Ìyámí Àbíyàmọ̀ : A Message To Ìyàmì Àdúké , Ìyàmì Òlómọ́, Osórọ̀ngà In The Heavens – Adeyinka Olaiya
Ìyámí Àdúké ,
As I sit down to compose this letter, I am profoundly moved by a deep sense of gratitude and love for you, my beloved mother, who now resides among the stars in the heavens. You were, and forever will be, my Iyami, my Osoronga; the embodiment of love and nurturing that has profoundly influenced my life in countless ways. Your absence from this earthly realm has not diminished your presence in my heart and soul, for you were the quintessence of all that is beautiful and caring in a mother.
The significance of a devoted and nurturing mother in one’s life cannot be overstated. A mother represents the initial source of love, solace, and guidance that a child encounters. You, Aduke, embodied all of this and more. You held my hand during life’s storms, wiped away my tears, and cheered me on during moments of triumph. Your sacrifices knew no bounds, and you were willing to endure any hardship to ensure the prosperity of your children. Your love was unconditional, unwavering, and immeasurable.
In Yoruba tradition, the concept of “Abiyamo” resonates profoundly. Abiyamo, which translates to “Mother,” symbolizes the divine maternal force that nurtures and sustains life. Abiyamo is not just a biological mother but the wellspring of life itself, the protector, and the bestower of blessings. You, Aduke, epitomized the essence of Abiyamo. Your love was a reflection of the divine motherhood that watches over her children, guiding them through the journey of life.
You were the mother who would go to any lengths to witness her offspring prosper. Your sacrifices stood as a testament to your unwavering dedication to our well-being. You toiled tirelessly, day and night, to provide for us, to ensure we had the opportunities and resources to chase our dreams. Your love was not quantified in words but in actions, in the sacrifices you made for our future.
In Yoruba mythology, “Iyami” and “Osoronga” hold a special place. They are the ancestral mothers who shield their children in all circumstances. “Osoronga” is derived from “Osoromaniga,” the mother who would willingly give her life to preserve her children’s lives. You, Aduke, were my Osoronga. Your protective embrace shielded me from harm, and your guidance kept me on the path of righteousness. Your love was a force that transcended the physical world, and it continues to guide me even though you are no longer here with us.
As I commemorate your memory today, five years after your passing, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for being the Osoronga who set me on the path of a fulfilling life. Your love, your sacrifices, and your unwavering support have been my guiding light. I carry your legacy in my heart, and I strive every day to make you proud.
In the Yoruba context, Abiyamo epitomizes motherhood, representing love, care, and guidance. You, Aduke, were my Abiyamo, my guiding star. Your love and sacrifices embodied the spiritual importance of a mother in the lives of her children.
Though you are no longer physically present, your spirit lives on within me and within the lessons you imparted. You remain my Iyami, my Osoronga, and your love continues to protect and guide me. Thank you, Aduke, for being the most loving and caring mother a child could ever hope for.
Dr. Adeyinka Olaiya
MISCONCEPTIONS IN YORUBA TRADITION: Yoruba culture is a treasure trove of rich traditions that celebrate the values of family, community, and spirituality. Within this cultural tapestry lie the profound concepts of Iyami Osoronga and Abiyamo, which are deeply revered but have regrettably suffered from misconceptions. These beautiful facets of Yoruba culture have occasionally been misinterpreted and unfairly associated with witchcraft or malevolent practices. This draft aims to illuminate the authentic essence of Iyami Osoronga and Abiyamo within the Yoruba context while unequivocally denouncing any erroneous comparisons to witchcraft or nefarious deeds.
Unfortunately, the term “Iyami Osoronga” has been misconstrued through various forms of media, including Nigerian television series from the 1980s, where it was often depicted as witchcraft or dark, mystical rituals. However, such representations distort the profound significance of Iyami Osoronga in Yoruba culture.
Iyami Osoronga does not connote witchcraft. Instead, it refers to the revered ancestral mothers or deities who serve as protectors and nurturers of the Yoruba people. The term “Osoronga” carries no malevolent undertones; rather, it embodies the dedication and selflessness of these maternal figures. They are not witches but rather embodiments of maternal love, wisdom, and guidance.
In Yoruba culture, the concept of “Abiyamo” is synonymous with motherhood in its most divine and cherished form. Abiyamo represents the divine maternal force that sustains and nurtures life. This term extends beyond mere biological motherhood and encapsulates the idea of a mother’s love, care, and guidance as fundamental aspects of the Yoruba way of life.
Abiyamo is not a concept to be trivialized or mistaken for witchcraft. It epitomizes selflessness and unconditional love, mirroring a mother’s dedication to her children. A mother’s sacrifices and unwavering support for her offspring stand as the pinnacle of Abiyamo.
To provide further clarity, it is essential to understand that Iyami Osoronga and Abiyamo are intimately interlinked in Yoruba culture. Iyami Osoronga represents the ancestral maternal figures who embody the qualities of Abiyamo. These figures should not evoke fear or be associated with malevolence; they should be revered and celebrated for their protective and nurturing roles within the Yoruba community.
The authentic meaning of Iyami Osoronga and Abiyamo in Yoruba culture transcends the unfortunate misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals. These concepts celebrate the essence of motherhood, unconditional love, guidance, and protection. It is imperative to reject unwarranted comparisons to witchcraft or malevolent practices and instead embrace the profound significance of Iyami Osoronga and Abiyamo as pillars of the Yoruba way of life.
In honoring the memory of my mother, Christianah Aduke Olaiya, who, despite being a devout Christian and a dedicated educationist, molded my character and that of my siblings, we recognize that Aduke was our Osoronga. Now is the time to embrace goodness and consider those around us as our Osoronga. Whether it’s your daughter, your wife, your mother, or any woman in your life, regard them as your Osoronga. They are the ones who are always ready to protect and guide you, leading you on the right path.
Osoronga is simply a word to define a caring mother, not witchcraft. Let us dispel misconceptions and embrace the true essence of these concepts that celebrate the profound love, care, and guidance that mothers provide, enriching our understanding of Yoruba culture and its heritage.
Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator, Iyámíi Àdúke . its 5 years today , 15th Sept. 2023
Sun re o!
Dr. Adeyinka Olaiya
