How Ejiogbe's Mother Olayori Saved Him from Scorn
A story in which the devoted sacrifice of a mother reverses public scorn against her son through the symbolic power of salt.
Philosophical Summary
This story elevates the role of the mother in Eji Ogbe cosmology. Olayori's name ("My Joy is Wealth/Honor") reflects her function in the narrative — she is the agent of reversal. The four pigeons echo the association of Eji Ogbe with white birds and purity, while the four bags of salt invoke the proverb that salt is universally praised. The story teaches that when an Eji Ogbe person faces unjust criticism, the sacrifice of white birds and salt is the specific prescription — and that the restoration that comes is total, turning enemies into advocates. This story is also the textual basis for the observance of four doves and four bags of salt against slander.
Liturgical Verses
English: People made sarcastic remarks and despised the good works of Ejiogbe. His mother Olayori consulted diviners and made sacrifice: four pigeons and four bags of salt. Following the sacrifice, the same people who despised him began making highly favorable comments. The diviners noted: no one ever puts salt in their mouth and speaks badly of its taste.
Sacred Verses
English
People made sarcastic remarks and despised the good works of Ejiogbe. His mother Olayori consulted diviners and made sacrifice: four pigeons and four bags of salt. Following the sacrifice, the same people who despised him began making highly favorable comments. The diviners noted: no one ever puts salt in their mouth and speaks badly of its taste.