I will continue to emphasize Ìwà—good character—until we understand how it can transform misfortune in our lives into great fortune.

Human beings are social beings. We need good character to live happily, peacefully and comfortably within society. We also need it to maintain harmonious relationships with our families, relatives, communities and countries, as well as with the world within us and the world around us.

Let your character reflect the peace, spiritual presence and transformative power of Èlà Ọmọ Osin, Èlà Ọmọ Oyigi and Ọbàtálá Oseremagbo.

These three great divinities are mentioned because of the peaceful nature of their beings, their profound discipline and their ability to transform misfortune into great fortune—particularly the transformative power associated with Èlà Ọmọ Oyigi.

Good Character Sustains Life

Tradition teaches that people of impeccable, unblemished and honourable character build life, sustain life and create an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence. Through good character, we can fulfil the purpose for which Àdániwáyé—Olódùmarè, the Supreme Creator and Olórí Pátápátá—brought us into existence.

People whose characters are peaceful, loving, patient, caring and luminous attract support from the spiritual forces of creation, including:

• Irúnmọlẹ̀—the primordial divinities;
• Ẹ̀mí Àìrí—the unseen forces and invisible beings;
• Ori—the divine essence of the self in heaven and on earth;
• Ẹgbẹ́ or Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀run—our heavenly companions and spiritual associations;
• Egúngún Ilé—our ancestral lineage;
• Òrìṣà Ojà—the divinities dwelling beyond our immediate environment; and
• Olódùmarè—the Infinite Force, Light, Wisdom and Divine Mind that brought all things into existence.

Those who cultivate Ìwà rere—good character—and Ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́—gentle, peaceful, harmonious and serene conduct—open themselves to the blessings of Olódùmarè through Ifá.

Tradition expresses this teaching with the words:

Irun won a ma je aye Ifa welemu welemu, bi eni layin titi aye.

This teaches that those who embrace good character will experience the blessings of Ifá with sweetness, peace and fulfilment—like someone tasting honey throughout life.

Character Is a Daily Spiritual Practice

Good character is not demonstrated only during prayer, ritual or initiation. It is revealed through our daily thoughts, words, decisions and actions—especially when we are challenged, offended or placed under pressure.

To cultivate Ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́, we must work consciously to overcome:

• uncontrolled anger and violent behaviour;
• drunkenness, smoking and other harmful dependencies;
• immorality and a lack of self-control;
• gossip, destructive criticism and constant complaining;
• hatred, jealousy, envy, resentment and revenge;
• laziness, idleness and the refusal to make a meaningful effort;
• blaming others while refusing responsibility for our own actions;
• speaking maliciously about other people, our country, the divinities or Olódùmarè;
• fear, excessive worry and persistent doubt;
• praying only when problems arise while neglecting daily gratitude;
• neglecting the health and movement of the body;
• refusing to learn from our mistakes or from the experiences of others;
• ignorance accompanied by an unwillingness to learn;
• uncontrolled speech and revealing what should remain private;
• expecting everything freely without offering service, effort or a meaningful contribution in return;
• refusing to support others or contribute to peace and harmony; and
• neglecting necessary spiritual responsibilities, sacrifices, rituals or initiations when properly prescribed.

Violence and thoughts of suicide or homicide represent grave danger rather than ordinary faults of character. Anyone experiencing such thoughts should seek immediate, compassionate help from trusted people and qualified professionals.

Responsibility and Spiritual Transformation

Every action produces consequences. When we repeatedly embrace anger, dishonesty, irresponsibility and harmful behaviour, we create conditions that may attract painful repercussions. When we cultivate patience, accountability, wisdom and kindness, we establish a stronger foundation for peace and prosperity.

Personal responsibility does not mean blaming ourselves for every hardship. It means honestly examining what lies within our power to change and then taking disciplined action.

We should correct our conduct, learn continuously and overcome destructive habits so that we may fulfil our destinies at every level of existence. Prayer must be accompanied by good character. Sacrifice must be accompanied by responsibility. Initiation must be accompanied by discipline.

Without good character, spiritual knowledge may be misused. Without patience, power may become destructive. Without responsibility, even great opportunities may be lost.

Ìwà rere is not merely an outward appearance. It is the daily expression of wisdom, patience, honesty, self-control, accountability, compassion and divine love.

Take care of your character, and your character will help take care of your destiny.

Mo ṣe Èlà, Àbọrú.
Mo ṣe Èlà, Àbọyè.
Mo ṣe Èlà, Àbọṣíṣẹ́.

Àṣẹ.