In Search of Cheap Books in Nigeria on Yoruba Origin Spiritualities
Oluwatoyin Adepoju
Oluwatoyin Vincent Adepoju
The relationship between cost of books and people's budgets determines the degree to which they are likely to buy those books.
Books are my most important possessions. I have acquired books in all circumstances in my life. Even when I was homeless at a time as an Independent Scholar in England, I could be seen carrying about a box of books I insisted on acquiring even in such challenging situations.
In other circumstances, I would go hungry or put myself through various deprivations to acquire books, on account of the consuming power of the hunger for the knowledge books enable.
Books open one's eyes to possibilities which might not otherwise be perceptible. They integrate the understanding of many people in an easily accessible manner.
They complement oral spiritual traditions, such as those of Africa, by helping the student expand their knowledge and interpret, organize, express and use what they are learning in ways not possible by relying only on the oral tradition, foundational as that is.
To people like myself who like to construct their own approaches to spiritual and philosophical systems, books provide the information constituting the indispensable building blocks for this purpose.
In developing a book reading culture, unless one is a book fanatic, such as I used to be, buying books should not conflict with such necessities as food, airtime and data.
In Nigeria at the moment, the higher a book goes above 5,000 naira the further it is from being cheap, in my view.
There is an urgent, even a desperate need in Nigeria for readily accessible books in classical ( traditional ) African spiritualities to feed the growing hunger for such knowledge and to address poor information about it.
The unjust demonization of classical African spiritualities represented by the relatively recent Illorin crisis between traditional Yoruba religion and Islam and reports of negative uses of these spiritualities, coupled with questionable aggressions towards them demonstrated by the current conflicts between government and traditional religion in Igboland,among other issues, make clear the urgency of such an information drive.
My major exposure is to classical Yoruba spirituality and so I would like to share a list of some of the cheaper stock on that subject, with a little commentary, of Sunshine Booksellers in Ibadan, who also deliver nationwide.
The bookseller also has excellent books on the this spirituality which cost more. Readers may see those on their website.
Building a library on a budget may require moving from books of lower prices to books that cost more as one is able.
Books by Wande Abimbola
1. Sixteen Great Poems of Ifá 5,000
( Any book on Ifa in English by Abimbola, those being the ones I have read, is foundational on the intellectual and literary essence of that most prestigious of Yoruba knowledge systems.
This one focuses on long Ifa poems and contains the particularly artistically exquisite and theologically central poem "The Importance of Ori").
2. Awon Oju Odu Meerindinlogun. 3,000
3.Ijinle Ohun Enu Ifa (Apa Keji). 3,000
4. Ijinle Ohun Enu Ifa (Apa Kin-in-ni) 3,000
( Abimbola's Yoruba books seem to contain poetry some of which are not within his books in English, some of this poetry being particularly strategic)
Books by Abosede Emmanuel
1. Ifa As Literature 6,000
( Literature is the central information system of Ifa. It would be interesting to see how Emmanuel addresses that subject, complementing his larger and very rich Odun Ifa, Ifa Festival, also sold by Sunshine Booksellers but outside the price range of this book list)
2. A Prophet Child Called Orunmila 7,000
( Who was Orunmila, described as the founder of Ifa? Was he a historical personality or is he a myth? This book should present a view on the subject)
By Yemi Elebuibon
(Elebuibon is a Yoruba babalawo, an adept in the esoteric knowledge of Ifa, who taught himself how to read and has become one of the major writers in Nigeria on Ifa, in particular, and Yoruba spirituality, in general.)
1. Osundagbonu: The Sole Journey of a Priest 10,000
(This is particularly strategic because it is one of the few biographies of masters in African spiritualities.
Elebuibon bridges various eras of Nigerian history and various spaces of Yoruba spirituality practice, from what might be his native Oshogbo, to his national and international work as a priest, making this biography particularly promising)
2. Ifa Elerii Ipin. 6,000
3. Ifa: The Custodian of Destiny. 6,000
(The titles of the two books directly above suggest an exploration of Ifa in relation to its access to what is described as the wisdom of Orunmila, known as "Elerii Ipin", "Witness to Creation", enabling the perception of Ifa as strategic to navigating and shaping human destiny.
"Ifa: The Custodian of Destiny provides a comprehensive overview of the rituals, symbols, and narratives central to Ifa, shedding light on its spiritual and practical applications.
4. The Adventures of Obàtálá; Ifá and Santeria God of Creativity: Volume One 8,000
( Obatala is intriguing for his combination of gentle and pure character and profound and mysterious power.
