SYNOPSIS

ON
THE READINGS
OF

Osa-Obara
FOR
AWO Ifasola Alejandro Raul Hinojosa Islas

SOLAGBADE POPOOLA
Lagos, Nigeria.
December, 2008
INTRODUCTION
The information you are about to receive from this reading of your
Odu, which was revealed to during Itenifa (Ifa initiation) is the
workings of the dynamic forces within you, which were formed by
your emanation and at the point of your existence on this terrestrial
plane. Also it bothers on the cosmic forces that are spiritual and
beyond your control.
The dynamic forces are your potentials, natural qualities and strength
of your character to be controlled in order to strengthen your public
image and boost your popularity. Whereas the cosmic forces or
components are from Ayanmo, Akunleyan and Akunlegba. These
three components are loosely described as Destiny or Heavenly
gift/virtues.
The Ayanmo is interplay to forces, which are usually divine, and in
consonant with the inventive precepts of Olodumare (The Almighty
God of creation). Ayanmo of your life cannot be changed. Once you
are created with it, it remains so till the expiration of your life on this
planet earth. Ayanmo includes sex of an individual, race, family,
parent, growth, and other natural rules of which an individual must
tow and obey.
Akunleyan are the virtues and values chosen in heaven consequent
upon your actions/activities in your previous evolution or existence.
They are actually things chosen by you and most of the time form
your likes and dislikes or taboo.
Akunlegba are the gifts or virtues added by various Irunmole at the
presence of Onibode (celestial sentinel) in heaven or just before you
emanate into the world. They are like spices, additives, preservatives,
and vehicles of propagation of Ayanmo and Akunleyan or things that
complement the Akunleyan in order to fulfill your destiny on earth.
The reading of your Odu helps to determine or reveal your talent
limitations, assets, shortcomings, possibilities and probabilities. You
should use the appropriate ebo (sacrifice) which has same polarity
and magnetism to your Odu in order to discover love, fortune health,
hope, happiness, fulfillment in life and longevity.

You should also avoid such things, which may hinder your talents, or
discoveries by observing your taboos as explained to you during your
Itenifa (Ifa initiation).
Pre-initiation Divination (Àdáwọgbódù)
Pre-initiation divination (Adawogbodu) is usually done before a
would-be initiate enters the Ifa grove. The essence of this divination is
to reveal the present situation of things about the person. It states
further and justifies the need or necessity for the initiation.
Sometimes, a clue or hint is revealed about any unforeseen problems
that may arise in the course/process of initiation. Sometimes too it
gives a guide or direction to be followed or observed during the
initiation.
The appropriate ebo (sacrifice) is done immediately, so that a hitch
free initiation is achieved, and to correct or amend any sad or ugly
occurrences that might have beset the would-be initiate.
Post Initiation Divination (Ìta)
Ita, in simple translation means the post initiation divination usually
done on the third day of Itenifa (Ifa Initiation). The significance of Ita is
to reveal the situation of things surrounding the initiate which may
likely happen in the near future. It acts as a support to the Odu
revealed at initiation. Through this divination, a babalawo is told by Ifa
if all the rituals and rites of initiation had been divinely endorsed by
the Irunmole and ultimately by God.
Ita, also re-emphasises and re-validates certain messages that are
sacrosanct in the main Odu reveal at initation.
Sacrifices (ebo) are made immediately in order to engender good
tidings and possibly prevent any unhealthy occurrence that may arise
in the near future.
ODU: OSA-OBARA
ALIAS: OSA ‘BARA

Brief History
Osa’Bara is a combination Odu comprising one leg of Osa Meji on
the right and one leg of Obara Meji on the left. It occupies 167 th
position in the ranking of all 256 Odus.
 MESSAGES
OSA OBARA
1. Ifa foresees Ire from outside the shores of your place or
country of abode. Ifa says that if this Odu is revealed for you
either at Itenifa or Ikosedaye, you will prosper wherever you
choose to settle. Ifa says that there is the need for you to
offer ebo in case you want to migrate to another settlement.
This is to enable you find peace, prosperity and happiness at
the new place of abode. Ifa says that you have the
propensity of attracting people to come and do business with
you, irrespective of where you settled.

