The Power of Words, Àṣẹ, and Afùdàsẹ̀ in Yorùbá Culture

Introduction: Why Words Matter

In Yorùbá culture, words—Òrò—are never seen as simple sounds. They are living forces that shape reality and influence both the visible and invisible worlds. To speak is to act, because words carry àṣẹ, the sacred power to make things happen. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back, and their effects may ripple through families, communities, and even generations.

This is why elders warn us that the tongue is both medicine and a weapon. A popular proverb states: “Ahọ́n là ń fi pa ènìyàn; ahọ́n là ń fi gbé èèyàn.” In English, this means: “It is with the tongue that a person is killed; it is with the tongue that a person is uplifted.” The Yorùbá remind us that words can destroy or heal, curse or bless, diminish or uplift.

Understanding Àṣẹ in Words

At the heart of Yorùbá spirituality lies àṣẹ, the divine life-force given by Olódùmarè, the Supreme Being. This sacred energy flows through Orisa, ancestors, nature, and humanity. It is the power that allows rituals to work, prayers to manifest, and songs to inspire. Words uniquely carry àṣẹ, because they move between the seen (ayé) and unseen (ọ̀run) realms.

Àṣẹ in words takes many forms. A blessing (ibukun) carries prayers for health, peace, or prosperity. A curse (èpè) spoken in anger or justice can call down misfortune. Incantations (ọ̀fọ̀) direct spiritual power in rituals, while verses from Ifá (ẹsẹ̀ Ifá) preserve the wisdom of centuries, guiding people in times of need.

When Yorùbá people seal prayers, blessings, or rituals with the response “Àṣẹ!”, it is both affirmation and invocation. It declares that the words spoken are now alive with divine force. Afùdàsẹ̀ describes this very act. It means “spoken àṣẹ” or “what is uttered shall manifest.” In other words, Afùdàsẹ̀ is àṣẹ voiced through the tongue — the performance of àṣẹ in speech, showing that when àṣẹ is spoken, it sets reality into motion.

A proverb affirms this truth: “Ọ̀rọ̀ l’óògùn; ẹni tó bá mọ bí a ṣe ń lo, ló ń ṣeé lo.”—“Words are medicine; only those who know how to use them can make them effective.”

The Power of Positive Words

When words are spoken with kindness, love, or encouragement, they release ire, the blessings of good fortune, and harmony. Positive words bring comfort to the heart, strengthen trust within families, and build unity in communities. Spiritually, they create conditions for peace and well-being. A blessing from a parent or elder is believed to have lasting effects, shaping a child’s destiny in powerful ways.

The Yorùbá teach that good words never die. A gentle word can uplift someone long after it was spoken, becoming a source of strength in difficult times. This is why the proverb says: “Ọ̀rọ̀ dára ni kì í tán; ọ̀rọ̀ burúkú ni kì í gbagbé.”—“Good words are never forgotten; bad words are never erased.” Words of encouragement and blessing echo forward, creating harmony and connection.

The Impact of Negative Words

Negative words, on the other hand, release osogbo, energies of disorder and misfortune. Insults, gossip, curses, and harsh criticism break trust, create tension, and open the way for conflict. The Yorùbá know that hurtful words can wound more deeply than a knife. Spiritually, curses (èpè) are feared because they are believed to carry real power to bring suffering.

For this reason, restraint in speech is highly valued. People are encouraged to pause before speaking in anger, knowing that words, once released, cannot be recalled. The proverb says: “Ọ̀rọ̀ tí a sọ kì í ṣe òwú tí a fi ń rọ.”—“A word once spoken is not like cotton that can be spun back.” This is a reminder that careless speech can cause harm that lingers long after the moment has passed.

Intention (Èrò) and Character (Ìwà)

The Yorùbá place great importance on both the intention behind speech and the character of the one who speaks. Words are never judged on their sound alone, but on the thought (èrò) and moral standing (ìwà) that guide them. If the intention is compassionate and truthful, words carry blessings. If the intention is malicious, they may cause harm, even if the words appear polite.

Equally important is character. A speaker with good character is trusted, and their words carry weight. A dishonest or cruel person may speak beautifully, but their words lack true power. The proverb says: “Ìwà l’ẹwà.”—“Character is beauty.” Another adds: “Ìṣe ló ń ṣàfihàn ìwà.”—“Action reveals character.” This means that good character is the foundation of trustworthy speech, and words must be supported by consistent action.

The Spiritual Practices of Speech

Speech in Yorùbá culture is not only a social act but also a spiritual practice. Words are central to ritual life and to the maintenance of balance between humans, ancestors, and the divine. Prayers (àdúrà) call blessings into being. Curses (èpè) invoke misfortune as a form of justice or warning. Incantations (ọ̀fọ̀) are spoken formulas that direct àṣẹ for healing, protection, or transformation. Ifá verses (ẹsẹ̀ Ifá) are recited by priests during divination to reveal spiritual truths and offer guidance.

In many of these practices, words are sealed with the affirmation “Àṣẹ!” This is not a casual response but the living performance of àṣẹ through speech. It reflects the principle of Afùdàsẹ̀—spoken àṣẹ, words voiced with the expectation that they will manifest. Afùdàsẹ̀ reminds us that when àṣẹ is uttered aloud, it is not only acknowledged but actively set in motion.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the Yorùbá remind us to become conscious of the words we speak. Simple acts of speech can create ripples of blessing. Greetings, such as ẹ kú àárọ̀ (“good morning”) or ẹ kú alẹ́ (“good evening”), are not just polite phrases—they are small blessings that recognize and affirm the life of others. Expressions of gratitude strengthen bonds, while blessings and encouragement uplift those who receive them.

Choosing words carefully also means avoiding curses, insults, and gossip. Instead, we can use proverbs to enrich communication and ground it in ancestral wisdom. By pausing before speaking, asking ourselves whether our words will heal or harm, we become more mindful custodians of àṣẹ. To speak well is to align with Afùdàsẹ̀, the practice of voicing àṣẹ so that our good words must surely come to pass.

Conclusion

For the Yorùbá, words are sacred. They carry àṣẹ, and they can transform the world around us. Positive, intentional speech rooted in good character creates blessings and harmony. Negative, careless speech creates conflict and misfortune.

The elders remind us: “Ọ̀rọ̀ dára ni kì í tán; ọ̀rọ̀ burúkú ni kì í gbagbé.”—“Good words are never forgotten; bad words are never erased.” To speak well is to live well, for words are both our reflection and our legacy.

That is why Yorùbá people seal prayers, affirmations, and blessings with “Àṣẹ”—the affirmation of divine force spoken aloud. This act itself is Afùdàsẹ̀, the living utterance of àṣẹ through the tongue, ensuring that words, when aligned with intention and good character, must surely manifest.