It will be intriguing to see how Elebuibon presents stories representing adventures of this potent figure, depicting how his personality and power are manifest in various situations.)
5. Apetebi: The Wife of Orunmila. 8,000
6. Invisible Powers of The Metaphysical World 8,000
(This is a book about witches in Yoruba spirituality, if I recall correctly. It would be interesting to read what Elebuibon's insights on this most elusive and yet compelling topic)
7. Iwure: Healing Power of Prayer. 8,000
( What kinds of prayer do traditional spiritualists pray? How are they related to the widespread practice of sacrifices of objects and animals in the spirituality? This book will shed light on that)
8. The Healing Power Of Sacrifice. 8,000
( This book is described as presenting the logic and effectiveness of sacrifice in traditional Yoruba spirituality)
9. Akojopo Ogota Ewi ( Yoruba poetry) 8,000
By Wole Soyinka
Death and the King's Horseman 2,000
( Described by some views as Soyinka's greatest book. The ritual scene is a masterpiece of world literature, demonstrating Yoruba oral poetry and poetry inspired by that ancient tradition, rendered in English, at its best in simplicity of beauty and profundity of meaning, readily accessible to all readers.
By Adeleke Adeeko
Arts of Being Yoruba 5,500
The writer is fascinated by the intellectual and artistic power of Yoruba culture, and is a superb writer, qualities I expect this book demonstrates.
By Adewale Alabi Ifayemi
The Essence of Ifa: A Beginner’s Guide to Yoruba Divination and Spirituality. 5,000
( " Adewale Ifayemi is a distinguished practitioner and scholar of Yoruba spirituality, deeply dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Ifa divination. Born into a lineage of Yoruba spiritual custodians, Adewale has spent decades studying under renowned Babalawos (priests of Ifa) and immersing himself in the sacred teachings of Ifa and Yoruba cosmology.
As a respected voice in the global discourse on African spirituality, Adewale is committed to demystifying Ifa for modern audiences while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of its ancient wisdom. His work has empowered countless individuals to reconnect with their ancestral roots, embrace spiritual clarity, and discover the timeless guidance of Ifa in navigating life’s complexities.
In The Essence of Ifa: A Beginner’s Guide to Yoruba Divination and Spirituality, Adewale masterfully bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, offering readers an accessible yet profound introduction to Ifa divination. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking spiritual growth, cultural insight, or a deeper understanding of Yoruba heritage.
Adewale Ifayemi’s expertise, passion, and authenticity make him a trusted guide in your journey to explore the transformative power of Ifa. Whether you are new to Yoruba spirituality or looking to deepen your knowledge, this book is a must-read for unlocking the wisdom and spiritual potential of Ifa."- from the website
Cornelius Hamelberg
Oluwatoyin,
Some people search far and wide, everywhere else, but not Nigeria, for spiritual direction, and that’s why I’m feeling depressed, just to know what has been available all this time, as if one was not aware of the adage, “ Seek and ye shall find”. Yes, I’m feeling depressed ( have been told that it’s a luxury bourgeois emotion or condition - as is the luxury sophistication of the psychiatrist’s couch).Of course, I should also feel really depressed, feel depression as a response to Chidi’s poem. Or, maybe I should take a course on How to Read A Poem ?
At Auschwitz, mere depression is not exactly what a survivor was feeling, ditto in Gaza, those dying of starvation do not commit suicide as a way out of the pangs of hunger and abject misery…
“Depression is part of my mind
The sun never shines
On the other side of town” ( The Other Side of Town)
Many thanks for this that’s the opposite of depressing : What’s obvious to me at least, it would seem that the list that you’ve provided - especially the promise that’s implicit in the title of Adewale Alabi Ifayemi’s The Essence of Ifa: A Beginner’s Guide to Yoruba Divination and Spirituality ,and the marvellous item that I’ve just skimmed through, Arts of Being Yoruba - and the rest of the list should obviate your concerns about the dearth of knowledge about Yoruba Spirituality / the Ogboni cult etc shouldn’t they ?
Oluwatoyin Adepoju
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Cornelius Hamelberg
Oluwatoyin,
Elsewhere you have said,
“The Koran is a purely sacred text.
But Ogboni has been both a governmental and a sacred institution.”
With regard to the Holy Quran, some of the lofty Meccan Revelations are quite distinct from the contents of the Revelations that were channelled through the Angel Gabriel in Medina where the Prophet of Islam, sallallahu alaihi wa salaam eventually took on the mantle of divinely appointed Prophet and Statesman and took up the reins of government as the Prophetic Head of State of the World’s first ever Islamic State - in Medina .
You are of course familiar with the Charter of Medina ,a result of the political dynamics in Medina, just then.
