IFÁ OF THE YEAR 2025-2026 FROM OKE-ITASE, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
OTURUPONMEJI ALSO KNOWN AS OLOGBONMEJI
Eriwo Ya!!!
In the name of Olodumare, Orunmila, and all the Orisa, we greet everybody throughout the
globe. We also extend the greetings of His Eminence Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, the
Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye (the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Araba/Oluwo, the Pillar of
the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR)) to you all in this season of the World Ifa
Festival. With the combined efforts of Board of Ethics and Scripture and the Council of Elders of
ICIR, we are hereby presenting verses of the Ifa of the year recited with inspiration by the priests
on the mat in the early hours of Sunday, 8th June, 2025, which stands as the first day of the year
in Ifa Calendar System.
The Odu Ifa that came out for this year is OTURUPONMEJI (OTURUPON on the right and
OTURUPON on the left), also known as OLOGBONMEJI.
The Odu came with Ire Aiku (Longevity), and to attain this, ebo is recommended.
Ifa Priests from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, the Republic of Togo, Brazil, Trinidad and
Tobago, Mexico, the United States of America, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Panama, Britain,
Switzerland, Germany, Ghana, Sweden, Italy, and France made their contributions.
The verses of Oturuponmeji recited with their narratives are as follows:
1. PROSPERITY
i.Appeasement of Ori and Ifa is very important for devotees throughout this year. Ifa says people
should call upon their Ori for blessings and call upon Ifa to help appeal to their Ori. It is
necessary to note that while Ifa can appeal to Ori, receiving blessings depends on one’s Ori. Ifa
says people who are appeasing their Ori regularly will be receiving multiple blessings.
Ebo should be made with 2 rats, 2 fish, 2 hens, honey, gin, 2 pigeons and kola nuts. After the
ebo, Ifa and Ori will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
Gungigungi kan o gungi koja ewe
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo sode orun
Baba n lo ree gbe apo ori wale aye
Bi eniyan ba la la la, to ba laje meji loojo
Won a ni Ifa rere lo bi oluware
Ifa ko; Ori ni
Ori lo n se eyiun, Ifa ko
Bi eniyan ba la la la, to ba laya meji loojo
Won a ni Ifa rere lo bi oluware
Ifa ko; Ori ni
Ori lo n se eyiun, Ifa ko
Bi eniyan ba la la la, to ba bimo meji loojo
Won a ni Ifa rere lo bi oluware
Ifa ko; Ori ni
Ori lo n se eyiun, Ifa ko
Bi eniyan ba la la la, to ba nire meji loojo
Won a ni Ifa rere lo bi oluware
Ifa ko; Ori ni
Ori lo n se eyiun, Ifa ko
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
He was going to the celestial realm
He was going to bring Ori’s doctrine
If one is blessed with two sources of income in a day
People will say he has good Ifa
It isn’t Ifa; It is Ori
It is Ori that does that, it is not Ifa
If one is blessed with two wives in a day
People will say he has good Ifa
It isn’t Ifa; It is Ori
It is Ori that does that, it is not Ifa
If one is blessed with two children in a day
People will say he has good Ifa
It isn’t Ifa; It is Ori
It is Ori that does that, it is not Ifa
If one is blessed with two fortunes in a day
People will say he has good Ifa
It isn’t Ifa; It is Ori
It is Ori that does that, it is not Ifa
ii.
Ifa says people should appease their Ese, Legs, so that the legs always direct them to the right
place. Ebo is needed to guide against any kind of problems with the legs. These problems with
Legs range from experiencing a delay in getting to the spot of fortune, leaving the spot before
fortune arrives, and experiencing an accident.
Ebo should be made with 4 pigeons, honey, gin, kola nuts, and money. After the ebo, each foot
will be appeased with a pigeon and a kola nut. On this, Ifa says:
Opebe awo ese
A difa fun ese
To n torun bo waye
Enikan kii gbimoran ko yo tese sile
Opebe, the Awo of the leg
Cast Ifa for the Leg when coming from Heaven to the earth
Here comes Opebe, the Awo of the leg
Nobody can execute any plan without the leg
iii.
