a.i'l lf DtdAn Invitation to lfa givination

Volume ONE

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f PrefaceMine is a story of gratitude.

For more than 11 years, Darkness and arf his agents were activefy atwork' They saw no reason whv thei;rdil be fight in the rife of:li::L, :l?,ilit.li::1 strue jte4 ;H neo ; irrey ni.r, seriesMine is trufy a story of gratitude.

My story wirf be Srrgte$ in prover!. proverb, they say, is the horsethat sentence rides; in the rr. vein, sentene is the horse thatproverb rides' If any sentence gets los! *u ,.. proverb to search fort. My proverb comes from the Hory scripture in otura offmu (oturaIretQ). In this stanza, rfa i,Kf bj+_beje ma be j nf$K.y." _Ia tun ge Uq t,qitn --DlfilnAbgrqA b fin ObeAwtor"'lili,"'iil"##*i:?::

TranslationLet the Spoilers continue to spoil things in frontWe shaf l continue to mend .,b, rrr-dil;This was lf,s message forAbQrS, t," lji"And also for Qbg, tne fnfe*n":.!l? w31e bgth fishtins for supremacyThey were advised to oergog

when Abgrg, the Needre, had not exhibited his potentiars, he was werffoved bv ail. one day, Qb, te rnire,,..il"Jir .no assefted thar Abgrgwas too smaff, ro_o

ry*perienced, and too rrafto ltay in the same prace, ormove in the same group wth him. "what ir-*,e m"aning of this? we hadbeen movins tose[her *iil.'ri proorem]t;;';; ume. why rhis now?,,Abfr queried' Qo* rnr*"ru4Iirt *r;J;:'row, r hate your race. rI1

;

can no longer bear to have you around me any more. You are worthlessand useless!"

AbQr could not believe his ears. The development made him very sadindeed. He however made it clear to Qbg that Oldmare gave him hisown 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 exhibithis potentials so as to show AbQrQ that they did not belong to the sameclass.

On the appointed day, bundles of clothes were rolled out. Qbq set out tocut them into pieces. Before long, he finished. All the clothes were in bitsand pieces. After this, those present demanded to know what use therags, bits and pieces could be put into. Qbq was at a loss on what to doner,t" He left the scene in a state of confusion. Those present packed allthe pieces and dumped them in the refuse site.

When Abr saw altthese rags, bits and pieces, he was strongly convincedthat those materials cannot and must not be left to waste. He knew thatthey could still be made useful. He looked for thread and began to knit therags together. He made Dalki, shifts, trousers, agbd, bb, kerbe,frla, dandg etc for men. He also made 9l, head-gear,Ir, wrappelbb, scarf, blouse, underwear, stockings, etc for women. What hadhithefto been considered a waste was turned into useful commodities.What was thought to be useless was made to be valuable by Abre. Whenpeople saw this, they concluded unanimously that AbQrQ was by farsuperiorto Qbe. They saY:

Ab$r$ o w d o' QgbQn QbeB'Qmgd kker b gbQ'FAd'grfgbeAbereo,QgbQn Obq

TranslationHere comes AbQrE, the Elder brother of QbqIf a Youth is well versed in IfaHe 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 mustnot be allowed to exhibit all these potentials. Darkness must envelop hislife, they concluded. They forgot however that as small and as frail asAbQrQ 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 bemade to suffer untold hardship. The Chief Cutlass summoned anextraordinary meeting of other Chief Blades. The meeting of the 16 ChiefBlades centered primarily on how to urgently find something decisive to doin order to stop Abr. After much deliberations, it was decided that AbQrQmust be summoned to hear the verdict of the 16 Chief Blades, even thoughnone of them cared to give him the chance to defend himself or even hearhis own side.

The 16 Chief Blades handed down the following verdicts; one, AbQrQ'smother, who was a daughter of $ng and If, and whose name means$ang adds to honour must never be called his mother again, he mustnever communicate with her againi two, he must never exhibit his talentanywhere again; and three, anything he knew or did must be in the nameof the Chief Cutlass or any of the other Chief Blades. After delivering theseverdicts, AbQrQ was summarily dismissed.

Knowing thatAbQrQ was a strong willed person they knewthatthey neededto do more than that in order to stop him. As soon as AbQrQ left, they senttelephonic and telepathic missiles to him. They also forgot that uprisingscould affect an innocent person and make him suffe1 but curses could haveno effect on an innocent person.

Mine is truly a story of gratitude.

When Abqrq left, he was overwhelmed with grief and pains. These werethe same Elders he had all along given their due honour and respectthroughout his life. He had worked for, and assisted them in his own littleways. Why should they be the same people planning his downfall. Hesearched his conscience to see whether he had offended them in any waybefore that time. He was totally convinced that he never did anythingagainst them, or even against anyone else for that matter. He howeverremembered this stanza in Qgqlmulg (QSeIwrl) where If says:

Qq nl S lrrjo-ljoIwrl nl ngq lojo-lonjoDl fin Qmgknrin pupa ror OkApEyl tl wqn b ro'jQ ikrl le s'lede qrunFbg ni wQn nl kw 9eNjeIfwoni moqeTl mo fi gb'odl i wgn oEmi pe k'lw ll-Ife m m nlIf wo ni mo geTl mo fi gb'odl i wgn oEmi O p k'laya ll-Ife m m fQIfwoni moseTl mo fi gb'odl i wgn oEmi o p k'boyn ll-Ifq m m blIf wonimoseTl mo fi gb'odl i wgn oEmi O p k'nfl ll-Ife m m kQIfwoni moseTl mofi gb'odl i wgn ofnlkanosQrQfiln miKl n rel lqq wlIf wo ni mo geTl mo fi gb'odl i wgn oIf nl lll nf klnnl-klnnl gmgdLll nllrdQgbahgbFsQ-esE loun fi ggun eni tl nperf oun oFso-esq

TranslationQgq dangles precariously without fa llingAndlwfl swings sideways without breaking

i

Letter from the Publisher

A5fn Media LLP wishes to thank the collaborative team of traditional lf

researchers and scholars, for their efforts in compiling this magnificent work'

tf Did,furthers the understanding of the vast body of knowledge we call lf'

Until now, nothing of this magnitude has ever been written on the subject of lfa'

vet this work has;ii'i ei tn(ffi poetic stanzas) for the first 16 majortoi"tions (called Olodu), which according to most

-

estimates contain ppio"ttef 1,800 Ese Iflo the first 16 majorcombinations.

Nonetheless,thisisahistoricmasterpieceandVo|11e''oneofaful|comprehensive encyclopedic seventeen-volume collection'

with its detailed explanation of the full ]f literary corpus, tf Dd is the first bookof its kind to bring lf's deeper understnding to tne if practitioner'

the novice'

and to the scholar of African pninsoprrs, pcraged as a multi-volume collection'

Asfn Media is pleased to publish this multi-volume collection' and to be an

integral part of prototig'n"* unoistanding of the coded messages within theancient lf tradition.

we trust that lf Dd -Volume one, will become a masterpiecg gnd cherished by

lf devotees, researchers and interested persons alike' If Did is one great

contribution toward comprehendng the nol"t. body of knowledge we call lf'

Congratulations, once again for completing-this V9lyme One of a

;6ne colleciion - a tiue encyclopedia of Ese- lf'

PublisherAsfn Mdia u-P

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

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lt

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DedicationTo Maria-Elena Montiel for standing firm against, andDarkness and its agents, on that day when ail semed lost.be grateful.

saying NO toI shallforever

ContentsDedicationContentsPrefaceChapter 1- Eji OgbeChapter 2- Oyeku MejiChapter 3- Iwori MejiChapter 4- Odi MejiChapter 5- Irosun MejiChapter 6- Owonrin MejiChapter 7- Obara MejiChapter 8- Okanran MejiChapter 9- Ogunda MejiChapter 1O- Osa MejiChapter 11- Ika MejiChapter L2- Oturupon MejiChapter 13- Otura MejiChapter t4- Irete MejiChapter 15- Ose MejiChapter 16- Ofun MejiGlossaryIndex

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These were lf's messages to the light-complexioned youth of 0 ke -A palandWho was being accused with the intention of eliminating him completelyHe was advised to offer gbgHe compliedAlas, If what have I doneTo deserue their malice?f never stopped the wealthy from progressingIf whatwas myoffenceTo warrant their enmity?f neverstopped anyonefrom enjoying hisspouseIfwhatsindid IcommitTo deserue their hatred?I never prevented a pregnant woman from having a safe deliveryIf what ill had I doneTo make them hate me so?f neverstopped anyonefrom completing his propefiIf what was my crimeTo deserue this odium?Nobody had ever kept any secret with meFor meto expose itto othersIf whatwas my inadequacyTo bring aboutthis hatred?If declares that since I harbour no malice against any youthAnd shows no hatred againstanyelderGradually, should I overcome all those who are against meSystematically, this shall manifest!

Wth this assurance from If, AbQrQ took his solace. AbQrQ was totallyconvinced that the whole world may change, what If says will neverchange.

Mine is a story of gratitude.

Up till today, Darkness and all his agents are stll at work. Somehow, Lightcontnues to penetrate and displace Darkness. For this, I am eternallygrateful to Oldmar, O, InlnmglQ,OFiga, ImglQ, Egrtngtln, Or and truefriends.

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 againstthis AbSrQ. Some of the Elders are still using AbQrS to knit dresses of alldesigns. If the sun insists that we should not look at its face, we might aswell lookatthe moon. Of course!

