into his home, saying:
QrQ n
O
b g pln'hn frn'k
SrqnObg pln'hnfrn QrQ n o b g pfn'hun filn kllgbona janjan

1178
1\ Vrun Melt
2. Od - fr overall success and victory 3. Orl - for consummated foftune 4. Egu Odar- for general well being and victory 5. Qbatl - for success, children and prosperity 6. Obalaye ($nponna) for general well being 7. Olkun - for financial success 8. Ogun - for joy and victory 9. Fgb - for comradeship and leadership D.
TABOOS OF OFN MEJI Must not be avaricious - to avoid humiliation disgrace and unconsummated foftune Must never eat or sell kra to avoid contention with elders of the Night Must never be arrogant to avoid disgrace and unconsummated foftune Must never use IrkQ made with brass to avoid lack of respect within the household Must never use wall-gecko and chameleon for anything unconsummated fortune Must never marry two wives into the same house to avoid matrimonial disaster Must never appear dirty and unkempt to avoid unconsummated foftune Must never think, speak or do evil to avoid loss of respect and unconsummated foftune.
(.
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OTru MEJI CHTLDffiN
Males
1. Ajylmk- Wealth surrounds me 2. Awolql - Honour belongs to an Awo 3. Adyqrl - The crown befits the head 4. Adtut - The crown is comfoftable
1183
5.
Olsind - Honour
is well established
1, Adtut - The crown is comfoftable 2. Olslnd - Honour is well established 3. Odyeml - Od befits me 4. Odbiytl - Od begets this 5. Ifdrere - If brings all goodness 6. Ayrj - The world is settled 7. Odsgl - Od makes honour possible
Abgru Abgye
Females
1184
Sq o
Support both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo Sp o Alade istaking his bath Sp o Give suppoftto Kuegbe, the child of Osin $9 o Alade is taking his bath SS o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora $9 o Alade istaking his bath Sp o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 5E o Alade istaking his bath $9u o Obara-Meji, the Oba of Ifa SSu o Alade istaking his bath pugu o Eju isyourhome 9S o Alade is taking his bath S9 o When you get there, please give us your suppoft SS o Alade istaking his bath Sg o Support both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo ttu o Alade is taking his bath 5S o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo SUS o Alade is taking his bath SSu o
1148
1r vun Melt
Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Sug o Alade istaking his bath 9S o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora 59 o Alade is taking his bath $ug o
Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherenb, to die young SS o
Alade istaking his bath SS o Okanran-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa SS o Alade istaking his bath 99u o Itile is your home SS o Alade istaking his bath $9u o When you get there, please give us your support $9 o Alade is taking his bath SuFu o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Spu o Alade is taking his bath Spu o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo 9S o Alade is taking his bath 99u o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin $9 o Alade istaking his bath $9 o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Do notallow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o
1149
Alade istaking his bath SS o Ogunda-Meji, the Oba of lfa t9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Onko isyourhome SFu o Alade istaking his bath S9u o When you get there, please give us your support FS o Alade istaking his bath 5S o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppofttheOluwo s9 o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo Sup o Alade istaking his bath SS o Give suppoftto Kuegbe, the child of Osin $uSu o Alade istaking his bath SE o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora 9S o Alade istaking his bath SEu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 9S o Alade istaking his bath 5S o Osa-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa s9 o Alade istaking his bath Fq o Ota is your home SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o
11
50
1l vtun Me!
When you getthere, please give us your suppoft tS o Alade is taking his bath SS o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo SS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Please, suppoft Apetebi and Akapo 9S o Alade is taking his bath $9 o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin SS o Alade istaking his bath p9 o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora $9 o Alade istaking his bath SS o Do notallow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $ug o Alade istaking his bath $u9 o Ika-Meji, the Oba of Ifa SS o Alade istaking his bath SS o Asia isyourhome $9 o Alade istaking his bath 5g o When you get there, please give us your support 5g o Alade istaking his bath SS o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo $9 o Alade is taking his bath SuSu o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo
1151
$9 o
Alade istaking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin SS o Alade istaking his bath $u9 o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SSu o Alade istaking his bath SS o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young SS o Alade istaking his bath SS o Ologbon-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa SE o Alade istaking his bath 5E o Oje is your home SF o Alade istaking his bath S9 o When you get there, please give us your suppott sFu o Alade istaking his bath SF o Support both nuclear and extended families And supportthe Oluwo SF o Alade istaking his bath $ug o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo $ugu o Alade is taking his bath SS o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin $9 o Alade istaking his bath S9 o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora SSu o Alade istaking his bath
1152
ll
$9u o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young $9 o Alade istaking his bath $u9 o Otura-Meji, the Oba of Ifa
FS o Alade istaking his bath $9 o Ipapo is your home $9 o Alade istaking his bath $9u o When you getthere, please give us your suppoft Susu o Alade is taking his bath 9S o Support both nuclear and extended families And suppotthe Oluwo SS o Alade is taking his bath SS o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo 9F o Alade is taking his bath $9 o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin 9S o Alade istaking his bath SS o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora $9u o Alade is taking his bath sFu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young 9p o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Irete-Meji, the Oluwo of lfa Susu o Alade is taking his bath Susu o Emere isyour home
Ofun Meji
1153
Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your support Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Support both nuclearand extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Please, supportApetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ose-Meji, the Oba of Ifa Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ibadan is your home Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your suppott Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath
1154
t
Susu o
Ofun Meji
Please, suppoftApetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade is taking his bath Susu o And suppoft Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o
Do not allow Eriwo Susu o
Osin,Ifa adherents, to die young
Alade istaking his bath Susu o
Ofun-Meji, the Oluwo of Ifa Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Ila Orangun is your home Susu o Alade is taking his bath Susu o When you get there, please give us your support Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Suppoft both nuclear and extended families And suppoftthe Oluwo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Please, support Apetebi and Akapo Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o Give supportto Kuegbe, the child of Osin Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o And support Kuegbe, the child of Ora Susu o
.
1155
Alade istaking his bath Susu o Do not allow Eriwo Osin, Ifa adherents, to die young Susu o Alade istaking his bath Susu o
If says that it shall be well with the person for whom this Od is revealed.
L2.
If warns a person for whom this Od is revealed who enjoys great respect in the socety not to engage in any act that will put him to shame and ridicule. If says that the person may think that what he/she is doing or about to do will never leak out, but this is not true because no matter what he does to conceal it, the matter will surely
come to public notice one day.
If says that this man is not only respected but equally trusted. This action of his will erode the trust and confidence that people reposed in him. This ls why it is his duty to live above board at all times.
If does not recommend any gbg material here. It is only for this person to desist from this shameful act. A stanza in Ofun-M) which
addresses this issue has this to say:
Oru ge b'oj fgru gsan le rr ba
afin Ejl-Qrangun
Baba lQQg'gkgAbuk Fbq ni wqn nl k w ge
Translation
The night can be used as cover It is the broad daylightwe are mindful and afraid of This was the message of If for E)-Qrangrln Who shall become the husband of Abuk, a lady with hunchback He was advised to offerebo
Abuk, the lady with hunchback, was Qbtl's daughter. qbatl loved
1156
and pampered ths girl, paftly because of her physical condtnn because of the fact that her mother died as soon as she was born. As a result, Qbatl was both father and mother to her. However, Abuk was a very recalcitrant She never listened to simple counseling from Qbath. She had a mind of her own. She believed that she must always have her way. This was not surprising to anyone since she had been spoilt
rJ;il
girl.
by 9batl. On the other hand, E|-Qrangn (Ofun MT or Qrngrln M;'l) was Qbtl's
friend and confidant. There was nothing QbaHI would do without first discussing same with his friend, E)-Qrngr1n. They were so close that people thought that they both slept in the same house. As a matter of fact, the two regularly slept in each others homes.
When the behaviour of Abuk was getting out of hand, gbaHl sought the assistance of his friend in finding a way to contain her excesses. EIQrngrfn promised to assist. Anytime Abuk misbehaved, QbaHl would send her to EJ|-Qrngrln. She was just 11 years of age but her attitudes were more than those of 2l-year old girls. By the time she was 13 years old, practically everyone in the community believed that ET-Qrangn was more of Abuk's father than QbaHl. Abuk was also very fond of E)Qrngn. She preferred to stay with E)-QrngrJn at any time. For all these, Qbatl was very grateful. He welcomed any practical step which could tame Abuk. By the time she was 15 years, she had been seen as someone who was ready to change for good,
At this time, E)-Qrngrfn began to notice that the breasts, buttocks waist and face of Abuk began to develop into those of a fully grown woman. While other people saw her as deformed because of her hunchback, Abuk looked very beautiful to E) Qrangun. That was when ideas began to enter into his head. Before long, he began to seduce her. Shortly after this, he stated to make love to her. This was a girl practically everyone considered to be his daughter! It got to a stage that they made love almost everyday. One day, E)-Qrangn went for If consultation in the home of the Awo mentioned above. He wanted to know what his success chances would be atthat point in time. The Awo assured him that he would succeed and that
1157
nothing or nobody could stop him from accomplishing his goals. The Awo however warned him to desist from the shameful act that he was doing as failure to desist would put him to public odium. He was told that everyone respected and trusted him in the society but that act alone would tarnish his image beyond redemption. He was told that no matter how pefectly he tried to conceal this shameful and disgraceful act, it would ceftainly come to public attention and knowledge. When ET-QrngrJn heard this, he knew exactly what the Awo was saying. 'He asked what ebg material he would need to procure so as to offer gbg for him not to be a subject of ridicule. The Awo told him that there was no gbg material for that. He only needed to desist from such act. The father making love to his own daughter would surely lose respect and dignity no matter how greatthe gbg offered. There and then, E)-Qrngtln made up his mind never to have anything to do with Abuk again, except of course, for him to continue to act as her father. He returned home with the resolution at that back of his mind. The next day, Abuk came to his house. He was still with the mind of not having anything to do with her any more in the illicit affair. By the time the unsuspecting wives of E)-Qrangn'directed her to his room, he was still determined to resist her. When Abuk entered the room, closed the door and sat on his laps however, all the resolve and resistance dissolved. In no time, they were engaging in fierce love-making. They resumed on a daily
basis.
Before long, people began to notice changes in Abuk. At first, Qbabh was confused: Was it sickness? Was it disease? Was it fatness? Her body began to develop. Her face became paler than before. She vomited every morning. She complained of weakness every morning. She lost her appetite. She slept longer hours. By the time QbaHl came to believe his senses, his daughter, Abuk was alreadythree months pregnant! He called on and asked Abuk to tell him who was responsible for her pregnancy. She refused to utter a word. What was this supposed to mean? Qbatl threatened her that if she refused to confess the owner of the pregnancy, he would not hesitate to repoft her to E)-Qrangn whom he, Qbtl,
1158
l.l
Ofun Meji
fondly referred to as her father! Yet, she refused to utter a word. This confused and annoyed Qbatl the more. He shouted on herthat if she had no regard for him, she must at least show respect for ElT-Qrngrln her
father! What Qbatl said did not change anything.

