Isese Religion or Isese Spirituality: A Call For Unity -By Olusegun Daramola

In the beginning, everyone was in their various compounds, practicing their Ose and Itadogun as ònífá while Olorisa were in their houses with their unique ways of venerating their Oro òòsà. Later, some elders formed Egbe Awò and Egbe Òrìsà, where they would only meet to discuss, share ideas, and engage in community upbuilding.

At some point, they came up with the concept of Ile Ijuba, where they would come together to perform Ose, with various Ile Ijuba awọ ifá, not to be mixed with akodi òòsà, where Olorisa priests and priestesses would meet separately. Each Òrìsà had its own Ile Ijuba, such as Olosun, Olobatala, and Oniyemoja, etc. However, some elders strongly opposed this, fearing it would lead to issues and conflicts, and suggested going back to their individual homes for veneration, as it was before Ile Ijuba.

The rancor within the Ifá and Òrìsà community is not new; it has a long history, dating back centuries. My grandfather once told me the story; he was the revered Àràbà of my hometown in those days. During his time, similar divisions and disagreements among Ile Ijuba members led some to leave and start their own groups and practices, while others returned to their individual homes to continue their traditions.

This pattern of disagreement and fragmentation has continued over the years, with various factions emerging and sometimes clashing. We are the same set of elders that did all that back then; we are the children. The same essence is back to get things right individually and, by extension, collectively.

I admonish each individual to walk and embrace Isese the best way their Orí dictates. Don’t be confused. If Isese religion is what your Orí dictates for you, do it. If it is Isese spirituality, continue and do it in truth and honesty. Avoid accusing anyone of doing things differently.

A Call to Unity and Individual Strength

To all Ifá and Òrìsà adherents, this is a reminder that the essence of our beliefs and practices remains strong and resilient, even in the face of discord and disagreement. Let us strive to honor these traditions while fostering unity and understanding within our community.

We have inherited the wisdom and the challenges of our ancestors. It is up to us to navigate these with integrity and respect. Whether you practice in communal settings like Ile Ijuba or within the sacred space of your home, and joining spiritual communities,
know that your path is valid and valuable.

Embrace Your Path

– If your Orí guides you towards Isese religion, follow it with dedication.

-If your Orí calls you to Isese spirituality, pursue it with truth and honesty.

The strength of our community lies in our diversity and the individual journeys we undertake. Let us build bridges, support each other, and continue to find value and spiritual guidance in our ancient traditions.

Share this message and encourage others to reflect on their path and their contributions to our collective spiritual journey.

Feel free to engage with us on social media and join the conversation about how we can continue to honor and evolve our practices. Let’s make our community stronger, one step at a time.

OLUSEGUN DARAMOLA
Spiritual Teacher | Author | Babaláwo | Storyteller | Public Speaker | Founder Of @oriawakening | Host Of @lightofifa Podcast.