Ọ̀rúnmìlà, that is also called Ọ̀rúnla, is the Orisa and spirit of wisdom, knowledge and divination.
Ọ̀rúnmìlà is recognized as a primordial Irunmole (an orisa that witnessed the creation of the universe), who was present at the beginning of creation, and then again amongst humanity as a priest who taught an advanced form of spiritual knowledge and ethics during visits to earth in physical form. Ọ̀rúnmìlà is the spirit of wisdom among the irunmole and the divinity of destiny and prophecy. His praise name “Igbakeji Olodumare” (second in command to Olodumare) and “eleri ipin” (witness of fate). It was also Ọ̀rúnmìlà who carried Ifá (the wisdom of Olodumare) to Earth.
Ọ̀rúnmìlà and the 16 Ikin
Òrúnmìlà invited his seven children to the annual Ifà festival on the day he was preparing to honor Orí irè Ègún (the wisdom of the Ancestors).
All the seven children arrived at Òrúnmìlà’s home wearing agbàda. On stepping inside Òrúnmìlà’s house, all the children, except the youngest child – Olówó, touched the floor as a sign of respect. Olówó, remained standing. Olówó said; “I am a Babàláwo, I have been initiated into the mysteries of Ifà, I am wearing the same agbàda as my father. I have no need to bow to anyone.”
Òrúnmìlà did not utter a word. Instead, he left his home and traveled from ikòlé ayé (World) to ikòlé Òrun (Realm of the Ancestors). After Òrúnmìlà left, the country was plagued with drought and famine. Disease spread across the land, and the women became barren. In desperation, the children of Òrúnmìlà made the journey from Ikòlé Ayé to Ikòlé Òrun to beg their father to return. When they arrived in Ikòlé Òrun, they saw Òrúnmìlà sitting under a palm tree.
The children told him of the terrible conditions in Ikòlé Ayé. He listened while they pleaded with him to come home. Instead of returning with them, he told them he he had already finished his mission on earth, handed them sixteen ikín (palm nuts) from the tree that provided him with shade.
Òrúnmìlà said; ““These ikin ifá and opele are the instruments that know the beginning and the end of all things. They are the sacred instruments of Ifá. With these instruments, Olodumare’s encrypted messages can be decrypted and will be used to answer difficult questions. Whenever you wish to speak to me, cast the ikín and I will advise you on what needs to be done.” Slowly, bit by bit the land became fertile, the famine diminished and children were born in good health. Each time a problem developed, the children of Òrúnmìlà spoke directly with their father by casting Dáfá (the system of divination based on using the Ikin).
“Owó le bá féé ní láyè
Eni tí e ó maa bi nìyen
Omo le bá fee ní láyè
Eni tí e ó maa bi nìyen
Aikù le bá féé ní láyè
Eni tí e ó maa bi nìyen
Òrúnmìlà afèdè-fèyò
Èlà-Ìsòdè
Ifá re’é Olókun
Kò dé mò
Ó ní eni tí e bá ti rí
E sá maa pèé ní Bàbá”
“If you seek wealth
This is the person you have to ask
If you are looking for children
This is the person you have to ask
If you are looking for a long life
This is the person you have to ask
Orunmila, the one who speaks all languages
Èlà-Ìsòdè
Ifá left Olokun’s house
And never came back
He said to anyone you see
Ask him to direct you to the “Bàbá”.