In this article babalawo Obanifa will explain in detail original facts about orisha Edan, How the followers of orisa Edan popularly know as Ogboni or Osugbo first come into existence. How it becomes sycretize with other foreign religion, function and membership, power , etc. Will be discussed in detail.
Orisa Edan can not be discuss in isolation without discussing ogboni cult. Ogboni cult can not be discuss without discussing orisa Eda,the two entity are intertwined and interdependent. But orisa Edan is the orisa (spiritual force or the diety)while members of ogboni or Osugbo cult are the followers or worshiper of the orisa Edan. For the sake of easy comprehension my explanation on orisa Edan an ogboni or Osugbo cult will be in stages or faces.
Edan Ogboni
WORLD BEFORE THE EXISTENCE OF ORISA EDAN AND OGBONI OR OSUGBO CULT.
In the ancient time in Yoruba land as evidence by ifa sacred scriptural verse and oral historical facts handle down by people before me. It clear that there is nothing like ogboni cult or society in existence. Even orisa edan was in isalu Orun (heaven) she never come down to the isalu aye (earth) with her contemporaries irumonle(dieties). As ifa sacred scripture point it out,that during this period there was chaos in the world. There was oppression of the weak by the strong. There was injustice. The king and Ruler abuse their power with no one to check them. Everything was in state of total disarray. This is what prompted orunmila to cast ifa divination reading to find
solution to the problem or how the world will be peaceful and orderly. The odu ifa that appear on ifa divination tray (opon ifa) that day is ogunda meji
I I
I I
I I
II II
It is in this odu ifa that Ifa instruct Orunmila to invite Orisa Edan from Ikole Orun (heaven) To come to Ikole aye (earth) to bring peace, justice, orderliness and good governance to the world. This can be deduce from odu ifa ogunda meji I cited above where Ifa say :
Ololo babalawo Edan
lo difa fun Edan
A ki gbo iku Edan
Yooro ledan ma n se
Oluto aye si wa lona
Adifa fun orunmila, abu fun Edan
Eyi ti yi o to Ile aye
Bi Eni to afoku igba
Gbogbo aye to Ile aye ti paabo ni o jasi
Se ni won fa Ile aye ya perepe afoku igba
Orunmila lo si ode Orun
O pe Edan ojugba re wa sile aye
Ebo ni won ni ki won se
Won rubo
Ebo lo gba wa kale a ri eyin iku
Ebo ni o gba wa kale areyin Arun
Ebo lo gba wa kale areyin gbogbo ogun
Translation
Ololo is the ifa preist of Edan
Cast ifa divination reading for Edan
We will never hear of Edan's death
Edan always live long in good health
The peace maker of the world is still on her way
Cast ifa divination reading for Orunmila and his contemporary Edan
One who will fix the world
As if fixing a broken calabash
The people try to fix the world, alas all their efforts is abortive
Instead they broke the world like a broken calabash
Orunmila then went to heaven to bring Edan his contemporary
They were both instructed to carry out sacrifice wish they did.
It is the sacrifice that save us we overcome death
It is the sacrifice that save us we overcome diseases
It is the sacrifice that save us we over
Edan Ogboni
It is clear from the ifa scriptural verse above that orisa was invite by orunmila to this world to bring peace and stability to this world. Orisa Edan came to this world base on orunmila request. On Edan Arrival to isalu aye (world) He bring with her system of justice, law enforcement, fairness and equity. Her major method in achieving this is through a method where sages and elderly knowledgeable member of the community were selected or chosen to over see the affair of each community. This people are the one who see to peaceful co-existence of the people, they prevent oppression, they checked the ruler and the ruled.. This section of people are nickname as Ogboni or Osugbo.
Apena Ogboni Oranfe
THE COMING INTO EXISTENCE OF OGBONI /OSUGBO CULT.
