The spirit of Olódùmarè is within, guiding our minds and directing our steps through the jungle of life.

Indeed, we are all created by Olódùmarè. But when a person exhibits the greatest virtues—wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discipline, good habits, positive conduct and patience—we recognize in that person the qualities of a child of Olódùmarè: Ọmọ Olú-Ìwà.

Within this teaching, Olú-Ìwà may be understood as the Lord or Source of Ìwà. The expression is connected with Olúwa, another name by which the Supreme Power, Olódùmarè, is addressed.

Here lies a profound teaching:

Ìwà is character.
Ìwà is conduct.
Ìwà is habit.
Ìwà is the divine quality through which the presence of Olódùmarè becomes visible in human life.

It is therefore not sufficient merely to speak about God, Òrìṣà, Ifá or spiritual power. The evidence of spiritual development must appear in Ìwà.

When a person develops good conduct and positive habits, such an individual may be described within this teaching as Ọmọ Olú-Ìwà bí, shortened into Ọmọlúwàbí: one whose life displays the character, virtues and conduct worthy of Olúwa.

Ọmọlúwàbí therefore goes far beyond outward politeness.

It represents a human being whose inner state, behaviour and relationship with others demonstrate virtue.

An Ọmọlúwàbí cultivates wisdom rather than ignorance; patience rather than uncontrolled anger; discipline rather than indolence; honesty rather than deception; good habits rather than destructive vices; humility rather than arrogance; responsibility rather than carelessness; service rather than selfishness; and a positive mind rather than allowing difficulties to corrupt the inner being.

ÌWÀ AS THE EXPRESSION OF THE DIVINE

Ìwà is not merely something we possess. It is something we continually manifest.

When human beings display good character, their behaviour begins to reflect the qualities associated with Olódùmarè. In this sense, good character becomes one of the ways through which divine power is made visible in the physical world.

This explains the traditional expression:

“Ó sọ ìwà nù.”

Literally, he has thrown away/lost his Ìwà.

This is deeper than saying someone simply behaved badly. Within this teaching, it means that the individual has abandoned the character appropriate to his or her true human and spiritual nature.

When a person allows hatred, dishonesty, uncontrolled anger, immorality, greed, deception or destructive habits to dominate the personality, that person begins to descend toward the level of uncontrolled instinct.

But when a person maintains patience, wisdom, discipline and good character—even when circumstances are difficult—that person demonstrates Olú-Ìwà.

Therefore, challenges are among the greatest tests of Ìwà.

It is easy to speak peacefully when everything is peaceful.

It is easy to speak about patience when nothing tests our patience.

It is easy to claim honesty when dishonesty offers us nothing.

But when difficulties arise and we still preserve ìwà rere — good character, the strength of our character becomes visible.

PROTECT YOUR ÌWÀ

Just as we protect our Orí, mind, mouth and body, we must protect our Ìwà.

Do not allow another person’s dishonesty to make you dishonest.

Do not allow another person’s anger to destroy your patience.

Do not allow betrayal to transform you into a betrayer.

Do not allow hardship to turn wisdom into foolishness.

Do not allow temporary circumstances to detach you from the divine virtues you have spent years developing.

Your character must not change every time your circumstances change.

Protect your Ìwà.
Guide your Ìwà.
Develop your Ìwà.
Purify your Ìwà.

Because the person who desires to serve Olódùmarè must also learn to serve humanity.

The person who reveres Òrìṣà must demonstrate something of that reverence through conduct.

The person seeking spiritual power must first develop the character capable of carrying that power responsibly.

The person seeking wisdom must allow wisdom to transform everyday behaviour.

Thus, the true Ọmọ Olú-Ìwà — Ọmọlúwàbí is the person who serves others, conducts himself or herself properly, maintains a positive and disciplined mind, exercises patience and strives continually toward good character.

The followers of Olódùmarè must therefore aspire to become Ọmọ Olú-Ìwà not merely by name, initiation or religious identity, but through Ìwà.

Let your character reveal your spirituality.

Let your conduct reveal your wisdom.

Let your habits reveal your discipline.

Let your patience reveal your strength.

Let the way you treat other human beings reveal the Olú-Ìwà you proclaim.

And when difficulties come, do not surrender your sonship or daughterhood through bad character. Never allow evil, dishonesty, distortion or delusion to detach you from the divine wisdom and spiritual protection of Olódùmarè and His numerous divinities.

Let your character continually exhibit the greatest virtues, so that in the jungle of life you may truly be recognized as:

ỌMỌLÚWÀBÍ — ỌMỌ OLÚ-ÌWÀ

A child whose life bears witness to good character.

Olódùmarè á gbé wa.
May Olódùmarè support and uplift us.

Àṣẹ.