Oríkì tí a kójọ nípasẹ̀ ìwádìí ẹ̀rọ, tí a kò tí ì ṣàyẹ̀wò. Gbogbo ohun tí ó wà lórí ojú-ìwé yìí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí: a fi hàn kí a lè ṣàyẹ̀wò rẹ̀, kì í ṣe nítorí pé a ti ṣàyẹ̀wò rẹ̀.
Ojú-ìwé yìí nìkan ni ibi tí a ti fi ohun tí a kò tí ì ṣàyẹ̀wò hàn nínú àkójọpọ̀ yìí. Ìdí nìyẹn tí a fi yà á sọ́tọ̀, kò sì sí ohun tí ó yẹ kí a fa yọ láti inú rẹ̀ bí ẹni pé a ti fi ìdí rẹ̀ múlẹ̀.
A kójọ rẹ̀ pẹ̀lú ẹ̀rọ, a kò sì tí ì ṣàyẹ̀wò rẹ̀. Àwọn àmì ohùn, ìdárúkọ àti ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ̀ ṣì nílò àyẹ̀wò sí orísun tí a dárúkọ kí a tó lè gbáralé rẹ̀.
Èṣù (Yoruba deity of crossroads, mediation, and cosmic order)
orisaÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Èṣù ṣe rere kò burú, ṣe burúkú kò rere. B'inú bá b'Èṣù a f'òkúta lu'lẹ̀ d'ẹ́jẹ̀. B'inú bá b'Èṣù a jókòó sórí awọ èèrà. B'inú bá b'Èṣù a sunkún ẹ̀jẹ̀. Èṣù sùn nínú ilé, ilé kéré fún un. Èṣù sùn lórí ìbàdẹ́, ìbàdẹ́ kéré fún un. Èṣù sùn nínú èso kékeré kan, nígbẹ̀yìn-gbẹ́yín ó tẹ́ ẹsẹ̀ rẹ̀ nà.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Eshu makes good not bad, makes bad not good. If anger seizes Eshu he strikes stone ground to blood. If anger seizes Eshu he sits on skin of ant. If anger seizes Eshu he weeps tears of blood. Eshu slept inside house, house small for him. Eshu slept on veranda, veranda small for him. Eshu slept inside tiny nut, at last he stretched his feet.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Eshu turns right into wrong, wrong into right. When he is angry, he hits a stone until it bleeds. When he is angry, he sits on the skin of an ant. When he is angry, he weeps tears of blood. Eshu slept in the house, but the house was too small for him. Eshu slept on the verandah, but the verandah was too small for him. Eshu slept in a nut, at last he could stretch himself.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Rowland Abiodun
The oríkì encapsulates the paradoxical, dialectical, and transformative essence of Èṣù as the divine mediator of cosmic forces, whose nature transcends physical containment and conventional moral binaries.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
During annual òrìṣà rituals, Ifá divination consultations, and before addressing other deities at communal shrines and crossroads.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Babalawo (Ifá priests), Oníṣẹ̀ṣe (Òrìṣà devotees), and ritual praise-chanters.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Pan-Yoruba (prominently Ọ̀yọ́, Ilé-Ifẹ̀, and Kétu)
Wínyọmí (Hunter, lineage founder, and historic 'Big Man' of Okuku)
personalÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Wínyọmí Ẹnipeede, Olórí Ọdẹ; Arẹ́mú, a d'ọ̀nà má yẹ̀; Ẹnipeede, ẹni tí ń f'ọ́jọ́ s'íkùn ọ̀lẹ; Àlàmú ní 'Bí o bá bọ́ s'óro ẹgbàáwó', ó ní 'Bàbá rẹ gan-an á gb'érè nínú àmúwá'; Aṣọ òyìnbó kò f'orí tì í tọ́, Wínyọmí ní 'ohun tí ó dára fún ni...'
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Winyomi Enipeede, Leader of Hunters; Aremu, one who blocks path not budge; Enipeede, one who puts fear into liver of coward; Alamu said 'If you fall into trouble of two thousand cowries', he said 'Father your own will take share inside settlement'; Cloth of white man not endure long, Winyomi said 'thing that it is good for is...'
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Winyomi Enipeede, Head of the Hunters; Aremu, blocks the road and doesn't budge; Enipeede, one who fills the coward with apprehension; Alamu said 'If you get into trouble to the tune of two thousand cowries', he said 'Your own father will take his cut of the settlement'; European cloth does not wear well, Winyomi said 'what it is good for is...'