Early in the morning of the next day, QbaHb went straight to E)-Qrangn and narrated everything to him. E)-Qrangun told gbatl to put his mind at rest and that he would handle it. Wth this assurance, Qbtl returned home. When he got home, he told Abuk to go and meet E}-Qrangrin at home.
When Abuk got to E)-Qrangn's home, they simply resumed another round of love-making. It was after this that E)-QrngrJn asked Abuk if truly she was pregnant. Abuk told him that she was indeed pregnant. Both of them knew that EJi-Qrngrln was responsible for the pregnancy. E)-Qrangn however impressed it on her that nobody should know that he was the one who put her in the family way. This was because it would lead to scandal and ridicule for him. She was told that even Qbatl, her father, would be disappointed. Abuk promised him that she would resist all pressures on her to identifu the person who impregnated her. But for how long? That was the question whose answer hung in the air and was left unanswered.
True to her promise, she refused to tell anyone about who was responsible for her pregnancy. gbatl however relied absolutely on E)-Qrngn to help him unravel the mystery. Anytime he asked E)-Qrangn how far he had gone, he would only tellQbatl that he was stillon it. He would advise QbAtb to be patient. This was the situation until Abuk putto bed. It was a bouncing baby boy. The naming ceremony was to take place on the sixth day. The confusion of Qbatl turned to worry. His worry turned to panic.
QbaHl called Abuk and begged her to tell him who was responsible for her pregnancy. Abuk promised to tell her father but on the day of the naming ceremony. She asked her father to invite all the Qba and lrnmglQ to the naming ceremony. She told him to prepare a huge feast where every
1159
guest would wne and dine to his/her satisfaction. She told her father to get herthe most expensive dress befitting of such occasion. QbaHI did as she requested of him. On the day of the ceremony, all the lrnmglQ were there. All the Qba of Yorbland were present. Allthe movers and shakers of the world were in attendance. All of them came for only one thing - to know who was responsible for the pregnancy and the baby.
All the guests, including E)-Qrngn ate and drank to their satisfaction. E)-Qrngrln was confident that Abuk would find a means to avoid mentioning his name because he had convinced her that it was not in the interest of both of them for the whole world to know at that time. When it was time for Abuk to come out and dance, the whole gathering became very silent. She was gorgeously dressed. She told the musicians to listen to her and play music to her songs; she began her song with praises to her father. She concluded her song in this way: gbatl,9bata$a
pQlo Qba t ta'l t la l'ala Tl wqn p l'Qbatl I trlQo
E
Ni Ni
mol'ynfilno mol'ynfitn
Qrngrtndi mejl
mol'ynfitn
Translation
I greet Qbtl, Qbtg Greetings to you The Qba who sold Okra to prosper by the boundary of the farm I greetyou The person who put me in the familyway The person who impregnated me Qrangun becomes two (EI-Qrangn) is responsible for my pregnancy
When the world heard this, all eyes turned onto EI-Qrngun. He simply covered his eyes in shame. He wished for the ground to Open and swallow him up alive, but no way. Case closed!
1160
'l'l Ofun Meji
Oru ge b'oj fEru gsan la ba Dl filn Ejl-Qrangun Baba lQQg'gkgAbuk fbg niwqn nl k w ge
kqitl Qgbgnyin s'ebg Nje ni mo l'yn filn o Ni mo l'yn fitn Qrngrtn di mejl ti mo l'yn fitn
Translation
The nightcan be used as cover It is the broad daylight we are mindful and afraid of This was the message of If for E)-Qrangrln Who shall become the husband of Abuk He was advised to offer gbg He refused to complywith the advice The person who put me in the familyway The person who impregnated me Qrangun-di-M) (Efl-Qrangn) is the one responsible for my pregnancy
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall not be made a subject of public disgrace. This person s enjoined not to Disgrace Himself. He mustdesistfrom doing anything illicit.
13.
If says that it recognizes the factthatthe person for whom this Od is revealed loves to do good all time. If says that he/she is very kind and compassionate. If says that this person loves to touch the lives of all the people close to him/her in positive ways. In spite of this however, If warns this person to ensure that he/she does all the good deeds completely for anyone that he/she wishes to assist. It is not r1his/her best interestto do anything In half-measure for anyone. The significance of this message is that if the person for whom this OdU is revealed wishes to help anyone, he/she must ensure that the help is rendered completely. If this is not done, it is most likely that the help that he/she rendered may turn out to become subject of controversy and contention which may be used to find him/her guilty
1161
in the end.
'
If advises this person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbq with one matured he-goat and money. He/she also needs to
feed Eg with
onecock.
On this aspect,If says:
Agoore lgetn nfl jq mlOrlYl n Dl fitn Ald onfwaH-Mett Nljq tl lg r d'ko eb qna lbq ni wqn nl k w 9e
Translation
Doing good in half measure usually leads to failure to receive gratitude from those whom one assists This was lf's message forAlad Offwt-Mttj When he was going to cultivate a farm bythe road-side He was advised to offer gbg
Alade Offwt-Met was a kind-hearted man. All the days of his life, he planned to assist people and gve out to the needy. He was known to be a benevolent man. As a result of his benevolence, many people used to troop to his home to seekfor one favour orthe other.
They were never disappointed. The only time AIad could say 'no' to anyone was when he did not have what the person came for. He sometimes borrowed money from others in order to give out to those who needed the money. He was in the habit of giving out his own dresses to others if he felt that those who approached him for assistance needed the dresses more than him. This was the lifestyle of Alade Onfwt-Met.
One day, AnOe planned to staft the cultivation of another farm by the roadside. By so doing, he felt that those who needed his assistance would have easier access to him and he would be able to be of help to many more people. For this reason, he approached the Awo mentioned above for If consultation: would he have bountiful haruest on the farm that he planned to cultivate? Would he be able to assist more people in the new location? These were the two questions at the back of Alade's mind when he approached the Awo for If consultation. He knew that with bountiful harvest, he would have more capabilityto reach outto many more people. 1162
ll
Olun Meji
The Awo assured Alad Offwt-Mt that he would certainly have bountiful haruest. The Awo however warned him that even though he loved to assist people, he however needed to ensure that whoever he wished to assist must be given complete help. He was told that giving help in half could only lead him into trouble. For example, if he planned to give
someone dress, it would be good for him to give the person complete dress - trousers, underwear, and shift and cap to match. It was not good for him to give the person a trouser and ask the person to go and look for where to get the shift underwear and cap. If he planned to feed someone, he must
be ready to give the person food, drink, snuff and so on in order to completely satisfy the person. If this could not be done, Alade was
warned, itwas better notto offerthe assitance at all.
After this, Alad was advised to offer qbg and feed Egu as stated above. Hearing these statements from the Babalwo, Alad was Iivid with rage. He considered the statements of the Awo as affront to his personality. He told the Awo that nobody needed to tell him how to assist others. He accused the Awo of planning to twist his arms in order to render more help to the Awo afterall, the Awo was one of the recipients of his good gestures. He told the Awo to go and drop into the lagoon if he (Awo) was not satified with the help he had received so far. Alade told him that the gbg would not be offered and that if the Awo was not pleased, then he could go and do whatever pleased him. Ahd stood up to go. The Awo however told him thatthere was no compulsion in If. He, Alade, was free to accept or reject the advice of theAwo. Wth ths, Alad left. When AlaOe stafted the farm cultivation, he realised that many more people had access to him. For this, he was very happy. He also had good haruestseason. That made him happier.
He soon realised that with many more passers-by coming to his farm, he needed to do more to assist them and easen the burden and fatigue of their trips. For this reason, Alae used to roast yams and fetch water for all to take on their ways to and from their various destinations. When many people knew thatAlad was doing this, they were very grateful to him.
It however reached a stage that no matter the number of yams roasted or

