Yoruba Proverb:

Orisa bi iya ko si

Iya la ba ma a bo

meaning;

There is no deity like mother

It is the mother that is worthy of being worshipped

‘Ikunle recalls akunleyan - the pre-gestation act of kneeling before the Creator to choose

one's - Ori (Destiny) on earth.

It is significant that the most fateful choice any individual makes at this crucial pre-earthly

moment is the selection of one's mother’ while on bent knees,,,,

Abiyamo means Mother or Motherhood

It is with joy that I announce the launch of this great work, Ikunle Abiyamo, by Solagbade

Popoola and Ifakunle Oyesanya, both of Nigeria.

This book will enhance ones understanding of Ifa, and how Ifa merges into other areas of ones

life - namely the science of traditional Yoruba (Ifa) Midwifery, mate selection, marriage life,

relationship, responsibilities and other areas somewhat controversial the authors were not afraid

to discuss honestly and openly.

More-so this great work highlights, the complete cycle of birth, naming, the glimpse

into ones destiny, coming of age, mate selection, marriage and eventually motherhood,

all the birthing and rites of passage, full circle.

Additional cultural content of traditional Yoruba ethics, morals and values, and how these

perviously unwritten oral traditions compare with other religious beliefs, of other peoples

around the globe. Ikunle Abiyamo is the first book to address the issue of relationships within Ifa

cultural and religious ideals.

To follow is a preview of the book with the foreword and the preface, you will see that Ikunle

Abiyamo will be an educational masterpiece for all women, mothers, expectant

mothers, practitioners, researchers  and all followers of Ifa traditional belief system & way of life.

E ku se Oloye Popoola & Oyesanya

Baba’Awo Awoyinfa Ifaloju

Contact ÀṣèfínMedia website directly for more details, or via Twitter or Facebook

Foreword

,,,,,,,,,This book is one of the very first attempts to analyze Ifá texts within this new understanding. The authors

use both the secular and spiritual contents Ifá and combined these with contemporary scientific knowledge to promote an understanding of the woman's unique contribution to the continued existence of humanity and

her important role in laying the solid foundation on which all human civilizations are built.

Messrs Pópóọlá and Fákúnlé introduce their readers to the meaning of “Ìkúnlè Abiyamọ”: Motherhood. From

its origin in menstruation and expression through marriage, the authors advanced texts both from Ifá and

Western science to expose the travails of Pregnancy, Childbirth, Childcare and the Socialization of children.

,,,,,,I have gone through the 321 pages of the book. My conclusion is that this initial enthusiasm can be built

upon in ways which would reveal not only the intellectual dimensions of Ifá but would ensure the

continued existence of the tradition through apt utilization.

,,,,,,,,,,For instance, after discussing the major problems that attend menstruation, we are told, on page 6,

that without it, there can be no pregnancy. On pages 17-19, it is explicitly stated that it is the combination'

of the egg and sperm that forms the baby.

The authors, after taking their readers through various forms of incest in different culture and religions

from different parts of the world, inform them that although Ifa permits both monogamy and polygamy, it

argues that the former is to be preferred if one wants a less stressful marital life (pages 36-38). Polyandry

is frowned upon by Ifa, (pages 46-47); so also is homosexuality which is seen as an aberration (page 93).

Quite interesting is the view that one may marry an old woman! (page 58).

Various aspects of the process of marriage are also discussed. One of them is the function of the “Alarena":

the 'Go-between' whose duty is to find out the social status of both families as well as their genetic history

(pages 77-79).

Ifá also speaks of the advantages of breast feeding. (pages 187-189) Falling upon the Biblical example of

Rebecca in shaping the lives of Jacob and Esau, the authors tell us that Ifa recognizes the mother as the

architect of the future of her children.

The Appendix on medicine draws from both Ifá and contemporary scientific knowledge.

It is, therefore, not an exaggeration to say that this is a well-researched book which deserves to be

read by everybody, most especially scholars of African studies as well as all those who seek sound knowledge

that goes beyond local and international rumours that define Ifá as a magical divination system.

Professor Sophie B. Oluwole,

Professor of African Philosophy,

Executive Director,

Centre for African Culture and development, (CEFACAD)

Lagos, 2007.

Preface

The book, Ìkúnlè-Abiyamọ-The Àṣẹ of Motherhood (An Ifá Overview ISBN 978-09810013-0-2) has been written from our deep understanding and convictions that the essence of motherhood is not only biological, but also

has its social and spiritual bearings. Over time, focus on motherhood has always been on childbirth and

child socialization which to a considerable degree has contributed to the acquisition of the Àṣẹ in the proper

and adequate motherhood. Àṣẹ is that essential spiritual force or command which a mother who had fulfilled

all the conditions of Ìkúnlẹ̀-Abiyamọ could invoke for making positive wishes on her child (ren) especially

at critical times. Sometimes too, it is invoked (as a curse) by a mother on a child who had deliberately

rebelled against her.

