Owuwa Oni Koo (Special Incantation for the King)
Verse describing how a person destined for kingship employs prescribed protective measures before their elevation is accepted by the community.
Philosophical Summary
The verse captures the full arc of the Eji Ogbe king-making motif: the candidate is divinely destined but must overcome hostility before being accepted. The use of special leaves and incantation framing places this verse in restricted territory — its public portion communicates the principle (preparation, protection, then royal acceptance), while the operative mechanics remain initiatic. The feast at the end mirrors the wider Eji Ogbe teaching that abundance must be shared for kingship to be legitimate.
Liturgical Verses
English: With that special incantation, he expected to neutralize all the evil machinations against him. He used special leaves for that purpose. After that incident, they told him that before they could accept him as king, he would have to feast all of them.
Yoruba: Owuwa oni koo wo won wuu. Ikpe Akiko kiiga akika deenu Ikpe orire kii gun orire deenu Etuu kii olo tu won ni mo Inu lo otin ire efo ebire waa
Sacred Verses
Yorùbá
Owuwa oni koo wo won wuu. Ikpe Akiko kiiga akika deenu Ikpe orire kii gun orire deenu Etuu kii olo tu won ni mo Inu lo otin ire efo ebire waa
English
With that special incantation, he expected to neutralize all the evil machinations against him. He used special leaves for that purpose. After that incident, they told him that before they could accept him as king, he would have to feast all of them.