Orunmila Story: A Yoruba Proverb About Compassion, Destiny, and Divine Justice

by Esuwale Adigun (King Brujo)

Introduction: Orunmila Stories as Timeless Teachers

In the Yoruba tradition, an Odu Ifa story is not merely folklore—it is a spiritual proverb encoded with divine wisdom. These stories serve as moral compasses, offering insight into human nature, destiny (ayanmo), and the sacred role of the Orisha in our lives.

The Role of Orunmila Stories in Ifa Tradition

Each Odu Ifa contains Orunmila stories that teach spiritual principles through real-life applications. These sacred texts are more than scriptures—they are mirrors that reflect who we are and who we can become when we align with our divine purpose. Every Orunmila story is both ancient and relevant, reminding us to maintain iwa pele (good character) in all things.

The Orunmila Story: The Three Women Who Saved Him  (Aboru, Aboye, Abosise)

This powerful Orunmila story tells how Orunmila, the Orisa of wisdom and divination, was rescued during a period of suffering and rejection.

Olofin, the supreme authority and divine ruler, was troubled in his palace. His daughter faced a life-threatening pregnancy. She had also become a widow, facing emotional and physical hardship alone.

Olofin knew he needed a Babalawo that could help. Orunmila had been called and along his journey he encountered three women (Aboru, Aboye, Abosise) who looked beyond appearances and saw the divine truth.

The Women Who Defied the World

In this Orunmila story, the three women (Aboru, Aboye, Abosise) represent the quiet strength of compassion. Instead of following the rumors, they provided Orunmila with food, shelter, and care. They chose iwa rere—goodness of heart—over fear.

Their actions restored Orunmila’s strength and dignity. Empowered once again, he performed the necessary spiritual rituals to heal Olofin’s daughter. She survived, and her child was born under divine blessing—a new beginning made possible through compassion.

Spiritual Insight: The Heart of Every Orunmila Story

Every Orunmila story carries an eternal truth. This one reminds us that compassion can shift the tides of destiny. The three women acted not out of obligation, but from divine intuition. They became the unsung heroines who restored balance to the cosmos.

Likewise, Orunmila’s journey illustrates that even divine wisdom is tested. Spiritual rejection is often the sign of a greater transformation to come. And those who assist you during your trials are often written into your destiny by the hand of Olodumare.

Conclusion: Living the Orunmila Story

This Orunmila story calls us to reflect: Are we showing up in the lives of others with compassion, even when it's unpopular? Are we able to recognize divine purpose, even when it comes in the form of someone rejected?

Whether you relate to Orunmila or the three women (Aboru, Aboye, Abosise), this story teaches that spiritual power is rooted in character, resilience, and the willingness to do good—even when no one is watching.

In the end, this Orunmila story reminds us: when we walk with good character and trust our destiny, divine restoration is inevitable.