American Ifa

This book provides the ideology and fundamentals of American Ifa in America. This book clarifies the cause of its beginning and stresses the importance of being able to practice Ifa – Orisa where you live. It also eliminates the fear-mongering fabrications, misogynistic and cyber-bullying tactics used against American practitioners. This book provides the glue to mend the broken culture bowl for the people who are hungry and looking for the strength, positive energy and spiritual support of their West African Ancestors on their spiritual journey. Finally, this book will give understanding behind the philosophy of American Ifa and the founder’s vision.

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American Ifa Fa Afa (501c3) – 15th ANNUAL IFA IN AMERICAN/USA READING

FOR 2024 was done Thursday, December 21st, 2023 @ 5 pm in the State of Florida at Ile Ikoko Ata, for the total United States, regions, and territories followers. (this is for those who follow us)

OVERVIEW:

WARS, WARS, AND MORE WARS. Wars are to be fought and won. Everyone believes that they are unique and better than the next person yet we all are born to die. No one lives forever. Nevertheless, where there is life, there is hope. Judgment of our character is made from someone else’s vision or ideas of what a person’s character should and should not be. It’s not always the amount of money in someone’s bank account. Ifa sees people playing checkers and chess… tit-for-tat. There are people who believe that they are smarter than the next. But there is always someone smarter. Some of us keep holding on to bad people who we call friends. Just like bad shoes that hurt our feet. It is time to let those old, bad habits and so-called friends go. Sacrifices to survive are the key. Learn to love yourself and not someone else, people. Live by example. Give respect to receive respect; one hand washes the other. This year Ifa speaks about the continuance of contagious diseases, illnesses, and old or bad foods that will bring iku (death). Death is boldly at many doors that are not marked. The blood flows and runs through and out of the veins. There is no happiness on either side of the coin.

There are continuous wars on the womb, women, children, men, and the earth, but more extreme. War on families and wars between siblings become enemies and bring total divides within the family. Learn to have patience and tolerance. We can win half the wars with a calm head. Use the head for more than wearing a hat, cap, or wig. Don’t be so impulsive. The name of the game is to save ourselves by thinking and planning before executing. Otherwise, many people will lose their wealth, health, life, and everything they worked for through greed and envy for wealth.

Like the elders once said, the truth sets us apart. Some people will have a spiritual awakening while walking around like zombies. Believe me, the dead will not let us forget them. We have not learned our lessons from years of mistakes.

There will be a lot of uncertainties. There is no stability in the home or on the job. Things will change as we look for a crutch to hold us up. 2024 brings an interlink of circles where chaos, death, and sickness are born from that womb. Have faith in God’s truth and be mindful and careful of opinions from people that you take as truth.

May Olodumare bless us all.

OBI:

Babaolorisa threw Obi and poured Nangare

Ancestors: Ejife

Esu Baralayiki: ejife

THE ODU:

ODU OGBE OTURUPON (alias: Ogbe’trupon, Ogbe’tumako, Ogbe’tomokpon, Ogbe’etrukpon)

Ire elese egun (ancestors) kote yale

GOVERNING ORISAS 2024:

Leading Orisa: Obaluaye (BabaluAye)

Accompanying Orisa: Oya

Supporting the Orisas: Iyamiis and Ancestors

Other Orisas: Obatala Orunmila, Ogun, Sango, and Oshossi

SAYINGS:

Ifa said that “The earth is full of criminals,”

“Where there’s life, there is hope”

“Cool head wins all war,”

“Love yourself so you can love others,”

“Learn from your mistake”,

“Child prodigy”

MAFEREFUN: Esu, Orunmila, Obaluaye, Oya, Sango,

CLOSING ODU: Odu Ogbe ‘Sa

KEYWORDS: Weapon, ori, chaos, death, argument, wars, conflicts, characteristic, women, children, respect, love, Mothers, ebos, illegal, prison, money, rain, moderation, curiosity, drinking alcohol,

FLAG: The color of this flag this year in three colors: white center, with a green band, followed by a purple band

NOTE: ONLY use palm oil for the witches again this year, and give peanut oil for the Orisas and Ikins

RECEIVED:

• Warriors
• Kofa or Awofaka
• Olokun

EWE:

• Bleo Blanco
• Frescura
• Verdolaga
• Atiponla
• Lemon grass

EBO:

