Photography: Will Coleman, Ph.D.
This is a statue of Orunmila, the messenger of the mysteries of Ifa. According to mythic-history, he was the pre-existent witness to creation who has incarnated several times (and will return) and who is the dispenser of the knowledge that is essential for cultivating iwa pele ( good character).
Ifaiyable
Ifaiyable is a creed that affirms the fundamental beliefs of the Ifa religion.
Affirmation of Belief
Mo gba Edumare gba, eni oni eni ana eni titi lailai, eniti gbogbo Irunmole ati Igbamole.
I believe in the creator, the Owner of Today and The Owner of Yesterday, the Owner of All Days to Come.
Nwari fun ti won si npa ase re mo, Olupilese ati eleda ohun gbogbo ti a nri, ati eyi ti a ko ri.
He to whom all the Immortals pay homage, and for whom they exist to know his laws and commands, Originator and Creator of all things discovered and yet to be discovered.
Mo gba Orunmila barapetu Elerin Ipin, Ibikeji Olodumare Alafogun Ajejogun.
I believe in the Spirit of Destiny, the Great Witness to Creation, second to the Creator, and owner of medicine that is more powerful than medicine.
Obiriti ap - ojo Iku da, Odudu ti ndu ori emere, Agiri Ile Ilogbon, Oluwa mi ato ba j'aiye gbo.
The Immense Orbit that fought the day of Death, the One who regenerates youth and creatures of Bad Luck, He who is perfect in the House of Wisdom, the All Powerful who saves.
Mo gba awon ojise gbo, mo gba Ela mimo gbo bi, Iko ti Odumare nran'se.
I believe in the messengers, I believe in the Holy Spirit of Manifestation, who is the Messenger sent by the Creator.
Mo gbagbo pe iranse ni Esu nse mo gbagbo pe imisi Oba t'aiyese ni nso ni di ojise.
I believe that the inspiritation of the most Purative and Corrective Chief proceeds from the Messengers.
Mo gba Akoda ati Aseda gbo bi, emi imo ai ogbon aiyeraiye.
I believe in Akoda and Aseda, the Soul and Spirit of Knowledge and Wisdom since the beginning of Time.
Mo gbagbo pe ilana ti awon ojise fi lele nipase imisi emi Oba t'aiyese yio ran ni lowo lati ri ona iye.
I believe that through the teachings of the Messengers the inspiritation Spirit of the most Putative and Corrective Chief of the world descends and ignites and spreads from his hand in order to light the way of life.
Mo gbagbo pe agbafa ti o ti inu agbara wa mbe lara awon yami.
I believe that this power within power exists within the society of wise women.
Mo gbagbo pe etutu ni a fi ntun aiye se.
I believe that it is by propitiation and atonement that the world is made.
Mo gba ijoriwo awo agbaiye gbo.
I believe in Ijoriwo awo Agbaiye awo of the Universe.
Mo gba ilana iweri awo bi apere atunbi.
I believe in the teachings of Iwere awo as the guide to regeneration and renewal.
Mo gbagba pe igbala wa mbe ninu ninu iwa rere.
I believe that salvation exists in the exaltation of good character.
Mo gbagbo pe emi enia ki nku.
I believe that the soul of humans does not die.
Mo gba atunbi gbo.
I believe in regeneration and reincarnation.
Mo gba ilana iwosan gbo.
I believe in the Holy Principles of healing.
Mo gbagbo pe jije onje imule yio mu ni po si ninu Ife ara.
I believe that the cleansing foods of the covenant are plentiful among the kindred of Ife.
Mo gba ilana igbeyawo gbo ati pe o to o si ye ki t'oko t'aya.
I believe in the sacredness of the principles of marriage and that it is honorable for men and women to always be in sober conduct.
Wa ni airekoja nigbagbogbo ki Edumare fi ese mi mule ninu igbagbo yi. Ase.
At the feet of the creator I drink Earth and make Covenant in this faith. May it be so.
