World Ifa Festival & Pilgrimage '22 | Main Messages of OWONRIN ELEJIGBO for the Year 2022/2023 | ICIR

Preamble 

The ICIR Pilgrimage Committee envisages a massive turnout for the pilgrimage and festival for 2022 festival. For this reason, adequate preparations were made for the following:

i. Transportation and logistics

ii. Accommodation, both hotels and private homes

iii. Health 

iv. Security and safety, these include physical and spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage

i. In the area of transportation and logistics all the states delegates were mandated to ensure that all the vehicles that would convene Pilgrims Ado Ekiti and all the other sacred sites were properly maintained, serviced, and taken to qualified personnel to ensure that all necessary checked were done. This includes tyres, engine oil, brake oil, gear oil etc.

ii. The committee sent delegates to all the hotels in Ado to ensure that the hotels are neat, secured and conducive to living for all pilgrims who will stay in such hotels . Nearly all the hotel rooms in Ado Ekiti were fully booked for the nine days that pilgrims spent in Ekiti state. 

iii. Knowing that a mammoth crowd of pilgrims would be expected. We did our research to find out the probable health challenges that the pilgrims and the host communities might have. Our research showed that during this febrile conditions period, the following health issue were identified by medical experts contracted for the study

a. Malaria

b. Cold, cough and catarrh 

c. High blood pressure

d. High blood sugar level

e. Body pains , arthritis, rheumatism, gout etc

For this reason, we employed the services of two medical doctors, one from Nigeria and the other from Mexico and six nurses all from Nigeria to take care of the health needs of the pilgrims and our host communities. 

We also ensure that we had more than enough medicines to address these challenges. In the end a total of 964 patients were examined and treated for the various ailments stated above.

iv. We deployed the services of the Nigerian Police force and Amotekun in order to ensure that physical safety and security were placed on priority list. 

Furthermore, all necessary Ifa consultations, ebo, etutu and akunlebo were carried out before, during and after the pilgrimage. 

All thanks to olodumare that everything went smoothly as envisaged, certainly Ifa and Olodumare were in our presences all through the time that we spent, before, during and after festivities.

Finally a major success story for this year’s annual Ifa Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage is that the Ekiti State government is in full partnership with International Council for Ifa Religion in order to promote the pilgrimage and enhance the cultural/spiritual tourism potentials in the state.

 

E JE KI A FI IBA FUN ORUNMILA

NITORI O JE ASIWAJU RERE!!!

WORLD IFA CONSULTATION ON OKE IGETI, ADO EKITI ON SATURDAY MAY 28, 2022

Elders in Yoruba land and representatives from 15 countries around the World were present for the annual Ifa consultation in Oke Igeti, Ado Ekiti.

During consultation, OWONRIN OTURA {OWONRIN ELEJIGBO} was revealed.

Ifa came with Ire aiku, Ire of longevity. Ifa advises each Temple to feed Ifa with six Obi with four lobes each. This offering is expected to be carried by all Temples around the world.

There is also the need for each Temple member to feed his or her Ori with one guinea-fowl. This is also expected to be done by all Temples members the world over.  

MAIN MESSAGES OF OWONRIN ELEJIGBO FOR THE YEAR 2022/2023

1. Ifa says that all members of Ifa/Orisa Temples round the world shall be protected against untimely death, those with evil intentions, conspirators, evil designers and diabolic individuals and groups. Ifa assures us all that all the evil plans of diabolic people shall amount to naught. Ifa advises each Temple to offer ebo with three mature roosters and money. On this, Ifa says:

Opele ni o di kakaaka

Ko gbe’ra re san’le

A dia fun Orunmila

Nijo ti baba n s’awo lo s’ode Ejigbo 

O si mu ‘Lenje omo awo re l’owo

Ebo aiku ni won ni ki won se

O gb’ebo, o ru’bo

Orunmila l’Ekun

Omo Araaye l’Aja

Aja o ni ja’mo l’eyin Ekun pa je

Translation

It is impossible for Opele to carry itself

And throw itself down for consultation

Ifa’s message for Orunmila

When Baba was going on Ifa’s mission to Ejigbo town

And he took ‘Lenje his Omo Awo along

They were advised to offer ebo of victory and longevity

They complied

Orunmila is The Leopard

Human beings are mere dogs

A dog will never snatch a Leopard’s baby for consumption 

2. Ifa says that all Temples need to do the following; 

Temple dedicated to Ogun need to feed Ogun with rooster. 