It is very necessary to note that we need support from people to achieve greatness. We should
look for people’s favor. It is necessary to maintain a good relationship with our fellow human
beings. Ifa says the fortunes we are looking for are with our fellow human beings. We must be
friendly with people so that they release unto us the blessings and favors within their capacity.
Ebo should be made with 4 pigeons, honey, gin, kola nuts, money, and palm oil. On this, Ifa
says:
Ologbon ni o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye eepe ile
Arinnaka ni o rin debi ile gbe pekun
Gungigungi o gungi ko re koja ewe
A difa fun orunmila
Baba n sawo relu Aanu
Aje lo wu mi o
Eyin eniyan! E saanu mi! Eyin eniyan!
Aya lo wu mi o
Eyin eniyan! E saanu mi! Eyin eniyan!
Omo lo wu mi o
Eyin eniyan! E saanu mi! Eyin eniyan!
Ire gbogbo lo wu mi o
Eyin eniyan! E saanu mi! Eyin eniyan!
Ero Ipo tofa, ire gbogbo way a de tuturu
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
When he was going to the city of Aanu (Favor)
It is money that I need
Fellow human beings! Kindly have compassion for me! Fellow human beings!
It is wife that I need
Fellow human beings! Kindly have compassion for me! Fellow human beings!
It is children that I need
Fellow human beings! Kindly have compassion for me! Fellow human beings!
It is all the fortunes that I need
Fellow human beings! Kindly have compassion for me! Fellow human beings!
Before long, all fortunes come in abundance
iv.
Ifa says people should appreciate their benefactors. Spiritual children should refrain from
abandoning their spiritual fathers and mothers. Ifa says, many people are experiencing
difficulties because they have forgotten their benefactors. People should retrace their steps and
go back to the home where they were initiated. Also, people who are successful should
remember the priests who were there for them when they were struggling. Ifa also says each
home, shrine, or temple should invite back their old priests who have not been seen in the
programs of such homes, shrines, or temples. Ifa says that in some homes, shrines, or temples
where they are not recording success, they should know that somebody who was very
resourceful to them has been forgotten. There is a need for the presence of such a person in their
activities for success. Also, people who are advised for Ifa initiations should see this year as the
best time. On this, Ifa says:
Alapandede lo fo soke
Ko kan omi
Ko kan oke
A difa fun Okitibaba
Ti i se omoye Olu-Igbo
Okitibaba iwo lo lare o
Awa te eyi tan o
Ka tun le te omiran
Okitibaba iwo lo lare
The sparrow flies up
It does not touch the water
It does not touch the hill
Cast Ifa for Okitibaba
A prince of Olu-Igbo
Okitibaba, you are right
We have finished this initiation
Let us have the grace to do another initiation
Okitibaba, you are right
v.
Ifa says each person should appease Ifa with honey. And throughout the year, we should always
add honey to the items whenever we want to appease Ifa. This is necessary because of the
despisers who may want to backbite and blackmail them out of envy. On this, Ifa says:
Oturupon meji e ni ko ponmo rere
A difa fun Ganniganni
Ti yoo maa sowo ganniganni kale aye
Owo ti mo ni le n gan mi si o
Ganniganni!
Egan o pe koyin ma dun.
Ganniganni!
Oturupon meji e ni ko ponmo rere
Cast Ifa for Ganniganni
Who will be despising people in the world
It is money that I have that you are despising me
Oh you despiser!
Your disposal does not stop honey from being sweet
Oh you despiser!
2. ACHIEVEMENT OF GOALS
i.
Ifa says everybody should recognize the imperfection on the part of human beings. For our goals
to be achieved, we must admit that we are not perfect. Arrogance should be done away with.
People in positions of authority should give proper recognition to their predecessors and consult
the latter when it is necessary. Let us not forget our mentors and visit them for necessary advice.
