The Osain and Orunmila Story: How a Yoruba Proverb Gave Us the First Tombstone

by Esuwale Adigun (King Brujo)

Introduction

What happened between Osain and Orunmila that led to the creation of the world’s first tombstone? This Osain and Orunmila story, a Yoruba proverb passed down across generations, holds the answer. Though versions vary from Nigeria to Cuba, the heart of the message remains the same.

Setting the Stage: Who Are Osain and Orunmila?

In Yoruba tradition, Orunmila—also called Orula—is the divine prophet and messenger of Ifá, the sacred word of Olodumare. Osain (or Osayin) is the reclusive master of herbal medicine, dwelling deep in the forests, surrounded by sacred plants and natural power.

This Yoruba proverb unfolds around these two forces—wisdom and medicine—and a betrayal that led to spiritual and emotional devastation.

The Osain and Orunmila Story Begins

According to the Osain and Orunmila story, one day Osain left the forest and came into town. There, he saw something that shifted everything: Orunmila’s wife.

Instantly captivated, Osain fell in love with her and managed to convince her to run away with him. But she warned him—if Orunmila found out, it could mean both their deaths.

Osain responded with a plan: he would create a powerful herbal akose that would simulate death. Everyone would believe she had passed, allowing them to escape together. She agreed.

Faking Death and the Ceiba Tree

Osain gave her the herbal concoction. She took it and appeared lifeless. As was custom, the community held her funeral rites and placed her body wrapped in cloth beneath the ceiba tree.

Time passed. When the coast was clear and the mourning died down, Osain returned, gave her an antidote, and revived her. The two fled to a distant town to begin a life together.

Orunmila’s Grief and Ifa Revelation

Meanwhile, Orunmila was heartbroken. Confused and disturbed by the sudden loss, he turned to Ifá for answers. When he cast divination, the odu Odi Meji appeared. The odu called for ebo—a spiritual offering—with instructions involving various natural locations.

At this point, Orunmila sent his son, whom he had with this same wife, to gather herbs at the market. But while at the market, the boy saw something shocking—his “deceased” mother selling herbs. He rushed back to Orunmila to share the news.

The Truth Revealed

Startled by the report, Orunmila continued his divination work and prepared to leave part of the ebo in the marketplace. When he arrived, he saw her—his supposedly dead wife—alive and well.

The sight overwhelmed her. In shock and fear, knowing she had been found out, she collapsed on the spot. This time, she truly died—struck by a heart attack.

The First Tombstone

This time, Orunmila did not simply lay her body beneath the ceiba. He buried her, then placed a large stone atop the grave. That stone became the first tombstone in Yoruba history. Thus, the Osain and Orunmila story not only teaches about betrayal and revelation—but also marks the origin of how the dead are honored with stone markers.

Lessons from the Osain and Orunmila Story

This Yoruba proverb is rich with spiritual and ethical lessons:

• What's done in the dark comes to light: Especially when dealing with someone spiritually connected.

• Spiritual insight reveals all: Even when hidden, Ifa uncovers truth in divine timing.

• Infidelity and deceit can lead to irreversible loss: Honesty and clear communication could have prevented the destruction caused.

Personal Reflection from King Brujo

This isn’t just an ancient story. It’s a mirror to life today. Some people get caught and crumble—not because they’re sorry, but because they were caught. And in a world of spiritually inclined people, you won’t always get away with wrongdoing.

Sometimes, those who’ve been wronged won’t even confront you—they’ll just leave. Or worse, they’ll watch and wait. The Osain and Orunmila story reminds us that we should live with iwa pele—balanced character—and treat people right.

Because not everyone is filled with “love and light.” Some will answer betrayal with spiritual consequences.

Conclusion

This Osain and Orunmila story isn’t just about herbs, love, or betrayal. It’s about consequences. About what happens when you tamper with fate, and how divine wisdom always catches up with us.

Do good, be honest, and honor the sacred. Because when wickedness is buried beneath a lie, it just might rise back up—and demand a tombstone.