• Put grass skirt (raffia or palm fronds) over purple fabric and wrap around Ogun
• Give Ogun a bottle of oti (liquor) unopened
• Clean 3 baby chicks and let them go in the woods for Iyamiis
• Clean yourself with bread and throw it in the streets for the birds
• Clean yourself with bird seeds and throw it to the birds in the woods
• Clean yourself with dark fruits if you don’t feel well and give them to the Ibeji (Twins)
• Take nine peeled boiled eggs with palm oil in a gourd to the woods for the iyamiis
• Osanyin wants charcoal
• Clean yourself with mixed dry beans and throw in tall grass if you don’t BabaluAye
• Do Awan for BabaluAye
• Feed Esu Afra one rooster if you have it
• Feed Oya a black hen if you have Orisa Oya
• Do ebo when traveling long distance
• Give something to Oya at the gate of the cemetery if you don’t have Orisa Oya

PAY ATTENTION

• Be careful where you eat at and from. The food can be spoiled and poisoned
• Be careful of accidents – on the road, traveling, and in the home
• Be careful of fires – candles or electrical
• Be careful of animal bites
• Be careful of natural disasters
• Be careful with your health. When you are sick, go to the doctor. Also, clean yourself with a red onion and bury it in the woods. You can also clean them with mixed dried beans and throw them in the woods.
• Do 21 spiritual herbal bath with Babaluaye’s herbs

PROHIBITION:

• Don’t drink and intoxication
• No alcohol or illegal substance – need always to have a clear head
• No abortion
• Don’t do any illegal business
• Don’t do favors
• No red or black clothes
• Don’t gossip
• Don’t tell secrets and lies
• Don’t be envious
• Don’t do threesome sexual acts
• Don’t be a busybody.. don’t be in everyone’s business. You will blame for the problem or war
• Don’t be cheap on the person you live with.
• Don’t wear red or black clothing. If you have to because of your job; wear white under them and take the red and or black clothes immediately after work. Why wear the same colors that are used to work you?
• Don’t eat hot pepper, hot sauce, and a lot of red sauce this year.
• Don’t have dogs in the house. Dog lovers – check your skin for any abnormalities. In one odu ifa it tells us how the dog didn’t do ebo, but the cat did. At the end of the day, it is your choice and will be your decision.
• Don’t wear other people’s clothes

DESCRIPTION

• Take care of the children
• Child Prodigy is born in this Odu
• Stay physically and spiritually clean by meditation, exercise, and eating healthy
• There is a new spiritual awakening that will be a rude awakening for many people
• You have to be spiritually grounded in order to win the wars
• Remember you have a choice, you have your own will, and you have a destiny that was pre-written in Orun (heaven) before you were born. The punishment is yours and no one else.
• Women need to stay close to doctors if they are pregnant. There will be a lot of stillborn babies (Abiku)
• There is a lot of turmoil and conflicts that will create heated arguments and violence
• Women are going to fight back with weapons. Women are going to rise up against men’s abuse and physically fight back. Men have to learn that they can’t control something on someone else body that was given by God. This will cause more women to go to jail. This will leave more Orphan children in the world.
• Men need to take care of the outside of the home, and women take care of the inside of the home. Together, they will have harmony.
• Women need to put honey on their tongues to smooth out their bitterness. Speak a little softer to win.
• Women have to learn to bite their lip a little bit and think smarter. Everything in your head doesn’t need to be said. Because it will come back later and haunt you.
• If you have warriors, Ogun and Oshossi, that are together in one pot; this year, you have to get your godparents to separate them … everyone needs their own space.
• Take care and service your kofa, awokafa or Ifa, if you it. If not, try to find a good Ifa Awo and receive it, as well as how to take care of it
• Many people need to change. Find a good support system
• More men will lose their lives in 2024
• There will be a lot shred blood, and you don’t want it to be your blood
• You have to have more faith in what you believe when it comes to your spirituality or this way of life. If you don’t have faith in what you practice…why are you practicing that religion? You have to believe in Olodumare (GOD) 100%, orisas, and ancestors
• Think before you jump into any contract or situation. There are people who want to dethrone you. Take you from your position. People want to tear you down. Be smarter. Think before you leap.
• Take the Iyamiis, a soup with different cooked meats with white rice and palm oil in a gourd. Take it to the woods and leave it by a tree that has a hole. Pray for abundance and good health as you are fixing it.
• There are a lot of unknown rashes. If you have skin rashes or sores or a mole, go to the doctor to get checked. You want to be cancer-free.
• People who are innocent will be accused of wrongdoing
• Give Esu a mouse trap so he can catch your enemies and your money. If your Esu presently has one. You need to reset and replace it or ask Esu what to do.
• Be careful pointing fingers (always remember there are always three fingers on that same hand pointing back at you)
• Leave old and non-working relationships (regardless of friendship or intimate lover relationship). Those relationships are holding you back
• There is a need to build new relationships in 2024
• Be honest and don’t lie.
• Go to a cemetery and clean off trash graves and fix the headstones of the forgotten ones
• Remember Ancestors
• If the father is dead, do a special party for his spirit to elevate.
• Have patience and have good character (iwa rere)
• Pay attention to taboos

