International Congress for Ifa/Orisa Spirituality

05/17/2026

6 DAYS TO GO – 2026 WORLD IFA/ORISA FESTIVAL & PILGRIMAGE

With just 6 days remaining until the 2026 World Ifa/Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage on Saturday, May 30, we prepare to journey together in reverence to the sacred hill of Oke Olota, the revered Office of Orunmila.

Oke Olota is a sacred and spiritually significant site within the Yoruba landscape, carrying deep ancestral memory, divine presence, and the living energy of the Orisa.

In Ifa, elevated spaces such as hills and mountains are not just physical locations they are points of connection between heaven and earth, where prayers are received and spiritual forces are strongly present. Oke Olota stands within this sacred understanding as a place of reverence, reflection, and spiritual alignment.

For devotees and pilgrims, it is a reminder of the presence of the divine in nature, and the importance of maintaining purity, respect, and balance when approaching sacred grounds. It is also part of the wider spiritual geography that supports the cultural and religious identity of Yoruba people across generations.

As we continue to honor and preserve such sacred spaces, we acknowledge their role in sustaining tradition, guiding spiritual practice, and connecting communities to their ancestral roots.

Aboru Aboye,
ICIOS, PRO

05/16/2026

Chief Olatoye Raphael, The Apelua of Ilogbo-Ekiti and Ojabuna Awo Ifa

On Day 4 – May 26th during the 2026 pilgrimage, participants will visit Ilogbo-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State to witness the sacred Hydra-Headed Palm Tree — Ope Ikin, a remarkable palm tree with more than 42 heads growing from a single tree. This sacred site represents an important part of the spiritual and historical heritage of the Yoruba people and the traditions of Ifa.

The Hydra-Headed Palm Tree in Ilogbo-Ekiti has survived through many generations of the people of Ilogbo. Some residents believe the tree has existed for more than 300 years, while others believe the exact location marks where Orunmila, the father of Ifa divination, descended from heaven to begin his earthly journey.

One elder from the Obajemun family — among the first families said to have settled near the sacred tree — explained that the palm tree has long been regarded as a blessing to the community. According to local tradition, barren women seeking children approach the tree with prayers and supplications, and many later return with testimonies of answered requests and the blessing of childbirth.

Known as “Ope Aboba” or “Ope Oloriyeye,” the tree is deeply revered by the people of Ilogbo. Sacrifices and traditional rites are periodically performed around it, reflecting its role as a sacred spiritual heritage site. Over the years, many visitors who came to seek blessings, healing, and guidance have reportedly returned to share positive testimonies.

The Hydra-Headed Palm Tree remains one of the unique spiritual and cultural treasures of Ekiti State and continues to attract pilgrims, traditional practitioners, researchers, and cultural visitors from around the world.

Source: WORLD IFA/ORISA Festival and Pilgrimage, Oke Igeti Heritage Festival Celebration, May 2024, Page 12

05/16/2026

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Join Us for the 12th World Ifa /Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage 2026 May 23, 2026 to May 31, 2026 in Ado, Ekiti.

ICIOS mission is to present Ifa and Orisa Spirituality in a more refreshed manner that will bring appeal, hope, succor, encouragement, etc in a captivating and all-encompassing manner. It will
be presented as Olodumare has designed it to bring spiritual elevation to individuals and the
world at large.

Our hope is our future, and Ifa is our hope!!

ICIOS/PRO

ICIOS has urged fair media coverage ahead of the 12th World Ifa/Orisa Festival in Ekiti, highlighting its spiritual and tourism value.

05/11/2026

Join Us For the 2026 World Ifa/Orisa Festival And Pigrimage in Ado Ekiti.

From May 23rd to May 31st, 2026, pilgrims from around the world will journey through sacred lands, visit ancient shrines, participate in profound ceremonies, and immerse themselves in the wisdom of the Odu Ifa all within the spiritual epicenter of our tradition and ancestral heritage.

Pilgrimage Schedule

Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Arrival of Pilgrims

Day 1 (May 23rd):
Visitation to Esu Shrine (Ijelu Ekiti) and Ogun Lakaiye Shrine (Ire Ekiti)

Day 2 (May 24th):
Visitation to Orisa Oke Shrine (Ara Ekiti)

Day 3 (May 25th):
Visitation to Erijiyan – Erinle Shrine and Ilawe (Professor Odeyemi’s residence for ancestral prayers)

Day 4 (May 26th):
Visitation to Ilogbo – Sacred Palm Nut Tree (Ope Ikin with over 42 heads on a single tree), and Ido Ifaboro – Poroye Shrine (as referenced in Odu Ifá Irete Meji)

Day 5 (May 27th):
Visitation to Osanyin Shrine (Isaba Ekiti) and Ijan – the city of Olomo, son of Poroye and Orunmila

Day 6 (May 28th):
Symposium/Conference and Ifá Bibo at Oke Igeti

Day 7 (May 29th):
Visitation to Osun Shrine (Igede)

Day 8 (May 30th):
Grand Finale – Oke Olota and Ifá Dida at Oke Igeti

Day 9 (May 31st):
Departure of Pilgrims

ICIOS is committed to preserving Ifa/Orisa traditions and reconnecting the diaspora to ancestral roots in Ekiti State.