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber
Recounts the power, stubborn bravery, wealth, and judicial arbitration of Wínyọmí, a prominent historic warrior and hunter in Okuku.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
During lineage commemorations, weddings, chieftaincy celebrations, funeral ceremonies, and festival gatherings.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Female oral poets and family chant performers (awọn obìnrin ilé)
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ilé Ọdẹ, Okuku (Ọ̀yọ́/Òsun region)
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Recorded with variable segment ordering across different chant recitals in Okuku
Aláàfin of Òyó (Paramount Monarch of the Òyó Empire)
inagijeÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ó f'ẹsẹ̀ ẹṣin s'omi rùkú rùkú rùkú; Tí ń jí kọ bí àkùkọ ìdájí; Aláàfin, ẹkùn bú, a sá.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
He with legs of horse turns water turbid turbid turbid; Who wakes crows like rooster of dawn; Alaafin, leopard roars, we flee.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
He stirs the river violently with his horses' hoofs; Like a rooster that crows in the wee morning; Alaafin, growls like a leopard and people run.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Ayokunmi Ojebode / M. Ayolo
Zoonymous praise cognomens characterizing the monarch's military might, unyielding vigilance, fearsome sovereignty, and royal aura.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Palace morning awakenings, public royal receptions, installations, and ceremonial durbar processions.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Royal court bards, royal wives (ayaba), and palace dùndún drummers
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Òyó Palace (Òyó-Ilé / Modern Òyó)
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Varied line deployments across Alaafin oriki compilations by Ayolo (2011) and Adesiyan (2011)
Igbá tó wu ìjòkun ló ń dudu idu ojé. Ó wáá wu Babalọla Ọmítọ́tan ó dudu tán ó fẹ́yín ṣẹ́kẹ́.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
When pleasing ijokun-plant it becomes dark darkness lead. It then pleased Babalola Omitotan he is-black completely he reveals-teeth white-gristle.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
It was by choice that the ijokun plant became as black as lead. And by choice Babalola Omitotan became perfectly black with teeth as white as gristle.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber
Eulogizes the genetic and ancestral physical distinction of the lineage members, comparing their deep dark skin and bright teeth to natural vegetation choices, asserting inherent lineage beauty, pride, and autonomy.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Lineage gatherings, ancestral rites, naming ceremonies, funerals, and daily morning praises by wives and mothers.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Lineage women (ayé ilé), bride chanter (ẹkún ìyàwó chanters), and rárà chanters.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ẹlẹ́mọ̀ṣọ́ lineage, Òkukù / Òyó region
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Recorded in variant lengths across Yoruba communities retaining Ẹlẹ́mọ̀ṣọ́ patrilineal praise epithets.
My husband, Akanbi. One who buys royal garments upon arrival. Child of Tagbata. Child of Korowa. Offspring of a wealthy home that never lacks attendants.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Oluwole Coker
Presents personal descriptive praise names (orúkọ ìnagijẹ) describing individual distinction, character attributes, personal achievements, and inherited titles.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Domestic greetings, social celebrations, drumming eulogies, and performance by wives to husbands.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Wives, family elders, professional drummers (àyàn), and popular acoustic bard singers.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
General Yorùbá / Ọ̀yọ́
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Varies by individual praise-name combinations (e.g., Àkànbí, Àlàó, Àmọ̀ó, Àdùkẹ́).
Ọ̀kà Àkókó Community
iluÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ọmọ Ọkarufe, onigbo irunmọlẹ y'ajojimawo; Ajoji y'oba wogbo irunmọlẹ, a d'eni ẹbọra; Awa ọmọ arougun masa, arote ma bẹru...
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Child Oka-from-Ife, owner-of grove irunmole that-strangers-must-not-enter; Stranger who enters-grove irunmole, becomes person spirit; We children who-see-war-and-do-not-flee, who-see-conspiracy-without-fear...
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Offspring of Oka from Ife, owners of the sacred grove of deities that strangers dare not enter; Any stranger who enters the sacred grove becomes a spirit; We are the children of those who see war and never flee, who witness treachery without fear...
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ RSIS International Literary & Oral Poetry Studies / Oloyede
Recounts the mythical founding of Oka from Ile-Ife, the sanctity of its spiritual hills and groves, and the historical military bravery of its inhabitants against invading forces.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Town festivals, royal coronations, civic celebrations, and state assemblies.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Town bards, royal palace chanters (akéwì / akígbe), and communal elders.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ọ̀kà Àkókó, Ondo State
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Variants include praise segments highlighting the Olubaka title and sacred hills.
