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The right leg is the principal one and is read first; the left is the secondary (witness). — Bascom, Ifá Divination; Encyclopedic Treatise of Ifá.
Odu #209 · Omo Odu (Odu Combinado)
Irete Ogbe
"Here they raised a hand against Orunmilá; do no favours, for no one will be grateful for them."
Numerology
15 (synthesis of 14 with 1)
Elements
Wind - Storm | Fire - Creation | Synthesis — Integration of forces
Sacred Colors
Storm blue (transformation) and White (purity) (a combination of the energies of both Odus)
Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.
Also known as: Irete Ogbé · Ate Ogbe · Ate Ogbé
What is the Odu Irete Ogbe
Irete Untelu (Irete Ogbe) is the Ifá of the great power of Egun and of Ifá, in which were born Odudua Nana, the sounding of the agogô for Obatalá, and the awo who has the virtue of escaping from the law. It is an Odu that withdraws quickly and in which favours are not done, because no one will be grateful for them.
Meaning
In the Tratado, Irete Untelu warns against avarice, pride and vanity, which can bring about the unhappiness of one's children when they are married off for money. The house is governed by Obatalá: one does not step on ash or blood, and herbs are not cut after six in the evening. It speaks of the godchild's disrespect towards the godfather, tells that Irete Untelu had two mothers and a father who did not care for him, and teaches that ants are not killed.
Sacred Profile
Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.
Numerology: 15 (synthesis of 14 with 1). This number resonates in the energy of this Odu, guiding the seeker in understanding the cycles and vibrations that govern this path.
Elements: Wind - Storm | Fire - Creation | Synthesis — Integration of forces. The sacred elements establish the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, offering tools of balance and transformation.
Sacred Colors: Storm blue (transformation) and White (purity) (a combination of the energies of both Odus). The colors of this Odu carry specific vibrations that can be used in rituals, clothing, and environments to harmonize with its energy.
Qualities: Purification, Creativity, Integration, Synthesis, Dynamic balance. These qualities represent the inner forces that the seeker can cultivate to walk in alignment with the wisdom of this Odu.
✦ Recommendations
Attend to Obatalá, who governs your house, and respect your godfather and your elders. Give an old he-goat to the Egun of your father, to obtain his protection. Do not do favours expecting gratitude, guard your secrets, and do not let strangers sleep in your house. Do not mistreat or despise the ants.
⚠ Cautions
Master avarice, pride and vanity, so as not to bring about the unhappiness of your children. Beware of drink, through which death may come, and of your health, for this Odu speaks of ailments of the throat, the blood, the bones and the liver; see a doctor at the first sign. It is a sensitive Ifá that speaks of violence: treat everyone with respect, protect those under your care, and, if something oppresses you, do not carry that weight alone — seek Ifá and the support of those who care for life.
This Odu describes tendencies and possible paths to work on — not a fixed destiny or a guaranteed prediction.
Ire
Everything will be resolved, even if one goes through a scare with the law, for the great power of Egun and of Ifá protects the awo of this Odu.
Osogbo
The unhappiness of children married for gain, the drink that opens the door to death, the diseases of the blood, the bones and the liver, and the ingratitude of those who do not thank the favour received.
Context and study of the 256 Odus
Irete Ogbe belongs to the full corpus of the 256 Odus of Ifá, a body of oral and written wisdom spanning centuries across the African diaspora and the Americas. Understanding this Odu means placing energies, archetypes, and sacred narratives in relation to the opele, divination, and a life practice guided by balance. The philosophical reading offered on this page does not replace initiation with a Babalawo or Iyanifa, but it deepens respect for the tradition and supports structured study for those who learn with humility.
In Ifá texts, the name Irete Ogbe appears in prayers, ebo, and songs; its energy is tied to cycles of transformation and to relationship with the land, the Orishas, and community. Comparing this Odu with its root Meji and related Odus helps you recognize patterns of Irê and Osogbo that recur through life and everyday choices.
The Ifá Wisdom digital library brings together all 256 paths with epithets, essence, synthesis, and practical guidance. By exploring this page and the full library, you build a foundation for meditation, spiritual journaling, and ethical follow-up—with explicit gratitude to Yoruba culture and its guardians.
Irê, Osogbo, and reading Irete Ogbe
In any Odù, Irê points to blessings and positive affinities; Osogbo highlights challenges and adjustments. Reading this Odu invites integrated reflection on relationships, work, emotional health, and purpose. Ifá asks for patience, right speech, and—when prescribed by an initiated priest—ebo and disciplines of conduct.
When you use the Ifá oracle with artificial intelligence on this platform, you receive a philosophical and educational interpretation: a learning bridge, not a priestly ritual. Keep that distinction to honour the tradition and the role of Babalawos and Iyanifas.
Ethics, respect, and continuing study
Ifá Wisdom is a multilingual educational service. We combine careful documentation of the Odus with the awareness that the living oracle belongs to the communities that preserve it. We do not promise cures, material guarantees, or a substitute for initiatory counsel.
To explore Irete Ogbe in depth, browse the library of 256 Odus, the Odu of the day, and—if you wish—a contextual consultation in the oracle—always respecting your autonomy and the culture of origin.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Odu Irete Ogbe mean?+
What is the central message of Irete Ogbe?+
What are the Irê and Osogbo of Irete Ogbe?+
Sources consulted
- Tratado Enciclopédico de Ifá, section Irete Untelu (Irete Ogbe)
Written by
- Pablo de Lima (Awofakan)
- Thaiana de Lima (Ikofá)
A couple initiated in Ifá in the Cuban lineage — Regla de Ocha / Ifá.
Meet the authors →Notice: This platform is an educational and cultural tool. Consultations are intended for reflection and contemplation, drawing on ancestral Yoruba wisdom. They do not replace professional medical, psychological, legal or financial advice, nor an in-person consultation with an initiated priest.