In the holy Odù-Ifá Iwòrì Méjì; Ifá speaks on the matter of Righteousness
def. righteous
adjective
1-(of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous : he is a good, righteous man, I am sure | feelings of righteous indignation about pay and conditions. See note at moral .
2-informal perfectly wonderful; fine and genuine
The Righteousness spoken about in Iwòrì Méjì, Ifá tells us of a legend in a time when Ọ̀rúnmìlà was in the business of cultivating yọ̀nmọ̀ti (benniseed) because of its great medicinal values among other benefits & as an alternative source of income.
Prior to entering this business Ọ̀rúnmìlà advised the Ọba of the town about the idea and the Ọba showed no interest, that is why Ọ̀rúnmìlà decided to venture at it alone. When it came to harvesting the seed Ọ̀rúnmìlà discovered that others had taken it upon themselves to take some of his seed without His consent.
After some time Ọ̀rúnmìlà went to seek Ifá consultation and Iwòrì Méjì was revealed, his Babaláwo advised Ọ̀rúnmìlà to perform ẹbọ and under no circumstance expose those involved or to make a big public example of the perpetrator(s) since the impact on the community would be too much for such a small crime.
Ọ̀rúnmìlà heeded the advice, performed the needed rituals and continued about his harvesting business. Within a short time it was discovered that those responsible for the theft was the Ọba of the town and several of his high ranking Chiefs.
Iwòrì Méjì says;
The elder who had placed a ban on benniseed
One seed of it must never be found in his pocket
That was Ifá's message for Ọ̀rúnmìlà
When going to cultivate on his farm, on the outskirts of the village
He was advised to offer ẹbọ
He complied
I have found the thieves stealing in my farm
I have been able to identify the thieves
But I dare not say
I have found the thieves stealing in my farm
The message of this Ifá is those in positions of authority and public respect, who have the ability to influence societal opinion must be of unquestionable integrity and be Righteous in their deeds and dealings.
If one is not in such a position, it is better they not make such assertions and declarations, less they become exposed. Understanding no one person is prefect, but to assert one self without first dealing with ones own inadequacies, can only leave one to be eventually exposed and embarrassed in due course.
Abọrú Abọyè
Awo Ifálojú
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Iwòrì Méjì story written in this article is extracted from Ifa Dida by S.S. Popoola Library, INC
