Ancient Roots, Modern Paths: Exploring Orisa and Ifa Wisdom Iya Ekundayo Efuntomisin

Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a person, situation, or experience? But instead of listening to your inner spirit's red flags, you put a big wet blanket over the red flag and continued on?  You're not alone. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares a story when she ignored a huge red flag and it nearly cost her everything. 

Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa devotees and seekers to be confident and competent on this sacred spiritual path.

FEATURED COURSE: Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirit This course guides you to begin to understand what is Ori and how to connect with your Ori's guidance. Buy now at Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirt

The Ile welcomes Ifa/Orisa initiates and those not-yet initiated who are committed students desiring to grow and develop in the sacred wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ile and our work, please visit www.IfaDestiny.com 

Early on in my Ifa/Orisa journey, I discovered the writings of Chief FAMA. She is an esteemed leader and scholar in the Yoruba Ifa/Orisa tradition. Chief FAMA is a beacon of Light in the realm of Ifa/Orisa worship. With a profound commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, her insights offer a transformative journey into the depths of spirituality, destiny, and the enduring wisdom of Ifa and Orisa tradition.Our interview was far-ranging and inspiration. Here are five insights from our conversation.Five Insights from Oloye (Chief) FAMA on Ancient Roots, Modern Paths Podcast


Chief FAMA Stresses Deep Commitment to Learning Ifa: The first takeaway is Chief FAMA's emphasis on the profound commitment required to learn Ifa. She underscores the necessity of extensive study and dedication to truly grasp the intricacies of Ifa, emphasizing that it is not a fleeting trend, but a lifelong pursuit.
Women's Integral Role in Ifa According to Chief FAMA: The second lesson revolves around Chief FAMA's perspective on the role of women in Ifa. She highlights that, historically, women were an integral part of Yoruba culture contrary to some contemporary challenges. Chief FAMA stresses the importance for women in the Ifa/Orisa tradition to study and educate themselves emphasizing preparation and intellectual development over gender distinctions.
Enduring Wisdom of Ifa and Orisa Traditions: The third insight Chief FAMA envisions a future where Ifa and Orisa worship shed any "fad" associations, stressing the vital role of dedication and love. Her message resonates: follow Ifa's guidance, even when it seems unclear, perform rituals faithfully, and honor taboos. Oloye's story encapsulates the profound wisdom of Ifa and Orisa, providing guidance for those navigating destiny and spirituality.
Life's Purpose and Destiny Explored by Chief FAMA: The fourth lesson delves into Chief FAMA's broader perspective on life, destiny, and the transformative power of challenges. Her personal experience with a stroke becomes a metaphor for the broader philosophy of Ifa, emphasizing that everything happens for a reason and that following Ifa's guidance, even when seemingly challenging, is essential to living one's destiny.
Seriousness and Dedication to Ifa According to Chief FAMA: The final takeaway emphasizes the seriousness with which Chief FAMA believes one should approach Ifa and Orisa practices. She urges practitioners to move beyond any perception of Ifa as a "fad" and stresses the importance of dedication, love, and a profound commitment to the teachings. The advice to follow Ifa's guidance unequivocally, even when it may seem unconventional, underscores the seriousness and life-and-death nature of Ifa practices, as articulated by Chief FAMA.

 Chief FAMA Biography

Chief/Ms Fáróumbí Àìná Mosúnmọ́lá Adéwálé-Somadhi (FAMA), born in 1953 in the vibrant town of Emure Ile, Ondo State, Nigeria, is a distinguished figure in the realm of Ifa and Orisa worship. Her journey in the spiritual and cultural traditions of Yoruba began early once she discovered Ifa. She was a founding member of Orunmila Youngsters International in Nigeria and later became the Secretary General of the institution, reflecting her early commitment to the sacred traditions.

In 1990, Chief FAMA ventured to California, U.S.A., bringing the richness of Yoruba culture to the diaspora. At California State University, San Bernardino, she furthered her education, earning a B.A. Degree in English with a focus on Creative Writing.

A testament to her dedicated service to Ifa, a group of Babalawos in Ayetoro town, Egbado area of Ogun State, Nigeria, bestowed upon Chief FAMA an honorary title in 1991— the prestigious Iyanifa AWO of Ayetoro. This complemented her first title, Iyaloja Awo, granted by a group of Ifa Priests from an Ifa Temple in Isale Oyo, Oyo town.

Chief FAMA's literary contributions are integral to the preservation and dissemination of Ifa/Orisa Worship and Yoruba

If you know the three questions you could ask yourself that would change the trajectory of your life, would you have the courage to ask them? In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo challenges us to take the leap and do the work. As yourself the three questions and see your connection to your Destiny strengthen and clarify.

Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa devotees and seekers to be confident and competent on this sacred spiritual path.

FEATURED COURSE: Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirit This course guides you to begin to understand what is Ori and how to connect with your Ori's guidance. Buy now at Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirt

The Ile welcomes Ifa/Orisa initiates and those not-yet initiated who are committed students desiring to grow and develop in the sacred wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ile and our work, please visit www.IfaDestiny.com 

Have you been waiting for years to achieve success? Does success seem like something that everyone else enjoys, but not you? What guidance does the Odu Ifa Ose Ogbe offer about the idea of success? In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo shares a new vision of how we can think about success by learning more about the magical Bamboo plant.

Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa devotees and seekers to be confident and competent on this sacred spiritual path.

FEATURED COURSE: Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirit This course guides you to begin to understand what is Ori and how to connect with your Ori's guidance. Buy now at Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirt

The Ile welcomes Ifa/Orisa initiates and those not-yet initiated who are committed students desiring to grow and develop in the sacred wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ile and our work, please visit www.IfaDestiny.com 

Have you been waiting for your blessings to show up? Are you wondering if your "enemies" are blocking your blessings? We all have Ori (Inner Spirit) and a destiny that includes many blessings. In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo focuses on why our blessings get deferred and what we can do about it. 

Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa devotees and seekers to be confident and competent on this sacred spiritual path.

FEATURED COURSE: Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirit This course guides you to begin to understand what is Ori and how to connect with your Ori's guidance. Buy now at Tap the Power of Your Inner Spirt

The Ile welcomes Ifa/Orisa initiates and those not-yet initiated who are committed students desiring to grow and develop in the sacred wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ile and our work, please visit www.IfaDestiny.com 

What is a taboo? A unique dynamic of the Ifa/Orisa tradition is the concept of taboo. When you think of taboo, you might envision something that is forbidden. It is so much deeper in the Isese tradition.  In this episode, Oloye Ekundayo explores a recent experience with taboo and why is it so important to follow the taboos that a person might receive during divination.

Oloye Ekundayo Efuntomisin, a devoted student of the West African Yoruba Spiritual Tradition called Ifa/Orisa, is your podcast host. She is the founder of Ile Ifa Otura Orire, the Ifa House of Good Destiny. The mission of the Ile is to support Ifa/Orisa devotees and seekers to be confident and competent on this sacred spiritual path.

The Ile welcomes Ifa/Orisa initiates and those not-yet initiated who are committed students desiring to grow and develop in the sacred wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ile and our work, please visit www.IfaDestiny.com