Four Reasons Why Ẹbọ is Always Given to Esu

For those new to the Ifá tradition, one question often arises: Why is every ẹbọ (ritual offering) directed to Èṣù? Among the 401 Irunmọlẹ̀ (divinities), why not direct it to more popular figures like Ṣàngó, Ògún, or Ọ̀ṣun?

To understand this, we must explore Èṣù’s divinely ordained roles, his unique relationship with Ọ̀rúnmìlà, and the spiritual structure that governs the effectiveness of rituals in Yorùbá cosmology.

1. Èṣù: The Divine Messenger Between Realms

One of Èṣù’s core responsibilities is serving as the intermediary between mankind and the divine. He bridges communication between the earthly realm and the spiritual world—especially with Olódùmarè and other Irunmọlẹ̀.

Because of this role, Èṣù is tasked with monitoring and verifying the sincerity and accuracy of all acts of worship, including ẹbọ rírú (ritual sacrifices). When properly performed, Èṣù carries the offering to the appropriate spiritual entity for approval.

The Odù Ọ̀ṣẹ́-Òtúrá reveals Èṣù (as Ọ̀ṣẹ́-téré) as the divine being who takes sacrifices to heaven on behalf of those making requests. The verse makes it clear that whether a person seeks wealth, love, children, or all-around success, Èṣù is the one to present their plea to the celestial council.

Kùkùté àgbọn kò lu ewé jẹ́gi jẹ́gi

Adífáfún Ọ̀ṣé tẹ́rẹ́ 

Tín gbé ẹbọ ròde ọ̀run

Bẹ́ẹ ní iṣẹ́ rán

Ọ̀ṣẹ́ tẹ́rẹ́ gb'ẹ́bọ ròde ọ̀run

 Ẹní fẹ́ lówó kó wá wí

Ọ̀ṣẹ́ tẹ́rẹ́ gb'ẹ́bọ ròde ọ̀run

 Ẹní fẹ́ láya kó wá wí

Bẹ́ẹ ní iṣẹ́rán

Ọ̀ṣẹ́ tẹ́rẹ́ gb'ẹ́bọ ròde ọ̀run

Ẹní fẹ́ lọ́mọ  kó wá wí

Bẹ́ẹ ní iṣẹ́rán

Ọ̀ṣẹ́ tẹ́rẹ́ gb'ẹ́bọ ròde ọ̀run

Ẹní fẹ́ní ire-gbogbo kó wá wí

Bẹ́ẹ ní iṣẹ́rán

Ọ̀ṣẹ́ tẹ́rẹ́ gb'ẹ́bọ ròde ọ̀run

 

Translation: 

The dwarf coconut could not hit jegi-jegi leaves 

Ifa's message for Ọ̀ṣẹ́-téré (alias of Ọ̀ṣẹ́-Òtúrá)

He who is taking ẹbọ to Heaven 

If you have any request come speak

Ọ̀ṣẹ́-téré is taking ẹbọ to Heaven

He who wants to be wealthy should speak 

Ọ̀ṣẹ́-téré is taking ẹbọ to Heaven

If you have any request come speak

He who wants a spouse should speak 

Ose-tere is taking ebo to Heaven 

If you have any request come speak

He who wants children should speak 

Ose-tere is taking ebo to Heaven 

If you have any request come speak

He who wants all goodness should speak 

Ose-tere is taking ebo to Heaven

This function goes beyond delivery—Èṣù explains the intention behind the offering. He is the voice that gives context to the gift.

2. Èṣù as the First Gatekeeper and Holder of Àṣẹ

Every spiritual offering passes through Èṣù first, making him the primary gatekeeper in ritual processes. It is said that no ẹbọ is effective without Èṣù’s Àṣẹ (spiritual authority).

Using his mystical tool Àdó Ìsúbi-Ìsúre, he accepts or rejects offerings based on their spiritual correctness. Without his blessing, the sacrifice cannot reach other divine beings—rendering it void.

