Did you know the word IYAWO means something bad and derogatory? The Original Yoruba Word For *_WIFE Is AYA Not IYAWO._*

Did you know that the original word for *_WIFE_* in Yoruba language is *_AYA_* and not *_IYAWO?_* The latter is quite commonly used nowadays than the former. I would take you through how *_IYAWO_* came about;

*_Wura_* who was at the phase of choosing a spouse was faced with the task of selecting the most suitable one for herself, she was the first child and the daughter of the King of Iwo (A Yoruba town).

Yoruba deities like Sango, Ogun, and other known male deities went to *_Iwo town_* to seek her hand in marriage. *_Wura_* mistreated them.

*_Wura_* was very rude and uncouth. She meted the worst behaviour one can think of onto her suitors.

* Everyone of them failed to accomplish the prospect of marrying her because they

could not withstand her behaviour and they all abandoned their mission on their first day, that was how tough *_Wura_* was.

However, when it was *_Orunmila's_* turn, before he set for Iwo town, he sought wisdom from Olodumare

through Ifa. He was duly informed that no matter the treatment *_Wura_* might subject him to, he must not react accordingly.

Heh shouldave *_Patience_* and lots of *_Endurance._* He was highly warned to expect humiliation from *_Wura_* but must not be provoked.

When *_Orunmila_* got to Iwo town, *_Wura_* looked at him scornfully, she did not welcome him, she hissed at him, called *_Orunmila_* all sorts of name, she did not even give *_Orunmila_* any

food or entertained him.

*_Orunmila_* just ignored her attitudes.

The first day, second day, till about the seventh day. To cap it all, *_Wura_* took *_Orunmila's_* Opon-Ifa [divination board] and used it as firewood.

She took *_Orunmila's_* Pouch [Apo Ominijekun] from him. This angered *_Orunmila_* greatly but he still conducted himself alright. He refused to react to her behaviour having been warned of the consequences of not heeding the advice.

Eventually, the *_King_* 👑 realised that *_Orunmila_* was *_humble_* and well behaved. He was amazed that *_Orunmila_* did not react or show any sign of *_anger_* towards his daughter despite the humiliation. *_Orunmila's_* behaviour gave him the assurance that he would take good care of *_Wura,_* his daughter if she became his *_wife._*

All along however and unknowingly *_Wura's_* behaviour had been a test all the prospective suitors. The King 👑 finally summoned *_Orunmila_* and handed Wura over to him as his wife and he divided his property into two. He gave *_Orunmila_* half of it and *_Orunmila_* thus became rich and had *_Wura_* as his *€wife._*

Upon *_Orunmila's_* arrival back home, his people welcomed him enthusiastically for his accomplished task. They asked for some details of his new wife, his answer was direct: *_Iya-ti-mo-je- ni-Iwo_* (the result of my indignation at Iwo town). This eight syllable word, *_"IYA-TI-MO-JE- NI-IWO"_* became known as *_IYA-IWO,_* and now *_IYAWO._*

Hopefully with this new information I have educated you a bit more about your *_WIFE._* So if she hisses at you sometimes and is obstinate, just remember.

*_ORUNMILA'S_* humiliation at Iwo town before he wins his *_WIFE'S_* hand in marriage...

*_Lesson_*

All things are possible, if we ask for *_God's guardian with Love, Patient, Tolerance and Endurance._* May Almighty God guide, protect, direct us in all our affairs and bless us abundantly Amen!

E kú déédé àsìkò yìí o