.PALO MAYOMBE:

Zarabando and Mama Chola, 2-8

• Uncertainties
• Learn to love ourself
• Learn from past mistakes
• Fake shamans
• Lack of ancestral practices
• Justice and legalization
• Brothers against brothers (siblings war)
• 2 hens to Mama Chola and 3 roosters to Zarabando
• Give the hen entrail with palm oils to Iyamiis

PRESENT AND WITNESSES:

Oloye Iyanifa Dr. Queenchiku Ngozi (Ayaba OchaBi Fabuluje-Faseye)

Babaolorisha/Oriate Turbado Marabou-Oduusola Esudine Faseye

Apetibi Olaifa Faseye

Awotunde Ifaseye

EfunYale Faseye – Terri Bailey

Yasmin Jackson

Zaneta Allen

Tasha Ervin

Akayia Riche

Andria Parker

Ebony Baxter

Travis Baxter

Chanel Lord

Olodumare

Orunmila and Ela

Orisa Odu & IyaNla

Ogbogbo Ancestors

Ogbogbo Orisas

Iyamiis

Ase

For more information:  https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Foundations-Ifa-Handbook-Practice/dp/B0BQXW57XC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2L7D1W32EB24Y&keywords=practical+foundations+of+ifa&qid=1672534370&sprefix=practical+foundations+of+ifa%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

By Ọba Ifágbèmí Fásẹ̀yẹ Babátúndé

The goal of this book is to simplify the concepts of Ifa view and practice, and to empower the practitioner.

Written by one of the leaders of the modern Ifa tradition, Practical Foundations of Ifa is a primer for those readers interested in a pragmatic introduction to the Ifa tradition and a blueprint on the caring and maintaining of an Ifa shrine.

This handbook is suitable both for those who have already received a hand of Ifa (Isefa) or initiation to Ifa (Itefa/Itelodu), and also offers a fair and balanced view of what to expect for those who may just want more information, before deciding if Ifa practice is right for them. Written from a flexible point of view, and with full color illustrations on high-quality paper, this handbook is an excellent resource.

Notable topics include:

• Cultivating a healthy view and practice on the Ifa and Orisa traditions
• The core concepts of Ifa practice at the entry level, and a template for a sustainable home practice for personal use
• Introduction to the Orisa pantheon and West African cosmology
• How to propitiate and care for an Ifa shrine at home, including divining for yourself and making basic offerings
• Illumination of some of the underlying threads that make for successful interfacing with fellow Ifa worshipers and devotees
• Over 100 Ifa verses to support and inform various topics

There is no substitute for a formal teacher or guide in the practice; rather this handbook will effectively supplement training provided by a competent teacher, and provide an example of one iteration of Ifa practice.

American Ifa Fa Afa (501c3) – 13^th Annual Ifa in American/USA reading for 2022 was done Tuesday, December 21^st, 2020 @ 1pm in the State of Florida at Ile Ikoko Ata, for the total United States, regions, and territories followers.

