The Sixteen (16) Major Odu Ifa from Ile-Ife is charged with the Ancient of Ifa. This easy to read book of the sixteen major Odu of Ifa is written in the light of the tradition in Ile-Ife.

About the Book:

This book about the ancient religion called Ifa, is divided into several sections. The first part is an introduction exploring the creation of the Universe, the life and times of Ifa, the avatar and founder of Ifa. The second section of the introduction answered the question about Ifa, its origin and instruments of divination. The third section deals with the lessons of Ifa, both as a religion and a way of life.

The main part of the book recounts the verses of the 16 Major Odu of Ifa from the source of Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Each of the sixteen Odu has sixteen verses of the literary corpus in both Ile-Ife Yoruba with English translation.

There has been some influence of one dialect over another, especially when the Oyo dialect seems to be considered the official Yoruba and that of Ifa. The major difference between the Odu in Ile-Ife and elsewhere is lies in the chronology of the Odu. In all cases Eji-Ogbe starts the corpus and, Orangun Meji ends the corpus. But, within those boundaries are the differences alluded to.

We have not attempted to translate verbatim the corpus but, have given the meaning of each verse, the story involved, its importance and, the necessary sacrifices to be made and to what end.

Of the 256 Odu we offer the 16 Major Odu with the remaining 240 minor Odu offered for a later publication.

 

About the Author:

Adedoja Aluko was born over the six decades ago in Georgia, USA and led a dutiful life until he left home at 18. A successful career soon turned sour and he had to consult a babalawo within his domain when everything else failed. The divination (Akosejaye in adult age) simply directed the author to the career destined for him by Olodumare by stating that peace and long life are the rewards of service to Ifa.

Since that time, the author has not turned back from his pursuit of knowledge contained in the Ifa literary corpus. He was initiated to the Ifa cult, given the Odu and subsequently made the Babalodu Awo Agbaye, one of the 16 high priests of Ifa in the world. He was also initiated into Obatala in 1968 and conferred with the chieftaincy title Akala Orisa in Ile-Ife in 1999.

Chief Aluko established the Indigenous Faith of Africa, Inc. where he teaches the African traditional religions with emphasis on Ifa, Obatala, and Osun, among others. He also teaches "Iwa Pele" gentle and upright human character.