However, there is the need for you to offer ebo with 8

pigeons, 8 guinea fowls, 50 kolanuts, 50 bitter-kola and
money. On this, Osa-Obara says:

Osa paa ekun

Obara paa Okun
Ako pepeye abiye gbonrangandan-
gbonrangandan
Dia fun Irawo susuusu
Ti nr’oju Olorun re da’ja si
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Ibi to wu mi
Ma da’ja aje si
Eni rere
Kasai wa ba mi na’ja
Eni rere
Ibi to wu mi
Ma da’ja, aya, omo, ire Gbogbo
Eni rere
Kasai wa ba mi na’ja
Eni rere

Translation
Osa paa ekun
Obara paa okun
 A male duck with its very broad wings
This was the Ifa cast for the cluster of stars
That was going to the sky to establish
It was advised to offer ebo
It complied
Wherever I wish, I will establish business
venture
Good customers
Shall always come to transact business with
me
Good customers indeed
Wherever, I wish, I will establish business of
good spouse, children and good things of life
Good people
Shall always come and interact with me
Good people indeed

2. Ifa advises you to offer ebo for peace of mind. Ifa says that
it becomes necessary in order to avert a problem, which may
be caused by detractors especially from your in-laws. The
problem, Ifa says, is capable of causing unstable state of
mind and possibly ill-health for you.

In this wise, you are advised to offer ebo with two she-
goats, rag, club, drum and money. You also need to
propitiate Ifa during which the drum will be beaten and you
need to dance as well. On this, Ifa says:

Osa ba
Obara ba
Dia fun Orunmila
Ti ana re o maa pe ni’gba ogun
Osa ba
Obara ba
Dia fun Orunmila
Ti ana re o maa pe ni ni’gba ogbon
Nje ana mi npe mi ni’gba ogun
Osa ba
Obara ba
 Ana mi npe mi ni’gba ogbon
Osa ba
Obara ba

Translation
Osa ba ) aliases of Ifa priest
Obara ba )
They cast Ifa for Orunmila
The one whose in-laws would summon on 20
occasions
Osa ba ) aliases of Ifa priest
Obara ba)
Cast Ifa for Orunmila
The one whose his in-laws would summon on
30 occassions
Behold, my in-laws are calling me on 20
occasions
Osa ba
Obara ba
My in-laws are calling me on 30 occasions
Osa ba
Obara ba

3. Ifa advises you to offer ebo against serious illness, which

may make you bed ridden and eventually lead to the loss of
voice or something like a special organ that is of great
significance to your career or profession.

For this, the ebo materials include one ram, one

lamb/sheep, six bottles of palm-oil, 16 kolanuts, 16 bitter
kola and money.

On this, Osa Obara says:

Osa Bara mu ta
Dia fun Ohun
Tii se omo Olorin
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
E ma gbaa loo mi
 Ohun omo Olorin
E ma gbaa loo mi o

Translation
Osa bara muta (He who sun dries melons for
sale)
Cast Ifa for Ohun (voice)
The offspring of Olorin
He was advised to offer ebo
Do not take it away from me
Ohun, the offspring of Olorin
Please, do not deprive me of my voice

4. Ifa advises you to be articulate and explicit in your

utterances in order not to incur wrath upon yourself. Ifa says
that you always speak the truth and never call a spade a
trowel for people. The only snag is that you must always say
things correctly in an explicit manner even if it involves
spending extra time and effort to explain what you say and
what you mean. Ifa says that there is a tendency for people
to quote you out of context and this may cause trouble or
altercation for you.

However, you need to offer ebo with a matured he-goat

and money. You also need to propitiate Esu with a rooster.
On these, Ifa says:

Osa bara pa bara

Dia fun Baale alogusi ku njosi
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Ko rubo
As’oro-Iyan’ro lo pa Baale-alogusi ku njosi

Translation
Osa bara pa bara (alias)
Cast Ifa for Baale-alogusi-ku-njosi
He was advised to offer ebo
He refused to comply
 Alas! It is the inability of being explicit in
utterances that led to the death of Baale-
alogusi-ku-njosi

5. Ifa says that you will become successful to the extent that
you will command respect and have a lot of people at your
beck and call. Ifa says that you have the tendency to
succeed in business venture. People, including your
business associates will respect you a lot and concede
leadership position to you as a result of your business
success. However, there is the need for you to offer ebo
with two guinea fowls and money. On this, Ifa says:

Okiti ba’le ru kugukugu

Dia fun Segi godogba
Ti nbe l’oja ti np’ase
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Segi godogodo ni nbe l’oja ti np’ase

Translation
Okiti ba’le ru kugukugu (alias)
Cast Ifa for Segi Godogba (the big coral bead)
The one who stays in the market and
commands respect and followership
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Segi godogba, is the one who stays in the
market
And wield authority

6. Ifa also says that you will prosper very well in the area of
landed prosperity, faming, sand dredging, geology, mineral
sciences etc.