OVERVIEW:

Wars on viruses. Wars on injustice. Wars against racism, books and religions. Ifa advises us to make offering and ebos for protection. This is a strong and powerful odu sign going into 2022 after two years of viruses, racism, injustice, and abuse against women and children. This odu is known to be one of the most powerful odu after the mejiis in the diaspora. In 2022, mental sickness will rise along with being mistaken for someone else. Warriors are the soldiers against violence and the key to opening doors of opportunity. People need to stop fabricating information and spreading lies. We must discredit conspiracies that cause arguments which can lead to death. Love and hug your elders and show appreciation. Resolve differences and find peace in your family. No matter how powerful, strong, or smart you think you are; there are others in the world who are just as powerful, strong and smart. Remember, you can still be defeat by the weakest person. Our health is more valuable than gold and respect is more valuable than love. Remember that a secret that is told between two people is no longer a secret – loose lips sink ships. Isese (primordial supportive progenitors) is important towards understand the correlation between people and orisas. We must have APPLIED FAITH and give respect to the orisa and Ifa. This year with the proper ebo for the ebo, we will defeat our problems and prosper financially and have long lives. Read the rest of the reading for the year.

May Olodumare bless us all.

OBI:

Babaolorisa threw Obi and poured Nangare: Alafia Alafia Ire

Ancestors: Ejife (feed the ground – hole with 1 rooster)

Esu Baralayiki: Alafia

THE ODU:

ODU OWONRIN OGUNDA

(alias: Owonrin Eguntan, Owonrin Olodo, Owonrin Onidaagbon, Ojuani Dawan)

Reversed head = principle of chaos and wars

Ire Osha Moyiye Onive Orunmila, warriors and Orisa (you help by Orunmila, warriors and Orisa)

Orunmila a ku Alore, awo akaka lo ti iku

Only heaven can affect deliverance we respect the lookout,

Have to do ebo for the ebo at the foot of Ifa (if you have your hand of Ifa and Esu – do ebo to Esu). Do ebo for the ebo to Ifa give rats, fish, goat, and crushed yam to Esu.

Don’t give to much blood to Ifa this year

l         lI

l         lI

l          l

lI         l   

1^st Odu: Ose (Blood)

2^nd Odu:  Ofun (Curse)

GOVERNING ORISAS 2022:

Leading Orisa: Obatala

Accompanying Orisa: Orisa Odu and Orunmila

Supporting the Orisas: Iyamiis and Ancestors

MAFEREFUN:

Obatala, Esu, Ogun, Oshosi, Women, Orisa Odu, Orunmila, Obaluaye, Aggayu, Yemaya, Oya, Oshun

KEY WORDS:

Reversed head, tongue, ori, sword, isese, betrayal, vanity, chaos, death, argument, wars, conflicts, characteristic, women, children, respect, love, planting seeds, Mothers, ebos, illegal, prison, money, rain, moderation, curiosity, smoking, drinking alcohol,

FLAG:

The color of this the flag this year is totally white

Add an eye with a small mirror over the door

SAYING:

“Who doesn’t look ahead, stays back”

“Loose lips sink ships”

“Faulty blamed”

“One must follow the order of Isese”

“It was for wool and it came out peeled”

“Trust the one who reprimands you more than the one who praises you”

“long-winded person stirs up quarrels, and the modest person prosper”

NOTE:

ONLY use palm oil for the witches again this year, and give peanut oil for the Orisas and Ikins

BORN:

• Fright, Fight, and Freeze
• Scissors
• Curiosity
• Ori
• Struggle for survival
• Awo’s Ifa have Orisa Odu (Olofin)
• Isese explanations
• Igbodun was lost by a woman (Lucumi odu)
• Mistaken identity
• The road where the secret of Olofin is born
• The secret of egun and Olofin
• Why the tiger changed his clothes

EWE:

•  Ceiba
• Cypress
• Pepper
• Guayaba
• Yam [name]
• Okra

EBO:

Since this Odu came Ire, must do Ebo for the Ebo. After the Ebo, you must ask, “How can I make this Ebo firm? Is there something else I need to do?”

