“Ìyálóde, Eléékò & The Heavenly Companions: Discover the Mysterious Classes of Egbe in Yoruba Tradition”

Classes of Egbe (Heavenly Mate of Every Human)

Also known as Alaragbo in some areas of Yoruba land, Egbe is generally more associated with children than with adults according to Eji-Ogbe.

Based on the character traits of human on Earth, the Yoruba have classified Egbe into different categories.

Ìyálóde

Ìyálóde is regarded as the leader of Egbe on Earth. Leadership quality is most evident characteristic of this class of Egbe. Going by the name, it may appear that only females can belong to Egbe Ìyálóde. But this is not so; both men and women can belong, and be called Ìyálóde.

The leadership of Ìyálóde may however be limited to the earth as IFA clarifies under a verse of Irosun meji. The verse(irosun-meji) talks about Janjasa (name) as the name of the head of Egbe in Heaven while Ìyálóde is the head of Egbe on Earth or Janjasa is another name by which Ìyálóde is known.

Let’s us also appreciate that there are uncountable Ìyálódes on earth.

Ìyálóde are usually neat, motivational, and well-dressed. One of the praise names is ‘A dado bi eku eegun’ ( the one that dresses in colorful robes like a masquerade’. They love to party, show off and make their presence known wherever they are.

Usually mentally aloof and charitable, Ìyálóde takes good care of their children and works for their safety, protection and success. It is very dangerous to offend Ìyálóde. As benevolent as she is, she can also be mean. Every known form of Ajogun (evils) will be sent to the offender(s).

Eléékò

Eléékò also known as Elérikò is one Egbe that confers multiple personalities. At different times, the subject under its influence can be patient or impatient; ruthless or merciful. His mood depends on his immediate desires.

Eléékò has behavioral patterns very similar to Esu and some people refer to link him as Esu inside the Egbe. Eléékò is very mischievous, crafty and intelligent; these are some of the traits of Esu also.

Apart from sharing these similarities with Esu, Eléékò is known to be treacherous, sneaky and a thief. But Eléékò steals only from those who have in abundance for those who have none. There are times when it seems that a spirit is stealing from someone.— in Oyo, Nigeria.”