Òrìṣà (Ògún / Ṣàngó / Deities)
orisaÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ògún alákáiyé, osin imọlẹ̀, Ògún lakatabu, onílé owó, olọ́nà ọlà, a mú mi kángo wọbi ìjà.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Ogun possessor-of universe, leader deities, Ogun monstrous-power, owner house money, owner path wealth, one-who takes gourd enters-place battle.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Ogun, master of the universe, chief among deities, Ogun of immense formidable power, possessor of the home of riches, opener of the road to wealth, who carries a heavy weapon to the battlefield.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber / Adeboye Babalola
Invokes the primordial divinity Ògún, saluting his paradoxical qualities as both a ferocious cosmic warrior and the indispensable opener of paths, fertility, prosperity, and civilization.
Ẹgbẹ́ Ọ̀gá Ògo! Akiikaa! Aseegee! Muso! Ẹ̀yin ẹlẹ́kẹjì ọ̀run, ẹ má jẹ́ kí a rí ìtìjú, ẹ wá dídì gbe ọmọ yín lékè.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Egbe Master-of Glory! Akika! Asege! Muso! You companions heaven, do not let us see disgrace, you come firmly elevate child your high.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Egbe, master of glory! Wonderful! Victorious! Hail! You heavenly companions and astral peers, do not allow us to suffer disgrace; rise to deliver and elevate your earthly counterpart.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Will Coleman / Isese Religious Archive
Appeals to one's heavenly peer group (ẹgbẹ́ ọ̀run) for protection, material blessings, prevention of spiritual covenant crises, and elevation above worldly misfortune.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Ẹgbẹ́ propitiation rituals, annual Ẹgbẹ́ Day festivals, consultations for emèrè/àbíkú spiritual distress, and naming rites.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Ẹgbẹ́ priests/priestesses, initiated devotees, and Ifá babalawos.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Pan-Yoruba
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Specific invocations exist for separate Ẹgbẹ́ branches: Ẹgbẹ́ Ìyálòde, Jagunjagun, Baálẹ̀, and Asípà.
Erin (The Elephant)
erankoÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Erin lábá-owó, erin abikúnlẹ̀ pelemọmọ, a rìn gberigberi bí olórí ogun.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Elephant bag-of-money, elephant massive-kneeling majestic-broad, one walks proudly like leader-of war.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
O elephant pouch-filled with money, O monstrous elephant whose kneeling shape descends broad like a mountain, who walks majestically like a generalissimo.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Adeboye Babalola
Salutes the magnificent size, immense physical bulk, immense commercial value (ivory and meat), and sovereign, intimidating forest presence of the elephant.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Hunters' gatherings (àpèjọ ọdẹ), funeral ceremonies for deceased guild hunters, and Ògún guild ceremonies.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Hunters' guild bards (oníjàlá) and palace chanters.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ọ̀yọ́ / Pan-Yoruba hunters' traditions
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Variations occur across different dialectal ìjálá repertoires including references to Erin-Ajanaku.
Marital dynamics and bride's negotiation of domestic transition (Rárà Ìyàwó / Erinlẹ̀ chant)
personalÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
'Ń lọ, 'ń lọ' l'obìnrin ń fi dẹ́rù ba ọkùnrin / 'Bó o bá lè lọ o mọ́ọ yáa lọ' / N ni babaa mi fi kọ́lé ẹ̀rù s'ára ìyáa mi.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
'I am going, I am going' is what woman uses to frighten man / 'If you can go, you go right ahead and go' / It is what father my used to build house of fear in body mother my.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
'I'm going, I'm going' / That's how women frighten men / 'If you want to go, then hurry up and be gone' / That was how my father built mansions of fear in my mother's heart.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber
The verses articulate the fraught interpersonal power dynamic between husbands and wives, reflecting how a woman uses threats of departure as leverage while acknowledging patriarchal assertions of indifference.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Bridal departure ceremonies (rárà ìyàwó) and during chants associated with the Òrìṣà Erinlẹ̀ festival
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Female chant performer / bride / devotee in Okuku
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Okuku, Odo-Ọtin District, Osun State (formerly Oyo State), Nigeria
Akotipopo, child of Oguntonlowo (Lineage praise chant)
personalÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Akotipọpọ o ku ọdun o. / Ọdun ọdun ni ọdun ayọ ni yoo ṣe. / Akotipọpọ ọmọ Oguntọnlọwọ / N ó roko Oguntọnlọwọ...