• Feed the ground. Dig a hole, get a rooster, clean yourself, then feed the hole.
• Give a small drum to Esu.
• Put an all-seeing eye on your front door. Try to find one with a mirror so it can reflect.
• Two Roosters to the warriors and ask if they need anything additional.
• Three baby chicks or a hen to the Iyamis. Be sure to do a monthly Ebo to the Iyamis on the full moon or a new moon. Ebo can be 9 boiled eggs with palm oil or a stew. Put it in a tree with a hole in it. Make sure when you do Ebo to the Iyamis, you have a bell that you can ring while you are praying and talking to them.
• 8 Namé balls to Obatala with Efun sprinkled on top.
• A meringue tower with a white flag for Obatala

PROHIBITION:

• No cheating
• No salt
• No spices
• No rice
• No furry fruits – Kiwi, Peach is, no fleshy fruits this year
• Don’t drink a lot of sugary drinks.
• No red drinks.
• No red clothes because it attracts Iku/death. (Red is the same shade as a red fire truck).
• No alcohol or illegal substance
• Don’t disrespect elders
• No argument
• Don’t speak negative about Ifa priests
• Don’t gossip
• Don’t tell your secrets
• No gambling
• Don’t tell lies
• Don’t be envious
• Don’t do abortions
• Don’t be curious (aka nosey)
• Don’t let strangers into your house
• Don’t do things in threes.
• Don’t have more than one lover or relationship at the same time

DESCRIPTION

• If one man throws the stone, it will reflect on the village. Meaning what we do as individuals will reflect on our Godmother, Godfather, and Oluwo.
• Warriors play a big role this year. There will be a lot of combat and wars. This Odu is hot!
• Warriors will support us a lot this year. Placate the Warriors and they will save us.
• Peanut oil for the Warriors and Palm oil for the Iyamiis.
• Do every morning to Ori
• Before the next year ends, death will come to a family member. Resolve issues with your elderly family members, so they will not die with a problem between you. You will feel bad if you did not resolve issues before they transition.
• Disobedience to the Orisa will be your downfall.
• Profess your faith through your mouth and your actions. Don’t just say you are in the religion (this way of life – orisa and Ifa). You cannot be in one religion and claim another. You can’t straddle the fence. You must decide what your faith is. Can’t do church on Sunday, mosque on Friday, and then Ifa the rest of the week. Know your FAITH! Have faith in what you believe in. Walk your destiny religion.
• When one door closes another will open. Leave your old ways alone and do what you know is right. Opportunity will come when you stand strong in your faith.
• Dress in white as much as possible. On Sundays, everybody in the Ile should wear white.
• This Odu speaks of mistaken identity. Be mindful not to dress like someone else.
• This Odu speaks of false imprisonment, false testimony. Lies could cause you to lose your life or your freedom. Even if you are innocent, you will be found guilty unless you do Ebo.
• Tragedy can come to or be brought into your home. Don’t let strangers into your home. This danger can be avoided by keeping doors and windows shut and locked. Double check doors and windows when you go to bed and before you leave the house.
• This Odu warns that something will happen. Pray it will be minor.
• Secrets told are no longer secret. Don’t tell anyone your plans and it could save you.
• Don’t keep or guard things in one’s home for other people. If police or others are looking for it, and it’s on you it will cause you problems.
• Don’t accept gifts from strangers or acquaintances. If you don’t want to offend the gift giver, accept it, and then dispose of it immediately.
• Don’t buy used goods unless you know its origin, where it is from. It may be stolen, and you will be liable for it and go to jail. Do not buy hot/stolen items.
• Beware of those unknown. Beware of strangers. Do not open your door to strangers. Tell them to go away and if they persist, call the police. Tell the person you have called the police and they will be there in a moment. Be sure that your doors and windows are locked. Be sure that when you are home alone at night keep your doors and windows locked.
• Avoid conflict at all costs!
• No 3s! Do not do three people on a contract or project. Do not ride in the cars with just three people. If you are riding in a car with three people bring Esu. Do not do an Ebo with just three people.
• Avoid looking into or at other people’s things. Don’t be curious. Don’t look through peoples mail, in their phone, etc. If you go looking, you may find something you don’t want to see.
• Be careful with sharp objects to avoid stabbing yourself or others.
• Work a lot with Ogun.
• Change your clothes frequently so your enemies do not recognize you.
• Watch your candles because of fire.
• Take care of your digestive system.
• Be careful with your womb or vagina, even if you no longer have a womb. It could be cancer so get yourself checked out.
• Do not sleep naked.
• Loose lips sink ships
• If you must go out in the streets, make sure you give something to Esu, (like a small candy or candy corns). Give something to Esu every day and every time you leave your house. You can give a bowl of candy at the start of the week when you give services to the Warriors. Refresh the bowl each week and toss the old candy in the streets or tall grass.
• Esu will make sure to keep your doors open.
• Be careful of children around fire and the stove, especially around boiling water.
• Don’t go anywhere you aren’t invited. This will help avoid embarrassment.
• Pay attention to where you are going, what is in front of you and what is going on behind you. Be very observant of your surroundings.
• Eat more berries and fruits this year and less meat.
• Drink lots of water to keep your digestive system working well.
• No threesomes! You cannot have more than one partner.
• Envy in the family goes both ways. You may be jealous of someone or someone in your family may be jealous of you. Solve the jealousy problem. If it can’t be solved avoid the person that you are jealous of or those that you know are jealous of you
• Be careful being in the streets. Death is in the streets.
• Be careful of stray animals that might bite you.
• You must have patience.
• Must have respect for Orunmila. Be appropriate and respectful in front of Baba. No drinking, smoking, cursing, nakedness, etc., in front of Orunmila.
• If you owe Babaluaye or Obatala an Ebo you must pay ASAP! Pay your debt to all the Orisa so you don’t have to struggle.
• If you have a law suit do Ebo with Ochosi.
• Resolve your wars, your issues, avoid conflict.
• If you get in a war and are not prepared, be ready to take a loss.