1163
the volume of water fetched, everything would be exhausted in no time at all. For this reason, AlaOe designed a means of ensuring that everyone was helped. He decreed that whoever came to his farm had to choose between drinking coolwaterand eating roasted yam.
Nobody was allowed to take both together any longer. It soon became a popular slogan among the people that'gnlkan klf jq meT l'ba Ahde; bf o b jg'gu o Iff mu'mi, bi o sl mu'mi o tff jg'gu' meaning; nobody can enjoy two things in Alade's farm shed; if you eat yams, you cannot drink water, and if you drinkwater, you cannoteatyams.
Before long, every traveller knew that if they got to Alad's farm, they would have something to take, but that they could never enjoy two things atthe sametime. This had become an unwritten law in thisfarm.
One day however, a man came to Alade for help. This man got lost in the forest. He had been wandering for five days without food and water. As soon as he got to Alade's farm, he began to plead to be given food and drink because he was very hungry and thirsty. He pleaded with Alade to have pity for him. Alade told him that he needed to choose one between eating yams to his satisfaction and drinking water to quell his thirst. The man pleaded that he would need both. Alad said that such was not allowed in this farm. After much pleading and refusal, the man chose to eat yams. AaOe gave him two medium size tubers of yam to eat. The man had not eaten one yam when his throat became dry and the yam got hooked to his throat. He begged and begged for water. AlaOe refused, claiming that he had told the man that he could not enjoy two things together in his farm. The man fell down; the yam began to suffocate him. Alad felt that it was unmanly for him to change his decree. He refused to yield ground. Afew moments later, the man died.
As soon as the man breathed his last, people began to troop into Alade's farm. How they came to know about the incident was very strange to him. The story on the lips of all the people was that Alae lured a stranger into his farm with yams and strangulated him to death. Alad pleaded and explained his own side of this story. Nobody was prepared to believe him.
1164
Alad was slapped and kicked. He was yelled at and abused. ,j""'il:3 ordered to carry the corpse of the dead man to the Qba's palace. On his way to the palace, he fell down four times. As soon as he fell, he would be slapped and kicked more viciously and ordered to carrythe corpse again.
To his chargrin, he realised that all those kicking and slapping him were regular visitors to his farm who used to eat or drink there. He saw all of them thanking Oldmar that they did not fall into Aade's trap and become one of his victims as the dead man had become.
In the Qba's palace the question Alade was repeatedly asked after he had finished his story was that when the man had been pleading for water, why was he not given? When Alae told them that it was his policy that nobody could enjoy two things in his farmshed, Alad was abused and declared a callous man and a murderer. AlaAe was arraigned for murder. When he was about to be sentenced Alad Onfwt-Mt remembered the advice and warning of his Awo but it was too Iate to make any amendment.
Agoorelgetn nll jq mlOrlyln Dl firn Alad onfwt-Mt Mjqff rtle red'koeb qna [bg ni wQn nl k w qe kg'tf Qgbgnyin s'ebg Nedl b tt mo Iba wafows'rfin ebo
Translation
Doing good in half measure usually leads to failure to reCeive gratitude from those whom one assists This was lf's message for Alad On'iwt-Mtrl When he was going to cultivate a farm by the road-side He was advised to offer ebo He refused to comply nad Alade known He would have ensured that all the ebQ and advice of the Awo were complied with
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs not to be too rigid on any issue. For any rule, law or policy, there must be an exception. Refusal to bend the rules when it was imperative to do so was paft of what
1165
pw Alad Orf wat- Met into trouble'

