Ogbe Irete, also known as Ogbe Ate, is represented by the following sacred Ifá pattern:
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1---------1Ifá speaks under Ogbe Irete of attacks from Ajogun—the forces associated with adversity and misfortune. Nevertheless, Ifá assures the individual of victory through appropriate initiation, sacrifice and devotion to Ifá, Ori, Èṣù and Ilẹ̀.
Ogbe Irete also reveals the potential for wealth, prosperity and success through foreign associations, international partnerships and trade with people from other countries. Cross-border business and constructive relationships with foreigners may open doors to significant opportunities.
The Odu further speaks about prosperity through agriculture. Farming, cultivating the land and engaging in businesses connected with agricultural production may attract wealth, stability and long-term success.
Protection from Ajogun Orun and Eburu Aye
Within this teaching, Ajogun Orun refers to spiritual forces associated with adversity, including illness, loss, conflict, failure and other disruptive conditions.
Eburu Aye describes destructive earthly agents, harmful influences and contrary forces operating within the physical world.
Ogbe Irete teaches that spiritual protection requires more than fear. The individual should cultivate discipline, good character and a sound relationship with Ori while following the sacrifices or initiations properly revealed through personal divination.
Ifá says this may be an important time for initiation and sacrifice. The individual may also be instructed to wear consecrated Ifá beads regularly as a sign of spiritual alignment and protection from Ajogun Orun and Eburu Aye.
Initiation, sacrifice and consecrated spiritual items should be undertaken under the guidance of a knowledgeable and trustworthy Babalawo or Ifá priest. The specific instructions of one person’s divination should not automatically be applied to everyone.
Prosperity Through Foreign Connections
Ogbe Irete speaks favourably about beneficial associations with foreigners. International trade, travel, cross-cultural partnerships and business relationships beyond one’s immediate community may become important sources of prosperity.
However, opportunity must be supported by wisdom. Successful foreign trade requires:
- trustworthy partnerships;
- clear agreements and documentation;
- knowledge of the relevant laws;
- financial discipline;
- patience and careful planning;
- honest communication; and
- responsible management of resources.
Spiritual guidance may reveal an opportunity, but practical wisdom is necessary to preserve it.
Farming and the Blessings of the Land
Ifá also encourages agricultural work under this Odu. Tilling the soil, cultivating crops, raising useful produce and investing in farming-related enterprises can establish sustainable prosperity.
Agriculture represents more than material wealth. It teaches patience, preparation and respect for natural timing. A farmer cannot plant today and force the harvest to appear tomorrow.
The land must be prepared, the seed planted and the crop carefully maintained. In the same way, prosperity requires consistent work before its full rewards become visible.
Ẹsẹ Ifá Lábẹ́ Odu Ogbe Irete
Won ro wipe ko ku s’ogun,
O se be, o nko ile alarinrin.
They expected him to die at the war front. Instead, he survived, prospered and began building beautiful and impressive houses.
O se be, o ko ile nla nla.
He was greatly blessed and built many magnificent houses, castles and palaces.
Won ro wipe ki o toro je,
O se be, o deni apesin.
O deni ola, o deni ajitanawo, o deni aye nye.
They believed that he would become a beggar and struggle for survival. Instead, he became successful, prosperous, wealthy, healthy, respected and celebrated.
A difa fun Iluyomade, omo Bara Agbonniregun,
Ti o gba ara sile lowo Ajogun,
Ti o si gba ebi re sile lowo Eburu Aye.
Thus divined Ifá for Iluyomade, the child of Bara Agbonniregun, who would deliver himself from the punitive forces of heavenly adversity and protect his family from destructive earthly powers and contrary agents.
Won ni ko karale, ebo ni ko yaa wa muse.
He was advised to remain calm and composed and to embrace sacrifice as the way out of his predicament.
O gbo riru ebo, o ru.
O gbo atukesu, o ru.
He heard the instruction to offer sacrifice, and he performed it. He also heard the instruction concerning the ritual for Èṣù, and he completed it without delay.
Kepe, kejina, o bori ogun.
O rehin odi.
O di olowo, o di oloro.
Before long and without delay, he prevailed over the power of his enemies and overcame the attacks of his adversaries. He became greatly blessed with wealth, riches, success and prosperity.
Erunmogale, bu owo, oro, aje, aseyori, aseyege, emi gigun fun mi bayi.
Erunmogale, bring into my life infinite blessings of wealth, riches, prosperity, victory, achievement, longevity and good health.
Bi ti Iluyomade, omo Bara Agbonniregun.
Bless me just as you blessed Iluyomade, the child of Bara Agbonniregun.
Ifa ni eniti a da Odu Ifa yi fun,
Ki o lo tete te Ifa nitori ire re nla nbo ni kia-kia.
Ifá says that the person for whom this Odu is divined should undertake initiation into Ifá without delay because great blessings, success and astonishing fortune are approaching.
Ki o lo bo Esu, ki o le bori Ajogun Orun.
Ifá says the individual should make the prescribed offering to Èṣù so that the person may overcome the forces of Ajogun Orun.
Ifa ni ki o sora fun oti, etekete, ijekuje,
Ki o si lo tera mo ise, ki o le ri igba lo.
Bi Ifa se wi niyen.
Ifá advises the individual to be careful with alcohol, drunkenness, deception and harmful habits. The person should direct their energy toward work, profession and the fulfilment of destiny. This is the message of Ifá under Odu Ogbe Irete.
Discipline Protects Prosperity
Ogbe Irete does not speak only of acquiring wealth. It also teaches how wealth must be protected.
Alcohol misuse, dishonesty, irresponsible consumption and distraction can destroy opportunities that required years to establish. The individual must therefore remain focused upon work and avoid habits that weaken judgment or waste valuable resources.
Ifá encourages the person to:
- avoid drunkenness and destructive indulgence;
- remain honest in business;
- concentrate on work and professional development;
- cultivate trustworthy partnerships;
- act promptly when genuine opportunities arise;
- honour Ori and follow proper spiritual guidance; and
- use prosperity to support the family and future generations.
From Expected Defeat to Visible Success
The enemies of Iluyomade expected him to die in battle, live in poverty and beg for survival. Instead, through spiritual guidance, sacrifice and disciplined action, he overcame adversity and became prosperous.
This is the central transformation revealed by Ogbe Irete: what others expect for us does not have to become our destiny.
The individual may face opposition, destructive expectations or spiritual challenges, yet Ifá speaks of the possibility of overcoming these forces and establishing a life of success.
Remain calm.
Complete the prescribed spiritual work.
Protect your character.
Avoid destructive habits.
Work diligently.
Recognize opportunities at home and abroad.
Honour the land and those who support your progress.
May Ifá guide us.
May Ori lead us toward fulfilment.
May Èṣù open the proper roads.
May Ilẹ̀ support our work.
May we prevail over Ajogun Orun and Eburu Aye.
May wealth, prosperity, good health and longevity become our portion.
Àṣẹ.
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