CLOSING ODU:

Ogbe Ogunda (Yono):

• Everybody must do the right thing.
• Your mouth can save you or your mouth can destroy you.
• If you have problems with your teeth, get them fixed or they will make you sick.
• Save money, put your money away. Do not spend foolishly.
• Take care of your head, your consciousness, meditate and get head rogations.
• Take care of your stomach. If a certain food makes you sick, don’t eat it anymore.
• This year people will be going to court. Make sure your license, and all legal issues are in order, or you could go to jail. Ogunda in the opening and closing Odu deals with justice.
• Don’t get messed up in gossip. If you didn’t see it, dismiss it.
• People like to go to a gunfight with a butter knife.
• People will be set up and betrayed due to lies.
• Don’t be greedy.
• Stay in your lane.
• What you start you must complete. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. No procrastination.
• Be careful who you lend things to. You won’t get it back the same way you give it. If you can’t afford to lose it, don’t lend it.
• When you do all that is prescribed, you will have happiness, success, and world achievements. If you do not do your Ebos, sorrows, disappointment, and hardship will happen.
• We must have patience this year.
• When Ebos are done, you will achieve wealth, houses, children, success in business.
• Obatala speaks directly to us in this Odu. As you elevate, other people in the world will become your enemy.
• Orunmila is marching beside us, giving us greatness.
• Because Ose is on the right, this gives us Ire.
• This Odu talks about the blood. Family can lose their life. Take care of your family. You do not want to see bloodshed. Blood in the body can be diseased.
• This Odu says unprotected sex brings STD’s. Be careful of STDs.

Palo Mayumbe:

• 2 hens, perfume to Mama Chola
• Music to Lucero
• 2 candles to Zarabando

PRESENT AND WITNESSES:

Oloye Iyanifa Dr. Queenchiku Ngozi (Ayaba OchaBi Fabuluje-Faseye)

Babaolorisha/Oriate Turbado Marabou-Oduusola Esudine Faseye

Apetibi Olaifa Faseye

Awotunde Ifaseye

EfunYale Faseye – Terri Bailey

Yasmin Jackson

Lamonteria Johnson

Faramade Egunyemi

Jamaml Anderson

Tasha Ervin

Akayia Riche

Galani Williams

Gia Williams

Giselle Williams Damian James

Derrick Hill

KeYanna Smith

Andria Parker

Carl Jefferson

Ebony Baxter

Cason Lyons

Antwan Jefferson

Terry Williams

Toy Bryant

Keith Garrison

Yolanda Ross

Kerkland Kerr, Jr.

Olodumare

Orunmila and Ela

Orisa Odu & IyaNla

Ogbogbo Ancestors

Ogbogbo Orisas

Iyamiis

Ase

American Ifa in America is a new book written by Dr. Queenchiku Ngozi

It is sold on lulu.com bookstore

This book provides the ideology and fundamentals of American Ifa in America. This book clarifies the cause of its beginning and stresses the importance of being able to practice Ifa – Orisa where you live. It also eliminates the fear-mongering fabrications, misogynistic and cyberbullying tactics used against American practitioners. This book provides the glue to mend the broken culture bowl for the people who are hungry and looking for the strength, positive energy and spiritual support of their West African Ancestors on their spiritual journey. Finally, this book will give understanding behind the philosophy of American Ifa and the founder’s vision.

