Tag Archive | "itapa"

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Igbe Ifa Pade Orisanla Lona- Itapa Festival

Posted on 21 January 2010 by Babalawo Aworeni

The Igbe Ifa Pade Orisanla Lona or the Ijekuru Itapa festival was held this week, January 20, 2010. This festival represents the the time when there was a war between Orisanla and Oduduwa. When the two Orisa were fighting a great war insued and Orunmila came to settle the dissagreement between the two of them.

During this festival the Araba Agbaye represents Orunmila, the Ooni of Ife along with the Emese represent Oduduwa and the members of Itapa represent Obatala. As a part of the festival the Araba took Ifa to the Enuwa to meet the members of Itapa where many rituals took place. All the Awoolodumerindinlogun were present and participated in the rituals. This day represents a war where Orunmila pleaded with Obatala and Oduduwa for peace. Orunmila pleaded with the two Orisha not to destroy Ile-Ife. After Orunmila settled the disagreement Oduduwa traveled to Itapa and the members of Itapa traveled to the palace to show that the war has ended and there is peace. All the people were happy and celebrated, good things were then able to enter the town.

It is important that only those directly involved in the peace proceeding be present during the festival. Because this festival represents a time of war only the Awo, Itapa members and the Emese Ooni were present. Throughout the day of the festival no outsider can pass in front of the Palace or Itapa or in front of Oketase.

The Odu Ifa that explains the story behind this festival is Irete Ogbe.

The Araba Agbaye and the Awoolodumerindinlogun

Members of Itapa

Obalesu and other Members of Itapa

Owolabi Aworeni and his brother Asiwaju Ijo Orunmila, with Ifa

Iya L’Orisa and members of Itapa


Isu gbojo odun isu pe ewe

Koko fi igba ojo la le

Akere gboun ojo o fi

Ikatere ona ofun

Difa fun odun to gberu ti

Kole orun bo wa otu Ife

A gbe odun kale

Odun ko lo mo

This incantation is from Etura Meji. It states that we will all continue to have good festivals throughout the New Year and beyond.

Orishada.com greets the member of Itapa for a wonderful festival this year. We also greet the Ooni of Ife, the Emese and all the Awo of Ife. We wish all a Happy Itapa Festival and a prosperous 2010.

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Aku Iseyinde: The Transition of Baba Obalale Obatala

Posted on 20 December 2009 by Babalawo Aworeni

Obalale ObatalaWe are sorry for the passing of the beloved father Obalale Obatala. Our condolences to the Dosu family, all of the Itapa family and the people of Ife. He transitioned on December 18, 2009, the funeral rights will begin on the December 19.
Obalesu will taking over the postion as the head of the Itapa.

Ojo ajina sira o ase
Awo ki sunkun iyere leku awo
A ki gbo awo iku awo sun ni
Ki awo rere ma je ni moore agbada.

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Featured Priest Chief Obaluru: In Praise of Orisa Nla

Posted on 26 October 2009 by Babalawo Aworeni

Orisa Nla Shrine, Ile-Ife

Orisa Nla Shrine, Ile-Ife

Obatala is a messenger for Olodumare. He created human beings by forming their bodies an facial features. However, it was Olodumare that gave human beings the breath of life. White people were created with red clay while black people were created using black clay. When Obatala was quickly creating human bodies, he created handicapped humans. He created them in order that humans may know the different facets of life and appreciate what they are given. Because of this the handicap are children of Obatala and worship him.

Anyone that is to take the crown of Ooni (king) must first be given the crown by Obatala. Obatala is the Orisha that wears the crown.

Obatala has many praise names, they include but are not limited to the following:

Obatakuntakun Lode Iranje, Eni To Nsoju To Nse Owo, Orisa Ni Maasin, Onileji Oje Oji, Orisa Nla Je Eeyan Pataki

Obatala is known for granting prayers for women to bear children, for making childbirth easier, for having good children and for obtaining money. Yemoo Oboboniba is the wife of Obatala.

Obatala has a strong relationship with the Aje Funfun. Yemoo, his wife, is Aje Funfun. The aje associated with Obatala are called Aje Obatala. The relationship of Obatala to the other Orisa is that he is their Elder and the ower of the Ase. Obatala often appears as an old man.

Obatala likes to dress in white. He likes to eat eku, eja, igbin, 6-toed cock. His taboos are emu (palm wine), aja (dog), day old pounded yam (can only eat fresh yam), he cannot eat on a stool, and he cannot walk on an overgrown path.

The Obatala Festival is held in Ile-Ife at the Itapa Temple in January.

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Chief Posi Egbewole Obaluru Obatala is from the Iranje Orisa N’la compound in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He was born into an Obatala family. He is a priest of a Obatala and an herbalist. He holds the title Iwarefa in the Ogboni Fraternity.

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