I asked Pa Google, Why do some Secret Societies choose to be secretive?
I asked Microsoft Edge the same question
Maybe, you should ask the Ogboni people directly, why “ there is nothing about Ogboni in that list or in the bookseller's larger inventory.”
My hunch is that the cloak of secrecy that hangs over the mystery (and mysteriousness) of the Ogboni, gives them that awesome aura of power. Generally speaking, there’s also the fear of the unknown.
You probably know a thing or two about the Tonton Macoute in Haiti during the presidency of François Duvalier
As you know, talk is cheap. If the Ogboni started hanging their underwear out on the line for the nondescript motor park poets to start writing some decrepit “ poetry” about them , that could considerably diminish the aura of power - in the minds and imagination of the general public…
A more interesting question which only Oluwatoyin is mentally equipped to answer : Why don’t you simply join the Ogbonij to find out?
On the other hand, perhaps, on your part it’s probably hubris or it’s just as Woody Allen put it when he said “ I'd never join a club that would allow a person like me to become a member”
Oluwatoyin Adepoju
Thanks Cornelius.
True, the Koran is a spiritual and a political document.
Ogboni represent a body of knowledge. A unique development demonstrating a particular body of knowledge in Yoruba culture.
Therefore, the culture of fear and awe their name inspired partly bcs of secrecy is secondary to the value of the cultural capital they embody, in a world significantly defined knowledge as a primary value.
The better known Western secret or semi-societies, such as the Freemasons and the Rosicrucian AMORC, for example, distinguish between what they share and what they do not share.
That has enabled them benefit society immensely through how people have used this knowledge.
One of the greatest books in history is the rituals of the Golden Dawn, the British born esoteric order. The GD founders and possible by the books writers were Freemasons and the awesome synthesis of spiritual systems in that book is unrivalled, an achievement possibly enabled by their exposure in Freemasonry.
AMORC literature exposes people to a globally synthesizing body of knowledge unified around a perspective of European inspired thought.
Ogboni and Ifa are the primary synthesizing schools in Yoruba spirituality, the matrix of Yoruba conceptions of the sacredness of Earth, and its motherhood of humanity.
Should such philosophies not be shared with the world?
What would Ogboni lose thereby?
Thanks
Toyin
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Cornelius Hamelberg
Oluwatoyin,
Thou shalt not exaggerate !
So you think that Israel Regardie’s The Golden Dawn is “one of the greatest books in history”
Really? And I suppose that you believe Ogboni should follow suit and write a comprehensive tell all about their rituals etc, and thereby ( hopefully?) their publication will also join the ranks of “the greatest books in history”
And what do you think of Aleister Crowley ?
The Aleister Crowley ?
( I’ve only read his MoonChild
More importantly, what do you think of Gurdjieff // Gurdjieff ?
Poor Tyndale was burned at the stake for translating the New Testament into English
Let's hope that I'm not deliberately misunderstanding you.
Bear in mind that some instances wind up as a case of OMG Curiosity killed the cat !
Still struggling in the darkness, It would seem to me - to this Simple Simon, alias Cornelius Ignoramus, that your demands are being fueled by certain assumptions that are not necessarily correct or so refined: You presume that the Ogboni’s history and their precious secret knowledge, the contents of which so far remain undefined - should no longer remain secret.
Why? Your answer : “For the benefit of mankind “
How do you already know that?
Is this not the same paradigm ( I almost wrote garbage) - the same rebellion against authority that we encounter in the Garden of Eden where the subtle serpent tempts and deceives Eve?
According to the Bible Story (Torah: Genesis 3) ,
the temptation and deception went something like this:
The Serpent : “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Eve :”We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.”
Serpent: “You will not certainly die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Of course, no insult intended, but does Oluwatoyin know for a fact that The Ogboni are not repositories and custodians of their God’s secrets, even as Oluwatoyin would like to inspire and prevail upon them to publish and spread such secrets over the worldwide web?
I suppose you would like the Ogboni to at least publish their history and their mysteries and append this kind of caveat to the publication of their sacred poetry : “Published as a social service but reproductions in part or in whole, in whatever form, except for non-profit information and education purposes, is not allowed without a written permission from The Central Committee of the Ogboni Fraternity”
I’m reliably informed that in a certain esoteric system, as you ascend, you've got to have the password ( something that you won’t find in a book) to open the door at every stage, and that there are seven stages…
Ramadan begins tomorrow.
Al Jazeera Live : https://www.google.com/search?q=Al+Jazeera+live
Wishing you a happy weekend.
The Klezmatics : The Golden Peacock