Book written by Dr. Queenchiku Ngozi-Fabuluje  IyaNifa Iyalemole:

This book was written after many years of dealing with the challenges of verbal, spiritual, and physical abuse by men who used the bible and other mythologies to suggest reasons why a woman is less than and man is superior. Additionally, the discussion against misogynistic behavior is important to have in order to bring awareness and provide ideas to empower women’s existence.

The book is about the various views on the mythology of the womb, universe, and God in theory as well as to examine and analyze the different myths. The book also recalls the different female names for God from various cultures, their images, and symbols.

This topic is important to my life, my children’s lives, my godchildren’s lives and to others’ lives because it provides the idea that the womb is to be respected and why. I realize that this is not an easy topic to discuss because of an individual’s religious conditioning, but it is necessary to point out the domination of one gender over the other causes an unbalanced environment. An environment that is hostile, full of chaos, and violent where life becomes meaningless and unworthy of existence.  I wish respect for God the womb, the universe, and spiritual beings.

This book assist in debunking the idea of women and Orisa Odu tales.

The link:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/dr-queenchiku-ngozi/theory-of-mythology-of-the-spiritual-womb-who-is-god/paperback/product-24390799.html

By Iyalemole Dr. Queenchiku Ngozi-Fabuluje

January 9^th, 2020

US, Florida: Centuries ago William Shakespeare made a statement, “A rose by any other name …is still a rose.” The rose is characterized as being sweet with thorns and can be described as beautiful, gentle, meaningful, bitter and demonized. The rose, like a title, can be attributed power and character. Significant titles such as Dr., DPhil, MD, DO, PhD, DCN, DBA, DrBA, EdD, PharmD, and so on are true achievements and accomplishments for an individual (Wikipedia, 2019). These titles are earned through studies, research, and long-term education or training. At the same time, hundreds of “titles” are being given out by religious organizations established in West Africa to those within the Diaspora. These titles include chieftaincy, Apena, Oba, and so on. Today, many of these titles (e.g. chieftaincy, Apena, Oba, and so -on) are not earned from studies, research, and long-term education or training. Most are simply bought. No matter the title, it has characteristics, restrictions, and responsibilities.

Traditionally and historically, titles are earned by the individuals who receive and hold those titles (Financial Yahoo, 2019). Titles can identify an individual’s status, position, and expertise (ASAP, 2019).  Some titles are inherited while others are bought and not earned through any effort on the part of the individual receiving them. Titles are a formal communication and achievement. Even so, individuals who have these titles can display bad characteristics. Google Dictionary (2019) described characteristics as “being a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing; distinctive…and qualities.” In addition, Borgatta (1964) stated that the characteristics of titles “derive from wide-spread faith in education as a means of social advancement as well as from commitments to equality of opportunity and to civic unity.” With titles come a certain level of trustworthiness and an ability to influence or guide human behavior at various levels. In contrast and given the rise of “titles” such as Apena, Chiefs, and Agba, etc. to unworthy individuals, the respect and value of these “titles” have lost their significance within the Diaspora.

There are many titles given to individuals from West Africa which do not hold value in the Diaspora. Part of the reason why includes the fact that many of those title holders display bad character in addition to using these “titles” to dogmatically degrade people in the Diaspora. Ifa says that [a person] should practice good character. They should do so regardless what title an individual may hold. Individuals who hold title are supposed to be role models and they should exhibit good character for the ones who may seek their guidance (Odu Ogbe Otura & Odu Irete Otura). It takes moral principles and values to govern one’s behavior and daily obligations. In Odu EjiOgbe, Ifa speaks about having good character. However, many individuals go to West Africa only to return without good character and a bunch of bought titles that are not respected in the Diaspora. Canada Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and Nigeria (2012) stated that “most Yoruba chieftaincy titles are hereditary, and others are bestowed upon individuals.” In the early 2000s, Nigerians began selling non-hereditary titles, that is, titles given to the community of strangers also known as members of the Diaspora. This created economic competition among the different regions of Nigeria to sell the most “legitimate” titles to individuals from the Diaspora. These titles are not recognized nor valuable in the Diaspora (Canada Immigration and refugee Board of Canada & Nigeria, 2012).