To those who do evil everyday, what can we do? All we need do is to followwhat If says inlka-Funfun (Ika Ofun). In this stanza, If says:

Kl k m pa gni t jlT d'n l'rTl a bilK jgma rl'raawaK'Arn m pa gnit jlTrtgb'erolkaTlabjlK jq ma rl'raawaB'rl b yl nllQ b b pY pada w d'orf ire ni ....

TranslationMay Death spare those who wake uPAnd inflict pain on othersWheneverwewakewake upLet us continue to see each otherMayAffliction spare those who wake upAnd plan evil againstothersWhen we wake upLetus continueto see each otherIf one suffers for longSuch person willsucceed in the end ....

Many of the Elder Cutlasses are still around when this AbQrQ picked the b'ttsand pieces of If clothes and knitted this dress. When If says Ys, nobodyc? sd}l ho;

Mine is truly a story of gratitude.

For over 11 years, it was planned that this AbQrQ shall amount to nothing inlife. That was their plan. It was not suppofted by the Divinities. There isnowhere 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 I amforever grateful.

In Iwofi-Ww (Iwii-QSe), If says:IwOrl wow-wowIwOrl wokn-woknIwOrl wokn tn kl o t wo'dgDl filn 'LnlnknTl wqn nl elyll O g'gmg owaa d',ylnwKl gt m'fdu nl Baba o d'e,ylnwa

TranslationIw who perceives moneyAndlwO'lwho perceives okn beadsLetlwOrl lookatokn beads before looking at brassOrnamentsThis was lf's message for QlffnknWhom people say shall never amountto anything in lifeIt is in the endThatyou will knowthat [dr: (If) is the Fatherof allIt is surely in the end

This AbQrQ, whom they said shall never be anything n life has now beenblessed by If to knit this E)-Ogbe to Ofun-Ue'i together from bits andpieces. Truly, Fdu s the Father of all.

Mine is undoubtedly a story of gratitude.

Abgru Abgye,$. $91gbad PpQl.

Chapter 1OGBE

\\EJI

tlIIttll

Chapter 1

En osbAlias: Efi OnflQ, Ogb Mji

A. l. lf says that for the person for whom this OdD is revealed during-lkgsQdy

or-tttd to succeed in life, there is the need'to,among other thingS serve his/her Oli with a big live catfish. lfsays that if this is done, he/she shall not lack any of the goodthings of life. He/she shall succeed where others had failed. Astanza in E) Ogb in support of this assertion has this to say:

Ojmg mQ, mo r'ire-r'ireKtkt ljnf mo rTw-rTwIX fn AkpWQn nf k feja ArQ bg'riK t foj kan ire

TranslationWhen the day dawned, I saw lrein abundanceVery early four days ago, my destiny manifestedThis was the lf cast forth e AkpWho was advised to serve his Oli with a cat fishBefore setting his eyes on allthe /re of life

Akp was an lf devotee. He followed the dos and don'ts of lt in allthe things he was doing. He studied lf extensively and was very goodin it.

One day, his Baba /f asked him to prepare for his freedom. Theceremony was very solemn but eventful. Shortly after this, he went for

ii ,j,ono"lf consultation in orderto determine his success chances in life. TheAwo advised Akp to use a big live catfish to serve his Ofi so that hewould have peace of mind and comfort in his life. He was assured thathe would really succeed in life, but doing this would also enhance hissuccess chances. He complied.Soon after this, Akp dreamt of success, he was having the feelingsthat he would surely succeed in life. Four days after having thisdream, he received some clients who paid him a huge amount ofmoney with the promise that many more money was coming wherethat came from. Before long, he became very wealthy. With wealth,he was able to secure a good spouse of his dream. The wife gavebrth to many children for him, including sets of twins. He also hadseveral aides who assisted him in his dayto-day activities. He builtseveral mansions and had many horses in his stable. He was indeedvery comfortable as the Babalwo had predicted. He was full of joyand gratitude to Oldmar.

OjmQ mQ, mo rf re-r'ireKt kt tjnf mo rTw-rTwDt filn AkpWQn nf k fejaArQ bg'riK t fojrl kan ireAkp feja ArQ bg'riAkp fojrt kan're ri're aj ri're aya ri're gmg ri're gbogbo ri're alk, balQ grQ6 arq, arawrQ w n o, rQ oOjmQ mQ, mo fi're(t'reArQ,ara w rQ w na o,rQ oKtktljnf mo f'w ri'wArQ, arawrQ w n o, lrQ o

TranstationWhen the dawned I saw lretn abundance

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

Very early, four days ago my good destiny manifestedThis was the lf cast forAkpWho was advised to serve his Oliwith a live catfishAkp has now offered ArQfish to his OliAnd he set his eyes on all /re of lifeHe gotthe /reof wealthAnd thatofa good spouseAnd thatof good childrenAndthatof good housesAnd thatof long life, the king of all /reNowArQ, we are quite comfortable, ArQThe daydawned and I saw /re in abundanceArQ we are quite comfortabl ArQ, the catfishVery early four days ago, good destiny manifestedArQ, we are quite comfortabl ArQ,the catfish

lf says that the person for whom this OdD is revealed shall be verycomfortable in life. All what he/she need to do is to follow theinstruction of lf atalltimes.

2. lf says that it foresees all round /RE for the person for whomE)-Ogb is revealed. lf says that it shall replace Death withWealth, Sadness with Joy, Grief with Celebration, Loss withLongevity and Want with Surplus. lf says that he/she shall liveand die a happy person.

In this Od,lf says that Death shall be converted to FinancialWell-being; Affliction to Spouse; Contention to Child-bearingopportunities; and Loss to Longevity. lf says that there is theneed for this person to offer qbg known as 'ARXORE orAnXAeQru.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

Qtqq-tqe-tqqQrQQ-rge-rQQ

4

il ,'ono"

Qtqqtq ta kO'QtqqtOq l gb'n u rQQgbln t e fff kq'lKt yi ta fff gb'n u r$Dl fif n QrnmllMq fi Ajogun mgrin k wgn mQ'l l'tu ffqTi Baba l wgn, l wgnT'i won lo

TranslationQto0-tqq-tQQrQQ-rqg-rQQSeparately do we erect our homesSeparately do we live in the homesThe wisdom with which we erect our homesls not as much as that with which we live in those homesThese were the declarations of lf to Qrrlnm)lWhen fourAjogun invaded the cityof ll-lfQAnd he evacuated them without successTheysimply refused to go

The inhabitants of ll-lfQ were ovenruhelmed with the problems beingcaused byAjogun. TheseAjogun were lk(t (Death), ArDn (Affliction),E"Q (Contention), and fO (Loss). When alltheir efforts to chase theseAjogun away failed, they approached Qrnmll for assistance.

Qrnmll went to work. He tried all he knew to no avail. Out offrustration, Qrnmll decided to leave ll-lfQ and neverto return thereagain. On his way out of ll-lfQ, he met some of his former students.They were Ams and AmQrQ. They inquired from him what waswrong. Qrnm)la explained to them about his inability to chase awaythe fourAjogun causing problems for the inhabitants of ll-lfe.

Both Ams and AmQrQ persuaded Qrr1nm)la not to give up. Theyprevailed on him to let them go for lf consultation. He agreed; andtogethe 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. Theyconsulted lf and Eji-Ogb was revealed.

The group of Awo assured Qrrlnm)la that the four Ajogun would bechased away, and in their places would be the tRE of Aj (wealth),Aya (spouse), Qmq (children) and ogb (Longevity). Qrnm)r wasadvised to offer gg as stated above. He complied. After this, he wasasked to take four bitter kolas and four alligator pepper to thecrossroad where four roads met. He complied. After the sacrifice,Qrrlnmlla took the bitter kolas and alligator peppers to the roadsideswith four paths together with Ams and AmQrQ. when they reachedthe four crossroads, they met lk(t (Death). Ams and AmQrQ advisedQrnm)la to throw one bitter kola and one alligator pepper atDeath. He did. lmmediately these seeds hit Death, he began to runaway. Ams and AmQr asked QrrJnmll to follow him. The three ofthem did. Before long, Death fell down. When they reached where hefell, instead of Death, they met a lot of money. rnmlla wassurprised. Ams and AmQrQ however told Ornmll that Dea th is theowner of Wealth. They said that anyone looking for money withoutany 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 runaway. They followed him. Before long, Affliction fell down. whenthey reached where he fell, they met Spouse. Ams and AmQr toldQrnmil that Spouse is the owner of Afftiction. They said that if anyman has no control in his desire for, and enjoyment of , women, he is asure candidate forAffliction. On the other hand, if a woman has nocontrol in her desire for and enjoyment of men, she is a sure candidateforAffliction.

They returned to the crossroads and they met fiQ (Contention). Theythrew the two seeds at him. He ran. They followed. EjQ fell. whenthey 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 belooking for an appropriafe spouse. He or she will 'talk'. The talking isin itself a form of contention. lf it has been taking too long to secure aspouse of his/her choice, the 'Contention' will become moreconsisfe 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 leavethe couple's home and move to other people's homes such as thehomes of experts, advisers, relatives and so on.

When the woman eventually succeeded in becoming pregnant, therewill be more 'contention'. When the woman has finally delivered of ababy, the'contention' is increased in folds.

Talking to the baby and teaching the baby how to talk and behave aresenous talking busrness . To go to schodlto complete the schooling, totravl 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 threwthe remaining two seeds at him and he took to his heels. Theyfollowed him. Loss fell down. When they arrived at the spot whereloss fell, they saw Longevity. Ams and AmQrQ told Qrnm)l thatLoss is the owner of Longevity. They said that if a person is too oldhe/she shall be experiencing terrible /osses - /oss of memory, loss ofdear ones, /oss of energy, /oss of vitality and so on. Those who aresuppose d to bury him/herwould be the oneswhom he/she would pointto thei r tom bs to othe rs.