is revealed notto be greedy in 1,4. If warnsthe person forwhom this Od this person is presently anything tt'rul n"/rhe does. If says that
occupying"upo'itonofauthority.He/shemustbecarefu|notto and make him/her a allow avaricious attitude ,e*o" him/her is
person for whom this Od worthless ption In this position, the qualities; he/she is revealed is expected to iossess leadership patient,.truthful, honest' focused expected to be generous, -He/she liberal, it irppoied to .be very accommodating' and forg"". He/she must He/she,rit1. able and willini'to lead others alright' have the fear of Oldmar be selfless and intelligent. Hehe must atthe backof his/her mind at all times'
pigeons, three If advises this person to offer gbg with three also needs to guinea-fowls, ihree cocks and money' He/she aspect,6frln-Mfl says: feed Eg o#;iih one big cock. on this
OrtPa'bl nff j'jl Agba Qknirlw'
T bi'Ja tn
ai',h
Agb'Qr u rQ, a mqYa lg Dlfinqni iwaj Tl y d'qni lk'yln lbg ni wgn nl k w 9e Theko|a.nutbreakerisexpectedtocons.umetwolobesofthekola.nut the four lobes nn u"rtors elder will cosume three of his load by himself and move After consuming tnre ior, he willcau away (without anyone offering to assist)
This was the message of If for the Leader Who shall eventually become the Follower He was advised to offer gbg
Translation
od occupied the following when coming from Qrun to Ay, the 16 majgf Number One; Q$e-MI' positions of Authority and S"nititY - Oful:ry-r!, od-l/le, Number lo.Ytt lrosnNumber Two; lwri MJ|, nurnnerihree; six; Qbara-uer, Number Mfl, ruumnei rve; e*qn,1n M), Number
1166
seven; Qkanran-M), Number Eight; ognd-M), Number Nine; M), Number 10;I.ka-M), Number 11; Otuntpgn M), Number tz; bturaM), Number 13; IrgtQ-M), Number 14; Qp Mj, Number 15; and E)Ogb, Number 16. When they arrived on earth, they maintained theie positions. Ofun-we'i and Qgs-Ml were accorded full respect and recognition as the leaders. None of the remaining principal Od dare questioned their authority. They did all things together. Whenever they went for If consultation for anyone, Ofun-Ue'i would preside over the event' Whatever he said was final. Whenever they were to break Kolanut for their client, Ofun MT wourd be the one to break it. They normally broke kolanuts with four lobes. After breaking the kolanut, ofn-MJi would consume three lobes, leaving only one lobe for the remaining 1-5 principal Od! Qgg Mel would take the remaining lobe leaving nothing behind forthe remaining 14 od! yef nobodywasexpected to querythem for whatever they did! If their clients oftered a goat as gbg, Ofon tvtet would share for himself the two thighs and one arm of the goU Qpg mejl would take the remaining arm, intestines, organs and the chest, leaving whatever remained forthe remaining 14 oj-od to share
While this was going on, it was telling badly on the 14 remaining OjrJ-Od. To feed became a serious problem for them. Before long, they b-egan to grumble against Ofun-Mefi and Ope-M). They complaied against their style of leadership. They accused them of avariciousness.
o*
In order to placate the frustrated ojrl-od however, E)-ogb, the last in the order of seniority used to invite them to his home and ntertain them with the little that he had. He would appeal to them to maintain peace and be patient. He said that Ofun-M) would soon see the reason why he needed to have a change of attitude and approach. while doing this, 9Ygtu M), the second to the last in the order oiseniority, would also assist E)-ogb in enteftaining the other oj-od, just to ensure that peace was
maintained.
This went on for severalyears but Ofiln-M) saw no reason why he should change.his style of administration and leadership. Qgq Ml was also urging ofun-we) on, telling the others to go and drop nio the lagoon if they were not satisfied.
1167
Tired of all what was happening, L2 of the remaining 14 Oj'1-Od (they excluded E)-Ogbe and QyQktl-M)) met secretly and decided that they could no longer accept OfUn-tvte) and Q#-MT as their leaders. On that same day, they decided to make E)-Ogb, the least in seniority, the leader and QyQkrl-M;) the deputy. On that same day, they moved Ofun-tvte) to the 16'n position and moved Qgg-Mel to the 15" position.
Before summoning ET-Ogbe, QyQk Mfi, Ofr:n-Vtelt and Qgg-M), they invited ESU Qdara to come and sanction all their dellberation with Agg. When EpU Qdara arrived, he asked them to tell him exactly what had happened. They narrated the storyto him. Eg invited the remaining four Ojrl-Od (principal Od) to explain their own side of the story. They did.
Ofun-lttle) was found guilty of avariciousness and conducts unbecoming of good leader. He was therefore moved from the first to the 16'n position as the other Ojrt Od wanted. QgQ-Mel was found guilty of aiding and
abetting what was wrong and unacceptable. He was moved from the second to the 15h position. On the other hand, E)-Ogbe was praised for exhibiting exceptional leadership qualities and was moved from the 16'n to the first position. QyQktt-MT was also commended for supporting what was righteous and was moved from the 15'n to the second position. That was the way it had been from that day up till today.
Onpa'bl nll j'ejl Agbe Qknjrrw, a j'$ta T b j'Qta tiln Agb'$r u rQ, a mqya lg
It
had been
sanctioned by Egu-Qdara and had been accepted by Oldmar.
Dlfilneni iwjrt Tlyd'gnilk,yln

