Eni Eji Eta (The Numbers Verse — 1 through 10)
A structured liturgical recitation in which the numbers 1–10 each carry a distinct metaphysical affirmation.
Philosophical Summary
The numbers verse is one of the most rhythmically distinctive pieces in the Ibie corpus. It functions as both a mnemonic and a blessing, allowing each number to become a vessel for affirmation. The verse is particularly used in the context of Eji Ogbe's role as the "first" — Eni (one) sets the tone of primordial personhood. The verse is also understood as a compact theological statement: the life of an Eji Ogbe person spans from individual identity (1) through communal flourishing (10).
Liturgical Verses
English: ONE — A person adds to what he already has. TWO — No matter how much the testicles of a ram shake, they do not sever from its body. THREE — I will survive the cold hands of death. FOUR — A long discussion takes one as far as Ife. FIVE — When I eat fire, I will swallow it. SIX — The hoe drags home gifts from inside and outside the house. SEVEN — When a priest serves his divinity, it lasts seven days. EIGHT — I will prosper in life as well as beyond. NINE — I will succeed in life and hereafter. TEN — Ayo can only be played on its container.
Yoruba: ENI - Shee inoo ni moo EJI - Jiji Je ekpon agbo oji - eejaa. ETA - Maa. taaku nu, Maa Taarun daanu. ERIN - Bi a baarin, adife oove Ia agbo. ERUn - Maarun Kaasha, maada mi. EFA - Efa uls, sfa ono ouniti erukoo. EJE - Bi aghoro ba tii shoro, aakiije. EJo - uwaami aajo, eyin mi aajo. ESOn - uwaami aasuon, Eyinmi aasuon. ENO - Jnoo wale avo, Kuroiita.
Sacred Verses
Yorùbá
ENI - Shee inoo ni moo EJI - Jiji Je ekpon agbo oji - eejaa. ETA - Maa. taaku nu, Maa Taarun daanu. ERIN - Bi a baarin, adife oove Ia agbo. ERUn - Maarun Kaasha, maada mi. EFA - Efa uls, sfa ono ouniti erukoo. EJE - Bi aghoro ba tii shoro, aakiije. EJo - uwaami aajo, eyin mi aajo. ESOn - uwaami aasuon, Eyinmi aasuon. ENO - Jnoo wale avo, Kuroiita.
English
ONE — A person adds to what he already has. TWO — No matter how much the testicles of a ram shake, they do not sever from its body. THREE — I will survive the cold hands of death. FOUR — A long discussion takes one as far as Ife. FIVE — When I eat fire, I will swallow it. SIX — The hoe drags home gifts from inside and outside the house. SEVEN — When a priest serves his divinity, it lasts seven days. EIGHT — I will prosper in life as well as beyond. NINE — I will succeed in life and hereafter. TEN — Ayo can only be played on its container.