Olokùn Becomes the ocean

Irawiro belebe, Isepa werewere, Itibamba, Ota werewere, A dífá fún Olókùn…

Irawiro belebe is the leaf that is seen spreading on top of water, Isepa werewere is the small tree on the river, Itibamba is the very large tree under the water that can not move from one place to another, Ota werewere is the stone, Cast Ifá for Olókùn…

The three Awo who mislead Olókùn came to greet them and (s)he cursed them. The first and second Awo were cursed to be flowing on top of water, while Olókùn cursed the third Awo to live in a stationary way. Olókùn blessed the fourth Awo for their truthful insight and support by allowing them to dine with them till the end of their life. That is why Ota is smooth because of its habitation with Olókùn and living and enjoying a stress free lifestyle.

In this Ẹsẹ̀ form Èjì Ogbè it speaks of Olókùn who was previously small in size, like that of a lagoon or a small river. Olókùn was looking for how to attain growth and development and wanted to be spread and well known all over the world. Olókùn went to see an Awo to consult Ifá and Èjì Ogbè came down. Olókùn was told that they could not have a child; that it was not their destiny.

Olókùn felt dejected because this Awo was supposed to be very knowledgable and well versed in Ifá; they had a good record and they were known for their good works and accurate predictions. Despite that, Olókùn was not satisfied. Olókùn went for a second opinion and they were shocked that another Awo cast the same Odù, Èjì Ogbè, and they said the same thing. Olókùn became more depressed and dejected. But, Olókùn having a very strong mind would not give up. Olókùn went to the third Diviner to get a third opinion, Olókùn knew that this Diviner was not as good as the first and the second one. Olókùn got the same response from this third Diviner.

Olókùn became so dejected that they began crying. Just then another compassionate Awo came their way. The Awo told Olókùn to follow him and that if there was anything that they could help Olókùn to accomplish they would gladly do it for them. So, Olókùn being as determined, desperate and persistent as they were went with the fourth Diviner to consult Ifá again. Olókùn had gone here there and everywhere seeking for a answer. But, the fourth consultation truly shocked Olókùn. The Awo checked in with Ifá and Èjì Ogbè came down yet again. The Awo said, “Congratulations, your success is knocking on your door, but you need to do offerings to open it. Ifá said you will be successful, where as the other Awo where incorrect about giving Olókùn the correct messages. Many moths later Olókùn became successful and Olókùn started spreading. They gave thanks for the fact that even though their detractors told them that they would not be successful; through Ifá Olókùn was. Ifá said that they would grow and develop and have many children, in fact they could have anything that wanted to have. The Awo said, “these are the materials to be used for offering”, and although Olókùn upon hearing what they wanted to hear now, placed it side by side with what they had heard before and did not truly and totally believe in what the last Diviner said, but they were ready to give it a trail. They did all the measures prescribed and set out to follow the instructions to the letter.

Olókùn then became very very successful to the extent that when Olókùn became great and big, people now wanted to be Olókùn’s friend. Those Awo who predicted that Olókùn was not destined for greatness wanted to visit Olókùn. But, Olókùn did not allow them to get closer to self and kept them far away. However, when this fourth Diviner was traveling to the depths of the Ocean to visit with Olókùn. Olókùn said, “let that Diviner come straight to me at the deepest part of the Ocean, because if not not for that Diviner I would have already given up and lost hope, but the Diviner assured me that I can get it, I can make it, I can get there and I did what was prescribed and here I am today”. This diviner is called Ota werewere. The three Awo that had mislead Olókùn came to greet him and he cursed them were Irawiro belebe (a leaf that is seen spread on top of water - sea moss). He was cursed to live on top of water. The second Awo was Isepa werewere (a small tree on the river), Olókùn curse him to be flowing on top of water as well. The third Awo was Itibamba (a very large tree under the water that can not move from one place to another). Olókùn cursed this Awo to live in a stationary way. The Awo that gave Olókùn truthful insight was Ota werewere (the stone). Olókùn told Ota that he would be eating and dining with him till the end of its life. He was told that he would live a stress free life, thats why this stone is smooth because of living with Olókùn. Today Olókùn has manifest self as the large and vast Ocean. Olókùn is known in the East, in the West, in the South, whether they are calling Olókùn by different names; it is still the Ocean.

Àṣẹfá

The narrative here is very clear it speaks about being persistent and being consistent. Perseverance and determination in not giving up. You have heard of people getting a second opinion but it is very rare for people to be getting a fourth opinion; “it only shows a strong element of: I have to get this, I have to know why, I have to be sure, which did help them.” In another way it speaks to Olókùn being very appreciative, giving back to those who gave to Olókùn or recognizing all those who were involved in Olókùn’s greatness. Olókùn actually told Ota that they were not going back to where they lived and that they would stay with them, because if Olókùn had stopped and not got to them as the fourth consultant to divine for me - they would never be where they are now. They told Ota that they never wanted them far away from them - they would stay close to Olókùn. That is why those Ota stay at the base of the Ocean - living in the deepest part of the Ocean where the essence of the Ocean is. Ifá says know what you want, go all out for it! To the extent of the fourth option for it, not just second opinion and when you get it and it gives you what you want. Keep it so close - never allow it to be far away so that you can easily lay your hand on it.

Ifá says dont get feed-up. Ifá says like Olókùn you are going to be popular and well known. People may discourage you with wrong information, but don't let that dissuade your large ambitions. Olókùn was told by many Awo that they would not become successful nor would he see the growth and development that they had been sought in life. Ifá says be clear and focused on what you want to achieve and don't lose sight of what is important. Ifá says your mind is everywhere racing from one thing to another. There is a need for you to maintain a definite focus and have a clear goal in mind.

Ifá says whatever position you find yourself in, Ifá says to give thanks always. Some people are trying to reach your position. Always give thanks for where you are. Ifá says don't let anyone discourage you. Be careful of the information you get or are listening to. Ifá says although you may meet a lot of fake people in life, but you are going to pass through them.Don’t get feed up, you may feel frustrated, you may have lost hope. Ifá says that although you may meet plenty people on your way telling you this or that - untruthful people. You will pass through them. At the end you will be fine. Do the right thing at the right time.

Aboru Aboye.

Ifawuyi Opeifa