APPrenticeship mindset: the relationship between Apetebii, Akapo & Oluwo

Ko gbe Apetebii, ko gbe Akapo
Bless the Babalawo's wife, bless the Babalawo's disciple

The Babalawo who teaches you is called your Oluwo. To be an Oluwo, however, is more than the mere dissemination of knowledge. As you can see from the prayer above, he is a purveyor of blessings. In this regard, your Oluwo is also your protector. When you are an apprentice, you are routinely covered in prayer and shielded by sacrifices made by your Oluwo.

The Oluwo is committed to refining his apprentices by testing them in order to discover their potential. He encourages the apprentice to aspire to a practice that can be considered complete, both inside and out. When treated well, the apprentice will transcend the ups and downs of the learning process and reach an exalted state.

In return, as an apprentice you are expected to pledge allegiance to your Oluwo. You show your Oluwo deference and respect in his presence and demonstrate the highest cultivation of his teachings in his absence.

While the apprentice is loyal to the Oluwo, the Oluwo is loyal to the teachings. Together, Apetebii, Akapo and Oluwo uphold the highest principles of Ifa. 

​Join me and Chief Lanre Okemuyiwa for an INVITATION ONLY conversation about Akoda & Aseda.