What this means is that you will have a comparative

advantage over others that deals with land and earth and
other related occupational matters. In this wise, there is the
 need for you to offer ebo with two pigeons, two guinea
fowls and money. On this, Ifa says:

Osa bala muta

Dia fun won ni Saganhun
Omo abu’le s’owo
Ebo ni won ni ko won se
Won gb’ebo, won ru’bo
Ko pe, ko jinna
E wa ba wa ni jebutu ire

Translation
Osa bala muta
Cast Ifa for the inhabitant of Saganhun
Those who profits from land business
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Not too long
Come and join us in abundant Ire

7. Ifa advises you to always inquire from Ifa before moving from
one place to the other or before honouring an invitation to a
gathering where you will need to dance. Ifa says that even if
you attend such gathering, you should avoid public dance or
doing anything that may cause uproar or create scene that
may prompt people to inflict injury on you.

Ifa also warns you to avoid using red coloured cloth/apparel,

cap or use any other thing that has a predominantly red
colour in it. You should heed these warnings and offer ebo
with three roosters, your red clothes and money. On
this, Ifa says:

Osa balabala
Awo ina lo dia fun Ina
Ina nlo egi loo jo
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Iworo ns’ope
Eni gb’ebo ni’be ko s’ebo
 Translation
Osa balabala
The Awo of Ina, fire
Cast Ifa for Ina, fire
When going to egi to dance
He was advised to offer ebo
All adherents of Ope, holy palmtree
Whoever is advised, must heed
And offer ebo

8. Ifa advises you to offer ebo in order to prevent a situation

where you will lack essential things of life. That is to say that
you have been experiencing surplus and should be careful
and more prudent in order to avoid a situation of want in your
life.

On the other hand, Ifa says that your family had experienced
financial surplus in the past but which had now become
history. Ifa says that the family shall be blessed financially
again as it was in the past.

However, there is the need to offer an all encompassing ebo

in order to regain the lost glory and to prevent the situation of
want in your life. On these, Ifa says:

Ol’owo nii ba’ri aje

Ol’oro nii ba’ba akika
Dia fun Olu-Odeeregbe
Omo oro kan d’eyo
Ebo ni won ni ko waa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Nje Aje l’awa nni o ni’ran awa
Agunfon o de,, oniran-nran
Aya, Omo, Ire Gbogbo l’awa nni o ni’ran awa
Agunfon o de, oniran-nran

Translation
The rich uses money as pleases him
 An influential person is he who directs
Those following him as he likes
This was the message of Ifa for Olu-
Odeeregbe
The one whom prosperity runs in his lineage
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
We are blessed with wealth in our lineage
Here comes Agunfon, offspring of a
successful lineage
We are blessed with spouse, kids, all ire in
our lineage
Here comes Agunfon, offspring of a successful
Lineage

9. Ifa foresees ire of prosperity for you. Ifa says that you will
always be treated with prestige wherever you go, especially
when you travel out of the shores of your place/town or
country of abode.

To enjoy this prestige, there is the need for you to offer ebo
of prestige and to propitiate Orisa Ogiyan. On this, Ifa
says:

Ka sa ka ba
Ka rin ka ba
Ka mu araba, ka fi mu aba owu saba l’ori ooro
Orisa je n la, ma jee n ku
Orisa ma je nku, je n la
Agba ti o moo wi
Yoo f’enu ara re wure
Dia fun Okankanle Irunmole
Won nloo ba Olokun p’esan odun
Dia fun Orunmila
O nloo ba Olokun p’esan odun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
 O gbayi ni’be

Translation
To run and hide
To walk and hide
To use araba tree to take cotton wool and
hide it on top of Ooro tree
Orisa, please let me be prosperous, do not let
me die prematurely
Orisa, do not allow me to die prematurely, let
me prosper
An elder who does not know what to say will
use his mouth to pray for himself
These were Ifa’s declarations to the 401
Irunmole
When going to celebrate annual festival with
Olokun
Also declared to Orunmila
When going to celebrate annual festival with
Olokun
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
And was treated with honour and respect

10. Ifa says that you are someone who are kind and generous to
people. Ifa says that it is unfortunate that your kind-
heartedness is not rewarded in the same coin but with
ungratefulness and underserved punishment.

Ifa however advises you to offer ebo Igbeyin (ebo that

makes things that started well to end well). You also need to
offer ebo of victory so as to overcome any odds, which may
initiate against the successful outcome of your good deeds.
On these, Ifa says:

Osa ba,
Obara ba
Obara-bara nba kunmo
Dia fun Egusi
 Ti nlo oko alero l’odun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
Nje oore ti egusi se f’oloko
Kunmo, ni nfi ngbaa

Translation
Osa ba,
Obara ba ) aliases
Obara-bara nba kunmo )
They cast Ifa for Egusi (melon)
When going to annual farming expedition
He was advised to offer ebo
Alas, all the good deeds that egusi offered to
the farmer
It is club and baton that the farmer uses to
reward egusi

11. Ifa says that you shall be known and recognized for your
good deeds. Ifa says that your name shall be written in the
good books of people to the extent that it will remain
indelible even in the minds of people around you.

Ifa however advised you to continue with your good deeds

and to offer ebo with four pigeons and money.
On these, Ifa says:

Osa ba,
Obara ba
Barabara nba kunmo
Dia fun Osupa
A bu f’Olorun
Awon le yan oruko ire ni won da’fa si
Won ni ki won ru’bo
Won gb’ebo, won ru’bo
Ko pe, koi jinna
E wa ba’ni ba’yo, e wa wo ire

Translation
Osa ba,
 Obara ba
Barabara nba kunmo
They were the Awo who cast Ifa for Osupa,
the Moon
And also cast for Oorun, the Sun
They cast Ifa on how to be recognized for their
good deeds
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
In due course
Come and meet us in abundant joy

12. Ifa says that Ifa is the pre-dominant deity for the person for
whom this Odu is revealed. Ifa advises you to pay more
attention to Ifa than all other deities for support in all your
undertakings. If this is done, Ifa assures you of its support,
you also will be bestowed with honour and prestige. On this,
Ifa says:

O sa bara
O rin bara
O fi akaso ti’le yanmo adaba l’oke
Ni’bi to gbe f’aba owu saba l’ori ooro
Dia fun Alaara
Omo adasa waara ni’fe
Ebo eye ni won ni ko wa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
E je ka pa Oosa po
Ka taa
Ka f’owo re ra obi fun Ifa
Ifa nii gbe’ni,
Oosa okunrin ni

Translation
He runs round
He walks round
He uses a ladder as a climbing aid to bring out
a dove chick in the upper part
Where it uses a cotton wool to incubate on top
of Ooro tree
 These were Ifa’s messages for Alaara
The offspring of Orisa priest of Ife
He was advised to offer ebo of prestige
He complied
Behold! Let us gather all Orisa together
Sell them and use the proceeds
To procure kolanut for Ifa
Ifa is the only one that is capable of
supporting one

13. Ifa says that you are in a dilemma now and do not know
which way to take or what to decide. Osa-Obara says that Ifa
is the only one that will assist you to get out of whatever
dilemma or confusing situation you may find yourself. Ifa
says that in the end, you will benefit and will be happy.

However, you need to offer an all encompassing ebo

(financial success, longevity, victory, good companionship,
good offspring, honour, prestige and all other good things of
life).
On this, Ifa says:

Osa ba,
Obara ba
Dia fun Alabahun Ijapa
Ti nlu’lu lo ilu Atoke-doke
Ebo ni won ni ko wa se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Ni’bo ni ngbe lo o
Alara nibo ni ngbe lo
Won npe mi ni m’ogun o
Ni’bo ni ngbe lo
Osa ba,
Obara ba
Nibo ni ngbe lo

Translation
Osa ba,
Obara ba
 The Awo who cast Ifa for Alabahun Ijapa, the
tortoise
When going to play drum for two different
towns at the same time
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Where do I go?
Alara, where should I go first?
They are calling me in several places
Where should I go?
Osa ba,
Obara ba
Where should I go?