Ebg ni wqn nl k w 9e
kg'tf Qgbgnyin s'ebg jg almo'w h u wgn ni o Alm'ed pe e wgn n Ar iwjtt o, lo d'gni lke, yln Alm'w h u won ni o
1168
Translation
The kola-nut breaker is expected to consume two lobes An avaricious elder will consume three After consuming three lobes, he will carry his load by himself and move away This was the message of Ifa forthe Leader Who shall eventually becomethe Follower He was advised to offergbg He refused to comply Now, it was their inability to act properly And their refusal to speak the right words at the appropriate time These were whatturned a Leaderto a Follower It was their inability to act properly
If warns that refusal to act properly or failure to know how to utter the
right words when approprate to do so can turn a leader to a follower; it can turn a respected person to a scorned and condemned person. It can also turn someone loved by all to the person hated and despised by the same people who hithefto loved him/her.
15.
If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed is kindheafted. He/she loves to assist others as much as he/she can. lf however warns this person not to exclude or ignore his/her
immediate relatives while rendering help to outsiders.
If says that the immediate family and relatives of the person for
whom this Od is revealed are pointing accusng fingers at him/her that he/she is assstng other people while he/she had abandoned his/her own blood.
If warns this person not to do so and if he/she had been doing it, there ought to be a change of attitude. Failure to accommodate his/her own blood relations and assist them may not augur well for him/her in the end. This may turn him/her to subject of ridicule and
scorn.
1169
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to offer gbg with
three pigeons, three hens, three guinea fowls, three cocks and money. A stanza in Ofun-M) on this aspect says:
Ayl'Okun Enlyn I'Qs
A kff mQ q wQ k f k'l ay
D,lfilnAbe
T l'hun j'oy Olore lbg ni wqn nl k w 9 e
Translation
The sea represents the world And the Lagoon represents human beingsthere-in No expeft swimmer can swim the length and breadth of the sea, which represents the world This was If's message to Abe Who wanted totakethetitle of The Benefactor He was advised to offergbg
Abe was highly successful, He was also generous and kind-heafted. Many people rose up and succeeded through him. He fed the l4ungry; he provided medication for the invalid; he provided shelter for the homeless; he stood surety for others; he ensured that the weak were not cheated or intimidated; he ensured that necessary supports were rendered to those who needed them. He even sponsored many community-based projects. He had a marvelous reputation everywhere. He was highly respected from far and near. Several communities owed their advancementto him.
As he was doing all these however, no relation of his benefited from his generousity. Much as they tried to convince Abe to cast a sympathetic glance inwards and assist his relations, he simply could not be bothered.
One day, all Abe's relatives gathered together to discuss about the situation. They complained that Abe assisted everyone who came to him for help, except his own blood. They did not understand why this should be so. After much deliberation, they concluded that there was the need to summon Abe to their midst so as to Iet him know the way they felt about him. A delegate was sentto him. A date was fixed forthe meeting.
17a
'l'l
Ofun Meji
On the day of the meeting, they made it clear to Abe that most of their friends and acquaintance owed their success and elevation to him. Those whom they never knew at all also benefited from him. As kind and benevolent as he was, he had not helped anyone in the family. They pleaded with him to please have a change of heat towards the family.
Many of those present at the meeting stated the areas where they expected him to help them. These areas ranged from financial, emotional, social, psychological, to occult. Theytold him thatthe assistance thatthey required from him was not beyond him. This was because they had witnessed him doing more than those things for others. In his reponse, Abe made it clear to them that this world was like an ocean while human beings there-in were like lagoons. He stated fufther that no matter how good one was, the person could never satisff the world, because no swimmer could ever swim the length and breadth of the ocean. He told them that nobody could stop him from helping those whom he wanted to help and nobody could blame him for not helping them. He urged them to wait for their turn. He promised that it would soon come to their turn and he would be able to help them all.
The elders showed him howtheir living conditions had degenerated. They showed him that many of his relatives were going about in rags; the roofs of houses where they lived were leaking; the walls had cracked; some pafts of their houses had collapsed altogether. They stated further that they could not eat up to two times a day. They showed him many of them whose wives had not been able to become pregnant. They showed him many relatives who were in emotionalturmoil. Some of his relatives were
about to be incarcerated over what they knew nothing about. They believed that with his influence, these people could easily be pulled out of trouble. All what Abe said in form of response was for them to wait for their turn. He told them that he would not appreciate being rushed into taking any action. The meeting ended without any concrete conclusion.
The relatives of Abe continued to wait for their turn. Outsiders continued to benefit from the generosity and benevolence of Abe. For 18 years, Abe's relatives continued to wait for their turn. For 18 years, it was not yet theirturn to benefitfrom Abe's generosity and benevolence.
1171
Soon after this, Abe fell
ill.
Before help could be rendered to him, he died.
The news of Abe's death spread like wild fire. All those who had benefitted from his generosity were prepared to give him a befitting final burial. As a matter of fact, they made it a point of duty to do so in order to show their appreciation. They planned a special prayer sessions for him. They also ptanned an all night pafty for him. They set up a seven-man panel to organise the ceremony. It was a well-arranged and befittingly organised party.
On the day of the final burial ceremony, several people came from far and
near. Their orchestra played from town to town. They danced from
Abeek
AbeOlore
quafter to quafter. Their song was:
Abemamkoo
AbeOlore Ko m m s'Qnit'AbeOgefitn o
Translation
Abe Abe Abe Abe
is dead the Benevolent is truly dead the Benevolent There is nobody that Abe did not help
Those who benefitted from Abe's generosity joined the band-wagon. That
was how they did until they got to Abe's family compound. To their surprise, there was no activity going on in the compound. No member of Abe's extended family organized anything for him. Abe was buried on the very day he died by his relatives. The burialwas done not because of their love for him; but ratherto prevent his corpse from stinking and causing bad odour in the community. As soon as he was bured, all his relatives forgot
about him.
When they heard outsiders singing and dancing that there was nobody that Abe did not assist, they knew that such false impression must be quickly 1172
+ti ofun Mej
corrected. They gathered together and began to sing thus:

LOt I'Abee Krl AbeOlore
Abemmekoo
Abe Olore
Abeses1ta ni KOgesllo
Translation
true thatAbe is dead Abe the Benevolent Abe istrulydead Abe the Benevolent Abe is benevolent to outsiders And neverto his blood relations
is
It
When people heard this, they were totally disappointed. They concluded that in spte Abe's benevolence, he remaned an irresponsible man, snce he was only good outside. Anyone whose relatives could not benefit from his/her generosity, influence or benevolence remains an irresponsible person. Thatwasthe end of the paftyforAbe.
Ay I'Okun Enlyn I'Qs A kll mg q we k fi k'l ay
DlfinAbe T l'hun j'oy OIore lbg ni wQn nl k w ge kg'tl ggbgnyin s'bq lljgAbekrt
Abe Olore Abe ma m k oO Abe Olore KO m ma s'n t'Abe Lotq l'Abee Ku Abe Oloore Abe m m k oO Abe Oloore Abeges'lta ni
se
filn o
KOses'llo
1173
Translation
The sea represents the world And the lagoon represents human beings there-in No expert swimmer can swim the length and breadth of the sea, which represents the world This was lf's message to Abe Who wanted to take the title of Benefactor He was advised to offer gbg He refusedtocomply Behold Abe is dead Abethe Benevolent Abe istrulydead Abethe Benevolent There is nobodythatAbe did not help It is true thatAbe is dead Abe the Benevolent Abe is truly dead Abethe Benevolent Abe is benevolentto outsiders And neverto his blood relations
If advises the person for whom this Od is revealed to be fair to

including his/her blood relatons.
all,
16.
If says that there is the need for the person for whom Ofun-we) is revealed to offer gbg and feed Od in order to bring peace and
tranquility into the home of this peson. If says that if the person for whom this Od is revealed is a woman, t is not advisable for her husband or husband-to-be to marry any other woman beside her. If the husband-to-be is already married, it is not in the man's interest to add this woman to his wives. Doing so can only spell doom and disaster forthe man and the other women in his household.
However, if the person for whom this Od is revealed has already married more than one wife at the same time and this had brought 1174
ll
Olun Meji
problems, there is the need to offer gbg and feed Od in order to return the life of this person to
normal.
If recommends one matured he-goat as gbg. There is also the need to feed Od with one ram and eight snails. On these, OfrlnM3)
says: Qdundun ab'ew pglgntbQ-pelenrbg TetQreg n ablyg gbortdorlgl-gbdorlgl I ba w'etf AdJe I wo Qdndn Ddggbgggba niwqn$e
DlafinOrunmll
Baba lg rfQQrQ-MQdlmqd Tll ggmg Olwu Skoorogble lbg ni wQn nl k w fe
Translation
QdrtndUn leaves are thick to touch Teteregn are long and big in
If you lookatAd.tQ Cactus And look at Qdrndrn leaves They look exactly the same These were If's declarations to QrrlnmIl When going to marryQrQ-MQdlmQdl The offspring of Olwu-$koorogble He was advised to offergbq
apperance leaves
iI
confirmed that she was not an ordinary human being. During her IkgsQdy ceremony, the Awo who were there to perform the rites laid emphasis on the fact that the baby was specially endowed with unique qualities and powers from heaven. She could not, and must not be married to an ordinary person when she grew up to maturity. They named her QrQ-MQdlmgdi, Esoteric words, otherwise known as Od.
1175
QrQ-MQdlmQdi, othenryise known as Od, was a daughter of Olwu $koorogble. From the time her mother was carrying her in her wombs was clear that QrQ-MQdimQdi was not an ordnary creature. When she was born, the events which happened around her and the world over
it
Od was below average in beauty and physical appearance. She was very jealous of other women. At a stage, Od could only be found in the midst of men as a result of her jealousy for her fellow women.
All those around her were convinced that QrQ-MQdlmQdl was endowed with extremely high spiritual and occult powers. She applied these powers to assist her father Olwu Skoorogble to succeed and become great in life. Some other men who approached her for assistance were equally assisted.
When she was matured enough for the marriage market however, many men dreaded her. They knew that they could not withstand her spiritual and occult prowess. That was why her father Olwu $koorogble approached Qrnmll to marry her in accordance with the directive of If during herlkgsQdy that no ordinary man could marry her. Qrnmll consulted If and If gave him the go-ahead to marry her. If however warned him that he must call this woman and ask her to tell him her likes and dislikes before she ever entered his home.
If, Od was invited by Qrnmll for a oneon-one discussion. She asked Qrrfnm'il to meet her in her father's home at a specified date. When they met, she promised Qrnmll that she would assist him to success and greatness. She said that nobody would be able to overcome him. She said that none of his fellow lrnmglQ would be as great as him. She said that she loved being pampered, adored and respected by her husband-to-be. She concluded that she disliked to be seen by other women - as a matter of fact, she would never tolerate being 'seen by any woman on eafth. She laid emphasis on the fact that any woman who dared to see her would meet with terrible consequence.
As a result of this warning from
When she said this, Qrrlnmll told her that he was already married to many women. Consequent upon this, he would need to discuss this with his other wives before he could give her any reply on her likes and dislikes. QrQMQdimQdl agreed with him. Another date was fixed for another round of discussion before Ornmll leftfor his home.
1176
Il Orun uei At home, Qrnmll summoned all his wves and explained to them what had just transpired between him and Od. He told them that Od was uncompromising on the aspect of the fact that no woman must see her. He asked them to tell him their minds if they felt that they could abide by the unusual request of Od; and if not, he would be prepared to call it quit with her. All the women told QrUnmll that there was nothing spectacular with that. They said that since the woman was not prepared to see them or be seen by them, they too were not ready to see her at all. They asked Qrnm)l to go ahead and marry QrQ-MQdimQdi.
When Qnf nmll and Od metagain, he told herthatthere was no problem. Odu told Ornmll to go back home and find out very well. Three times Qrnm'll called his wives to ask them if they were very sure that they would be able to cope with QrQ-MQdimQdl and three times they all said that there was no problem. For this reason, the marriage was contracted. When QrQ-MQdimQqi moved into Ornmll's home, she was given the room at the extreme end of the house. She loved the arrangement and all the other women loved it too. For six months, they lived together without problem. One day however, one of the women in the household of Qrnm)l called the other women and said that it was the height of insult for a woman, the most junior wife for that matte; to order them not to see her and for them to abide by such rule. She said that it was clear that this woman was using a trick on them in order for her to avoid pafticipating in the household
chores. To add pepper to injury they were the ones cooking for
her,
fetching her water, sweeping the compound and washing clothes for her! She claimed that O;nmll had tricked them into accepting the woman's rules. She accused Qrtlnmll of dancing to the tunes of the most junior wife. How could Qrnmll allow this un-see-able woman to be dictating to her seniors in the house? The situation must be addressed and adjusted
accordingly.
Some of the other wives conceded that there was a marked improvement in their lives in the little period that Od entered into the home. They felt that such could be considered before taking any decision against the woman.
1177
And so what?, the other woman screamed. Was that enough for her to be the one calling the shots in the house? She must be put in her proper place, she declared. One of them suggested that they must confront Orrlnmll and ask him to find solution to the issue. Three other women said that Qrnmll could do nothing because his head was permanently in the woman's armpit. The woman, Od was the one controlling even Qrnmll himself! If there was going to be any solution, it must be found by the women. That was how they all concluded that they would all go and meet the woman, drag her out of her room and make her to participate in the household chores. If she was dreaded by her husband, they had no fear for her whatsoever, they all concluded. Because QrQ-MQdlmQdi was living in the room at the extreme end of the house, the place was always dark. They went to look for lamps which they would light to see her in her room since she was living in the dark ever since she arrived in that house. The eldest wife told all the other women to bring out their lamps in their rooms. They did. She declared that they must drag QrQ-MQdimQdi out that very day to expose her. Yes! they all chorused, on4 off they went.
They burst into her room with their lamps on; they focused the lamps on her face. What they saw was unspeakable and indescribable. At that very instant, they all collapsed, fell and dropped dead!
When Qrnm'il arrived home, he sensed something terrible
had
happened, he could not find any of his wives. He called on them and there was nobody to answer. QrQ-MQdimQdl did not leave her room. Qrrrnm)la moved inside only to find the corpses of the women piled upon one another by the door of QrQ-MQdlmQdl. When he realised that they were all dead, grief overwhelmed him. He shouted and accused QrQ-MQdlmOdi of introducing agony into his home, saying:
QrQ n o b g pln'hn
fin'k pln'hnfrn Qrqnobg
QrQ n O b g pln'hn firn kll gbn
janjan
1178
Il
oru, u"
Translation
Qrq,I did notenter nto covenantwith you fordeath Neitherdid I bargain foraffliction And I did not agree for my home to be set on fire
When QrQ-MQdlmQdlheard this, she simply responded thus:

L'Otq lo O b mi Pln'hn fn'k Ootq loo b mi pf n'hn f'rn AmQ g o O b mi pln'hn fitn k gb'n wo ni o!
Translation
true that you did not enter into covenant with me for death And you did not bargain for affliction But you also did not tell me that light would be brought to look at my face!
It
is
This was how Onlnmll knew that the women in his household were the ones who brought lamps to Od's room to look at her face in defiance. This was what provoked herto strike them down.
Qdrndun ab'ew plntb-plenrbq TQtQregn ablyg gbodorlgl-gbdorlgl ! ba w'etl AdJe
'
$woQdndn Ddggbgggba niwn ge Dl filn Orrnmlla Baba lg rfQrg-MQdlmQdl Tll ggmg Olwu $koorogble Ebq ni wqn nl k w ge je Qrq n b g pln'hn fn'kr ArQnObg pln'hrnf'rn QrQ n O b g pln'hn fitn kll gbn janjan QrQ nl l'oto Io o b mi pln'hn fin'k Ootq Io o b mi pln'hn frn AmQ S o o b mi pln'hn fn k gb'n wo ni o!
Translation
Odrlndrln leaves are thick to touch
TQtQrQgfl are long and big in appearance
If you lookatAdgtQ. Cactus leaves
1179
And look at Qdndn leaves They look exactlythe same These were If's declarations to Orrlnmll When going to marry QrQ-MQdlmQdl The offspring of Olwu-$koorogble He was advised to offer ebo Qrnmll began to sing and his song became a song of lamentation, He said, QrQ, I did notenter into covenantwith you fordeath Neither, did I bargain forafflictions And I did not agree for my home to be set on fire QrQ responded that truly, you did not enter into covenant with me for death And you did not bargain for afflictions But you also did not told me that light would be brought to look at my face
!
If says that no matter what happens no woman must be allowed to see or possess Od. It was Od herself, a fellow woman, who decreed against being seen by any woman.
Abgru Aboy
1180
ill
o,un
r",
B.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OF('N MEJI FOR THOSE BORN BY THE OD DURING IKOSEOAVE ORTTELO
Ofun Mil children are born leaders. They attain leadership positions from their youth. Their influence spread far and wide. Wth this influence, they
become great as leaders and they acquire unlimited success and influence. Their influence stems from the fact that they act as pathfinders for their colleagues, families and communities in general. The position they normally occupy in the community can only be compared to the position that the eyes occupy in the body. Without the eyes, vision is inhibited.
With hope and hard work, there is nothing that Ofun Mjl children lost which cannot be regained in several folds. Their nature is such that as one oppoftunity closes, several others leading to the same goal will open. They will therefore be able to regain what they lost from several angles. To Ofun Mil, as long as there is life, there is hope; as long as there is hope, there
are boundless oppounities to succeed and become great.
Even though Qrangun Mil children do occupyvery high positions in their lives, it is however possible that their own children will take over that same position from them even when they are still alive. It is in the best interest to vacate the position peacefully in good faith instead of creating unnecessary
bad blood. These children will however be greater than their parents who are Ofun Mjl children. The children's greatness shall surpass that of their father's in everydepaftmentof life.
For Ofun Mil children, long life is possibility. They have the grace to live long enough to witness the birth and growth of their grand children. They are not destined to die young.
It is an established fact that Ofun Mjl children are pure hearted, kind and considerate. They believe in justice, fair play and decorum. In spite of
these sterling qualities, they are hated and despised. Three major reasons are usually responsible for this: one, as kind heafted as they are, they always do good to outsiders at expense of their own blood relations who
1181
Ifa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultation
normally do not have impact of kind-heaftednessi two, when they do good for others, it is almost always done in half without completing the assstance for the persons who need their help; three, as a result of his good fortune and the prominent positions they occupy in life, there are bound to the envious people who wish to bring them down at all costs. If these three points are properly addressed and welltaken care of, then most
of the problems facing'OfUn Mjl children can be solved.
Wth appropriate ebo, If will switch public opinion from negative to positive for
them.
emanates from Oldmar Himself if they display a high degree of humility and level-headedness. These are the two qualities, which they have, in very short supply. They however need to cultivate this habit and ensure that they show genuine love and respect for people, no matter how low their status may be in the society. They also need to show greater love for those who had approached them for help.
QrangUn Mjl children increase their blessings and favour which
Ofin Mjl male children have the weakness of toying with their personal hygiene. They do not care much about the way they appear or how neat
their environment is. This they need to put into consideration. Thy also need to appear neat, smell nice and lookgorgeousatalltimes. If this is not done, Ofun MT male children lose their clients, wives, respect, prestige and home. At the same time, there is the need for these children to avoid doing anything that will put their morality into question. They must avoid disgracing themselves where they are highly respected especially on moralissues.
For Qrngn Mjl female children, it is in their best interest never to marry or have any love relationship with any man who is already married. They must never agree to be a second wife. If this is not taken seriously, the consequence will be bad both for them and their love ones who are emotionally attached to them.
c.
1.
AFFTLTATED TRUNMOLE/ORTSA OF If - for all ire in life and longevity

