Over the years, his name has been associated with evil and all manner of negativity. He is blamed whenever tragedy strikes; even those who consciously commit crimes often shift the blame onto him, saying “Isé Esu ni” (It’s Esu’s doing). It’s time to set the record straight.

He is Onile Orita—the one who resides at the crossroads. Èṣù Òdàrà is the Òrìṣà of contemplation, which is why his abode is at junctions, and some of his sacrifices are symbolically placed there. We are always at a crossroads, always contemplating, and there Esu stands, waiting to test our integrity.

He is Olódùmarè’s favorite enforcer—a valiant and brave Irúnmolè. He is a rational figure who operates with ìwà pẹ̀lẹ̀ (gentle character). While he cleverly settles disputes, he can also cause mischief for those who incur his wrath or that of Olódùmarè.

Esu represents the balance between good and evil. He is neither fully aligned with one side nor the other; he does not pick sides. At the same time, he resides within our intuition and instincts. He will not take possession of you or your thoughts, as widely believed, but he can influence your decisions and shape conditions in your favor. Remember the saying, “Esu má ṣe mi, ọmọ elòmí ni kó ṣe” (Esu, do not harm me; take your wrath to another). How he interacts with you depends on the relationship or connection you have with him. For this reason, always strive to remain on the good side of Onile Orita.

And for the umpteenth time: Esu kì í ṣe Satani (Esu is not Satan). Tell a friend to tell a friend—our Èṣù Òdàrà has no connection to the Abrahamic Satan or Lucifer. They are entirely different beings with different objectives, just as our Olódùmarè has no connection to the Abrahamic “God.” Esu traveled to Ketu, Ọjà Ẹjìgbómẹ̀kùn, and many other places as referenced by Odù Ifá. The biblical Satan appeared in places like Judea and Babylon. Any rational thinker would agree that Ketu and Babylon are entirely different places, separated by vast distances.

Every culture and tradition across the universe has its depiction of the Supreme Being and its divinities. We have ours, and we will not let foreign religions tarnish the legacy of our forefathers.

EsuIsnotSatan

OlailuTheMisjudged

ifa #orisa #isese #fypviral