Our traditional rulers need to call upon the past rulers and give proper veneration to them. In
order to record success in our endeavors, homage to our ancestors is very important whenever we
lay our hands on anything. Ifa says there are many rituals that we could not get properly again.
However, Ifa says giving reverence to the ancestors will straighten the rituals, whether it is
properly performed or not. There is a need to appease Egungun, the ancestors with a ram/he-
goat/cock, gin, kola nuts, money, pap and kola nuts. On this, Ifa says:
Pepe lawo ile
Otita lawo ale oja
Alapandede lo kole tan
Lo koju re si odoodoo
A difa fun Oyepolu
Omo Isoro nife
Baba re fi sile ku lenjelenje
Iya re fi sile ni rewerewe
Oyepolu ko mo dida owo
Oyepolu ko mo otite ale
Oyepolu ko mo okaara ebo ni hiha
Won wa ko ohun oro sile
O bu puru si ekun
O ni bi omi ni won koko ta sile oun o mo
Isoro orun, e wa bani toro yii so
O ni bi oti ni won koko ta sile oun o mo
Isoro orun, e wa bani toro yii se
Pepe is the home awo
Otita is the awo in the market
When sparrow makes its nest
It makes its face neither horizontal nor vertical
Cast Ifa for Oyepolu
A child of the chief priest of Ife
His father died when he was a kid
His mother died when he was a kid
Oyepolu hadn’t learn how to cast Ifa
Oyepolu hadn’t learnt how to imprint the odu on Ifa tray
Oyepolu hadn’t learnt how to make ebo
They invited him to make an appeasement
He started crying
He said, “if water is to be poured down first,” I do not know
Oh you past priests! Come and help me perfect this ritual
He said, “if gin is to be poured down first,” I do not know
Oh you past priests! Come and help me perfect this ritual.
ii.
Ifa says we should always heed advice. Some people think they are wise while they are not.
People should relate with people without arrogance or seeing themselves as an island of wisdom.
Ifa says, failure to heed to advice will lead to regret. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
Gungigungi kan o gungi koja ewe
A difa fun Alabahun Ajapa
To n ko gbogbo ogbon ile aye gun ori igi lo ree ko
Nje ogbon ti Ahun gbon
Eyin ni fi n to Igbin
Ogbon o tan laye
Ogbon ku leyin
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Ifa’s revelation to Alabahun, the tortoise
When he gathered all the wisdom of the world and wanted to hide them on a tree
So, no matter the degree of wisdom of Alabahun, the tortoise
He cannot withstand the wisdom of Igbin, the snail
Wisdom can never be exhausted
There will always be more wisdom to explore
3. VICTORY
i.
Enemies are abound. Ifa assures us of overcoming the enemies. Ebo is needed for this. With the
ebo, the enemies will be overpowered. Ebo will be made with a he-goat/3 cocks, a big rat, palm
oil, money, gin, corn meal, soap and Ifa leaves including segunsete. After the ebo, the Ifa leaves
will be used to prepare soap for the person to bathe. On this, Ifa says:
Bi oti ba kunna ni akunju a maa pani
Bi oogun ba po lapo ju a yani ni were
Bi a ba loba ni aniju iwin ni mo sinni
A difa fun Osanyin Baawe
Ti yoo segun ota re
Owo bewe segunsete temi
Ma se won logun
Maa sewon lote
When one takes too much alcohol, one becomes intoxicated
If one uses too many charms, one becomes insane
If one has too much authority, one becomes unreasonably authoritative
Ifa message to Osanyin Baawe
Who would overcome his enemies
Here is segunsete leaves
I will surely win the war
I will surely overcome the conspiracy
ii.