Obatala Temples need to feed Obatala with land snails, shea butter and Efun, 

Osun Temples need to feed Osun with a hen, 

Yemoja Temples need to feed Yemoja with corn pudding Egbo, 

Ija Temples need to feed Ija with rooster, 

Osoosi Temples need to feed Osoosi with rooster. 

Sango Temples need to feed Sango with either a rooster or a ram, 

Egungun Temples need to feed Egungun with moinmoin and Eko, rooster or ram. Ifa Temples need to feed Ifa with a she-goat etc. 

This is in order to avoid trouble, crises or upheaval that may likely arise during the next 12 months. Ifa assures all Ifa/Orisa Temples that they will the spared from experiencing any issue that may cause them and their loved ones any problem or anxiety. On this, Ifa says:

Orunmila hi ogan-nan-nan

Mi mo gbo poopo opa

Hii odu li re

Mi ayiti

Hii ajiwa

Mi o yi

Hii ibo ni mo mo to yi si

Mi o yi s’odo Ogun

Ati Alaworo o re

Ogun ni kii se oun

O ni Alaworo oun ni ki won wi fun

Ko fi Aja kan bo oun

Ki oun le ba a yi ibi kuro l’ona-an re

Orunmila hi ogan-nan-nan

Mi mo gbo poopo opa

Hii odu li re

Mi ayiti

Hii ajiwa

Mi o yi

Hii ibo ni mo mo to yi si

Mi o yi s’odo Osoosi

Ati Alaworo o re

Osoosi ni kii se oun

O ni Alaworo oun ni ki won wi fun

Ko fi Akuko kan bo oun

Ki oun le ba a yi ibi kuro l’ona-an re

Orunmila hi ogan-nan-nan

Mi mo gbo poopo opa

Hii odu li re

Mi ayiti

Hii ajiwa

Mi o yi

Hii ibo ni mo mo to yi si

Mi o yi s’odo Ija

Ati Alaworo o re

Ija ni kii se oun

O ni Alaworo oun ni ki won wi fun

Ko fi Akuko kan bo oun

Ki oun le ba a yi ibi kuro l’oju ona-an re

Orunmila hi ogan-nan-nan

Mi mo gbo poopo opa

Hii odu li re

Mi ayiti

Hii ajiwa

Mi o yi

Hii ibo ni mo mo to yi si

Mi o yi s’odo Orunmila

Ati Akapo o re

Orunmila ni kii se oun

O ni Akapo oun ni ki won wi fun

Ko fi ewure kan bo oun

Ki oun le ba a yi ibi kuro l’ona-an re

Translation

Orunmila declares that a vine has grown across the path

I respond that it is even whipping passers-by

He declares that it is the manifestation of quarrel in the Odu

I respond that it will pass away

He says that it will still return

He asked me if I know whose turn it is

I respond that it is the crisis between Ogun

And his Alaworo

Ogun says that there is no conflict between him and his Alaworo

He asked them to go and inform his Alaworo to bring a dog

For Ogun to roll away obstacles from the path pf the Alaworo

Orunmila declares that a vine has grown across the path

I respond that it is even whipping passers-by

He declares that it is the manifestation of quarrel in the Odu

I respond that it will pass away

He says that it will still return