1182
or(ln
MEJI
ltl
2. Od - for overall success and victory 3. Orl - for consummated foftune 4. EgU Odar- for general well being and victory 5. Qbtl - for success, children and prosperity 6. Obalaye ($Onpnna) for general well being 7. Olkun - for financial success 8. Ogun - for joy and victory 9. Fgb - for comradeship and leadership D.
orun uej
TABOOS OF OFN MEJI Must not be avaricious - to avoid humiliation disgrace and unconsummated foftune Must never eat or sell kra to avoid contention with elders of the Night Must never be arrogant to avoid disgrace and unconsummated foftune Must never use IrkQ made with brass to avoid lack of respect within the household Must never use wall-gecko and chameleon for anything unconsummated foftune Must never marry two wives into the same house to avoid matrimonial disaster Must never appear drty and unkempt to avoid unconsummated foftune Must never think, speak or do evil to avoid loss of respect and unconsummated foftune.
E.
POSSIBLE NAMES OF OTN
ME'I CHILDREN
Males
1. Ajylmk- Wealth surrounds me 2. Awolgl - Honour belongs to an Awo 3. Adygrl - The crown befits the head 4. Adtut - The crown is comfoftable
1183

Ifa Dida Volume 1 Meji Popoola

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Descrição original:

Título original

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Ifa Dida Volume 1 Meji Popoola

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

i'l

An Invitation to lfa givination

Copyright @ 2008 by : A5fn Media LLp

Cover designed by: Fknl Oysny & Kori lflj

Publicist Alawoye Productions

circulation coordinator: Apfn Media LLp eMail : publisher@asefin.net

|SBN: 978-0-981001 3-L:9.; .'

thei;rdil ;H neo ; irrey ni.r, series

Kf bj+_beje ma be j nf$ K.y." _Ia tun ge Uq t,qitn

Let the Spoilers continue to spoil things in

w31e bgth fishtins for supremacy They were advised to oergog

As from that moment hencefofth, the potentials of AbQrQ, the Needle,

Andlwfl swings sideways without

Letter from the Publisher

eMail : oublisher@asefin.net UK Office: 020-8144-5005 www.Asefin-Media.com

507 567 661

Alas, If what have I done To deserue their malice?

jgma rl'raawa K'Arn m pa gnit Trtgb'erolka

Iwofi-Ww (Iwii-QSe), If says:

Alias: Efi OnflQ, Ogb Mji

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consuttation

consultation. These Awo were also QrrJnmlla's ex-students. They

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

ArQQ-ree-rQQ Qtqqtq ta kq't Qtqqtqq t gb'nrf u rQ 9gbQn t a f k'l K t yi ta fii gb'nrt u rg

lf says that he/she is presently experencng some

f uttt j fy lu'tQ tf filn YyAlS-tI{e

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

AbfnOkun Qmg q woIdelrae

fatherAgbgnnlrgrln They were advised to offer fibg

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation

ffa Dda: An invitation to lfa Consultation

On the sixth day, Egu Odara

OOrrn-Un rnrn-nrn r'etl Q$sa lg ree wQ

Efuufu gba'ko, gb 5 gbQyln okun lg o Dl filn Aj

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

Mjg tl wqn nlg r wQ sil Qrunmll bara mi

Nljq q r wq sll Qrrrnmll, bara a

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

ofilew, his proposed wife, had equally gone elsewhere for If

If says that the relationship shall be blessed with happiness and

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

9mq at'erun l, gb'gb Aj ka'rl w'y

Ejeell Dl fin $e-Eild T f yln tl m'jrl gkn srhn t'gmg

rf ld eta Mo l di ta Ikorita meta abldl yakt-yakata

lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultaton

Dla fun TamllQrg Tff ge gmgknrin lta

fitn flgrlnmagba 9mg atako l9l99lg gegun

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

Ir gbogbo l flr j'etl

B'ArQs b g'oro A kTje

ii fin Oljel aS'qte T be l'arln oJ Tt foiooirmg kg'mn ogun

Fvln iq Mo ti g'awo egbiq g t'mi

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

market. All his effofts to

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation

Translation If says'tit is now ten" I chorus that "it is now ten"

K ekejl reg t'qrun Ie d ohun rere le I'QwQ

9mqonlwgnran If ltn diljl

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton

"Gently, easy, he who is fresh and lovely