There is the need, therefore, for mothers, mothers-to-be and children to be properly sensitized in the

treatment of this rather unique force Ìkúnlẹ̀-Abiyamọ.

This sensitization should be all embracing within its ambit: the biological, social, psychological and

spiritual essences. We believe that proper application and competence of this subject matter-

Ìkúnlẹ̀-Abiyamọ is determined by a sound understanding of its various essences as mentioned above as well

as a careful use of the variety of remedies/solutions available for guiding one towards the acquisition

and retention of the Àṣẹ of Motherhood.

This book has been carefully researched with sources from various authorities in relevant fields

including medical and social sciences. It is arranged in six segments with relevant Ifá stanzas and stories.

The first two segments deal with topics such as menstruation, pregnancy and several other events that lead

to Ìkúnlẹ̀-Abiyamọ. We also give attention to the kind of sexual activity that is approved among couples by

Ifá. Other controversial issues such as homosexuality, lesbianism and bisexuality are also touched with

Ifá’s view and standpoint.

Also in this segment, the gestation period according to the scriptures of Ifá on the origin of human life

and circumstances surrounding pregnancy at different stages both physical and spiritual are not left out.

The third segment deals mainly with labour vis-à-vis the spiritual situation of the fetus when about to cross

the border of heaven to the earth. Also treated is the pushing position that a woman assumes during

childbirth. The fourth and fifth segments deal with the care a mother should give to her baby/child (normal

or special) in a bid to assist the child find, follow and fulfill his/her destiny. Responsibilities of mother to child

and vice-versa are well spelt out.

The sixth segment is the Appendix, which highlights series of remedies from the scriptures of Ifá for problems associated with womanhood with regard to fertility. All those remedies have been tested and found efficacious in the treatment of those infertility problems mentioned.

This book contains about 130 different Ifa stanzas and incantations written in Yoruba language and translated into English language. We are cognizant of the fact that any language translated will of course lose some original values, beauty and the use of words inherent in the language. Therefore, the translations have been done in simple language while at the same time retain some mystical names and words used by Ifá. Interested readers will also find it easy to identify some plants mentioned in the Appendix as we have provided almost all their botanical names.

Mrs. Olúṣàánú Kólájọ

“Before I became an ardent follower of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, I was convinced that the blessed position a birthing mother is supposed to assume during labour or childbirth is for her to kneel down. Any time I went to the hospital for child delivery, the doctors used to advise me to lie flat on my back but I always refused, insisting that I must kneel down. Thanks to Olódùmarè that I did. All my children are blessed by Olódùmarè. Anytime I pray for them and I invoke Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ, my prayers usually come to pass. Let all mothers assume this position henceforth during childbirth and they will have spiritual access to Olódùmarè in shaping the lives of their children for good”.

Folúkẹ́ Ọdúnfá-Jones:

“I was very young when I had my son. An elderly woman in our house assisted in taking the delivery. During labour, I instinctively knelt down and the elderly woman encouraged me to do so. Shortly after, there was a disagreement between my husband and me. I left my matrimonial home and took my son along with me against all pressures from my husband’s relations. Three weeks after, my son fell seriously ill and the doctors said that he had only 20% survival chance. I prayed that may Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ come to my aid so that I shall not be blamed in the end. Surprisingly, my son became well three days later, we were back home from the hospital. Ever since that time, he had never been ill. This incident happened eleven years ago. Thanks to Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ”.

Mother to Son:

“I beg you in the name of Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ, whatever the differences between you and your wife, I want you to forgive and forget. If you do as I have said, Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ will bless you abundantly. Remember, I am the one who poured blood on your face when you were about to enter into this world”.

Mother to Daughter:

“For taking proper care of me as your mother, I am totally convinced that Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ will bless you and repay you in several folds. Anytime you remember me as your mother, just say “Àṣẹ”, because you already have the blessing of Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ”.

Father to Mother:

“You are not giving your children proper moral education, I advise you to change your attitude in order not to incur the wrath of Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ”.

Mrs. Adijat Adékúnlé

“The accident was terrible. We were in an eighteen-passenger bus traveling from Abẹ́òkúta to Lagos when suddenly the tyre burst and the bus somersaulted three times.  Only my daughter who was carrying a seven-month old pregnancy and I came out unhurt. There was too much blood. I am sure it was Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ that saved us. I Beg Olódùmarè to let Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ spare the lives of those who are still unconscious”.

“Ìkúnlẹ̀- Abiyamọ is more than the position a woman assumes during childbirth.

Certainly, it is the Àṣẹ of Motherhood.”

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