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.