Qrnm)l returned to ll-lfQ a happy man. He was glad that he hadbeen able to accomplish hls mission. That was how Qrrlnm'ila wasable to chase away the Ajogun of lkrl, Arn, fiQ and OfO and replacedthem with the lre ofAj, Aya, Qmg and Ogb respectively.

Qtqq+ee+qq7

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

ArQQ-ree-rQQQtqqtq ta kq'tQtqqtqq t gb'nrf u rQ9gbQn t a f k'lK t yi ta fii gb'nrt u rgtli frf n Qrnmlll*q ti Ajogun mgrin k wgn mQ'l l'tu lfqTt Baba l wgn, l wgnfiwgnlgf;bq ni wqn nf k w ge gb'fbg, r'bgF w b ni nl wQwQ ire gbogbo

TranslationQt0q-tee-tqqQrQQ-rqq-rQQSeparately do we erect our homesSeparately do we live in the homesThe wisdom with which we erect our homesls not as much as that with which we live in those homesThese were the declarations of lfto Qrnm)lWhen fourAjogun invaded the city of ll-lfeAnd he evacuated them without successTheysimply refused to goHe was advised to offereboHe compliedBefore long, not too farJoin us in the midst of abundant success

lf says that it shall able to replace Death with Wealth, Affliction withspouse, contention with children and Loss with Longevity. lfhowever cautions this person to be moderate in his/her pursuit ofwealth, sexual pleassure, and all opportunities in his/her life so as toavoid harming himself/herself in the process.

3. lf says that it foresees all lre for the person for whom this Od is

ii t'onr,

revealed . lf says that he/she is presently experencng somehardships which could be making him/her to contemplate harminghimself/herself or inflicting other social, physical or mental pain onhimself/herself.

Because of the way he/she has been behaving recentty, he/she hasgiven other people cause to write him/her off and conclude thatnothing good can ever come from him/her again. lf says thathe/she must have a change of attitude and must never lose hope. lt isnot too late for him/her to succeed in lf he/she will definitelysucceed in his/her lifetime.

There is need to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two cocks, twohens, two guinea-fowls and money. He/she also needs to feed lfwith four rats, four fish, palm-oil, gin and money. On these, lfsays.

f uttt j fy lu'tQtf filn YyAlS-tI{eT fQyIntI m'jrl gkn snrhn ire gbogboFbg ni wQn nf k w ge

TranslationThe dead fall trap fell and hit its chest on the groundThis was the declaration of lf to Yy-Ale-fi-lWhen she was weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto succeed in lifeShe was advised to offer gbg

Yy-AlQ-tl-le, (the night of my success has not yet fallen), was afailure 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 hadbeen losing confidence in herself and her ability to succeed in life. Asa result of the way Yy-Ale-fi-lQ was carrying herself, she became anuisance to all her neighbours. Also, because of her pessimism,those around her were equally infected and she was completely

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

written off.

one day, she went to the Babalwo mentioned above just for the funof it. The Babalwo however diagnosed her problems correctly andwent further to assure her that she would succeed in her life and thatthe night of her success had not yet fallen. She was equally advisedto have a change of attitude and a change of perception of herself.She managed to do all and she became hopeful that she could stillmake it in life after-all. There ls hope, there is future.

soon after this, her wealth improved, she started plaiting hair forothers. She was able to make some money. She started a smallbusiness of her own. while going on her business, she met a man sheloved. Before long, they got married. A year after, she gave birth toher first baby. But surprisingly, the birth was a set of twins. She wasvery happy and she lived happily for the rest of her life.

There is hope forthe clientforwhom this Od is revealed. He/she stillhas future. He/she shall still reach the very peak or his/her goals inlife.

f nma fy tu'tQtX filn YyAlg-tl-leT fQyIntI m'jrl gkrf n snrhn ire gbogbof;bg ni wQn nf k w se gbg'bg, r'bgK p, k jlnnlre gbogbo w ya d ttrf ruE atE aj klt tAwof;yln wKnim r'Ed pin of;yln wAlg aya klf lAwofyln wKgnf m r'f;d pin oEyln wAlg ire gbogbo klf bAwo

10

ii ,'ono"

fyln w

TranslationThe deadfall trap fell and hit its chest on the groundThis was the declaration of lf to Yy-Ab-ti-lWhen she was weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto succeed in lifeShe was advised to offergbgShe compliedBefore long, nottoofarAll ire came trooping inThe nightof wealth has notyetfallen foranAwoThere is hope, there is futureLet no one lose hope on fOuThere is hope, there isfutureThe night of all ire has not yet fallen for an AwoThere is hope, there isfutureLet no one lose hope on fOuThere 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 fourIre that are looking for him/her. Howeve; he/she shall be ableto secure three of the four Ire if the necessary ebo is offered. Nomatter what was done, only three of the four Ire shall behis/hers. The four Ire being mentioned by If are wealth,jewelries, spouse and Enini. If says that he/she shall be able toget 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 awoman very close to him/her. The woman n question may behis/her mother, wife, blood relation or friend, The advice thewoman is offering to him/her will eventually be invaluable to

11

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

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 andfour fish. And more importantly, he/she needs to feed EEr: Qdarawith one [mg, Brown rat, and 160 cowries. These cowries will bestrung together and woven round the rat and stuck upright in front ofEgu Qdara.

He/she also needs to take his/her bath four times on the day that thisOd is releaved. He/she will also change dresses four times afterbath on thatday.

This person must also avoid going out of his/her house for one fullweek. If says that the three Ire being referred to by If will come tohim/her within one week. If everything is not gotten on the specifieddays, at least the foundation of the three Ire shall be laid within theperiod. In this wise, it is not advisable for him/her to go out in orderthat the spirits responsible for ushering in those Ire shall meethim/her at home when they come visiting. On these, E) Ogb says:

InjjjInrefr tun tq6 pa lqlQlSOnin-tnrdnrn-nrnrcnQtQs lq r wQfrarifngbko, gbjgblyindkunlgoDrfnAjQmq g wgnldeftrrniAbfnOkunQmg q woIdelrae|ffinOmidanTggmqwgntdeikgpaNfjQ fr wQn rilq rd wQ s'rl Qr,nnma bara d milr!\AgDoruUregun

12

ii ,'onu"pbq ni wSn rr l w{n w 9e

TranslationThe fire burns and burnsAnd goestothe Ocean bankto restThe sun shines and shinesAnd goestothe River Bankto setThe breeze sweepsthe plain and forestAnd goes to the back ofthe ocean to recessThese were lf's declarations to Aj, WealthTheir offspring in Ibf rfAnd to Okn, beadsTheir offspring in IrdAnd to Omidan, the beautiful DamselTheir offspring inlkgpaWhen they were going to reside in the home of Qrunm'll, my

fatherAgbgnnlrgrlnThey were advised to offer fibg

Aj, wealth; Okn, expensive bead; and Omidan, a beautifuldamsel grouped together and they were all willing to go toQrnm'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 themand make them comfoftable. They therefore went to the Awomentioned above for If consultation.

In the home of the Awo, they were assured that they had made thebest choice ever. They were told that they would enjoy their lives andthey would live in comfoft and happiness throughout. They were alsoadvised to offer qbg with two pigeons, two hens and money. Theycomplied. Shottly after, they set out on their journey to0rnm'll's house.

B o b d'f tnKl o d'f gwq kan de ml

13

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation

Dd fitn EniniTll qqmgdianlwarunMjq tl lg r wq sl| Qrunmll, bara miAgbgnnlrgrtnfibg ni wqn nl kw ge

TranslationAfter castng your own IfHelp mecast mine before I returnThis was lf's declaration to Enini, the DewThe offspring of AjnfwrunWhen going to reside in the home of QrrlnmllMy father Agbgnn'lregunHe was advised to offer gbg

Enini, the Dew, on his own also sent somebody to go to the home ofthe Awo mentioned above to help him find out f it will beadvantageous for him to go and take his permanent residence in thehome of Qrnm)l. He was assured that it would be fruitful to him. Hewas advised to offer gbg with two pigeons/ two hens, his sash andmoney. He simply ignored the advice of the Awo. He went and joinedAj, OkUn, and Omidan on their way to Qrnmll's home.

Nkan rlbltl tl rrt'ojU Olerun-un be waDl frn QrunmllaTl ire merin forl k tltll fnfbg ni wEn nl k w ge

TranslationSomething big and heavythat is coming from the skyThis was If's declaration to OrnmllWhom four Ire will be waiting endlessly forHe was advised to offer gbg

Business was down for Qrnmll. He had no money at that particularpoint in time. To eat became a serious problem for him. consequently,

14

il t'onouhe went to the Awo mentoned above for If consultation. He wantedto know what he needed to do for fortune and progress to smile athim.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 thathe should not go out of his home for seven days so that these Irewould meet him at home whenever they came calling. The Awoassured him that the lre would come within the seven days specifiedfor him. Qrnmll was however warned that if these lre did not meethim home, they would not stay. He was also instructed to take hisbath 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 andmoney. He was also told to feed FSU Qdar with one brown rat and160 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 EgQdara would direct the four Ire to his home and that failure to feed Egmight 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 sevendays as advised. Ep Qdara could not see what Qrnmll wassupposed to give him. He (EpU) went to QrUnm'il's house to demandfor 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 metto direct them to Qrrf nm'il's home eventually came across those whoknew the house. They were well directed. A few blocks to Qrnm'll'shouse, they met Eg Qdara. They asked Eg Qdar if he knew theshoftest route to Qrnmll's house. Eg responded that he was livingin the next house to Qrnm1la. He said that Qrnm'lla had just toldhim (ESU) a few moments ago that he (Qrnmll) was going to thefarm 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 asthey could not go to his home in his absence. That was how Qrnmllmissed 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 ratand 160 cowries. He was not given. QgnfrlnnleyQ also pleaded withher husband to give Eg hislbg to no avail.The four Ire slept under the shade of a big tree in the outskits of thetown. They woke up very early in the morning, tidied themselves upin preparation for their encounter with Qrnm]la. when theyestimated that Qrunmll ought to have been back from the farm atthat period, they set out. On their way, they met Eg edr. Thistime around, he had taken up another identity. He told them that hewas Qrnmll's student and that Qrnm'lla had gone to the house ofone of his clients and would not be back for three days. The four Iredecided to wait atthe outskift of the town forQrnm)l to return.

On the sixth day, Egu Odara wentto Qrnmll's house to askfor his ratand 160 cowries. Again, he was not given. QpnfrrnrrlQyQ insistedthat Qrnmll must do it unfailingly, or else she would pack out of hishouse. unfortunately, Egu Qdar had left Qrnmll's house whenQrnmll himself decided to give Egu Qdara thelbg.

In the middle of the sixth day, Eg Qdara went to the town. And againhe changed is identity. He used ashes to rub every paft of his bodyand was weeping. when asked why he was weeping, he said thatQrnmll had a terrible accident and died that morning. All of the fourIre began to weep. The weeping of Eg was more profound than thatof 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 wasvery dark and promised to come and meet the four Ire in the morningand inform them about how the burial ceremony went. They askedhim to come and that after his briefing, they would like to return totheir respective locations.

16

ii ,'ono"

When the sun was overhead that day, Enini, one of the four lre, wentout and committed suicide with the sach which he failed to offer asgbg material. That was how it remained only Aje, Okun and Omidan.Very early the following day, the seventh day, Qrrlnmll offered to EgQdara the rat and 160 cowries as expected. He added a bottle of ginfor Eg Qdara to consume.

Immediately the lbg was offered, Epu Qdar returned to the threeremaining lre at outskift of the town. And again, he changed hisappearance. He met the three of them mourning the demise of bothQrnmll and Enini. He greeted them and asked them why they wereweeping. They responded that they had come to stay with QrrlnmIlonly for them to learn that Qrnm'il had died. As if that was not badenough, one of them also committed suicide. Egu Qdar then toldthem that the person who informed them that Qrnmll had died hadmisinformed them. He assured them that he was just coming fromQrnmll's house and that Qrnmll was hail and hearty. He showedthem the bottle of alcohol that he had just been given by QrnmTl andshared the content with them. He later urged them to follow him toQrnm)l's house as Qrnmll had been expecting them in the lastseven days.

They all trooped to Qrnmll's house. It was joy that had no boundfor them when they met. The three Ire lived in Qrnmll's houseforever and ever.

Ina jojjIn r'etl okun lqq pa lqhqlqOOrrn-Un rnrn-nrn r'etl Q$sa lg ree wQEfuufu gba'ko, gb 5 gbQyln okun lg oDl filn Ajgmgqwgn Idelblnl

17

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

A b filn Okn9mg g wgn lde lrdDl fitn omidanTff Sgmq wgn lqde lkgpaMjg tl wqn nlg r wQ sil Qrunmll bara miAgbgnnlrgnfbg ni wqn nl kl wn w geB o b d'f tnKl o d'f gwq kan d mlDl fitn EniniTll 99mg AjenlwarunNljq q r wq sll Qrrrnmll, bara a miAgbonnlrgrtnFbg ni wqn nl k w 9eNkan rlbltl tl tojr Qlorun-un bo waDl filn QrUnmllaTl ire mgrin o forl k tltlltl funFbq ni wOn nl k w ge gb'gbg ,6rt'bgKo p o, Qn o jlnF wa b ni b'yQ g w wo're o

TranslationThe fire burns and burnsAnd goestothe Ocean bankto restThe sun shines and shinesAnd goes to the Lagoon Bank to setThe breeze sweepsthe plain and forestAnd goes to the back ofthe ocean to recessThese were lf's declarations to Aj, WealthTheir offspring inlblnlAnd to Okn, beadsTheir offspring inlrdAnd to Omidan, the beautiful DamselTheir offspring inlkgpaWhen they were going to reside in the home of QrrJnmll, my

18

ll ,'ono"fatherAgbgnnlrgnThey were advised to offer fibgAfter casting your own IfHelp me cast mine before I returnThis was lf's declaration to Enini, the DewThe offspring of AjrfwrunWhen going to reside in the home of Qrunm)lMy father dg bgn nlrgrf nHe was advised to offer gbgSomething big and heavythat is coming from the slcyThis was lf's declaration to QrnmTIWhom four Ire will be waiting endlessly forHe was advised to offer eboHe compliedNottoo longComeand join us in the midstofjoyand behold all Ire

If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed shall be blessedwith three major Ire within the next seven days. This Ire shall makethis person happy for rest of his/her life.

5. If says that the person fr whom this Od is revealed has beenblessed with a good spouse. The relationship shall be blessedwith happiness, progress, children and security. To make thishappen,there is the need for this person to offer gbg with onehen, one pigeon, four fish, four rats and money. He/she is alsoto feed If with four rats, four fish, palm-oil and money. Onthis, If says:

MlmQojt QlQrun kO kan gblgbFw OgUpa kO kan t'iwQIsanra Og ko kan ti ojeDl fin QrnmilIf lg r gb Orllgw nl'ywFbg ni wqn nl k w 9e

19

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

TranslationThe cleanliness of the sky is not as a result of constantsweepingThe beauty of the moon is not as a result of regularbathingThe plumpness of the Og tree is not as a result offrequent or excessive food consumptionThese were the declarations of If to QrunmilWhen going to have the hand of Orllgw in marriageHe was advised to offer gbg

'Qrnm)l was in love with or{lgwa. The love was reciprocated byQrnmll intended to cement this relationship with marriage.consequently, he went to the Awo mentioned above for Ifconsultation. Would this relationship be fruitful? Would there bepeace and harmony? would he not regret ever entering into therelationship? would they be blessed with children? would they beprosperous? Would they both live long and happily?

The Awo put the fears of Qrnmll at rest and told him that while hehad come to consult If on the possible outcome of their relationship,ofilew, his proposed wife, had equally gone elsewhere for Ifconsultation; and she too had also been assured that all would be wellin their relationship. They would be happy. The relationship wouldbe fruitful. They would have peace and harmony. They would neverregret entering into the relationship. They would be blessed withbeautiful and useful children. They would be prosperous. Theywould 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 eachother. They were equally blessed with children and they never lackedhappiness throughout.

20

t!ll Ei Ogbe

Mlmqoju Qlfun ko kan 9bl9bEwa Oqp ko kan tTwgIsanra Oq ko kan ti ojgDlfitn QrunmllIf lg r gb Orlle, w nl'Ywfbg ni wqn n| kw 9egb'Qborru'bgjg g sr w, g w wo qmq Orile,w wgrereOrnmll l gb Orlgwa nl'ywF sr w, q w wo gmg Orilqw wgrcre

TranslationThe cleanliness of the Sky is not as a result of constantsweePingThe beauty of the moon is not as a result of regularbathingThe plumpness of the 09 tree is not as a result of frequent orexcessive eatingThese were the declarations of If to Qrnm)lWhen going to have the hand of Oflgw in marriageHe was advised to offer gbgHe compliedCome and see the beautiful children of OflewaOrrJnmll himself is he who had taken OQwa as his wifeBehold the beautiful children of Otllgw'

If says that the relationship shall be blessed with happiness andbeautiful children whom the couple would be proud of.

6. If says that it forsees the Ire of wealth and prosperty for whom 'E:l- Ogb is revealed during If consultation or during Itqntfa,If initiation. If says that he/she has brought his/herwealth from heaven. If says that he/she has thetendenry to give brth to a set of twins or that there is a set oftwins in his/her family. In one word, he/she is closely affiliatedto the Twins Deity. In the same stanza, If says that the personfor whom this Od is revealed will have good luck throughout

i21

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

his/her life and people will be showering him/her wth gifts andother presents. If also says that he/she will overcome problemsand enemies no matter how many they may be.

If says that he/she will also have peace of mind and happiness inhis/her life and that he/she will be in full control of his/her life andthe lives of those around him/her. In the same stanza, If saysthat he/she is an H$gbQ and that his/her heavenly double will beshowering him/her with all the good things of life that will bringhim/her successes and achievements. If says also that he/shewill be comfoftable under any condition; no matter how tough thesituation may be. He/she will also win the admiration of otherswith the way he/she carries himself/herself under tough anddifficult situations. If equally says that five children or fiveyoung ones, either biological or adopted children, will have greatinfluence on his/her life. If however advises that he/she needsto offer gbg for the children so as to prevent them from dyingyoung or during his/her lifetime. On allthese, If says:

If l di enfMo l di enlEleeffDl filn'Lmnl9mq at'erun l, gb'gb Aj ka'rl w'y

TranslationIf says"it is now one"I chorusthat"it is now one"EleeeffHe was the Awo who cast If for'LmffHe who carried the calabash or wealth and success on his headfrom heaven to earth

'Lmnf was coming from Qrun, Heaven to Ay, Eafth. He went toEleen'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 bevery successful on eafth. He was advised to offer the gbg, sacrfice,with two pigeons, honey, bean fritters and money. He was alsoadvised to feed Aj, the Deity of Wealth, with one pigeon and honey.He complied.

He was therefore given the calabash of wealth and achievement fromQrun to bring to Ay. He did. While on eafth, h became sosuccessful that his wealth had no comparison. He was always rankedamong kings.

rf l d eilMo l d ilEjeellDl fin $e-EildT f yln tl m'jrl gkn srhn t'gmg

TranslationIf says"it is now two"I chorus that"it is now two"EeetHe was the Awo who cast If for SiQ-E;ldWho reclined and wasweeping in lamentation of her inabilitytobear a child.

SIQ-Elld had been married for 16 years without a child. She wenttoEieet, a Babalwo, who cast If for her and advised her to offer gbgwith two rats, two fish and money. She was assured that she wouldhave multiple bifths. She was also asked to feed the Twins Deity. Shecomplied. During the time of offering that gbQ, she was in hermenstrual period. She missed her next period and became pregnant.She gave brth to a set of twins.

rf ld etaMo l di taIkorita meta abldl yakt-yakata

23

lfa Dida: An invtaton to lfa Consultaton

Dla fun TamllQrgTff ge gmgknrin lta

TranslationIf says"it is nowthree"I chorus that"it is now three"The three crossroads with broad baseHe was the Awo who cast If for Tarn'ilQrg (Present me withgifts)The son oflta, the main street

TarnflQrg went for If consultation in the home of Ikota MQta-Abldf-Ykt-Yakata, a Babalwo, to find out about his chance of success inlife. The Awo told him to work hard, study and be proficient in aprofession, and go out into the streets to display his talent. He wasalso advised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea-fowls andmoney. He complied. He studied music. He began to play If musicabout. Everybody who met him along the street used to shower himwith presents and other gifts. Before long, he became a very wealthyman.

If l di QrinMo l dl Qrinf rln ni wqn rln fg'n o, tlFrln q$Q ni gbr rln ko odo l'naD{ fitn flgrlnmagba9mg atako l9l99lg gegun

TranslationIf says "it is now four"I chorus that it now fourIt is with laughter people collect fire for liquor distillationWth smiles, the flood joins the riverThey were the Awo who cast If for filQiin-magba, the kingof pn-IlHe who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcomeadversary

24

il ,,onu"

Fln-magba, the king of frin-Il was being threatened with attacksand problems ranging from internal strive, conspiracy to externalwarfare. Tired of all these developments, he summoned the Awomentioned above for If consultation in orderto find lasting solution tohis various problems. The Awo assured flQdn-magba that he wouldovercome all his problems. He was advised to offer gbg with twogoats and money. He was advised to feed Egu Qdara with one cock.He complied. After that, they made some preparations for him withwhich he used to knot the leaves, shrubs and grasses around hispalace and the whole town. After these have been done, all theinternal strives were overcome while external aggressions becameineffective. That was how flQfin-magba overcame all his problemsand all subsequent fiQrin are being praised as filQrln-magba Qmgata'ko lglgglg $egun. "filgflnmagba, the offspring of those who knotfeaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary"

If l di rnMo l di rnQrggrn ni wQn tt k'lQrggrttn ni wQn tf k'knDl fitn QlQrunjlnmlQrggrrln ni wQn rtf ohun ire jin'raa wqn

TranslationIf says "it is now five"I chorus that "it is now fiveEvery five days do we haruest OkraEvery flve days do we haruest garden-eggsThey 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 Awomentioned above to determine how he would be able to secure themercy and blessing of Oldmar. He was advised that to realize his

25

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

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 heobserved his Qsq-If, the more he was receiving the blessing ofOldmar.

rf t di FfaMo l di efeIr gbogbo l flr j'etlBl wqn b d'nrt igbDl ftn 9lqfa-Fl9mq ata'ko lglgqlq gegun

TranslationIf says"it is now six"I chorusthat"it is now six"All animals'tails resemble that of pt, the LeopardWhen they are in the bushThey were the Awo who cast If for glQfa-EtHe who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcomeadversary

Qlqfa-Ft, the king of Qfa was having the same problem as filQrin-magba. He went to another set of Babalwo who gave him the sameadvice as the one given to Hgrin-magba. He complied. The samepreparation was also made for QlQfa-Fta. He got the same result asFQrin-magba. His offsprings were also nicknamed erQfa-Ft Qmgatako lglqglg Fegun - meaning "QlQf-[t, the offspring of those whoknot leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcome adversary".

rf t di jeMo l di jeB'lugbqn b g'orA k'ljeB'ArQs b g'oroA kTje

ii ,,ono"Dfi fin Oljel aS'qteT be l'arln oJTt foiooirmg kg'mn ogun

TranslationIf says"it is now seven"I chorus that"it is now seven"Whenever OhlgbQn performs his annual ritualHewillmarktheseventhdayoftheceremony - :Whenever ArQs pedoms his anuual ritualHe willalso markthe seventh day of the ceremonyThey were the Awo who cast If for Oljele, the conspiratorWhen he was in the midstof enemiesAnd was living in constantfearof uprising.

Oljel, the king of Ojele was in the midst of enemies. He had onlyfew people whom he could trust. When he realized that hisopponents were gaining the upper hand, he went for If consultation.He was assured that he would overcome his enemies. He washowever advised to offer gbg with one matured he-goat and money,He complied. Shortly after this had been done, his enemies had aserious disagreement on how best to deal with him. They thereforedescended on each other and destroyed each other. That was howOljeb was able to overcome his enemies.

If l d'ejgMo l d'ejqKTwjrl ileigs{ reresf rereK'ylnknl il iq s{ rere sl rereDla fun AbltiiqTl wqn bl s'de lgbiqT'un tl lresl OroIwa jgFvln iqMo ti g'awo egbiq g t'mi

27

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

TranslationIf says"it is now eight"I chorus that"it is now eight"Maythe home frontage be calm and peacefulMay the back of the home be calm and peacefulThey were the ones who cast If for AblrrjgWho was born inlgbjg townTogether with IrQs'i -OrThe front is calm and peacefulThe back is calm and peacefulI had offered my own gbg with 1,600 cowries

Ablrljg was a natve oflgbjg town. His main preoccupation was howto secure and maintain peace and tranquillity in his home. Hetherefore went to the group of Babalwo mentioned above. Theyassured him that he would be able to realize his heart's desire. He wasadvised to offer gbg with two white pigeons, two guinea-fowl, twomale 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 himhow he managed to have such an agreeable life, he used to respondthat he had offered his gbg with 1,600 cowries.

If I d'QsnMo l d'snAsan-gb I'agg t'wQnAwQ-gb I'agg t'wa oDl fttn AlkQsn-magbaErlgl magbaEyl t j'gba tnT sunkn Oun rl OlslnA w m Alkesn ie qbjaGbogbo gmg gniE y w, q wa slnGbogbo 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 piecesOur dresses are to be worn until they fadeThey were the Awo who cast If for AlkQsan-magbaWhose praise name includes"Engl magba"Who after being installed an QbaWasweeping in lamentation of his inabilityto have peopleWho would pay him homageWe have now madeAlkQsn the head of the marketAllourchildrenStep here and payyour homageAllourchildren

AlkQsn was installed as the head of AkQsn market. All his effofts toget submissive subjects proved abortive. He consequentlyapproached the group of Babalwo mentioned above for Ifconsultation. He was assured that he would have people who wouldbe paying him homage. He was advised to offer gbg with two whitepigeons, two guinea-fowls, two cocks and money. He did. 'Beforelong, he was able to muster enough support which made him relevantas the head of Akesan market. He was very happy when he saweverybody, young and old, paying him homage. Those who were notaround were informed to come and pay homage to him. They all did.

If ld'Qw ,

Mo ld'Qw ',lfrllw-wlw ni wqn w Babalwoo re'lBabalawo kff w qnlkan go9 oDl filn Qwa-Qga9w Ogllrl gbQduQmq okun yyeAja fi'b kqQkqq la'lQEyl tO ttsunkn uvlpe ap un O k'y

29

Ifa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consuftation

TranslationIf says'tit is now ten"I chorus that "it is now ten"Clients are the ones who go to Babalwo's houseBabalawo is not to frequent a client's houseThis was the declaration of If to Qw Qga9wa Ogfrfi gbQduOff-spring of those who greet with "Okun yye"He who fights and uses the handle of his sword to mark the

groundWhen weeping in lamentation of his inability to control his

subjects

Qw Ogfni gbQdu, the king of ljqgaland, was looking for all the goodthings of life. He got them. He became rich; he was very successful inhis business; he was nominated as an Qba and was eventuallyinstalled 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 Ifconsultation. The Awo assured him that he would have control overhis domain and that his subjects would respect him. He was advisedto offer an gbg with two pigeons, two guinea fowls, two ewes, 16 ringsand money. He did. Before long, he became so popular among hissubjects that anythlng he said, even jokingly, was law. He became oneof the most accomplished Qba in the history of his town. In the end,he died a very happy man.

rf l di QkanlaMo l di QkanlaQkanh ni wgn d'gr f'luQkanla ni wgn td'gr flAwgQkanla ni wgn d'gr welewele jkoDl ftrn QkanhwqnWQn nl k r'bg

30

ii ,'ono"

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

If says"it is now eleven"I chorus"it is now eleven"When packing ritual materials for Ol, they are always done inelevenWhen packing ritual material for AwQ they are always done inelevenThese were the declarations of If to QkanlwQnWho was advised to offer gbgSo that his second in heaven would shower him with good gifBsof life

QkanlwQn was an Flgb. He had however forgotten about hisheavenly peers while on eafth. All what he was doing amounted tonaught. For solution, he wentfor If consultation.

The Awo told him that this problem was that he had forgotten abouthis heavenly peers and they too had chosen to forget about him.Consequently, all his effofts on eafth did not receive the backing of hisFgb in heaven. He was advised to offer gbo with two pigeons, twococks and money. He was also asked to feed his Fgb with sugarcane,honey, bananas, peanuts/ coconut, oranges and other edibles. Hecomplied. Before long, he became a very successful man.

rf l d lfMo l dlilQrunmll nl t'n b il l'rru ktkrtOun gbogbo lO ma b un l'raa d nl tl un b jl I'rOOru ktktT'n b f agg drldrl bo'ra kq?WQn nl wQn nl Qrrtnmll pgleQmgal'dtt-j9mqonlwgnranIf ltn diljl

31

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton

Mo lo tn di ljlQrunmll nl t'n brt l'rooru ktktOun gbogbo l ma rtb Oun l'raa d nl tl un b jl l'rru ktktT'n b flagg pupa bo'ra kg?Wgn nl wen nl Qrrrnmll peh9mq onl'lQ kanrllQ knTl b wgn pqn rlgerlgaIf ltn dililMo l tn di ljlQrnmll nl t'n b il t'rru ktktOun 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 peh9mg gi Qpe kan, Qpe kanTl rb wgn fn nlngin-nlnginIf ltn diljlMo l tn di ljlQrnmll nl t'n b il l'rOru ktktOun gbogbo l ma b un l'raa d nl tl un b jl l'rru ktktT'oun o bo sokoto, t'oun o san bante nko?Wen nl wQn nl Qrnmil pehArnmll lgPe$peh gmg arln'hho g'QslnPeb gmg arlnhh g'Qra

TranslationIf says"it is nowtwelve"I chorus that"it is now twelve"Orrlnmll says that whenever he wakes up at dawnAllthings are agreeable to himHe asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd he wraps himself with a black coverlet?They respond that people will say"genily QrUnmlla

32

il ,,ono""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 dawnAll things are agreeable to himHe asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd 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 dawnAll things are agreeable to himHe asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd 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 dawnAll things are agreeable to himQnf nm'lla asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd chooses to wear neither trousers nor apron?They respond that people will hail him and say "gentlyQrnmIla""Easy QrnmIla"Gently, easy, he who is fresh and lovely in his completenakedness"Gently, the man who is kingly in his nudity"

If says that no matter the condition of the person for whom this Od isrevealed he/she will still regale and other people will find something forwhich to envy and emulate him/her. Consequently, it is in the interest ofthe 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 oIdl ni Oj'ayo-nj'ay ti j'ayo tirg l'de Ekltl-ffgnIOt n aje ti mu gi rQg gnK t re Qgenggn igiIdl ni Baba mi Agbnljos ti b'blnrin nQ g'erT b di lgba ejQdrnIre gmg nff yg'rf I slDl fitn EgbDl fun'FrnDl fin $agaraDl fn ArQnl-abg-panpaDl fitn SqnakqklTll g'gmg lke, yln wgn lnje-lnjeWQn nl kl wn r'bg s{ llk ara wgn

TranslationIt is from the base that the mortar caruer commences thecarving for a moftarIt is from the base that Ay game player plans the defeat of hisopponentat Ekl-ffgnIt is from the bottom of a tree that Ajao climbs to the peak ofanytreeIt is from the bottom that my father, known as AgbOnIjsUmakes loveto his spouseBy the same season the following yearThe result is the Ire of a bouncing babyThese were the declarations of If to EgbAnd to frnAnd to gagaraAnd to ArQnI with the big, thick tuft of hair on his head (after therest had been cleanly shaven)And to $QnakqklWho was the youngest of them allThey were advised to offerthe ebg for longevity

ii ,,ono"

The five children mentoned above were the ones who were mostimpoftant to Qrnmll among all his children at that material point intime. These children went to the home of the group of Awo whosenames were mentioned above for Ifa consultation. They were allinformed that they were Flgb children. Each of them was advisedto offer gbg with one cock, palm oil and money. They were also told tocut kolanuts into pieces and place them on their If. From there theywere to be picking the kolanuts for consumption. By so doing, theywere assured, they would live long on eafth. They did; and they livedlong. They were all saying that:

B ge ogn gdn l'nffA ma ba wgn $'bl l'rl Ikin jgB ge ggbqn gdn l'nffA ma b wgn gg'bl l'rl lkin jgAadoa gdun l'nffA ma b wgn ge'bl l'rl Ikin jgAw ti di $QnqkgklIk kff pa ag'bl l'rf Ikin jgAt d $Qnakgkl

TranslationEven in twentyyearsto comeWe shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of Ikin our holykernelIn thifi years to comeWe shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our holy kernelsIn fifty years timeWe shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our holy kernelsWe have taken up the identity of $QnkgkiDeath will never kill the person who eats kolanuts placed ontop of the holy kernelWe are now pQnkgld

If says that so long as the children (natural or adopted) of the personfor whom this Od is revealed can do this, so long will they live on

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

eafth. This can be done daily or at every If days. It is a sure remedyaganst ailments and evil spirits for those born by this Od or those forwhom this Od is revealed during consultation.

If l di enlMo l di enlEleenlDl ftn'LmenlQmg at'Qrun la, gb'gb Aj ka'rf w'yrf l d iMo l d jlEjeefiDl fn Sq-EjldT fyln tl m'oju qkrln srhn t'gmgIf l d eJaMo l di etaIkorita mta abldl ykt-yakataDl firn TamllQrgTll ge gmgknrin ltaIf l di QrinMo l dl Qrinfrln ni wqn rln fo'n gtlFrln +e+g ni gbr rln ko od l'nIX filn ElrlnmagbaQmq atako l9l99l9 SgunIf l di rnMo l di runOrggrn ni wqn k 'lOrygrUn ni wqn k 'knIX filn QlQrunflnmlQrggrn ni wQn fi ohun ire jin'raa wgnrf r di lfaMo l d efaIr gbogbo l flr j'e, tBl wqn b d'n igbDl fn Qlqfa-Ftl

li ,,on,,

9mg ata'ko lglgglg 9 QgunIf l di ejeMo l di jeB'lugbqn b 9'oroA k'ljeB'ArQs b g'orA k'ljeDl firn olje|e ag'qteTl be l'rfn Jfi fojoojmg kg'min ogunf16 d'jgMo ld'ejgK1waj il iq sl rere sl rereK', ylnknl il jq sl rere sf rereDla fun AbljqTl wQn bl s'de lgbjeT'Oun tl lresl OroIwa jqFvln iqMo ti g'awo egbjq g t'miIf l d'QsnMo l d'snAsan-gb I'agg t'wQnAwQ-gb I'aggt'wa oDl fit n Alkesn-magbaErlgl magbaEyl tO j'qba tnT sunkn Oun O rl olslnAw m AlkQsn jeQOiaGbogbo gmg gniE y w, g wa slnGbogbo gmg gniIf l d'QwMo ld'QwWlw-wlw ni wqn w Babalwoo re'lBabalwo kff w gnlkan gogo

37

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

D,l fin Qwa-Qga9wa Oglrl gbQduQmq okun yyeAie f'b kQQkQQ la'lgEyl tO sunkn wlpe ap un k'yrf I di QkanhMo ldi QkanhQkanla ni wgn d'gr fmQkanla ni wgn d'gr fAwgQkanh ni wgn d'qr welewele jkoDl fn QkanlawqnWQn nl k r'bgK ekefl rQgt'Qrun le da ohun rere le I'Owqrf drilMo l dlilQrunmll nl t'n b il l'rooru ktrkutOun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl tl Oun b jl I'orOOru ktktT'n b fi agg drtdtt bo'ra kq?WQn nl wQn nl Orrtnmll peh9mg al'drf -jQmq onlwgnranIf ltn diljlMo l tn di ljlQrrtnmll nl t'n b il l'r0Oru ktktOun gbogbo l ma rtb Oun l'raa d nl tl Oun b jl I'orOOru ktktT'n b f'a9g pupa bo'ra kg?WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll pghQmq onl'lQ kan,llQ knTl rrb wqn pqn rlgarlgaIf ltn diljlMo l tn di ljlQrUnmll nl t'n brt l'rOru ktktOun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl Oun b jl I'orOru ktkt

ii ,,ono"T'n b f a$g funfun bo'ra rtkq?WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll pele9mg gi Qpe kan, QpQ kanT b wgn fitn nlngin-nlnginIf Itn diljlMo l tn di ljlQrrtnmll nl t'n bil l'rOru ktktOun gbogbo l ma b Oun l'raa d nl tl un ba jl l'rru ktktT'oun o bo sokoto, t'oun o san bante nko?WQn nl wQn nl Qrnmll pehQrunmlla lSPqrcpeh gmg arln'hh g'QslnPeK qmg arlnhoh f'QraIdl ni gb'd-gb'd ti 'do tirQ e gbq oIdl ni Oj'ayo-rlj'ay ti rj'ayo tirg l'de Ekltl-ffgnIdl ni aja ti mu gi r$g gnK t re qgenggn igiIdl ni Baba mi Agbonljos t b'blnrin rQ g'erT b dilgbe ajQdnIre gmg nff yg'r{ | s{Dl filn EgbDfi fin FrnDl fin $agara fn ArQnl-abg-pnpDl fif n $QnakqklTll $'qmglk-eyln wgn lnje-lnjeWQn nl kl wqn r'bg sl llkr ara wgnB ge ogn gdun I'nffA ma b wgn ge'bl l'rl lkin jgB ge ggbqn gdn l'nffA ma b wgn s'bl I'Or{ Ikin jqAadqta gdun l'nffA ma b wgn gq'bl l'rl Ikin jgAw ti di $QnQkgklIkr kff pa aSe'bl l'rf Ikin jg

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

At d sonekokl

TranslationIf says"it is now one"I chorus that"it is now one"EleeefHe was the Awo who cast If for'LmffHe who carred the calabash orwealth and success on his headfrom heaven to eahIf says"it is nowtwo"I chorus that"it is now two"E;eerHe was the Awo who cast If for SIQ-ETdWho reclined and was weeping in lamentation of her inabilityto bear a childIf says"it is nowthree"I chorusthat"it is nowthree"Thethree crossroads with broad baseHe was the Awo who cast If for TarnflQrg (present me withgifts)The son oflta, the main streetIf says"it is now four"I chorus that it now fourIt is with laughter people collectfire for liquor distillationWth smiles, the flood joins the riverThey were the Awo who cast If for filQiln-magba, the king ofEnn-lteHe who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcomeadversaryIf says"it is now five"I chorus that"it is now fiveEvery five days do we harvest OkraEvery five days do we haruest garden-eggsThey were the Awo who cast If for QlQrun;)nrn'iEvery five days do they present good gifts of life to oneanotherIf says"it is now six"

40

ll ,,onr"I chorus that'tit is now six"All animals'tails resemble that of [tWhen theyare in the bushThey were the Awo who cast If for QQfa-ftaHe who knots leaves, shrubs and grasses to overcomeadversaryIf says"it is now seven"I chorus that"it is now seven"Whenever OlgbQn performs his annual ritualHe will markthe seventh day of the ceremonyWhenever ArQs perfoms his annual ritualHe will markthe seventh day of the ceremonyThey were the Awo who cast If for Oljele, the conspiratorWhen he was in the midst of enemiesAnd was living in constant fear of uprisingIf says"it is now eight"I chorusthat'tit is now eight"May the home frontage be calm and peacefulMaythe backof the home be calm and peacefulThey were the ones who cast If for Abf njgWho was born inlgbjg townTogether with IrQs)-OrThe front is calm and peacefulThe back is calm and peacefulI had offered my own gbg with 1,600 cowriesIf says"it is now nine"I chorus that"it is nine"Their clothes are to be hung until they tear to piecesOur dresses are to be worn until they fadeThey were the Awo who cast If for AlkQsn-magbaWhose praise name includes"EFlgl magba"Who after being installed an QbaWas weeping in lamentation of his inability to have peopleWho would pay him homageWe have now madeAlkQsn the head of the marketAll our childrenStep here and payyour homage

41

Ifa Dida: An nvtation to lfa Consultato Eji OgbeAllourchildrenIf says"it is nowten"I chorus that"it is now ten"Clients are the ones who go to Babalwo's houseBabalwo is not to frequent a client's houseThis was the declaration of If to ew QgaQw OgririigbQduOff-spring of thosewho greetwith"Okun yye,'He who fights and uses the handle of his sword to mark thegroundWhen weeping in lamentation of his inability to control hissubjectsIf says"it is now eleven"I chorus"it is now eleven"When packing ritual materials for Ol, they are always done inelevenWhen packing ritual material for Awo they are always done inelevenThese were the declarations of If to QkanhwgnWho was advised to offer gbgSo that his second in heaven would shower him with good giftsof life

, If says"it is nowtwelve"I chorusthat"it is nowtwelve"Qrnm)l says that whenever he wakes up at dawnAllthings are agreeable to himHe asksthatwhat if hewakes up atdawnAnd 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 TwelveQrunm'ila says that whenever he wakes up at dawnAll things are agreeable to himHe asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd he wraps himself with a red coverlet?

42

They respond that people will say"gently Qrnm'il" ii

''ono"

"Ownerof the land space" ('"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 dawnAll things are agreeable to himHe asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd 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 dawnAllthings are agreeableto himQrnm'il asks that what if he wakes up at dawnAnd he chooses to wear neither trousers nor apron?They respond that people will hail him and say "gentlyQrnm)f u ':Easy 0rnmll"Gently, easy, he who is fresh and lovely in his completenakedness""Gently, the man who is kingly in his nudity"It is from the base that the moftar carver commences thecarving for a moftarIt is from the base that Ay game player plans the defeat of hisopponentat ENtl-FfQn iIt is from the bottom of a tree that Ajao climbs to the peak of !anytreeIt is from the bottom that my father known as AgbOn'ljOsr1makes love to his spouseBy the same season the following yearThe result is the Ire of a bouncing babyThese were the declarations of If to EgbAnd to frnAnd to $agara

(

43

lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultation

And to ArQn) with the big, thick tuft of hair on his headAnd to SQnkgkiWho was the youngest of them allThey were advised to offerthe gbg for longevityEven in twentyyears to comewe shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of Ikin our holykernelIn thirtyyearsto comewe shallbe eating kolanuts placed on top of our hory kernelsIn fiftyyearstimewe shall be eating kolanuts placed on top of our hory kernelsWe have taken up the identity of SQnkgkiDeath will never killthe person who eats kolanuts placed on topof the holy kernelWe are now Snkoki

7. If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed loves tocrave for attention and recognition at all times. He/she shallalways get the attention he/she desires. If already advises thathe/she must never be complacent with whatever achievementhe/she had attained until he/she has reached the zenith ofhis/her career in life. He/she .must however be cautious inhis/her pursuit of recognition at all times. If says that eventhough he/she must strive to reach the top, he/she musthowever be cautious in his/her pursuit. If atso says that thisperson must learn the attitudes of elders and i m p o rt a n tdignitaries in the community. By so doing, he/she wilt move inthe midst of elders and very important personalities. on allthese, If says:

Mo s pamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un s pamqMo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o fe kQrQDl fin Il

ll ,,ono"Nfiq tl t'Qrun bQ wa'yeWQn nl k r'bg {Kl nkankan m ba g'orli rQIIQ nl ay t ye Oun t byff

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Orf says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refusesto accept mywalking in alleyways IThese were lf's declarations to IlQ, the mother-earthWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offergbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way it was

When IlQ, the Mother-earth, was coming from Heaven to Eafth, shewas advised to offer gbg in order to avoid a situation where everyonewould be placing things on her. She refused to offer the gbg, retorting ithat she was quite satisfied with the way her life was. It was on that Ivery day that people spread mat on her. That was when sheunderstood the importance of the advice of the Awo.

Mo s PamQ, s PamQOrl mi l'un s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda m l'un o f kQrQDl filn f nl iNfiq tl t'qrun bQ w'YWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQf nl nl ay ti yq oun t bYll

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Of says it does not accept my hiding myself

I45

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultation

I tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to [n'i, the matWhen coming from heaven to eathShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper theway it was

when fnl, the Mat, was spread over the Ground, frf thought that herposton was the ultimate in achievement. She was however advisedto offer gbg with two pigeons and money. She was also asked to feedher o with one white pigeon, honey, liquor, four kolanuts, eight bitterkola and money. She refused and said that she was quite satisfiedwith her present achievement. It was on that very day that a rug wasplaced on her.

Mo s pamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o fQ kerQ firn ltqNfjq t'Qrun be w'yWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQIte nl ay ti ye un t byff

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Ol says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alley waysBut my lda refusesto accept mywalking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations toltq, the RugWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo 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

By the timeltg, the Rug was placed on top of finf the Mat, the Rug wasjubilation, thinking that her achievement was the greatest anyonecould ever make. She was however advised to offer gbg as statedabove so that no other thing could ever be placed over and above henShe refused to heed this advice. On the same day, Apr, the stool,was placed on top of her.

Mo s pamQ, s pamQOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFd ml l'un o f$ kQrQDl filn ApereNljq tl rtt'Qrun bQ wyWQn nl k rrl'bgl(l nkankan m ba g'orli rQApere nl ay ti ye oun t byll

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Orisays itdoes notaccept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alley waysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were If's declarations to Apr, the stoolWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper theway it was

When Apr, the stool was placed on top of ItE, the Rug, she washappy and thought that she had achieved a lot. She was howeveradvised to offer gbg so that no other thing could be placed on top ofher. 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 pamqOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQfda ml l'un o fg kQrQ fitn 9baMjq tl o rtt'grun bQ wyWqn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rQQba nl ay ti yg Oun t bytl

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Ori says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alley waysBut my FdArefuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Qba, the kingWhen coming from heaven to eafthHe was advised to offer gbgSothat nothing could be placed on top of himHe 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 asstated above so that nothing coud be on top of him. He said that hewas quite contented with his present condition. On that same day,Ad, the crown, was placed on top of his head.

Mo s pamQ, s pamQOrl mi l'un s pamQMo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQlda ml l'un o fg kQrQDf fin AdNljq tl nt'qrun bQ wy

li ,,ono"WQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rAd nl ay t yg oun t byff

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my O says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Ad, the crownWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe wasadvised to offergbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of himHe 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 Crownthought that the achievement was the ultimate. He was full of joy andcelebrations. He was however warned to offer gbg as prescribedabove so that nothing could be placed over and above him. He simplyignored the advice. On that very day, 16 peacock plumes were placedon top of Ad, the Crown.

Mo s pamQ, s pamQOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrO, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o f kqrqDl frtnly Qkn mrlndlnlgrtnfjq tl o nt'grun bQ wyWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rQWQn nl ay ti ye wgn t byff

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Ori says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alley ways

49

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton

But my lda refuses to accept my walkng in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations tolyq Ql(n, the Peacock FeathersWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe 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 noway any other thing could be placed on top of them. Based on thisconviction, they simply ignored the advice of the Awo who asked themto offer gbg as prescribed above. On that very day, Eginsin-tnt, atiny Housefly, landed on top of the plumes.

Mo s pam, s pamQOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQfda ml l'un o fQ kQrQDl frn lyQ Egingin-tntNliq tl ttt'Qrun bQ wyWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orfirQ

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Of says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alley waysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Egingin-tnt, the Tiny

HouseflyWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo 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, theRug, who was on top of f n'i, the Mat who was on top of IlQ, the Groundand realized that nothing stops any other thing from being placed ontop of him. In this wise, he heeded the advice of the Awo who askedhim to offer gbg in order to avoid a situation where something elsewould be placed on top of him. He also fed his Ofi as prescribed. Hewas also advised to take life easy and that he should learn how tobehave in the midst of people. He complied. He was then assured thatnothing would be placed on top of him. True to prediction, nothingwas placed on top of him.

Anytime he landed on Iyg Ol(n, the Peacock plumes, he would washhis two hands and two legs thoroughly, he would then wine and dinewith Qba, the King and all his Highness Chiefs and other subordinates.Afterthe feasting, he would then begin to jubilate by singing thus:

Mowg'wQrwg'sQMojgun Qba oMowg'wQrwg'sQMo jgun Qba oEmi wg'wQ, we'sQMiokmqEmll wg'wQ, wg'seMo jgun 9ba

TranslationI wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the kingI wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the kingI wash both hands and feetI die no moreI wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the king

If says that the person for whom this Od is revealed needs to learn51

Ifa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultaton

proper conduct and decorum so as to live long and be able to mixfreely in the midst of very important personalities. If says thathe/she shall be found in the midst of, and counted along with, eba andimpoftant dignitaries.

Mo s pam, s pamqOrf mi l'un O s pamMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o fg kQrQD,l fn IIQNfjq tl O nt'qrun bQ w'yWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orfi rQIlg nl ay ti yg oun t bytlOojq n ni wqn t'gnl le l'rlMo s pam,, s pamqOrl mi l'un s pamMo rln nl kQre, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o fg kQrQDl fn gnlNfjq t'qrun bQ w'yWQn nl k rrt'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rQfnl nl ay t yg un t byffoojq n ni wEn tq ltg l'e l'rfMo s FamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un s pamgMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFAa m l'un o fg kerQDt fn lteNfjq tl rtt'Qrun bQ w'yWen nl k r'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rQItq nt ay ti yg oun t byffoojq n ni wqn gb pr le l'rlMo s pam, s pamqOrl mi l'un O s pamq

tltlll EiiOgbeMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o f kQrQDl fn Aprt{ljq tl t'Qrun bQ wyWQn nl k r'bgKl ntkankan m ba g'orli rQApr nl ay ti ye oun t bYllOojq n ni wqn gb Qba le l'rlMo s pamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un o s pamqMo rln nl kQrq, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o f kQrQDl filn QbaNljq tl t'Qrun bQ wyWQn nl k r'bgKI nkankan m ba g'orli rQQba nl ayt yg un t bylloojq n ni wqn gb Ad le l'rlMo s pamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un O s pamqMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o f$ kQrqDl ftn Adr.ffiq tl nt'9run bQ wyWQn nl k rrl'bgKl nkankan m ba g'orli rQAd nl ay ti ye Oun t byffOoiq n ni wqn fi lye Qkln mQrlndlnlogn Ie l'rlMo s FamQ, s pamqOrl mi l'un s pamQMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQnQFda ml l'un o f$ kQrqDl fin lyg Qkln mgrlndlnlgunNljQ tl t'qrun bQ wyWQn nl k r'bgKl nkankan m baa g'orfi rg

lfa Dida: An nvitation to lfa Consultation

WOn nl ay ti ye wgn t bylloojq n ni Eegin Tnt b le I'rlMo s pamQ, s pamQOrl mi l'un O s pamQMo rln nl kQrQ, nl kQrQFda ml l'un o f$ kQrQDl fun lyg Egingin-tnttjq t'Qrun bQ wyWQn nl k rrl'bgl(| nkankan m ba g'orli rQ gb'gbo, r'bgwa wg'wE itnl itnl w'gsQ itnl tnl ya'nu ktOrin Awo l ko nl mowgwQ,wg'seMo jgun Qba oMowqwQrwg'sgMo jgun QbaEml wgwQ, wg'sQMiokmqEml iwgwqrwe'seMo jqun Qba

TranslationI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Ol says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refusesto accept mywalking in alleywaysThese were If's declarations to IIQ the mother-eafthWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way it wasThatwasthe daythat [nf, the Matwas placed on itI tried in vain to hide myself

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li ,'ono"But my Ori says it does not accept my hiding myself II tried to walk in alleyways 'But my pda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declaratons to fnl, the matWhen coming from heaven to earthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way it wasThatwas the day thatltg, Rug was placed on itI tried in vain to hide myself iBut myOf says itdoes notaccept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations toltq, the RugWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSothat nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way it wasThatwasthe daythatApr, the Stoolwas placed on it tI tried in vain to hide myself \But my Or'i says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my pda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Apr, the stoolWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way it was rThat was the day Qba was placed on itItried in vain to hide myselfBut my Of says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were If's declarations to Qba, the kingWhen coming from heaven to eafthHe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of him (

55

lfa Dida: An invitation to lfa Consultaton

He responded that her life was rght and properthe way itwasThatwasthe daythatAd, the Crown was placed on his headI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Of says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refusesto accept mywalking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Ad, the crownWhen coming from heaven to eafthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of himHe responded that his life was right and properthe way it wasThat was the day that 16 peacock plumes were placed on itI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my Of says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my lda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lf's declarations to Iyq Ql(n, the peacockFeathersWhen coming from heaven to earthShe was advised to offer gbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe responded that her life was right and proper the way itwasThat was the day that Egingin tnt, the tiny Fly landed on thefeathersI tried in vain to hide myselfBut my O says it does not accept my hiding myselfI tried to walk in alleywaysBut my fda refuses to accept my walking in alleywaysThese were lfa's declarations to Egingin-tnt, the TinyHouseflyWhen coming from heaven to earthShe wasadvised to offergbgSo that nothing could be placed on top of herShe compliedShe washed her hands gingerlyAnd washed her legs gingerly

il t,ono"She opened her mouthAnd Awo songs came out of mouthShethen declared:I wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the kingI wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the kingI wash both hands and feetI die no moreI wash both hands and feetAnd feastwith Qba, the king

If saysthat the person for whom this Od is revealed shall wine and dinein the midst of the high and mighty in the society. He/she shall be given therespect reserued only for royalties.

8. If says that as the child of EI-Ogb, the person for whom this Od isrevealed has no other source of support except Oldmar, Of andIf, It is through If that his/her wealth, success, health andpopularity are assured. If says that, as pafts of his/her perpetualcrave for attention and recognition, he/she endeavours to prove toothers how intelligent he/she really is. If says that all his/herintellect usually exposes his/her folly. Conversely, if anyone tries tounder-estimate his/her intelligence, such person will be shockedwhen 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 forwhom 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 advisedto offer two pigeons, two hens, two cocks and money. He/she alsoneeds to feed If with four rats, four fish, palm-oil and liquor. Onthese, If says:

A gbQn bi AkoA 9Q bl Ako

57

lfa Dida: An invtation to lfa Consultation

Ako gbQngbqn-qngbQn, Ako ko w'lAko gQgQqgq, enlkan ko te gb'Ako taAgbatfi iteresl'hT kiri ilonl'le kiriOun l peAkoK'nll h'w gbQdQK'nll Se pehpehB'nllOb h'w gbqdqB'nll o b 9e pelpeleAko O re'l mffrn dandanA Sl'pa tn, ayanngedeAyanngede, a st'pI)| fit n Odnaja-Ag nyt nQmqrl kan b'rl gwj9mg orl tl rtsunkn ateQmq beb-ldl tl ilsunkn Oun gunlbaaka l'gin na'ja lekfletltlB$$ ni ko r'er jgoWQn nl k lg ma b Qrunmll g'OwO pQ

TranslationThewisdom of AkoThe foolishness of AkoAs wise asAko is, he cannotcome homeAs foolish as Ako is, he cannot be sold into slaveryThe elder who left his own homeAnd was moving about other people's homesIsthe person called AkoLetthe occupantofthe house exercise cautionLetthe occupant ofthe house show meekness

. If the occupantof the house s notcautiousIfthe occupant of the house does not show meeknessAko will surely leave for another houseWith arms akimbo, he will match majesticallyHe will walk majestically, with arms akimboThese were lf's declarations to Onlnja-AgnfinOffspring of the Of which is in search of a befittingcapAnd of beaded waistand buttocks in search of a muleto mountas a horseHe engaged in merchandise in several placesBut he had no profit to show for his effortsHe was advised to enter into partnership with

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" | | eiogn"

Qrunmll

Orfnj-Agnln tried so many enterprses but failed. He tried farming;he failed. He tried hunting; he failed. He tried fishing; he failed. He trledtrading; he failed. He tried handicraft; he failed. He tried singing; hefailed. Consequently, he approached the group of Awo mentioned abovefor If consultation: would he succeed in his life?

The Awo assured him that he would succeed in his life. They said that hemust never prove to be m