Many titled individuals in the Diaspora have engaged in negative behaviors towards others and as they do, they tarnish their own reputations (Odu Ika Iwori). This may be occurring because the titles have given a false sense of power to the individual’s ego. The title does not matter what does matter is the spiritual development, leadership, and the relationship between the title holder’s personality traits and their interactions with the people they serve (Khoynezhad, Rajaei, & Sarvarazemy, 2012). When a title is not earned, it is usually setting the individual up for failure. Titles such as Apena and chieftaincy have been the main two titles offered to Diasporians like candy. Dennett (1916) stated that the title Apena is a chief to the Ogboni as well as one of the main positions of the Ogboni cult. Lateju and Oladosu (2012) stated that chieftaincy titles are for chiefs to address any issue in their community and better the “welfare of their communities, monitoring soci-economics and promoting religious tenet.” I am sure there are probably more responsibilities, however they are not documented to explain those titles’ existence in the Diaspora. We live under a different government with different laws and those titles are not needed here. Communities that do recognize them have a small population of believers and followers. In 2015, Ajala posted in Ifa-Orisa-Egun talk Facebook group stressing that the American Araba issued an official memo stating “[some] practitioners of Ifa-orisa are parading with fake title such as Apena, Agbaya, Araba, and chieftaincy…given in West Africa are no longer valid and can no longer be honored [in both Africa and the Diaspora].” In the meantime, several titles have been given and those individuals are displaying terrible behaviors on social media. The major question is where is the “Iwa” character that is “rere” good. A person with Iwa Rere and or Pele is referred to as “Omoluwabi” (Hallen, 2000; Labeodan, 2009). Labeodan (2009) says character (iwa) “is a person’s essential nature and psychic self, as well as the origin and totality of what a person is as an individual.”

Ultimately, the American Diaspora communities have a hard time respecting and reserving honor for the West African titles as mentioned above, especially when the individuals display poor character, misogyny, and narcissistic characteristics. These individuals are called “iwa buruku” (Abimbola, 1975; Labeodan, 2009). Money for titles have become West Africa’s religious cash cow. However, the bought titles don’t change the individual. It only amplifies the individuals’ characteristics to be more of who they are.

References

Abimbola, A. (1975). Pp 393

Ajala, O. A. (2015). From the office: American Araba – chieftaincy invalid. Retrieved from Ifa-Orisa-Egun Talk facebook private group

American Ifa Fa Afa (2015). Odu Ogbe Iwori. Retrieved from facebook: American Ifa Fa Afa page

ASAP (2019) https://www.asaporg.com

Borgatta, E. F. (1964). The structure of personality characteristics. Behavior Science, 9(1), 8-19. doi:10.1002/bs.3830090103

Canada: Immigration and refugee Board of Canada, Nigeria: Consequences for Yoruba individual who refuses a cheftaincy title, protection available to those who refuse, 13Nov2012, NGA103996. Retrieved from https://www.refworld.org/docid/50bf31512.htm1

Dennett, R. E. (1916). The Ogboni and other secret societies in Nigeria. Journal of the Royal African Society, 16(61), 16-29. Retrieved from www.jstor.org/

Financial Yahoo (2019). https://finance.yahoo.com

Hallen, B. (2000). To good, the bad, and the beautiful: Discourse about values in Yoruba culture. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press

Khoynezhad, G., Rajaei, A. R., & Sarvarazemy, A. (2012). Basic religious beliefs and personality traits. Iran Journal Psychiatry, 7(2), 82-86. Retrieved from https://www.nbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3428642

Labeodan, K. (2009). Iwa Pele. In M.K. Asante & A. Mazama (Eds). Encyclopedia of African religion (pp.348-348). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. doi:10.4135/978141296423.n222

Lateju, F. T. & Oladosu, O. (2012). Chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland and their implication for growth and tolerance among christians and muslims. Lumina, 23(2). Retrieved from www.journaldatabase.info/

Tonnesvang, J. & Bertelsen, P. (2009). Human characteristics: Evolutionary perspectives on human mind and kind. Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing