“Èşù, the divine mediator, will bring progress and your request will yield positive results,” said Brazilian ObáÒrìṣà Olúwo Àlàbí of Saopaulo. This statement reflects a central belief in the traditional Yoruba religion, where Èşù is revered as the messenger of the gods and the guardian of crossroads. He is the intermediary between the mortal world and the divine, playing a crucial role in communication with the Òrìṣà.
Èşù is a complex , multifaceted and messenger deity in Yoruba cosmology. He is known for his duality, being both a bearer of chaos and order. However, above all, Èşù is the facilitator of communication and the mediator who ensures that the requests and offerings of humans reach the appropriate gods.
Èşù is often described as the Òrìṣà of crossroads, symbolizing his ability to open and close paths, both literally and figuratively. He holds the keys to destinies, able to bring fortune or divert disasters. His presence is indispensable in all rituals and ceremonies because, without his intervention, communication between humans and the Òrìṣà would be disrupted.
According to tradition, Èşù must be the first to be greeted and revered in any ritual or religious ceremony. The belief is that by pleasing Èşù with offerings and prayers, he will open the paths and ensure that the devotees’ requests are heard by the Òrìṣà. ObáÒrìṣà Olúwo Àlàbí emphasizes the importance of Èşù by stating that he is the divine messenger whose intervention can bring progress and positive results.
“The stories and myths (Itan) of Èşù are abundant and varied, illustrating his crucial role and capricious nature. In one such story, Èşù decides to test the honesty of a village’s inhabitants by planting a magical stone on the main path. The stone had the peculiarity of granting wishes, but only if the request was sincere and aligned with the common good. Those who tried to deceive or ask for something selfish saw their wishes turn against them, reinforcing the idea that Èşù rewards truth and integrity” ObaOrisa Oluwo Alabi narrates
Another Itan speaks of how Èşù once hid a vital message from the gods because humans had forgotten to revere him. Only when the devotees realized their mistake and offered Èşù the appropriate offerings and prayers did he allow the message to be delivered. This myth underlines the importance of Èşù as an intermediary and highlights that his satisfaction is crucial for divine communication.
Proverbs about Èşù reflect his duality and importance. “Èşù gbó, èmi gbó, àwọn máa ń wí” (Èşù hears, I hear, everyone speaks) suggests that Èşù is always present and attentive, listening to human requests and conversations. Another proverb, “Èşù ni òrìṣà tó dálebo òfò, kò séyí tí kò lò” (Èşù is the god who hears all secrets, nothing is hidden from him), emphasizes his role as the knower of all things and the transmitter of messages.
These proverbs highlight Èşù’s omnipresence and his ability to know everything that happens, whether in public or in secret. They serve as constant reminders that Èşù should be treated with respect and reverence because he is a constant observer of human actions and an essential transmitter of their prayers and intentions.
In religious practice, devotees often offer palm oil, pepper, tobacco, and liquor to Èşù. These items are considered pleasing to him, and by offering them, the faithful believe they are securing his goodwill and assistance. Ritualistically, the greeting to Èşù is a recognition of his authority and power to open or close paths, whether in the physical or spiritual world.
In initiation ceremonies, for example, it is common for initiates to make offerings to Èşù to ensure that their new spiritual journey is successful. During festivals and celebrations, it is common practice to begin and end activities with rituals dedicated to Èşù, ensuring that everything proceeds without hindrance and that the blessings of the Òrìṣà are fully received.
“Èşù, the path and the truth,” as proclaimed by ObáÒrìṣà Olúwo Àlàbí, encapsulates the essence of the deity in Yoruba tradition. He is the divine mediator, essential for ensuring that devotees’ requests reach the Òrìṣà and that positive results are achieved. Honoring Èşù is recognizing the importance of the messenger who navigates between worlds, opening paths and bringing progress. By bringing requests to Èşù with sincerity and devotion, the faithful hope not only to be heard but also to receive the necessary blessings and guidance for their lives.
ObáÒrìṣà Olúwo Àlàbí, who received journalist and researcher Adeyinka Olaiya at his residence, affirms that Èşù must always be revered, as Òrúnmìlà said, who advocated that priests give the messenger Èşù what is his.
The centrality of Èşù in Yoruba cosmology is undeniable. He is not only a messenger but also a guardian, a protector, and a provider of paths. Without Èşù, the connection between the human world and the divine would be interrupted, causing chaos and disorder. Therefore, to achieve harmony and balance, it is essential that devotees continue to honor him and respect his importance in their daily religious practices.