Also, to overcome enemies of progress, there is need for us to appease Ile, the mother earth
represented by Orisa Edan. The items of sacrifice include 3 cocks, 3 hens, 3 snails, 3 pigeons,
gin, 3 kola nuts, 3 bitter kola and 3 alligator pepper. After the ebo, Edan will be appeased. On
this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
Gungigungi kan o gungi koja ewe
A difa fun Orunmila, Opitan
Baba n be laarin ota
Ebo ni won ni o se
O sigbebo nibe o rubo
Okunrin nib a n ba wa sota
Ile pe e, ile pe e rere
Obirin nib a n ba wa sota
Ile pe e, ile pe e rere
Gbogbo eni ti ba n ba wa sota
Ile pe e, ile pe e rere
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Ifa message to Orunmila, the historian
When he was amidst enemies
He was asked to make ebo
He complied
If it is a man that is waging war against us
Ile, the mother earth, should swallow him
If it is a woman who is waging war against us
Ile, the mother earth, should swallow him
Anybody who is waging war against us
Ile, the mother earth should swallow the person
4. HERITAGE PRESERVATION
i.
People should call upon the Orisa of their forefathers, and people who are told to get initiated
into Ifa should not delay it this year. Ifa says there will be a lot of blessings for the Ifa initiates.
Everybody must appease his/her Ifa with a goat. On this, Ifa says:
Olunraga
Olunrege
Yeye agbe lo laro
Yeye aluko lo losun
A difa fun Kuegbe, omo Morere nife o
Morere, Ifa ni oo gbe Kuegbe fun mi
Olunraga
Olunrege
The mother of Agbe, the blue touraco bird, makes dye
The mother of Aluko, the pink touraco bird, makes camwood
Cast Ifa for Kuegbe, the child of Morere in Ife
Morere, it is Ifa that will bless Kuegbe for us
ii.
Ifa says people should stop syncretizing Ifa with alien practices. People should stop bowing to
the gods of the strangers and stay within the spirituality of the Oduduwa race. Ifa says many are
not having peace of mind, and they are experiencing calamity upon calamity because they have
abandoned their heritage. People who are in foreign faiths should revert to the Oduduwa
indigenous faith for the comfort of life and peace of mind. On this, Ifa says:
Oku ku oku di eegun
Okunrun gidigba lo ti ba ohun irahun wole lo
A difa fun Aweremegun
Ti won bi loroloro
Ti won bi lopalopa
To se tan to loun o bo Egungun baba oun mo
To se tan to loun o bo Orisa baba oun mo
Aweremegun, ojo ti o ba fori bale fun baba onibaba logun mu e
When one dies he/she become an ancestor
Okunrun gidigba lo ti ba ohun irahun wole lo
Ifa message to Aweremegun
Who was born into a family where indigenous practice is prominent
Who was born into a family where Orisa practice is prominent
Who later turned against his ancestors
Who later turned against his ancestral Orisa
Aweremegun, the day you bow down for another person’s ancestor, you are doomed
iii.
There is need to give due respect to the Babalawo in the community, no matter the age. Orunmila
says that every Babalawo is a representative of him, and people should give the honor that they
would give to Orunmila to every Babalawo. Also, Ifa says that all Babalawo should respect their
position and play the fatherly role they are expected to play in the community. Oturuponmeji
also advises that men should be responsible and take good care of their children. This is
necessary so that they will have responsible children to survive them. Ifa advises that men who
have children outside should not allow the children to suffer neglect or leave only the mothers to
bear the burdens of taking care of the children. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
A difa fun Orunmila
Yoo bimo yoo so gbogbo won ni baba
Eni e ri e pe ni baba
Orunmila rele Olokun ko de
Eni e ri e pe ni baba
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he would give birth to children and name all of them Baba, Father
Whoever you see, you can call Baba
Orunmila has gone to Olokun’s abode without return
Whoever you see can be called Baba
iv.
Ifa says that the devotees of Ifa have two major enemies. The enemies are trying to destroy them.
However, Ifa has promised that no matter the degree of threat, devotees of Ifa can never be
overpowered by their enemies. Ifa says that devotees of Ifa will soon be congratulated.