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Akotipopo greetings on the festival / Year after year joyful festival will it be / Akotipopo child of Oguntonlowo / I will hoe the farm of Oguntonlowo...
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Akotipopo, greetings on the festival. / May every year be a festival celebrated in joy. / Akotipopo, offspring of Oguntonlowo, / I will hoe the farm of Oguntonlowo...
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber
Salutation and invocation of an individual and his lineage ancestor, honoring the ancestral connection to Oguntonlowo and pledging loyalty and labor to lineage continuity.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Annual òrìṣà festivals and family compound celebrations
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Ṣangowẹmi (prominent female chanter and Ṣango devotee in Okuku)
Olofa child of fair division / Wrestling is the custom of Ofa / Olofa owns omele, gbengbeleku other people pay / Child of Olalomi / Cut-it-fairly, divide-it-fairly / Iyeru if one exceeds the other / In the house of Olalomi / Wrestling is custom of Ofa
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Olofa, child of fair division / Wrestling is the tradition and essence of Ofa / Olofa owns the omele drum, others pay heavily / Offspring of Olalomi / Cut it fairly, divide it equitably / Iyeru, if one portion is bigger than another / In the home of Olalomi / Wrestling is the custom of Ofa.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Adeboye Babalola / cited in Yoruba oral literature scholarship
Affirms the ancient origin, egalitarian ethics of fair distribution ('cut-it-fairly'), and martial/wrestling identity ('Ìjàkàdì') defining the people of Ofa.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Recited by senior women during weddings, lineage gatherings, chieftaincy ceremonies, and civic assemblies
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Senior lineage women (ìyálé / àgbà obìnrin)
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ọ̀fà / lineages settled across Odo-Ọtin and surrounding towns
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Recorded in variant lengths by Adeboye Babalola (2000, 'Àwọn Oríkì Orílẹ̀ Mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n') and Karin Barber (1991)
Òṣogbo (Ọ̀rọ̀kí Asàlá)
iluÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Òṣogbo Ọ̀rọ̀kí aṣàlá, ọmọ onílé obì Òṣogbo ìlú aró, ọmọ aró dẹ́dẹ́ bí òkun Ààrẹ ó pẹ́ta, àrepẹta mo gbà ó Òṣun Òṣogbo pẹ̀lẹ́ o, ẹ pẹ̀lẹ́ o ẹ̀yin ọlọ́mọyọyọ Òṣogbo Ọ̀rọ̀kí gbé onílé, ó tún gbé àjòjì Òṣogbo Ọ̀rọ̀kí ọmọ yèyé Òṣun Yèyé atẹ́wọ́gbẹ́ja, aníyùn lábẹ́bẹ Ọ̀rọ̀kí tí í bá ẹja ńlá sọ̀rọ̀, tí ń rán ìkọ̀ níṣẹ́ Òṣun Òṣogbo, rere ni o sun fún mi Ọ̀rọ̀kí onílé obì, aláró ọmọ aṣàlá Èdùmàrè bá wa dá ìlú Òṣogbo sí, Àṣẹ.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Osogbo Oroki the refuge, offspring of the owner of kolanut lands; Osogbo town of indigo dye, child of deep-spreading dye like the sea; Aare killed civet cat, civet killer I accept; Osun Osogbo greetings, greetings to the mother of many children; Osogbo Oroki sustains the indigene, it also sustains the stranger; Osogbo Oroki children of mother Osun; Mother who receives fish in her palm, owner of coral on fan; Oroki that speaks with the great fish and sends emissaries; Osun Osogbo, flow goodness to me; Oroki owner of kolanuts, dyer child of sanctuary; May God preserve Osogbo town, Amen.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Osogbo Oroki a refuge outpost, owner of a large kolanut farm; Osogbo, city of tie-dye, custodian of strong dye like a blue sea; whether the sojourner kills a civet cat or does not kill, it belongs to me; Osun Osogbo greetings to you, mother of many children; Osogbo Oroki accommodates both indigenes and foreigners alike; Osogbo Oroki, children of mother Osun, the matriarch who receives sacred fish in her open palm, who carries coral beads upon her fan; Oroki that converses with the giant fish and sends emissaries on errands; Osun Osogbo, let goodness flow unto me; Oroki owner of the kolanut grove, indigo dyer, child of refuge; May the Almighty preserve the city of Osogbo, Amen.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Edusocom / Yoruba Oral Literature Anthology
The oríkì celebrates the founding identity, economic life, and sacred geography of Osogbo (capital of Osun State), emphasizing its legacy in indigo dyeing (ìlú aró), extensive kolanut plantations, historic role as a peaceful sanctuary for migrants and refugees, and its primordial covenant with the goddess Ọ̀ṣun.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Chanted at the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, during the installation and anniversaries of the Ataoja of Osogbo, civic gatherings, funeral rites of prominent Osogbo citizens, and family celebrations.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Community praise chanters (akéwì), palace bards, lineage elders, and indigenous women chanters.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Osogbo, Osun State
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Osogbo Oroki Asala Onile Obi / Osogbo ilu Aro, Aro dede bi Okun / Are Op'eta, Are p'eta a gba / Osogbo Oroki gbe Onile o tun gbe Ajeji / Osogbo Oroki Omo yeye Osun / Yeye Atewogbeja Aniyun Labebe / Eleyele Aro, Olode Ega...