Aboru Aboye,

International Congress For Ifa/Orisa Spirituality
International PRO
ICIOS

05/11/2026

The Reunion: When the Orí Reclaims Its Place

No one reaches their destiny by accident. Before touching the ground of this world, your Orí knelt down and chose a life. At birth, that pact fell into silence, and life became a relentless school to remember it.

We are not here to "achieve" things that do not belong to us; we are here to manifest what we already are.

The School of Ayé
We have had to walk under the weight of doubt. Every blow, every loss, and every false step was the price of polishing our character (Ìwà). It was not wasted time; it was the training necessary so that today, as you find yourself, you have the maturity to uphold the authority you chose in heaven.
In Ogbe Ogunda (Ogbe Yonu)

A-kúnlẹ̀-yan ni ẹ̀dá
A-dáyé-tán ojú nì rọ ni
Díá fún Ọmọ-enìyàn
Tí yóò kúnlẹ̀ yan ìpín n’íwájú Olódùmárè
Wọ́n ní kí Ọmọ-enìyàn ó rúbọ
Kí ó baà lè rántí àdéhùn tí ó ṣe ní Òrun
Nítorí pé Orí ẹni nìkan
L’ó mọ bí ẹrù yóò ṣe tẹ́
Kò sí òrìṣà tí í dáni gbé lẹ́yìn Orí ẹni.

Español
Lo que elegimos de rodillas (el destino),
es lo que encontramos al llegar a la Tierra, y nos causa ansiedad.
Fue lo profetizado para la Humanidad,
cuando se arrodilló para elegir su porción de destino ante Olódùmárè.
Se le pidió a la humanidad que hiciera sacrificio,
para que pudiera recordar el pacto que hizo en Orun.
Porque solo el Orí de uno mismo
sabe cómo la carga llegará a su destino final.
No existe deidad que pueda apoyar a un hombre,
más de lo que su propio Orí lo puede apoyar.

Meaning harnesing your capabilities to the fullest is not ego; it is loyalty to the pact. Its takes patience. When you stop asking for permission to use your strength, you are fulfilling your word before Olódùmárè. You are beginning to live the Àyànmọ́ (the chosen destiny) that you swore to bring to this plane.

Effort ceases when your will aligns with your Àṣẹ. In that instant, you stop "trying" and you begin to be.

The Manifestation of the Orí
When a human being recognizes themselves through their Orí, the environment aligns. Opportunities do not appear by luck; they are created by the pressure of a will that has remembered its value after years of learning. It is the transition from being a spectator of life to being the sovereign of your own path.

Oluwo Ifaobanla
ICIOS Social Secretary.

05/05/2026

OKE-ORISA SACRED HILL – ARA-EKITI, EKITI STATE

Oke-Orisa Sacred Hill stands as one of the sacred spiritual heritage sites of Ara-Ekiti, carrying generations of history, devotion, and ancestral tradition.

Long before modern times, Ara-Ekiti existed as an ancient town where descendants of Emila and Ulode lived. Years later, worshippers migrated from Ilesa and brought with them the revered deity known as Orisa-Oke (Okerisa).

Over time, Okerisa became deeply honored by the people of Ara because of the belief that the deity answered prayers, granted requests, and brought blessings to families. Women seeking children, families seeking breakthrough, and devotees seeking divine intervention would journey to the sacred hill with offerings and prayers.

Each year, the Okerisa Festival reflects the rich spiritual traditions of the community through sacred rites, prayers, drumming, and cultural celebrations.

One of the most powerful moments of the festival occurs when the priestess (Eyelorisa) becomes spiritually possessed by Okerisa and enters a sacred trance at the grove.

Another honored tradition is led by Olori-Omi, who guides women carrying sacred pots to fetch sacred water while dancing to traditional drum rhythms.

Sacred offerings presented during the festival include ox, goat, snail, pigeon, shea butter, salt, white cloth, and Ekuru.

Masquerades such as Agbe and Owi also emerge during the celebration, adding to the cultural significance of the festival.

Oke-Orisa Sacred Hill remains a powerful symbol of faith, ancestral reverence, and Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Source: Chief Oni Johnson Oluwasegun, page 20, World Ifa Orisa Oke Igeti 11th Heritage Festival Celebration.

Join us May 23rd to May 31st, 2026, pilgrims from around the world will journey through sacred lands, visit ancient shrines, participate in profound ceremonies, and immerse themselves in the wisdom of the Odu Ifa all within the spiritual epicenter of our tradition and ancestral heritage.

International Congress For Ifa/Orisa Spirituality
Iyanifa Ifayomi Adunni, MA PRO