He asked me if I know whose turn it is

I respond that it is the crisis between Osoosi

And his Alaworo

Osoosi says that there is no conflict between him and his Alaworo

He asked them to go and inform his Alaworo to bring a rooster

For Osoosi to roll away obstacles from the path pf the Alaworo

Orunmila declares that a vine has grown across the path

I respond that it is even whipping passers-by

He declares that it is the manifestation of quarrel in the Odu

I respond that it will pass away

He says that it will still return

He asked me if I know whose turn it is

I respond that it is the turn of Ija

And his Alaworo

Ija says that there is no conflict between him and his Alaworo

He asked them to go and inform his Alaworo to bring a rooster

For Ija to roll away obstacles from the path of the Alaworo

Orunmila declares that a vine has grown across the path

I respond that it is even whipping passers-by

He declares that it is the manifestation of conflict in the Odu

I respond that it will pass away

He says that it will still return

He asked me if I know whose turn it is

I respond that it is the turn of Orunmila

And his Akapo

Orunmila says that there is no conflict between him and his Akapo

He asked them to go and inform his Akapo to bring a goat

For Orunmila to roll away obstacles from the path pf the Alaworo

3. Ifa warns that there is going to be a lot of uncertainties in the next 12 months throughout the world. Ifa says that there is going to be economic failure, social unrest, political upheaval and security uncertainties during this period. In order to avoid all these negative experiences, all Ifa/Orisa Temples need to consult Ifa and offer all appropriate ebo as recommended by competent Awo and Orisa practitioners before embarking on any trip, business venture, political activity, or social interaction. On this, Ifa says.

Orunmila hi poro uro 

Mi edan wokun 

Egan yo nanaana ja’na Bara a mi Agbonniregun, 

A dia fun ode 

To n re igbo ije, eluju meje

Orunmila ni ti ode ba ti n lo soko ti ko fi t’oun Alajogun se, 

O ni o kan lo lasan ni 

o ni itakuta ni omode se n ta oko 

Ti eye fi n lo mo o l’owo 

O ni ko nii ri eran pa 

O ni yoo ri eran 

Yoo ta a ni’bon 

Sugbon ko nii ri i gbe wa si’le, 

Orunmila hi poro uro 

Mi edan wokun 

Egan yo nanaana ja’na Bara a mi Agbonniregun, 

A dia fun awon Onisowo ni won gbe igba Aje 

Ti won n lo ibi okoowo won, 

Orunmila ni ti Onisowo ba ti n lo s’oja 

Ti ko fi t’oun odo Alajogun se, 

O ni o kan lo l’asan ni, 

O ni won a s’owo 

Won ko nii ri ere oja. 

O ni omi ti won ba ti da si ikoko ajere 

O ni ile lo n bo. 

