December 21, 2023

Chief FAMA Speaks: Life and Love of Ifa and Orisa Wisdom

41 minutes

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 culture. Her portfolio boasts five dynamic books:

Fundamentals of the Yoruba Religion (Orisa Worship): Regarded as the seminal work for Ifa practitioners.

Sixteen Mythological Stories of Ifa (Itan Ifa Merindinlogun): Unveiling the rich tapestry of Ifa narratives.

FAMA's EDE AWO (Orisa Yoruba Dictionary): A linguistic treasure for those delving into the intricacies of Orisa worship.

1000+ (African) Orisa Yoruba Names: A comprehensive collection reflecting the diversity of Yoruba nomenclature.

The Ritual: A novella intricately detailing the influence of Orisa worship on the cultural fabric of Yoruba life.

Chief FAMA stands as a beacon in bridging the Yoruba traditions with the global diaspora, weaving a narrative that echoes the profound spirituality and cultural richness of Ifa and Orisa worship.

Iyanifa Ekundayo Efuntomisin Podcast Host

Iyanifa 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

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By Iya Ekundayo Efuntomisin

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