In my previous explanation above , I make mention of the invitation of orisa Edan to this world by orunmila, to maintain stability in the world. On arrival of Edan from isalu Orun (heaven) to Isalu area (earth) she brought with her a method by which the sages or Elderly wise people in the community were selected to guarantee peaceful Co - existence and stability in the community. The group of chosen elderly sages are refer to as Ogboni or Osugbo. Ogboni is the popular name of this cult. But is some part of yoruba land this sect is also known as Osugbo. In places like Ijebu and Egba land ogboni is known as Osugbo. The word Ogboni itself is derived from Two Yoruba words, Ogbo Eni (which can be translated in English to mean Mature Elderly person),while Osugbo also derived from two yoruba words Osu gbo (which can be translated in English to mean turlst of hair on the head of an old person) although some people said it mean Ogbo dirin) that aged and still strong like iron) I must say with due respect that the third view don't give correct meanings of how the word Ogboni is derived although it is a relevant terms in ogboni cult. So from my explanation above you can be clear what orisa Edan is, and what ogboni is. So Edan is an Orisa, the followers of Edan as an Orisa are called the Ogboni. Any devotee of orisa Edan is automatically an Ogboni. In ancient time ogboni is not really a separate cult from ifa spirituality when ogboni cult first started. Ogboni with fear of olodumare perform function of society stability. Their function at beginning of the world range from spiritual, and political function. Conservation and preservation of tradition. They serve as a town Council, the exercise jurisdiction over civil and criminal court, the serve as Electoral college in selecting of new King, they also have power in ancient time to dethroned the king or paramount cheifs that are despot or bad . they also serves as check and balance in checking the excess of the ruler.
Olori Oluwo Ogboni Ibadan
These groups of Elderly are usually selected from different walk of life ragging from hurting, to trade, farming, spiritualist like herbalist and ifa preist, people in egungun cult. So at the end the group usually consists of very powerful knowledgeable people in magic, spirituality, occultism, economic, health etc. These set of people called ogboni then are expected to be a man of honour, righteous, and upright. The existing members usually have method of admitting new member. This is usually through initiation. It is through this initiation process that would pass through stages namely spiritual cleansing or purification, coding and decoding of language, occultism, mythisim, oath taking, certain behavior and language etc.
This group of people or cult Called ogboni then is usually consists of people that matter and experience from different works of life as I said earlier but is usually head by Oluwo who must be a versatile seasons practicing ifa preist, Oluwo is at the top hierarchy of the Ogboni structure follow by Apeena, iya abiye, Aro, Odofin, iyamokun, iya idi Agba and other miscellaneous ranks that space and time will not allow to mention.
Oluaye Oba Oluwo Ogboni Agbaye
Ogboni or Osugbo major symbol is Edan. And the meetings or converging location is called Iledi or simply Ile (this two words is use to describe ogboni shrine or temple or any place dedicated for their meetings, worship or carrying out their activities) Edan which is the major symbol of power, authorities of ogboni is known by different names by the initiate, some called it 'Abeni, Iya, Ajibola etc'
Edan is usually iron or brass image both female and male. It usually consecrated with some items I prefer to withheld to myself. And place in Iledi (supra) this Edan both the famale and male are refer to in Ogboni cult as Iya (mother) the two images of Edan is been referred to as Onile (the owner of the house) the image of edan both male and female has been said to represent by people before me to mean interdependence of male and female in balancing the world. It also represents heaven and health. The third opinion by some modern spiritualist and occult that the two image of edan both male and female represent Adam and Eve is just a biblical allusion that has no basis in a yoruba spirituality as regards the original coming to existence of what is called Ogboni.
With the coming of European to Africa during colonialism, Ogboni cult begin to lose it functions to the colonialists who brings new systems of administrative justice. There are police, English court, executioner instead of using spirituality and ancient Africa knowledge in administration of society as before. Hence since the society no longer need ogboni cult to protects them from any despot king, there is law court to do that. The members of the cult who has been already privileged and institutionalized in occultism, herberolgy, magic, wisdom of trade and commerce and politics begin to use the cult and the secrets and power involves to advance their own personal interest, in the area of business, politics and area of professional career. This is what draw the attention of many members of the society who is longing for connection and success or influence in certain areas of life begins to seek to get initiated to the cult. As a result many Muslim and Christian begin to get initiated into the cult. This is the beginning of the syncretizim in Ogboni /Osugbo cult. Then ogboni cult now look more of social club rather than spiritual organization it was abinitio as laid down by ifa.
SYNCRETIZIM OF OGBONI/OSUGBO CULT, DIFFICULT BETWEEN OGBONI ABORIGINE AND REFORM OGBONI FRATERNITY
As I explained earlier coming of colonialists which make ogboni cult lose their relevant in governance make member to use their power and wisdom to advance their personal economic and political cum professional interest. They begin to help one another to succeed, to gain prominence and success and influence and connections, so members of society begin to see that member are actually blossom in business, politics, judiciary, legal practice and music. Hence people in other religions faith like Christianity and Islam who are already familiar with international cult like freemasonry, Amorc etc, begin to get their self initiated to the cult.
