Ifá, under Òwónrín Ogbè (Òwónrínsogbè), speaks of the presence of witchcraft and wizardry that may attempt to tamper with one’s life, disturb one’s peace of mind and create disharmony within the family. Ifá speaks of negative vibrations surrounding the home, environment and those within it.

However, Ifá teaches that through sacrifice, rituals, spiritual equilibrium and constant prayer, these negative influences can be overcome and victory established.

Ifá advises those associated with Odù Òwónrínsogbè to endeavour to wear Ifá beads on the wrist as spiritual protection against negative vibrations. Ifá also teaches that wearing Ifá beads around the neck can help deter misfortune, attacks of witchcraft and other negative spiritual influences arising from different levels of existence.

Ifá advises sacrifice to Ifá, rituals to Èṣù and offerings to Ìyáàmi Òṣòròngà — Àpáni Má Wá Gùn, Olókìkí Ọ̀run—as spiritual measures against negative vibrations, contrary powers and evil influences arising from those around us.

Ifá further teaches that Èṣù Láàlú can deter evil and prevent the attacks of witches and wizards.

Yet one of the important teachings of this Odù is that, regardless of the circumstances, those under Òwónrínsogbè should maintain equilibrium, calmness, peace and patience when confronted with challenges, misfortune or evil.

Sacrifice must therefore be accompanied by good character, discipline and inner balance. Through these, divine power, protection and victory are restored.

Ẹsẹ Ifá lábẹ́ Odù Òwónrínsogbè

Òwónrínsogbè, awo Èṣù Láàlú, Láróyè,
A dífá fún Ifáyọmí ọmọ Olófin Ajáláyé.

Òwónrínsogbè, the diviner of Èṣù Láàlú, Láróyè,
thus divined the Ifá oracle for Ifáyọmí, the child of Olófin Ajáláyé.

Èyí tí wọ́n ní kó rúbọ nítorí ìjà àwọn Ẹlẹ́yẹ.
Wọ́n ní kó ṣe ètùtù nítorí àwọn Ìyá mi Àjẹ́.

He was advised to offer sacrifice to prevent the attack of the Ẹlẹ́yẹ.
He was directed to perform appeasement concerning Ìyá mi Àjẹ́, the Mothers associated with the mysteries of the night.

Ó gbọ́ rírú ẹbọ, kò rú.

He heard the instruction to offer sacrifice, but he did not offer it.

Kò pẹ́, kò jìnnà, ilé ọlá di ilé òfo.

Before long and without delay, the house of fortune became a house of emptiness and sorrow.

Erunmogale, má má jẹ́ kí Ẹlẹ́yẹ èké ó tú ilé ọlá ká báyìí Ifá.

Erunmogale, never allow the destructive nocturnal powers, the Ẹlẹ́yẹ, to scatter, destroy or neutralize the fortune of our household, oh Ifá.

Ẹlà Ìwòrì, jẹ́ kí n borí àwọn ogun àwọn Ẹlẹ́yẹ ìkà.

Ẹlà Ìwòrì, let me overcome the hostile attacks of the wicked Ẹlẹ́yẹ.

Èṣù Láàlú ọmọkùnrin òde, dúró níwájú awo, kí o sì kẹ́hìn awo báyìí Ifá, kí o lé ibi jìnnà sí wa.

Èṣù Láàlú, the great and valiant one, stand before the initiate and stand behind the initiate, oh Ifá, and drive evil and misfortune far away from us.

The teaching of Òwónrínsogbè

Òwónrínsogbè reminds us that spiritual protection must be accompanied by mental stability. When difficulties appear, fear, anger and panic can themselves destroy equilibrium. The individual is therefore instructed to remain calm and patient while taking the appropriate spiritual steps.

The verse also teaches the importance of responding to spiritual instruction at the proper time. Ifáyọmí was advised to perform ẹbọ and ètùtù, but he failed to do so. The teaching emphasizes that spiritual instruction should not merely be heard—it must be followed with appropriate action.

Therefore:

Maintain peace when surrounded by disturbance.
Maintain patience when confronted by difficulties.
Maintain good character when confronted by hostility.
Pray consistently.
Take the appropriate spiritual steps when they are prescribed.
Do not allow fear or negative influences to take control of your Orí.

May Ẹlà Ìwòrì strengthen us.
May Èṣù Láàlú stand before us and behind us and turn misfortune away.
May peace and harmony remain within our homes.
May destructive forces never scatter the fortune of our families.
May our good character, patience and spiritual discipline establish victory.

Héèpà Ifá.
Héèpà Irúnmọlẹ̀.
Héèpà Ìyáàmi Òṣòròngà.
Héèpà Èṣù Láàlú.

Àṣẹ.