 

3. The Fear and Reverence of Èṣù Among the Deities

Èṣù's role as reporter and enforcer gives him serious spiritual weight. Even the other Irunmọlẹ̀ revere him, knowing that he has the power to bring either blessing or calamity based on the reports he delivers to Olódùmarè.

This is why the Yoruba say:

“Bí a bá rúbọ, kí á mú t'Èṣù kúrò.”
“When we offer ẹbọ, we must set aside Esu’s portion.”

“Ẹni tó bá rúbọ l'Èṣù ń gbé.”
“Èṣù supports whoever performs ẹbọ.”

Ignoring him is spiritually dangerous—even counterproductive.

 

In the Odù Òwónrín-Ṣogbè, the people of Ìjẹ̀ṣà suffered misfortune despite making sacrifices. Why? They failed to involve Èṣù. Despite offering animals like rats, birds, and fish, their plight worsened until they acknowledged Èṣù and set aside his due.

Èsù kú Orí Ẹgbà kú Orí

Día fun wọn ní Ìjẹsà orùn eku

Èsù kú Orí Ẹgbà kú Orí

Día fun wọn ní Ìjẹsà orùn ẹja

Èsù kú Orí Ẹgbà kú Orí

Día fun wọn ní Ìjẹsà orùn ẹyẹ

Èsù kú Orí Ẹgbà kú Orí

Día fun wọn ní Ìjẹsà ọrùn ẹran

Ọ̀wọ́rín-Aṣogbè, k’Éṣù gbà

Èṣù gbà tire Kóo yáa máa lọ o

Ọ̀wọ́nrín-Aṣogbè, k’Éṣù gbà

 

Translation

Èṣù, we pay homage

Ẹ̀gbà, paralysis, we pay homage

These were Ifa’s mesaages for for them at Ijesa land, where they offer rat as ebo

Èṣù, we pay homage

Ẹ̀gbà, paralysis, we pay homage

These were Ifa’s mesaages for for them at Ijesa land, where they offer Fish as ebo Èṣù,

Esu, we pay homage

Ẹ̀gbà, paralysis, we pay homage

These were Ifa’s mesaages for for them at Ijesa land, where they offer Bird as ebo

Èṣù, we pay homage

Ẹ̀gbà, paralysis, we pay homage

These were Ifa’s mesaages for for them at Ijesa land, where they offer Beast as ebo

Ọwọnrin-Asogbe, may Eṣu accept these materials

Èṣù, please take your own

And go on your way

Ọwọnrin-Asogbe, may

Èṣù accept these materials.

4. The Sacred Bond Between Èṣù and Ọ̀rúnmìlà

Èṣù is traditionally regarded as the right-hand of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, the custodian of divine wisdom. While Ọ̀rúnmìlà communicates Olódùmarè’s guidance to mankind, Èṣù ensures that this guidance is respected—rewarding compliance and punishing defiance.

This sacred partnership is seen visually on the Ọpọ́n Ifá (divination tray) where Èṣù’s head is always carved at the top, symbolizing his constant presence and indispensable role.

Even Ọ̀rúnmìlà himself makes offerings to Èṣù, recognizing the value of his service and authority in ensuring ritual success.

Èṣù is not merely one of the 401 Irunmọlẹ̀—he is the key that unlocks the efficacy of spiritual transactions. As a messenger, gatekeeper, interpreter, enforcer, and trusted companion of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, Èṣù is central to the ritual process in the Ifá tradition.

Understanding his place in the spiritual hierarchy explains why every ẹbọ must be offered with his consent and involvement. He is not only the beginning of ritual, but the one who ensures that it reaches its divine destination.

Whether you're a spiritual seeker, researcher, or practitioner, never underestimate the significance of Èṣù in your spiritual journey. Learn more about the roles of Yoruba deities and subscribe to our blog for more insights on the relevance of Ifá in the modern world.

 

Fayemi Oyesanya

Aboru aboye