Matter come to and head in year 1914. Arch deacon Oginbiyi came home from abroad to form the Reform Ogboni fraternity. That is the beginning of Dichotomy between Ogboni Aborigines and Reform Ogboni Fraternity.
The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity(ROF) Inc. was founded by a reverend gentleman Archdeacon TAJ Ogunbiyi, CBE, L.Th. Christianity came to Nigeria with British Fraternities hand in hand. The British Fraternity became very fashionable among our people, such that everyone at that time wanted to belong to the Freemasonry or the Lodge. The reality on the ground was how to bled the typical African with Christianity. This was the genesis of the thought to visit the ancient Fraternity of the Ogboni. Ogboni is as old as the Yoruba race.
Venerable Rev T.A.J Ogunbiyi CBE LTh founded the ROF INC on the 18th Dec 1914 at Obun Eko in Lagos Nigeria .The original name of the fraternity was EGBE “OGBONI ONIGBAGBO ” which means in English language “OGBONI FRATERNITY OF THE CHRISTIANS”.As time went on the founder considered it necessary to admit non-Christians, provided such entrants embrace a non-idolatrous belief in God . that is how Muslim and some even people in the aborigines begins to join. He replace Edan in the box with Bible. But some Ile place Edan in the middle,quran and Bible is not excluded the reform ogboni fraternity is govern by constitution section two of their constitution state their aims and objectives clearly. It states thus
To associate for the promotion of the Principle of Universal Fatherhood of God - the All-Seeing Eye, and Universal Brotherhood of Man, without any discrimination as to Race, Colour, Creed, Sex, Religion or Political Affiliation.
To associate for the principal purpose of knowing God better such that all the undertakings of the fraternity will be in accordance with His Holy will.
To encourage the diffusion of the practice of benevolence, charity and chastity.
To offer assistance (as a bounding duty) to all poor and distressed members and non-members, without detriment to themselves and their connections, or injustice to others who are not members of this Fraternity.
To see to the mortal remains of any deceased members by providing a coffin or financial assistance up to a reasonable cost and to give his/her remains a decent deposit in the bosom of Mother Earth.
To inculcate in all members, the constant practice of the Golden Rule, "to do unto others (members and non-members) as one would wish them to do unto him
To provide necessary funds for the successful prosecution of the business of the Fraternity, according to this Constitution.
To keep and obey the Laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and those of any other Country in which one resides.
With regard to this last point, the ROF clarifies that the organization does not represent any particular political interest.
But The criteria criteria of becoming a member of Reform Ogboni fraternity is more clear and precise as their constitution state it section three thus :
Membership shall be opened to all who embrace a non-idolatrous faith in God.
An applicant for membership shall be at least Twenty One years (21), if male, and Forty years old (40) if Female, PROVIDED that any applicant who is the wife of a member may be initiated if she is not less than Thirty years old (30.
A member may propose for admission a female offspring or near relation who is a spinster or divorcee of not less than Thirty years (30) of age on giving a written undertaking of good behaviour of such applicant.
Any female applicant who is married at the time of application and whose husband is not a member of the fraternity must produce a letter of consent from her husband. (ROF 30 May 2010d, Sec. 2)
Section 15 of the Constitution further details the requirements and procedures for initiation and enrolment of new members as follows:
Applicant shall write an application naming three (3) members as referees of which at least preferably two (2) shall be members of that lledi. All applications for membership shall be submitted to the Apena of the Conclave for the onward consideration of the Executive Body.
Applications shall be read by the Apena at the open Conclave meeting and after there is no preliminary objection the applicant shall be issued with form.
Applications and admission fees which shall be determined from time to time by the Supreme Council shall be paid by the Applicant to the Apena in the presence of one (1) of his/her sponsors. There shall be a Character Investigation Committee in every Conclave.
No candidate shall be admitted until thorough investigation as to his/her character has been made by that Committee which reports its findings to the Executive Body of the Conclave for final decisions. In the case of a female candidate, the applicant shall further be introduced or referred to the lyabiye and her Erelu together with a copy of the completed form 3 for thorough enquiries, and their report shall be passed to the Executive Body of the lledi. It shall be the duty of the Apena of every Conclave to send Notice of application for admission on R.O.F. Form 4 to:- The Conclaves in the Division in which the home town or birth place of the applicant is situated. The Conclaves in the Region in which the applicant seeks admission, and The Central Registry of the Fraternity, at the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Headquarters, 38 Abeokuta Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Nigeria.
