(Xochipala Maes Valdez)

Priest of Obatala and Ifa

Fakayode is a priest of Ifa and of Obatala, Chief of the White Cloth. She has been a member of Ile Orunmila Oshun since 1990 and serves as Head Diviner.

Fakayode has participated in numerous initiations and has held the position as Oriate (lead priest.)

Fakayode’s work focuses on personal and community healing with emphasis on women and girls, spiritual communities, communities of color, survivors of sexual abuse and the lesbian/gay/bisexual community.

Her work centers on divination and counseling. She counsels individuals and couples and employs sacred herbology and healing baths as part of her repertoire. She uses herbs and baths to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health. Fakayode designs personal and communal rituals and ceremonies, including rights of passage. She also does Spiritual cleansings for homes and work environments.

Fakayode is adept in several forms of Ifa divination including Four Cowry divination, Sixteen Cowry divination (Merindinlogun), and Obi Obata. She is a student of Dafa, the divination system that is used by Ifa initiates. As a student of Ifa and of the Orisha tradition, Fakayode shares her learnings and the teachings of Ifa widely. She has presented in conferences and gatherings in local, national and international arenas, including the World Peace Conference for Women Spiritual Leaders in Geneva, Switzerland, and the World Council of Elders Conference in India.

As a speaker her topics have included Obatala and the Teachings of Eji Ogbe (sacred scripture), Ogun's Relationship To and Role in Removing Suffering, Ifa and the Principal of Asuwa, and Shango's Dance with Courage and Humility. Fakayode is available for individual Orisa and Ifa studies.

Fakayode is also a writer and graphic artist. Her primary focus is on communicating the messages of spirit and the teachings of the elders and ancestors. Fakayode is a priest of Ifa and of Obatala, Chief of the White Cloth. She has been a member of Ile Orunmila Oshun since 1990.


Contact Iyanifa Fakayode