Ọ̀ṣun (Yèyé Òṣun / River Deity of Osun)
orisaÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ore yèyé Òṣun Òṣun sẹ̀ngẹ̀sẹ̀, Olóríyà ìyùn, Arẹwà obìnrin Òṣun oyèyè nímọ̀, Awẹ́dẹ wẹ̀mọ́ Yèyé mi olọ́wọ́ aró, Yèyé mi ẹlẹ́sẹ̀ osùn Yèyé mi ajímọ̀rọ̀rọ̀, Yèyé mi abímọ má yànkú Yèyé mi alágbo àwòyè Elétí gbáròyé, Ọ̀gbàgbà tí ń gba ọmọ rẹ̀ lọ́jọ́ ìjà Arí bání gbò nípa t'ọmọ Òṣun oníkíi, Afìdẹ rẹmọ Apẹ́níbú s'ọlá, Apẹ́lódò s'ọ̀rọ̀ ọmọ Òṣun ẹni idẹ kì í sú, Amọ̀ àwò má rò Ó wá yànrìn wá yànrìn k'ówó sí Gbadamu-gbadamu obìnrin kò ṣeé gbámú Obìnrin tó gbóná j'ọkùnrin lọ Omi a mọ̀ rìn, omi a mọ̀ o sùn Ore yèyé gbà mí, ẹni a ní ní ń gbani.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Gracious mother Osun; Osun the elegant, owner of coral comb, beautiful woman; Osun abundant in knowledge, who cleanses brass and washes children; My mother with indigo-dyed hands, my mother with camwood feet; My mother who wakes in radiant freshness, my mother who bears children that do not die; My mother possessor of healing medicinal infusions; Attentive listener to complaints, mighty rescuer of her child in the day of fight; One who takes care of people in child affairs; Osun onikii, who soothes children with brass; Who stays in the depths to create wealth, who stays in the river to settle child affairs; Osun whom brass ornaments never tire, who knows cult secrets but reveals them not; She sifts sand and buries wealth therein; Formidable massive woman who cannot be conquered; Woman fiercer than men; Water that knows how to flow, water that knows how to sleep; Gracious mother deliver me, it is the one we have that saves us.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Mother Osun! Praise to the mother of mystery, the one who possesses a comb crafted of coral beads, the beautiful woman; Osun the fountain of deep wisdom, who cleanses brass and purifies children inside and out; My mother with hands colored by indigo dye, my mother with feet beautified with camwood, my mother who wakes early in pristine radiance; My mother whose children never die, owner of the life-giving herbal decoction; Ever-ready listener to pleas, great savior who rescues her children in battle, she who cares for one concerning children; Osun who soothes children with bronze and brass, who dwells in the waters generating wealth, who resides in the river to care for infants; Osun who never tires of wearing brass bracelets, who knows the secrets of the cults without disclosing them; She who grazes the sands and buries riches therein; Powerful, formidable woman who cannot be overcome, strong woman more fierce than men; Flowing water that never ceases, resting water that knows how to calm; Gracious Mother, protect me! It is our own protector who delivers us.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Yoruba Library Editorial Board / Adepoju & Cultural Literature Studies
Invokes the multi-dimensional power of the goddess Ọ̀ṣun as the protector of motherhood, giver of fertile waters, keeper of herbal healing remedies (àgbo), custodian of hidden wisdom and wealth (represented by brass and coral), and a fierce protectress of her devotees.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Performed during the annual Osun-Osogbo sacred grove processions, during weekly shrine worship (ọ̀sẹ̀), naming ceremonies of children born through Ọ̀ṣun's intervention, and spiritual cleansing rituals.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Priestesses of Osun (Ìyá Òṣun), Awòrò Òṣun, the votive maiden (Àrúgbá), and initiates of the Ọ̀ṣun cult.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Osogbo, Osun State (and riverine Ọ̀ṣun shrines across Yorubaland)
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Ore yeye Osun / Osun sengese Oloriya iyun... / Osun oyeye nimo / Yeye mi olowo aro
Ọ̀yọ́ lineage and town origin
orileÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ọ̀yọ́ nilé babaà mi. Àparò mélòó péré N ńbẹ ní Ọ̀yọ́ awa? Àparò mẹ́ta péré N ńbẹ ní Ọ̀yọ́ awa. Ọ̀kan ńṣe ká bà, ká bà, Ọ̀kan ńṣe ká fò, ká fò, Ọ̀kan ńṣe ká fò pin ká relé Alé-Òyun. Nígbà tó di lẹ́ẹ̀kíní Mo dáko suuru Suuru suuru suuru sí Alé-Òyun Èṣú ṣe bí eré Èṣú mú mi lóko jẹ. Nígbà tó di lẹ́ẹ̀kejì...
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Oyo is the home of my father. How many bushfowls are there in our Oyo? Only three bushfowls are there in our Oyo. One said let us sit, let us sit. One said let us fly, let us fly. One said let us whirr away to the home of Ale-Oyun. When it came to the first time, I cleared a small farm, a tiny tiny farm at Ale-Oyun. Locusts came like play; locusts ate up my farm. When it came to the second time...
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Oyo is the home of my father. How many bushfowl Are there in our Oyo? There are only three bushfowl In our Oyo. One said 'Let's sit, let's sit', One said 'Let's fly, let's fly', One said, 'Let's whirr off and go to Ale-Oyun'. The first time round I made a little farm A little tiny farm at Ale-Oyun Locusts came as if in jest Locusts ate my farm up. The second time around...
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Karin Barber
The chant invokes ancestral loyalty and origin in the ancient kingdom of Oyo ('Ọ̀yọ́ nilé babaà mi') using the allegorical motif of three bushfowls and the narrative story of farming at the ancestral site of Ale-Oyun plagued by locusts, serving to identify members of Oyo descent through specific historic place-names and poetic formulae.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Performed during traditional life transitions including marriages (especially bride's lament and departure songs), funerals, civic celebrations, lineage gatherings, and religious festivals.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Sangowemi (and traditional female praise chanters / oloríkì)
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ọ̀yọ́ (Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé / Old Ọ̀yọ́ stock)
Ẹ̀gbá
orileÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ẹ̀gbá 'mọ Lísàbí Agbòǹgbò àkàlà. Ọmọ erin j'ogún ọlá. Ọmọ ṣí 'lẹ̀kùn pa 'lẹ̀kùn dé. Aridi ògo lójú Ogun. Baba t'ẹ̀yin ni wọ́n ròyìn ogun bààrà f'ágbe. Ẹ̀gbá, ọmọ adúró gbẹrú, má dúró gbẹ̀kọ. Ẹrú ní nsini, ẹ̀kọ kìí sìn 'yàn. Kò s'óhun tí wọ́n ǹṣe ní mọ́kà, T'ẹ́yin kìí ṣe l'Ẹ̀gbá Aláké yín. Wọ́n ń munmi sẹ́mí-sẹ́mí ní Mọ́kà, Ẹ̀yin náà n munmi Odò Ògùn l'Ẹ̀gbá Aláké. Wọ́n ń g'Àràfá ní Mọ́kà, Ẹ̀yin n g'orí Olúmo l'Ẹ̀gbá ti yín. Wọ́n bí yin L'Áké, ẹ gbó lẹ́nu bí jeje. Wọ́n bí yin ní Gbàgùrá, ẹ gbó l'óhùn bí ọ̀jẹ̀. Ọba òkè bá wa dá ìlú Ẹ̀gbá sí.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Egba, offspring of Lisabi Agbongbo akala / Offspring of the elephant that inherits honor / Offspring of the one who opens the door and shuts the door / The one whose glory is evident in the face of war / It was your forefathers whom people reported the spread of war to the farmer / Egba, offspring of those who wait to receive a slave, rather than wait to receive cornmeal / A slave serves a person, cornmeal serves no one / There is nothing they do in Mecca / That you do not do in your Egba Alake / They drink Zamzam water in Mecca / You too drink the water of River Ogun in Egba Alake / They climb Mount Arafat in Mecca / You climb atop Olumo Rock in your Egba / If you are born in Ake, you speak gently / If you are born in Gbagura, your voice resounds like lead / May the King of Heaven preserve the town of Egba.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Egba, children of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, offspring of the elephant that inherits dignity and honour, descendants of those who open and shut the gateway. Those whose valor shines bright on the warfront; your ancestors were the brave ones to whom the spread of war was reported even to the farmer. Egba people, descendants of those who stand to take captives rather than accepting porridge (for a captive serves a master, but a cold meal serves no one). There is nothing holy done in Mecca that you do not do in your Egba Alake: in Mecca they drink the Zamzam water; in Egba Alake you drink the pure waters of River Ogun. In Mecca they ascend Mount Arafat; in your Egba land you ascend atop Olumo Rock. Those born in Ake speak with smooth refinement; those born in Gbagura speak with a voice as deep and heavy as lead. May the Lord of Heaven preserve the commonwealth of Egba.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Waidi Adebayo
