In Yorùbá culture, words carry àṣẹ, the sacred force that makes things happen. When sealed with “Àṣẹ!”, speech becomes alive with power. This act is Afùdàsẹ̀—spoken àṣẹ, the release of divine force through the tongue, ensuring words must manifest.

In Yorùbá culture, speech—Òrò—is never “just words.” Every word carries àṣẹ, the sacred power to create or destroy, bless or curse. Effective speech is measured not by eloquence alone but by the harmony of words, character (ìwà), intention (èrò), and action (ìṣe). When these elements align, communication becomes authentic, trust is built, and cultural values are preserved. As the elders say: “Ìwà l’ẹwà” — character is beauty.

In Yorùbá culture, words are never neutral. Speech, known as Òrò, is more than conversation—it is a vessel of àṣẹ, the sacred force that shapes reality. To speak is to act, and every word carries responsibility. Through clarity, respect, honesty, and compassion, Yorùbá tradition teaches that effective speech preserves harmony, transmits culture, and reflects one’s character. As the elders say: “It is with words that a household is destroyed; it is with words that a household

In Yorùbá spirituality, gossip disrupts harmony. Mindful speech honors integrity, uplifts the spirit, and strengthens community.