Yorubas’ Ifa System and Human Destiny: An Oral Narrative Account

Ifa mythology is one of the most well-known African divination systems and is unique to the Yoruba people. Ifa provides explanations for why humans have different destinies. This study explores the oral tradition of Ifa mythology and how its emphasis on human destiny has come to enact itself in the Yoruba people’s beliefs and behavioural responses, as expressed in rituals performed by Ifa priests. The study was conducted during the Ifa festival at Osogbo. Six officiating priests at the festival were purposively selected as key informants. Nine worshippers were also interviewed. Using participant observation methods, the study’s findings reveal expository and ostensive views of reality using a narrative approach to present the Ifa mythological account of Yoruba world view of human destiny. Ifa reveals hidden facts about the past, present, and future. It also provides explanations and solutions to calamities, anxieties, uncertainties, health challenges, material well-being, and the fulfilment of destiny. Ifa mythology preserves a way of life of a people that projects Africa in all its dimensions of myth, customs, traditions, history, beliefs, heritage, and rituals.