The poem celebrates the historical sovereignty, martial fortitude, and cultural pride of the Ẹ̀gbá people of Abeokuta. It honors the 18th-century hero Lísàbí Agbòǹgbò Àkàlà, who organized the revolt against the Ọ̀yọ́ Empire's dominance. It underscores their refusal of subjugation ('adúró gbẹrú má dúró gbẹ̀kọ'), exalts the sacred topography of Olúmọ Rock and River Ògùn by comparing them to pilgrimage sites in Mecca, and highlights the linguistic and cultural characteristics of key Egba constituent divisions including Áké and Gbàgùrá.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Recited and chanted during major civic and cultural gatherings such as the annual Lísàbí Festival, royal investitures and chieftaincy coronations, lineage ancestral venerations, child naming ceremonies, and civic assemblies.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Lineage praise-singers (akéwì, onírárà), traditional palace bards, griots, drummers (onílù), and community elders.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ẹ̀gbá (Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria)
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Variations include extended panegyrics referencing the four Egba crowns (Alake of Egba, Oshile of Oke-Ona, Agura of Gbagura, and Olowu of Owu), and specific ancestral battle invocations surrounding Sodeke and the settlement under Olumo Rock.
Ìjẹ̀bú (Ijebu people / lineage)
orileÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Oni mi je nubu omo Oluweri Omo Ajebu josa de Igbo – bini. Omo Asale-gege booni noobinren. A-b'aya-kunle-tititi.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Those who rove in the deep waters, offspring of Oluweri / Offspring of Ajebu who roved the waters as far as Igbobini / Offspring of one who takes mistresses as if he had no wives / One whose home is filled to capacity with wives.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Rovers of the deep sea, offspring of Oluweri. Rovers of deep waters as far as Igbobini Whose forebear indulged concubines as if not married. Whereas his home is full of women.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Ayinde Abimbola
The oríkì preserves the oral historiography and etymological origins of the name 'Ìjẹ̀bú' (from 'Je nubu' / 'Ajébújọ̀sá', meaning people who navigate/rove the deep waters). It recalls their historical mastery of riverine trade routes reaching settlements such as Igbobini, their devotion to the water divinity Oluweri, and their ancestral wealth evidenced by large households.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Performed during traditional festivals (such as Agemo and Ojude Oba), Osugbo society gatherings, civic and royal ceremonies, marriages, and family life-cycle events when invoking lineage roots and pride.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Lineage elders, traditional praise poets (akéwì), Osugbo/Ogboni elders, and women chanters.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ìjẹ̀bú / Ìjẹ̀bú-Òde (Southwestern Nigeria)
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
Oni mi je nubu omo Oluweri / Omo Ajebujosa de Igbo-bini / O b'onibu rojo aijento / Bee, ii opa oun ko i kon'le (recorded in Odusino 2004 and Ayinde 2011).
