Who is ESU?

Esu is one of the most important Irunmale.  Unlike Christianity or Islam, which portray Esu asLucifer who tricked humanity to commit sin to God by eating the forbidden fruits, Yoruba perceive Esu as assistant of Olodumare.  Oral stories said that when Esu became too powerful in heaven, Olodumaré sent Esu to govern the world.  The traditional Orisa worshippers believe that all of the offerings they make to the Orisas usually end up with Esu. 

The belief is that Esu can open or close the road on someone. Some say that he does both good and bad. He could bring love and harmony and he could also bring misunderstandings and chaos if not appeased.

Esu could be represented with a piece of Stone or “Yangi.” There are some beautiful sculptures of with braids and cowries on them, too.  Even molded concrete with the “ase” herbs in them could be a symbol of Esu, but they are just symbols. The same is true for all the Orisas, the concept of Esu is far more than the symbols. lt is in the Spirits and Faith.

In the Lukumi tradition, Esu is among the four initial Orisa received by the beginners whom they call (Guereros) warriors. The order of the four Orisas are Esu, Ogun, Ososi and a smaller version of Osun staff fiom the Osun that stands in front of Babalawos house.

In the same vein,Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode on ESU:

"Esu is one of the Orisa in IFA Religion. The christians and the Muslims are trying to blackmail Esu by equating him with their own Satan, Ashitani, Devil, demon, Lusiva and other evil doers in their religions respectively. Esuis a very good Orisa like others. The devotees of Esu bear names like Esuyemi, Esukayode, Esubunmi, Esukorede, Esuyomi, Esufunmike,Esufunmilade, Esuwemimo, Esutoosin, esutola, Esujide, Esutunde,Esutunmise, Esurinde, Esufunmilayo and so on. Esu festival is celebrated every year. Esu is eulogized among other praise words as:

Esu laalu
Ogiri oko
Bakere odada
Areyinju legun lo
Ayigbin !
Oba nile Ketu
Egbe leyin elebo
Enini leyin eni-o-koro-Odumare
Esu ma se mi
Ota mi ni ki o se

Esu, the honour of the city
The big and strong stone
Bakere, the instigator
He who possesses eyes that are capable of chasing away bad forces
Ayigbin!
King in the city of Ketu
The support behind those who make sacrifice
The devil behind those who refuses God’s message
Esu, please, do not turn against me
It is my enemy you should turn against

The devotees of Esu use the beads which is called Lagidigba. Esu is an indispensable Orisa for everybody. .Esu is a very great Orisa. Orunmila likes him very well. Esu is very faithful to Orunmila".

Chief Fama also described him(ESU):

Esu, the darling spiritual energy in Orisa Worship, is not the same as the world’s dreaded energy known to most as Satan or Devil. In Orisa Worship,

Esu is an Orisa of peace

Esu is an Orisa of harmony

Esu is the defender of truth

Esu is the strength of the weak

Esu is the protector of the defenseless—the unprotected

Esu is the avenger for evil

Esu is the "Road" opener

Esu is the "Road" blocker against the wicked

Esu is a trusted ally of Orunmila

Esu is a reliable friend of all the Orisas

Esu is a trusted friend of the honest

Esu is a non-compromise; therefore, he cannot be bribed or bought

Esu is not malicious; therefore, he does not take sides.

Below is another panegyric of ESU:

Esu, 
   Divine Messenger, 
Esu Odara, 
   Divine Messenger of Transformation, 
Esu lanlu ogirioko.
   Divine Messenger speak with power.
Okunrin ori ita, 
   Man of the crossroads
A jo langa langa lalu.
   Dance to the drum.
A rin lanja lanja lalu.
   Tickle the toe of the drum.
Ode ibi ija de mole.
   Move beyond strife.
Ija ni otaru ba d'ele ife.
   Strife is contrary to the spirit of Heaven.
To fi de omo won.
   Unite the unsteady feet of weaning children.
Oro Esu to to to akoni.
   The word of the Divine Messenger is always respected.
Ao fi ida re lale.
   We shall use your sword to touch the Earth.
Esu ma se mi o.
   Divine Messenger do not confuse me.
Esu ma se mi o.
   Divine Messenger do not confuse me.
Esu ma se mi o.
   Divine Messenger do not confuse me.
Omo elomiran ni ko lo se.
   Let someone else be confused.
Pa ado asubi da.
   Turn my suffering around.
No ado asure si wa.
   Give me the blessing of the calabash.
Ase.
   So be it.