Ebo will be made with 2 he-goats/cocks, palm oil, money, kola nuts and palm oil. On this, Ifa
says:
Ajalu yekeyekeyeke
A difa fun Epon
Lojo to n be laarin ota
Itan otun, ota epon ni
Itan osi, ota epon ni
Eyin o mo pe ewu lo n wu epon
Epon kii fo
Ajalu yekeyekeyeke
Cast Ifa for Epon, the Scrotum
When it was amidst enemies
Right thigh is an enemy of Epon
Left thigh is an enemy of Epon
Don’t you know that Epon always encounter danger
Epon, the Scrotum cannot burst
5. PROTECTION AND SECURITY OF LIVES
i.
Ifa says people need to make ebo to escape dangers. Also, there is a need to make ebo for people
who are in captivity to escape or be rescued. Ebo is to be made with a he-goat/cock, a big rat,
palm oil, solid pap, money, gin and kola nuts. On this, Ifa says:
Kudukudukudu awo Meji-Jolo
A difa fun Meji-jolo to n torun bo waye
Ebo ni won ni o se
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Ewu ni wu epon
Epon kii fo
E ba mi ki epon pe o ku ewu
Kudukudukudu the priest Meji-Jolo
Cast Ifa for Meji-Jolo, the scrotum, when coming to the earth
It was asked to make ebo
It complied
Epon always encounters danger
Epon cannot burst
Let us greet Epon and congratulate it
ii.
Ologbonmeji is warning people to be vigilant. We should not trust people. The powerful people
should refrain from torturing or killing the powerless. Ifa says hidden murderers will be exposed
and people will escape assassination. There is a need to make ebo with 3 cocks, a long stick,
needles and hammer. The story is about Ekun, the Leopard, who was planning to kill Ifadeere.
The Leopard pretended that it had died, and they invited Ifadeere to come and do the funeral
rites. Ifadeere went for divination and was told to be careful. Ifadeere got there and did as the
Babalawo told him. That was why it escaped the trap set by the Leopard. After the ebo, Ogun
will be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon ni soro ologbon
Amokisi ni soro ekun
ijalakesi mo ki e
ijalakesi mo je e
mo je o ye
mo je o gbo
A difa fun Ekun
A lukin fun Ifadeere
Gidi mo kan
Jaarajaara
Ekun kin lo wa sun?
Jaarajaara!
Aawe ta lo wa gba?
Jaarajaara!
Oro ta lo wa se?
Jaarajaara!
Ekun Ekun ni mow a sun
Jaarajaara!
Aawe Ekun ni mo wa gba
Jaarajaara!
Oro Ekun mow a se
Jaarajaara!
O ba wole o sunkun
Jaarajaara
O ba wole o gbaawe
Jaarajaara!
O ba wole o saro
Jaarajaara!
Ekun ibobo lo wa sun
Ibobo lo ya aso
Bo ibi oo ro
Keni tete dele
Keni pajuba lawusa
Jaarajaara!
The sages do funeral rites of their fellow sages
The cheetah do funeral rites of the leopards
Ijalakesi, I greet you
Ijalakesi, I answer you
I answer you to survive
I answer you to live long
Ifa revelation to Ekun, the Leopard
Ifa revelation to Ifadeere
I knocked the door
Jaarajaara
Who have you come to weep for?
Jaarajaara
Who have you come to mourn?
Jaarajaara
Whose funeral rite have you come to perform?
jaarajaara
I have come to weep for Ekun, the Leopard
Jaarajaara!
I have come to mourn Ekun, the Leopard
Jaarajaara!
I have come to perform the funeral rite of Ekun, the Leopard
Jaarajaara!
Come inside to weep
Jaarajaara
Come inside to mourn
Jaarajaara!
Come inside to perform the funeral rite
Jaarajaara!
It is your brother you have come to mourn
Your brother is dead
Enter to perform the ritual
So that you return home in time
So that you go home to face your own farming work
Jaarajaara
iii.
Ifa warns us against betraying our brothers. Every betrayer, traitor and mischievous individual
will fall into the traps set by himself/herself. Ifa says evil people who constitute a danger will be
exposed in the community. On this, Ifa says:
Awa ara wa la oo soro ara wa
A difa fun Ifadeere
To n lo soro Ekun ninu igbo
O ku ni tabi ko ku o
E wo Ekun eran odale
Friends mourn each other
Ifa revelation to Ifadeere
When going to do funeral rites of Ekun in the forest
Whether he dies or not
Look at Ekun, a mischievous animal
iv.
Ifa says people who have foster children need to make ebo. They also need to be very careful in
their dealings with the foster children. Ifa warns that people should seek divine guidance before
going into adopting children whose parents are not relatives to them to avoid fight. Ebo will be
made with 3 cocks/a he-goat, a big rat, palm oil, money and gin. On this, Ifa says:
Oturuponmeji
A difa fun Pepe
Pepe n lo gba omo Aja to
Eniyan to gbebo nibe ko rubo
Oturuponmeji
Cast Ifa for Pepe
When Pepe wanted to adopt the child of Aja as a foster child
Whoever heard the prescribed ebo should comply
6. ECONOMY
i.
Ifa says for the economic growth of the land, people should invest more in farming. Farming will
yield great profit. People with other professions should consider combining farming with their
professions. Ifa advises that people should consider using the portion of land in sixteens, like
sixteen plots or acres, in order to have a good harvest and profit. Ebo should be made with 8
pigeons, gin, honey, money, palm oil, corn meal, and kola nuts. On this, Ifa says:
Ma ki mi mo inu re ko dara
Adin re ko sunwon
Adeleeba losi awo
Ataamu losi ode
Arokoobodunde losi awon agbe
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba n lo ree dako ni perepere odo
Won ni ori ebe kerindinlogun ni yoo ti he ire wale
Awo n ree gbin eebu ojo
Kawo o la lo dara
Awo gbin owo loni
Awo gbin eebu ojo
Awo gbin owo o
Do not greet me again, you do not have a clean mind
Your attitude is bad
Not to meet an Awo at home makes the awo poor
Missing targets makes a hunter wretched
Poor harvest makes a farmer bankrupt
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to cultivate farm besides the river
He was told that he would come across fortunes on the sixteenth heap
A priest is going to plant yam tubers during the raining season
Getting good harvest should be the result
Awo, the priest has planted money today
Awo, the priest has planted yam tuber in the raining season
Awo, the priest has planted money
ii.
People who are into agriculture and those who are planning to move from another profession to
agriculture should make ebo to have a good harvest. Ifa says they should be ready to employ any
available modern technology for better harvest and production. On this, Ifa says:
Ogbon inu ologbon ni ologbon fi n jeun
Osiwere eniyan ni ko mo imoran ara re gba
A difa fun Orunmila
Baba fe lo mu ile budo
Ero Ipo tofa e wa bani ni wowo ire
The wise person’s means of livelihood is his wisdom
A stupid person cannot maintain his/her own life
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When he was going to have a new settlement
All and sundry, come and meet us amidst fortunes
iii.
Ifa says people should learn to associate with people who are more knowledgeable than they are.
And people who have left brilliant people should try to make friends with them again. The
leaders and policymakers should not leave experts in each field behind in the process of making
policies. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
Gungigungi kan o gungi koja ewe
A difa fun Irunwo Irunmole ojukotun
A bu fun Igba Irunmole ojukosi
Lojo ti won ni awon o ni ba Orunmila se mo
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Ifa revelation to the four hundred Imole on the right side
Ifa revelation also to the two hundred Imole on the left side
When they said they would not relate with Orunmila any longer
7. MARITAL ISSUE
Ifa says couples should be serious in their affairs and dealings. The wife should not make jest of
the husband whenever the husband is serious. Also, Ifá says the wives need to stay away from
too much play, even at home, let alone with people outside. This is because too much play,
unnecessary familiarities, and unethical laughter will lead to a domestic crisis and might destroy
relationships. On this, Ifa says:
Ka segi nigbo
Ka ru ni ibu wolu
A difa fun Ejioturu
Baba n lo soko Erin
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gbebo bee ni ko ru
Egba aisebo aisetutu
E o rifa ojounni bi ti n se
Cutting wood in the forest
And carrying it horizontally to the town
Revelation of Ifa to Ejioturu
When going to marry Erin (Laughter) as a wife
He was advised to make ebo
He refused to make the ebo
Refusal to make the ebo and etutu
See the unfavorable impact
8. CHILDBEARING
Ifa says barren couples will become parents. Ebo is needed with two rats, two fish, two hens, two
wooden spoons, palm oil, money, gin, solid corn meal and two kola nuts. After the ebo, Ifa will
be appeased. On this, Ifa says:
Eegun ni n gbenu aso difa
Orisa ni n gbenu ala dibo
A difa fun Otu
Lojo to n moju ekun sogbere omo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O si gbebo nibe o rubo
Igba Otu ru ipon meji nire omo de
It is the Egungun who cast Ifa while inside the mantle
It is Orisa who wears white cloth while clenching the Ifa determinants
Ifa revelation to Otu
When longing for children
He was advised to make ebo
He complied
It was when Otu made ebo with two wooden spoons that she became parent
9. RULERS AND LEADERS
i.
Ifa says ire aiku, long life for our traditional rulers and leaders. To actualize the blessing of
longevity, ebo should be made with a he-goat, a cutlass, a big rat, palm oil, money, gin, and pap.
On this, Ifa says:
A gegi nigbo, igi ye
A difa fun Erinmodo
Ti yoo joba Igi ninu igbo
Erinmodo oba Igi
Edumare ma je ki Erinmodo o le wo
Erinmodo oba Igi
A gegi nigbo, igi ye
Cast Ifa for Erinmodo
Who will be the king of the trees in the forest
Erinmodo, the king among the trees
Edumare, do not ever let Erinmodo fall
Erinmodo, the king among the trees
ii.
Ifa says people need to be of good character. They must not be too harsh so that they will not
become infamous. People in a position of authority should be accessible to their subjects. Ifa is
saying that some leaders, traditional rulers, and even family heads are of bad character. If they
continue like that, their subjects will turn against them, and that will subject them to disrespect
and ridicule. On this, Ifa says:
Ogbon ni pe ko to ranni
Were kii gbe ran omo eniyan
A difa fun Otonporo
Ti se omo iya Ere
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
O gbebo bee ni ko ru
Otonporo, o ba pawa re da
Ko le lomo leyin bi ere
It takes time for one to learn wisdom from the wise
Stupidity infects people quickly
Revelation of Ifa to Otonporo
Who was a sibling of Ere
He was advised to make Ebo
He refused
Otonporo, change your character
So that you can have followers like Ere
10. EDUCATION
I.
Ifa says people should take the acquisition of knowledge seriously. Education should be given
priority. People should not hesitate to dedicate their time and spend money on education.
Education and the acquisition of knowledge are needed to tackle the challenges of the world. Ifa
says people will be rewarded based on merit this year. For one to be successful, there is a need
for hard work and dedication. On this, Ifa says:
Ologbon kan o ta koko omi seti aso
Omoran o moye erupe ile
Arinnaka o rinna debi ona gbe pekun
A difa fun Orunmila
Nijo ogbon so seti omi, ni Morere-Agbada
Ebo ni won ni ki o se
O si gbebo nibe o rubo
Ero Ipo tofa
E wa bani niwowo ire
N la n bani lese Obarisa
No wise person has the skill to tie water with cloth
No knowledgeable person can know the number of sand grains on the ground
No traveler can reach where the road ends
No tree climber can go beyond the leaves
Ifa revelation to Orunmila
When wisdom was available in the riverine area in Morere-Agbada
He was advised to make ebo
He complied
All and sundry
Come and meet us amidst blessings
In such condition we meet people at the feet of Obarisa
II.
Ifa says people need to focus on the thorough development of their cognitive domain. This will
lead to great achievements. On this, Ifa says;
Orunmila lo di ogbon inu
Ifa mo lo di aaye ikun
O ni ogbon inu kii won orogbo
Orunmila lo di ogbon inu
Ifa mo lo di aaye ikun
O ni ogbon inu kii won orogbo
Orunmila lo di ogbon inu
Ifa mo lo di aaye ikun
O ni ogbon inu kii won ataare
Orunmila lo di ogbon inu
Ifa mo lo di aaye ikun
O ni ona merindinlogun ni ewe oniyenye n pin si
Gbogbo re ni fi lu kara bi ajere
O ni iye awo pegba
Iye awo ko se ona kan
Orunmila says it is a matter of wisdom
I say it is a matter of creating space for acquisition of knowledge
He said wisdom is never absent in the bitter kola
Orunmila says it is a matter of wisdom
I say it is a matter of creating space for acquisition of knowledge
He said wisdom is never absent in the kola nuts
Orunmila says it is a matter of wisdom
I say it is a matter of creating space for acquisition of knowledge
He said wisdom is never absent in the alligator pepper
Orunmila says it is a matter of wisdom
I say it is a matter of creating space for acquisition of knowledge
He said oniyenye leaf has sixteen holes
It absorbs through all holes like a perforated pot
He said an initiate’s retentive ability is be enormous
An initiate’s ability to acquire knowledge is not through a single means
III.
This year, there is a need to make soup for the trainees learning Ifa and students in primary,
secondary and tertiary schools to enhance their retentive ability. Esisi leaves will be used for
soup with a cat fish, cray fish and all ingredients. After cooking, put iyerosun on the opon Ifa and
imprint Oturuponmeji on it. Recite the verse. Add the iyerosun to the soup and eat the soup. On
this, Ifa says:
Eyi belibeli ni omo igun
Eyi belibeli n lomo akala
A difa fun Orunmila opitan
Won ni omo re o ni logbon lori
Ifa ni omo temi a logbon lori
A kii fi iru diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
A kii fi iyo diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
A kii fi epo diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
A kii fi eja diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
A kii fi eran diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
A kii fi ikan diyan obe ko lo
Esisi, Ifa ma je kiye temi o ra
Orunmila le o mo pe enu nla leja nla fi mu omi nibu
Oturuponmeji! Iwo lo logbon aye
Wa ko ogbon si mi ninu
Wa ko aaye simi nikun
The sluggish one is the child of Igun, the vulture
The dullard is the child of Akala, the ground horn bill
Ifa revelation to Orunmila, the historian
They said his child will not have wisdom
Ifa said my own child will have wisdom
We do not add iru, the locust beans to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add pepper to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add salt to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add palm oil to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add fish to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add meat to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
We do not add garden egg to the soup for it to become tasteless
Esisi, Ifa do not let me lose my cognitive domain
Orunmila said don’t you know that a big fish drinks water with big mouth in the river
Oturuponmeji! All wisdoms of the world belong to you
Endow me with wisdom
Endow me with knowledge
TABOOS AND CULTIVATED HABITS OF THE YEAR
Do not practice syncretism
No adoption of a child who is not a relative without guidance from Ifa
Do not despise people
Do not solely enter the room with a sick or dead person
Do not carry the luggage whose contents you do not know
ORISA OF THE YEAR
Egungun
Egbe Orun
Ori
Aje
Esu Odara
Ogun
Ifa
Osanyin
Ile (Edan)
Ibeji
Verses recorded, transcribed, and translated by:
Chief (Dr) Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (President, International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR))
Chief (Dr.) Abiodun Fafolarin Agboola (Ex Officio)
Chief Fakayode Olanipekun (Ex Officio)
Araba Adewale Oso (Chairman, Publication Committee)
Otunba Kehinde Idowu-Fagbohun (Secretary, Festival Organising Committee)
Prince Adeyinka Ojopagogo (Treasurer)
Miss Fabukola Abike Fakayode
Abore Ojoawo Ojerinu Windare
Abore Falekan Adigun Oladosu
Oluwo Fabuluje Fayomi Fakayode (Spanish Translator)
Awoyomi Fakayode (Portuguese Translator)
Oluwo Fatou Abioose Ogougbeyi (French Translator)
