31/07/2023
Long ago, in a Yoruba village, a formidable boa constrictor plagued the lives of its inhabitants, terrorizing both the young and the old. The village was in constant fear of the snake's deadly presence, and they knew something had to be done.
One day, the boa decided it was time to target Orunmila, a wise and revered figure in the village. Feeling helpless, Orunmila turned to Ifa, the Yoruba system of divination and spiritual guidance. Ifa revealed a solution to him - he needed to perform a ritual, an ebo, to deal with the dangerous snake.
Orunmila followed Ifa's instructions and gathered the necessary items for the ebo. Among them were the boa constrictor's favorite food and razors. With the ebo prepared, he awaited the fateful encounter with the boa.
When the day arrived, and the boa approached Orunmila's home to claim its prey, it was enticed by the aroma of what appeared to be a delicious meal. Unaware that the meal was laced with razor blades, the snake greedily consumed it.
The razor-laced food proved fatal for the boa, and it met its demise. Orunmila then emerged, took control of the situation, and skillfully butchered the snake. He shared the meat among the villagers, and they were relieved to be finally free from the menacing creature.
In honor of the event and Orunmila's bravery, the Yoruba people started using the term "èrè" to refer to "profit." This term symbolized the gain they achieved by ridding themselves of the boa's threat and the blessings they received from their wise leader, Orunmila.
From that day on, the word "èrè" became synonymous with profit in the Yoruba language, reminding the people of their triumph over adversity and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance to overcome life's challenges. The saying "emi ni mo je erè, erè ni ahun je loja, erè loun je ni oko" became a testament to the power of ingenuity, courage, and the rewards of making the right decisions.