O ni se ni won a ra oja l’owon-on l’oko 

Ti won a waa fi ta opo nile 

Orunmila hi poro uro 

Mi edan wokun 

Egan yo nanaana ja’na Bara a mi Agbonniregun, 

A dia fun awon Onyagbe 

To n lo ko alero odun, 

O ni weere bayi ni epa n so l’oko 

O ni Onyagbe yoo gbin isu, ogede… 

O ni gbogbo nnkan to ba gbin 

Ko nii ta ju epa lo

Orunmila hi poro uro 

Mi edan wokun 

Egan yo nanaana ja’na Bara a mi Agbonniregun, 

A dia fun Akapo

To ni ko maa fi t’oun se 

Ti Akapo ba n fi ti Orunmila se

O ni igba yen ni gbogbo nkan to ban se to maa dara fun, 

O ni ti Ode ba n fi t’oun se

Igba ti ode lo sigbo meje eluju meje 

Ni Ode yoo ri eran pa

Ti Onisowo ba fi ti Orunmila se

Igba naa ni yoo s’owo ti yoo j’ere

Translation

Orunmila declares that it is time for movement

I responded that the vine has grown across the path

Agbonniregun my father

Ifa’s message for the Hunter

When going on hunting mission to seven forests

And seven wildernesses

Orunmila declares that if the Hunter undertakes his mission

Without adequate consultation

He would wend in the forests and wildernesses

All his efforts would be in vain

Clumsily did a child shoot a bird with his catapult

That the bird escapes from him

He would shoot animals

But he would never be able to carry then home

Orunmila declares that it is time for movement

I responded that the vine has grown across the path

Agbonniregun my father

Ifa’s message for the Merchant

When going on business transaction

Orunmila declares that if the Merchant undertakes her mission

Without adequate consultation

All her efforts would be in vain

All the water poured inside a basket will be wasted

If she bought expensive items in the farm

She would sell them at a loss

Orunmila declares that it is time for movement

I responded that the vine has grown across the path

Agbonniregun my father

Ifa’s message for the Farmer

When going to cultivate a new farmland for the year

Orunmila declares that if the Farmer undertakes his mission

Without adequate consultation

He would not realize a good harvest

The peanuts are known for producing tiny nuts

Even when he plants peas yams and cassava

His yields will not be bigger than pea nuts

Orunmila declares that it is time for movement

I responded that the vine has grown across the path

Agbonniregun my father

Ifa’s message for hid Akapo

Orunmila declares that it is only when his Akapo has adequate consultation

That he will make profits

When the Hunter consults Ifa before embarking on his mission

He will be able to make profits

If the Merchant consults Ifa before embarking on his trip

She will be blessed with profits

If the Farmer consults Ifa before going to cultivate a new farmland

He will enjoy bountiful harvest

 

4. Ifa says that in order to reduce the negative impacts of the message in number 3 above, there is the need for all Ifa/Orisa Temples members to eat as supper, meals that contains no salt, pepper, and oil. This meal must be taken every night for seven consecutive days. If this is done, Ifa assures us that all negativity shall be converted to success, elevation and self actualization. On this, Ifa says:

Iyan won

Iyan o won

Ara orun o dun’ra won l’onje

A dia fun Omimin

Eyi Omo a j’ate sun

Igba ti n moju ekun sunahun ire

Ebo ni won ni ko waa se

O gbebo, o ru’bo

Igba ti mo jate sun mo wa d’alaje

Ominmin o de o

Ifa iwo lomo a jate sun

Igba taa jate sun la doni ire gbogbo

Ominmin o de o

Ifa iwo lomo a jate sun

Translation

Whether iyan, pounded yam, is scarce to get

Or it is easy to get

Heavenly beings do not deny ech other food

Ifa cast for Omimin

Whe consumes tasteless meal as supper

When weeping in lamentation of his inability to secure all are of life

He was advised to offer ebo

And he complied

It is when I consume tastless meal as supper that I was blessed with wealth

Here comes Ominmin

Ifa you are the offspring of he who consumes tasteless meal as supper

It is when I consume tasteless meal as supper that I was blessed with all ire of life

Here comes Ominmin

Ifa you are the offspring of he who consumes tasteless meal as supper

5. Ifa assures us of resounding victory over enemies especially those who speak language alien to the indigene of the various communities where Ifa/Orisa Temples are situated. Ifa says that all enemies who are strangers to the land where they live and who plan to take over the possession of the owners of the land shall suffer and be disgraced. Ifa says that no force or power can take over the possession of the indigenous communities around the world. Ifa advises each Ifa/Orisa Temples to procure a bowl and fill it with water and imprint Owonrin Elejigbo in Iyerosun. They will recite the following stanza and pour the iyerosun in the water inside the bowl. We will then place the bowl in front of Esu or at the center of the three cross roads. All enemies shall be destroyed; Ifa cautions that we do not need to fight because Ifa, Ogun, Sango, and Esu will do our fighting for us. On this, Ifa says:

Agogo nla a senu jaaja

Dia fun Sigidi

To n gb’ogun lo s’ibu Ore

Agogo nla a senu jaaja

Dia fun won Nibu Ore

Won ni kan rubo ogun

Won gb’ebo won ru’bo

Sigidi o o m’ebo

Sigidi o o m’etutu

O re l’apa 

O re l’ese 

Agara Ebo da e

Translation

A big gong with a large mouth

Ifa’s message for Sigidi, the clay effigy

When going to wage war on the inhabitants of the riverside

A big gong with a large mouth

Ifa’s message for the inhabitants of the riverside

When they were advised to offer ebo against war

They complied

Sigidi did not know the power of ebo

Sigidi did not know the efficacy of etutu

He lost his arms

And lost his legs

You are overpowered by ebo

6. Ifa says that all tribulations, oppression, victimizations, and outright injustice around the world shall come to an end. Ifa says that those who oppress or victimized others have no right to do so. These oppressors, according to Ifa in this particular stanza, have stepped beyond their bounds. Ifa gives the assurance that all the oppressors in this world shall be rendered powerless. Ifa will put an end to their vicious activities. Ifa advises each Ifa/Orisa Temples to offer ebo with two rams, 16 hens, and one mortar made with brass and money. If possible, all the ebo offered shall be put inside the brass mortar and be buried inside the Temple. But if this is not possible, it shall be buried in front of Esu. By so doing, victory is assured. On this, Ifa says:

Orunmila wi o d’ekun

Emi naa wi mo lo d’ekun

O ni se won o mo pe igere taa de si inu odo 

To mu Eku

Se e o mo pe o ti d’ekun eran pipa

Orunmila wi o d’ekun

Emi naa wi mo lo d’ekun

O ni se won o ri ate ti won lo de si ori igi

Ti won ba omo Eja ni’be

Se won o mo pe ate yen ti d’ekun eran ni pipa

Orunmila ka gberegbere

O ka ni gberegbere

Ifa waa ba wa d’ekun awon ase’bi

Translation

Orunmila declares that it is the end of the road

I chorus that it is the end of the road

Orunmils says that don’t you know that a fish net that was set in the river

Which ended up catching a rat

Don’t you know that is the end of fishing for the net 

Orunmila declares that it is the end of the road

I chorus that it is the end of the road

Orunmils says that don’t you know that bird trap that was set on top of a tree

Which ended up catching a fish

Don’t you know that is the end of the road for the bird trap

Orunmila declares that it is victory time

I chorus that it is victory time

Ifa please help me put a stop to the designs of the evil perpetrators  

7. Ifa says that there are too much crises around the world. The problems of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, assassination, arson, and organ harvesting is very rampant the world over. Ifa also says that those who perpetrate these atrocities are none indigene of various communities. Those who are indigene of these communities are those who have no value or respect for the maintenance of law and order in the communities in which they reside. These people lurk in the dark, forest and lonely places to perpetrate their evil designs Ifa assures all Ia/Orisa Temples the world over that all these evil people shall be subdued incapacitated and banished. Ifa advises each Temple to offer ebo with five liters of Epo, 200 land snail, plenty of table salt, one mature he-goat and money. There is also the need to feed Ifa with one mature she goat. In this same stanza, ifa cautions that all marriages and engagements shall be done in a quiet low key manner; no elaborate ceremony, no extravagant display of opulence. On this, ifa says :

Akee se fe se, Awo inu igbo

Ogan lolo lawo iniju

Omesimebo bawon nan oja kiso

Awo meteeta ni won n dawon lona oja

Adifa fun Orunmila

Baba o ran omo re loja

Ikinin ni ki o ba oun ra panju mo soro (Epo)

Ekeji nib a oun ra ake ma sindin (Iyo)

Eketa ko ba ohun ra okurukuru a baya fa (Igbin)

