The fact that no one should be denied Cofá (the women's initiation in Ifá) and Awofaca (for men) due to their sexual orientation is, comes from Odu and is not mere rhetoric. Below is the patakí or history that shows why Ifá should be given to all who require Orunmila's blessings, protection, power and wisdom in their life. It comes from the Odu Ifá Ojuani Chechero.

Orunmila and His Gay Brother

In this road of Ifá Orunmila was living in a land called Adonilé with his brother Agbaranifé who wasgay. This brother of Orunmila stood out for his qualities of clairvoyance which had increased his great fame in this land, so much so that they they stopped going to Orunmila's house.

Agabaranifé, not wishing to subtract from Orunmila's power and prestige, proposed that he be consecrated in Ifá. Orunmila became infuriated and punched his brother.Needless to say, Agbaranifé was extremely upset by this and took his case to Olofin.

Upon hearing of this act, Elegguá went forth to exact vengeance on Orunmila. He prepared ogu (negative medicine) causing Orunmila to lose the use of one of of his hands.

Orunmila went to the king of the land who was a Babalawo, who gave two dark hens and went to intercede for Orunmila before Olofin and Obatalá so that Orunmila could regain the use of both of his hands. Olofin and Obatalá said they would concede the use of his hands under one condition: that he first give Awofaca to his brother Agbaranifé.

Orunmila also had to swear before Olofin and Obatalá that he would give Cofá or Awofaca to anyone, no matter their sexual orientation from that day forward. And from then on, Babalawos have been given the task of caring for gays and lesbians without discrimination.

Iború, Iboya, Ibochiché