Ewi of Ado-Ekiti (Adelabu Aroloye Dynasty) / Ado-Ekiti Royal Lineage
orileÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Alayeluwa Oba... Oba Alayeluwa, iku baba yeye, Alase, ekeji Orisa. Omo Adelabu, omo Ajiloru-ke-riri, Omo oberiri-lookun. Omo Osupa-le-a-ni-o-gun. Eni owi e ba to o ko lo tun un se. Omo Aroloye, Oba Ogun-eranko-ni-wo. Oba Ogun-efon-ni pataka idi.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Your royal majesty the King... King, royal majesty, death father mother, ruler second-to-deity. Offspring of Adelabu, offspring of he who wakes at night to make thunderous echo, offspring of one who shines brightly in darkness. Offspring of the moon shines and we say it is long/war. Whomever the declaration displeases should go and remake it. Offspring of Aroloye, King who rides animal on the horn. King who rides buffalo on the buttocks base.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Your royal highness, the King... The King, your royal highness, death-that-kills, the father-and-the-mother. The great authority, second in command to the deity. Offspring of Adelabu, child of he who already like a king had an abundance of everything, Adelabu, also known as child of one who shines forth gloriously in the dark, child of the moon that shines when they say it is war; whoever is dissatisfied with what he has declared should go and change it; offspring of Aroloye, the King who rides the animal on the horn, the King who rides leisurely on the buffalo's back.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Sunday Kayode Olugbayo
The poem eulogizes the royal prestige, fearlessness, divine legitimacy, and aristocratic ancestry of the Ewi monarchy of Ado-Ekiti, comparing the king's grandeur to bright celestial bodies and invincible beasts of the wild.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Performed during royal court ceremonies, palace audiences, chieftaincy installations, and annual cultural festivals such as Udiroko and Ogun Ewi.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Alamo chant performers, royal bards, and court praise singers.
Ìdílé tàbí ìlú
Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Àwọn ìyàtọ̀
O sak'erekere l'ode Ukere, O rin gbaragbara l'ode Ugbara, O gb'Ologotun pon yin, B'Orunaja wijo
Ado-Ekiti Town (Panegyric of Ado-Ekiti Indigenes)
iluÀkójọ tí kò tí ì ní ìjẹ́rìí
Ìpilẹ̀
Ado Oraa, Omo Alade merindinlogun. Omo erin ti i jogun ola. Omo erin ti i mola yagi. Omo abatabutu alejo tii damu onile. Oro ti n d'Ekiti ni i d'Ado Ewi, Oro to n dagbo ni i dunwo agbo. Ero ti n r'Ekiti, Ko ba ni ya l'Ado Ewi, Bo ba ti d'Ajilosun ko bu sanra, Tori Afinju ni gbogbo won. Omo Abidan so pupo lobi, Abidan n be leti Ajilosun. Ojo Ewi ba lo s'Utu laworo Otu n la. Taso tewu t'Ewi i mu lo s'Utu, Otu ni i gbe e si. Omo o sun sile mabe dina lona ogun.
Ìtumọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀-sí-ọ̀rọ̀
Ado of Oraa, children of the sixteen crowned monarchs. Offspring of the elephant that inherits honor. Offspring of the elephant that tears down trees in glory. Offspring of the multitude of visitors who confound the host. Matters affecting Ekiti also affect Ado of the Ewi, issues affecting the assembly enhance the gathering. Travelers going to Ekiti, if they stop by at Ado Ewi, once they reach Ajilosun they blossom, because they are neat and noble. Offspring of Abidan who bears plentiful kola nuts, Abidan near Ajilosun. The day the Ewi goes to Utu the priest of Otu prospers. The robes and attire the Ewi takes to Utu remain at Otu. Offspring of those who sleep at home while wielding knives to block the path of war.
Ìtumọ̀ Gẹ̀ẹ́sì
Ado of Oraa, descendants of the sixteen crowned kings of Ekiti. Children of the mighty elephant that inherits honor and splits trees in dignity. Children of the overwhelming influx of guests that astounds the host. Whatever affects Ekiti touches Ado of the Ewi; matters affecting the flock bring vitality to the fold. Travelers passing through Ekiti who stop at Ado of the Ewi, upon reaching the Ajilosun quarter, flourish in health, for all of them are well-groomed and dignified people. Offspring of Abidan whose grove produces abundant kola nuts, situated right along the Ajilosun border. On the day the Ewi visits Utu, the sacred chief of Otu is enriched; the royal regalia and robes worn by the Ewi to Utu remain in Otu's possession. Children of the brave who rest at home yet keep weapons ready to bar invaders on the warpath.
Ẹni tí ó túmọ̀ rẹ̀ Yoruba Library Editorial and Research Translation Board
Eulogizes the historical supremacy, hospitality, aristocratic beauty, agrarian prosperity, and martial fortitude of the ancient town and people of Ado-Ekiti under the Ewi.
Ìgbà tí a ń pa á
Recited at civic assemblies, community development gatherings, chieftaincy ceremonies, festivals like the Udiroko Festival, and family occasions.
Ẹni tí ó ń pa á
Community elders, town bards, women chant leaders, and Alamo praise performers.