Thereafter the Apena of the Conclave shall, at the next ldaji meeting of the Conclave read out the particulars of the Applicant of the Conclaves as stated in the R.O.F. form 4 so that all members may be aware of the particulars of the applicant. The name shall be read out at two (2) more subsequent monthly ldaji meeting for all members to make enquiries about the Candidate and to have opportunity to raise an objection privately to any member of the Executive Committee of the Conclave. (i) The details of the Candidate must be presented to the Divisional Council of the Conclaves to which the application is directed for the consideration and approval or rejection of the Divisional Council before the initiation of the Candidate. (ii) The candidate shall be interviewed by the Executive Body of the Conclave to determine his/her suitability. (iii) If there is no objection by any member of the Conclave or members of the Fraternity or from any other Conclave within the stipulated 3 months and approval of the Divisional Council the Candidate may be initiated in open Conclave. Candidate (male/female) for initiated must be presented to the lyabiye before they are initiated. If the candidate is rejected either by any member of the Conclave itself or by any member in the Branches or in any Region or division or from the Headquarters of the Fraternity, his/her name shall be forwarded to the Divisional Council to which the Conclave belongs and the Central Registry of the Fraternity for record purpose. Objection to a candidate shall be on reasonable grounds;
and what is reasonable in this connection is primarily a matter for the Division, and if necessary an appeal shall lie to the Executive Council. All candidates shall be initiated according to the approved rituals before enrolment as members after rituals in open Conclave and in regular ldaji Meeting day. By special dispensation of the Olori Oluwo and/or the Olori Apena on behalf of the Supreme Council, a deserving candidate may be initiated without the above formalities.
Forces recruitment is not allow in reform ogboni fraternity the their constitution govern the the process so child initiation is not allow, you must become of age. However in ancient ogboni aborigines force recruitment is allowed. Because a member may pledge his son to replace him or children who has been use in carry our to carry out some dreadful activities of the cult can be forced to join under compulsion.
CONSECRATION OF EDAN FOR PERSONAL USE. by babalawo Obanifa.
It is instructive that what is reveal hear is not a consecration method use by Ogboni or Osugbo cult, so it is not deems to be secret of Ogboni cult.
*Edan tako tabo (Edan image male and female) Eje Alangba tako tabo (blood of Agama lizard or ordinary female lizard) ewe esinsin FUNFUN (fresh leave of Tragia Spatulata) ewe ina (leave of horned cucumber). One bottle of gin, omi agbede (water use by black Smith to cool hot iron) use the water and to squeeze the leaves. Put your edan inside it for seven days. Remove it it will be energise for purposes you want it for. Don't forget to use iyerosun ifa divination powder to imprint odu ifa ogunda meji and pour it inside the mixture on the third day.
Oriki Edan
Edan oo
Iya mi Abeni
Oro ti gbenu Iledi dun yanmu yanmu
Alabenu as sasi
Iku aye
Ajibola, ojeegun osika
Laani, ojeegun eke
Pooye ti maju odale
Eni ti aa Lu gba ki
Abomo - on po bi erupe
Iye omo aboja gborogboro
Abiamo ti daso bo omo lojo otutu
Heepa monle
Ko ku, ko je ki omo re oku
Ko run ko je ki omo re Orun
Oro ti foru oganjo rin
Agbani lowo ogun Oso
Agbani lowo ogun aje
Agbani lowo ogun aye gbogbo Pata
Dabo re bomi iya.
Translation
Edan I invoke thee
The spirit that talk from Ileedi
The one with umbrella under wish people seek solace
The death on earth
Ajibola the Divinity who chew the bone of the wicked
Laani, the Divinity who chew the bone of the liar
Pooye, one who suck the blood of the betrayer
The one whom we beat Agba drum for.
One who has children who is as plenty as land. The mother with very long sash
The mother that cover her child with cloth in the colds
Your majesty diety
She didn't die nor allows her child to die
She didn't fall sick nor allow her child to fall silk
The spirit that walks around the night
One who rescue one from the claw of evil wizard
One who safe one from the claw of witches
One who safe one from all evil hands.
Protect me mother ase.
Copyright :Babalawo Pele Obasa Obanifa, phone and whatsapp contact +2348166343145, location Ile Ife osun state Nigeria.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : As regards the article above, all rights reserved, no part of this article may be reproduced or duplicated in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from the copyright holder and the author Babalawo Obanifa, doing so is considered unlawful and will attract legal consequences.
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