Irete-Ogbe - How Odu Became Orunmila's Wife Part 10

"Odu entered the house of Orunmila and called to him.  Odu said Orunmila I have arrived.  Odu said I have many powers.  Odu said she did not want to fight with Orunmila.  Odu said if someone asked for her to help them fight Orunmila she would not help.  Odu said she did not want Orunmila to suffer in anyway.  Odu said she would fight anyone who wanted to make Orunmila suffer."

Commentary:

On a social level this verses is affirming a commitment by the women's secret societies to support the public work done by Orunmila.  It is an affirmation of acceptance of the principles of good character advocated by Orunmila and a commitment to preserve and protect Ifa as the fundamental principle for social organization.

"Orunmila said, not bad."

Commentary:

Orunmila is acknowledging his appreciation for this support.  The notion that Iyaami should be considered a group of evil women is total nonsense not supported by Ifa scripture and the teachings of the prophet Orunmila.  The denigration of Iyaami started with British colonialization.  The women of Iyaami are the guardians of the crown of the Oba or traditional Yoruba kings.  The crowns are adorned with the icon of Iyaami.  There is no way that any culture let along Yoruba culture is going to adorn the regalia of political leaders with icons representing evil in the world.

The British demonized Iyaami because they were afraid the elder women of Iyaami would block their efforts to exploit Nigerian resources.

Ire,

Awo Falokun