Nje pa ni won n gun ila

Ibi o ni jajaja ko ja omo Orunmila

Oni igara aye kan o ni ja omo oun

Translation

Akee se fe se, the Awo inside the forest

Ogan lolo the Awo inside the wilderness

Omesimebo who mingle with traders to perpetrate evil

The three of them were the people who waylay people on their way to the market

Ifa’s message for Orunmila

When sending his son to the market

The first one sent the son to buy okra for him

The second sent for epo

The third sent for land snail

Orunmila was advised to offer ebo

He complied

No evil can attack the child of Orunmila

Orunmila declares that no bandit of earth can attack his own child

8. Ifa says that Olodumare will convert the present crises the world over to success and prosperity. Those perpetrating crises will be defeated and success chances will be enhanced. Ifa advises each Temple to offer ebo with one mature he goat, and a miniature hoe, a miniature axe, a miniature pincer or 5-inch nail. All those metals shall be placed inside the ebo bowl together with the head of the he-goat. The ebo shall be placed on top of the hill close to the community where the Ifa/Orisa Temple is situated. If this ebo is offered, Ifa guarantee that all sufferings shall be overcome. The left arm of the slaughtered he goat shall be cut and be placed on top of Esu.

The mere presence of the members of all Ifa/Orisa Temples shall intimidate their oppressors and they shall scatter in disarray that is the message and assurance of Ifa. 

Egbesi ni o ta kokooko janan

Adifa fun igbo

Ti n be nirangun ota

Ebo ni won ni o maa se

O gbebo nebo o rubo

O wa to gege o

Ki igbo o wonu eye

Nigbayi, gbogbo eye won a sa maa tu giirigi

Translation

Egbesi ni o ta kokooko janan

He cast Ifa for Igbo Bird

When he was in the midst of enemies

He was advised to offer ebo

He complied

It is high time

For Igbo Bird to enter the midst of all the enemy birds

This time, all the birds shall scatter in disarray

9. Ifa advises all Ifa/Orisa Temples to feed Ifa with plenty of black eye peas, and money. Ifa also enjoins all Ifa/Orisa devotees to display high sense of hospitality especially to visitors and strangers. If this is done, there will be a lot of profit and recognition for all Temples.

Secondly, Ifa enjoins all Ifa/Orisa Temples to stretch the hand of friendship to one another and to assist one another in times of crises. 

Arere ni o l’eto

Egbesi ni o ta kokooko ja’na

Adifa fun Igbin

O l’oun o j’oye Olukumoro

Arere ni o l’eto

Egbesi ni o ta kokooko ja’na

Adifa fun Alabahun Ajapa

O l’oun o j’oye Olukunmoro

Arere ni o l’eto

Egbesi ni o ta kokooko ja’na

Adifa fun Agbawinsolojo

O l’oun o j’oye Olukumoro

Igbin o nile o

Ahun o l’ona

Agbawinsolojo lo n’ile ire aa ya o

Translation

Arere tree does not bring out sap

And Egbesi tree does not spread across the path

Ifa’s messae for Igbin, the Land Snail

When contesting for the title of Olukumoro of the Land

Arere tree does not bring out sap

And Egbesi tree does not spread across the path

Ifa’s messae for alabahun Ijapa, Land Tortoise

When contesting for the title of Olukumoro of the Land

Arere tree does not bring out sap

And Egbesi tree does not spread across the path

Ifa’s messae for Agbawinsolojo, He Who Borrowed To Take Care Of Visitors

When contesting for the title of Olukumoro of the Land

They were all advised to offer ebo

Only Agbawinsolojo complied

Igbin has no house of his own

And Alabahun Ijapa has no private path

Only Agbawinsolojo has a good home worthy of visiting

10. Ifa warns all Ifa/Orisa Temples around the world to avoid Eewo, Taboos by all means. Ifa emphasizes the fact that Eewo is spiritual, social, psychological and psychic poison that must be given distance at all cost, Ifa says that there are taboos in the land and all Ifa/Orisa devotees must steer clear of them. This is what Owonrin Elejigbo says on this delicate subject: 

A ku di

A ku di

Aroni ku diidi

Adifa fun Eewo

Ti n rode Ejigbo 

Eewo n be nile yi o

Bee ba ri e ya fun un

Translation

One can die because of it

One can be ruined because of it

Even Aroni, the father of medicines is not spared

These were the declarations of Ifa for Eewo, Taboo

When going to Ejigbo Land

There is Taboo in this land

When you see it, please steer cleer of it

Aboru Aboye!!!

Solagbade Popoola (ficssmn)

President, ICIR