Odu Owonrin Ofun: Honoring Women & Spiritual Balance in Ifa Teachings

Awo Ifasola Sangobolade
Aug 1
2 min read

Honoring Ancient Wisdom

In the sacred teachings of Ifa, Odu Owonrin Ofun carries a powerful message: never underestimate the strength and influence of women. This wisdom is not just symbolic; it is deeply spiritual and practical. Whether you follow Orunmila, Obatala, Oshun, Ogun, Sango, Oya, or any of the Orishas, Ifa reminds us that true spiritual alignment includes honoring the role of women, especially the Iyami Osoronga.

The Sacred Warning: Odu Owonrin Ofun

Owonrin Ofun offers critical insights about the consequences of disrespecting women and failing to offer proper ebo (sacrifice). In this Odu, Ifa warns that women have the power to uplift or destroy, and their role must be acknowledged with reverence.

“Owonrin wofun wedo Dia fun Iya mi Osoronga...”

This verse describes how the witches, Iyami Osoronga, were advised by Ifa to offer ebo before their journey to the land of Ipokia. Similarly, the people of Ipokia were also warned, but they ignored the guidance of the Babalawo.

The Power of the Iyamis

The Iyami, also known as Eleye (the Mothers), are powerful spiritual forces in the Yoruba cosmology. When the people of Ipokia dismissed them, thinking they were "just women," they faced devastating consequences. Plagues, suffering, and misfortune swept across the land.

It wasn't until they humbled themselves, offered ebo, and paid respect to the Iyamis that peace returned.

What Ebo Was Required?

To honor and appease the Iyami Osoronga, Ifa prescribes a specific offering:

6 okete (large bush rats)
6 eko (cornmeal puddings)
6 bottles of palm oil

These items should be offered over six consecutive nights, one set per night, as a full ipese (ritual feeding).

The Deeper Lesson from Ifa

The Odu teaches that no man becomes great without a woman. From birth to kingship, the influence of women is foundational.

"Obinrin lo bi wa ka wa o to di eniyan..."

"It is a woman who gave birth to us before we became human..."

Even Oba (kings) and Orishas like Ogun, Sango, and Obatala were born of women before ascending to greatness.

Honoring Women in Awo

Every awo (initiate) and Babalawo must understand that spiritual strength is incomplete without respecting feminine forces. Ifa is not only about reading the Opele, casting Ikin, or chanting the Odu Ifa—it's about living the message.

Respecting women is an Isese (ancestral tradition) directive. From Esu to Egbe, from Egungun to Orunmila, all forces in the Yoruba cosmology uphold the sanctity of balance—especially between masculine and feminine energy.