Iludun is a particularly fortunate place in terms of its population and natural resources. Few kingdoms are aware of the presence of the villagers since they have never had a reason to travel to other strange village in search of kind of thing.
Since receiving the priestly robes, Ifagbemi, the land's priest, has served as their mediator. After his father passed away, few hours later their town was attacked by warriors brandishing long spears and iron arrows on that steadfast day. Strangers are attacking a quiet region where the villagers are even afraid to kill the animals that live there. Ifagbemi noticed this odd figure when he turned to look outside the house.
They rode horses and carrying spears. These strange people had spears in their hands, and were clad in black, had white mud painted on their faces. When Ifagbemi saw his father's body and noticed the danger that beheld the village he grabbed his father's staff and fled from the house.
He started to recite a spell as he made his way toward the center of the village, paying little attention to the commotion around him. None of the guys in black noticed him as he walked, yet it felt as though a breeze had passed them. Ifegbemi chanted while standing in the midst of the village.
Ifa o Ifa o Ifa o The gods who have protected and never abandoned us. Ifa o Ifa o Ifa o. Come now and drive out every evil spirit that has possessed our land. He continues to chant in an unfamiliar language.
The day turned into night as soon as a violent breeze arrived from each hut. Nobody could understand what was going on, the screaming came from left and right. The ground was trembling as there was thunder and lightning. The entire village was filled with the sound of war. Ifegbemi was able to detect the presence of an unidentified entity in the village yet it felt familiar. Everything died down after ten minutes, and the day returned. Some of the locals were hurt, but following the head count, none of the villagers died
A new generation of children was born 50 years later, they only heard the legends about Ifagbemi's accomplishments, some believed and others didn’t. Only the older villagers had a great deal of regard for Ifagbemi. As time went on, Ifagbemi was ill, and he summoned his son to his bedside to give him instructions since he would soon succeed him as the village's priest.
"My son, the moment is drawing near for me to hand over the reins to you. Do not abandon my teachings because they are truthful and just, despite the fact that your peers may not believe in Ifa."
When his father Ifagbemi was done talking, Ifashanu questioned him, "Father, if you leave now, your spirit will become one with Ifa?" Yes, my son Ifagbemi replied in response. Ifashanu gave his father a cup of water and helped him get a good sleeping position in bed. "Yes, my son, I shall merge with Ifa; I will depart from my body; Ifa will receive my spirit; nonetheless, my soul will always reside in this village. You will be able to identify my soul when you see it, just as I did with my father and the fathers who came before him.
Ifagbemi pass away after two weeks. Ifashanu was sad since his father still had a lot to teach him, and he wasn't ready to be by himself. He was visited by the priest-maker, who informed him that the time had come for him to succeed his father as the Ifa priest.
Ifashanu was led to the shrine one month after Ifagbemi's passing and requested to choose one of the three staffs in order to be recognized as the new Ifa priest. He was surprised because his father had never explained to him how an Ifa priest was selected or about this test. Since his father and the fathers before him had always held that position, he believed it to be inherited. He kept a tight eye on the three staffs because they were all dressed in black.
He advanced while extending a hand to grasp one of the staffs. A falcon soared into the shine at that precise moment and settled on the third staff. He immediately recognized the appropriate staff and knew his father soul had pay him a visit. As he held the third staff, everywhere became dark, and Ifashanu was glowing in the dark. A few seconds after this incident happened, it was day again, and all the priest-maker were on their faces proclaiming
The spirit of Ifa is with us again.