14. Ifa advises you to always heed good advices and warnings,
especially from Ifa. Ifa says that if you follow the good
advice of Ifa and observe its tenets, you will be blessed with
long life and success in your undertakings. You are also
advised to always greet and make morning devotion to Ifa
every morning.

However, you ned to offer ebo with four she-goats, four

gallons of palm-oil and money.
On this, Ifa says:

Ogun, lo di’fa fun won ni’le Ado

Won ni ki won ru’bo
Ki ogun o ma ja ile e won
Oke, lo di’fa fun won l’ode Ibadan
Nile Oluyole, omo egbaa o di’ra ogun
Gbogbo dukia le je t’awon ni won ndafa si
Haaa-hooo, lo difa fun won l’ode Oyo
Nilee Siyanbola omo Oluku-ewu
Ladigbolu oro omo Atiba
Okuta meji baba ekuro
Awon le fi Oba te gbogbo aye mole ni won
difa si
Ebo ni won ni ki won se
B’omode kekere ba ji, ko maa ki’fa
 Bo ba daaro kutukutu, ko maa k’odu
B’osan ba pon ganrin-ganrin, ko maa
Ki Elegbara nita gbangba
Omode kekere ji ko kifa
O daaro kutukutu, ko k’odu
Osan pon ganrin-ganrin, ko ki Elegba ra nita
gbangba
Dia fun Amere-o-dagba
Ti n loo ba won mu’le ibudo l’oko
Ilelere l’awo ilelere
Ilelere l’awo ilelere
Dia fun Gbadara
Ti nre ori igi loo jokoo si
Gbadara to s’oran Orisa
Bo pe titi, a rija Sango

Translation
Ogun, was the one who cast Ifa for them at
Ado
They were advised to offer ebo
So that war would not sack their land
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Oke was also the Awo who cast Ifa for the
inhabitants of Ibadan
In the home of Oluyole, offspring of those who
need not make any special preparation before
going to war
They cast Ifa for the acquisition of wealth and
prosperities
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Haaa-hooo was the Awo who cast Ifa for the
inhabitants of Oyo
In the home of Siyanbola, the offspring of
Oluku-ewu
Ladigbolu, the strong, offspring of Atiba
Two pebbles, the father of palm nuts
They cast Ifa for the purpose of making their
Oba, the most paramount of all other Obas
 They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
When a youth wakes up, he should greet Ifa
Very early in the morning, he should greet
Odu
In the afternoon, he should greet Elegbara
(Esu) in the frontage of the house
When the youth woke up, he failed to greet Ifa
Very early in the morning, he failed to greet
Odu
In the afternoon, he also failed to greet
Elegbara in the frontage of the house
These were Ifa’s messages for Amere-o-
dagba
When going to acquire land in the farm
Ilelere, the awo of Ilelere town
Ilelere, the Awo in ilelere town
They were the Awo who cast Ifa for Gbadara
When going to the tree top perch
Gbadara that offended Orisa
Sooner or later, he will see the wrath of
Sango.

15. Ifa says that death is lurking behind your door. According to
Ifa, this might portend danger for you. However, you are
advised to offer ebo and to propitiate the door of your house
with one matured rooster at night before going to bed. This
door will be locked after propitiation and be opened only in
the morning. This is to help banish death away from the
house and to shut death out permanently. On this. Ifa says:

Ka sa, ka ba
Ka rin, ka ba
Ka f’akaso t’ile piripiri
Dia fun Agija gogoogo
Dia fun Olomo turuye
Dia fun won l’ale Ife
Won ji won nkominu ogun
Won ni ebo ni ki won se
 Won gb’ebo, won ru’bo
Nje a dupe l’owo Agija gogoogo
to ba won le’ku lo l’ale Ife
A dupe l’owo Olomo turuye
E je ka ma dupe l’owo Agija gogo
Eyi to ba won le’ku lo l’ale Ife
E je ka dupe l’owo Olomo turuye

Translation
To run and hide
To walk and hide
To use a ladder as a climbing aid
These were Ifa’s messages to Agija gogoogo
Also revealed to Olomo turuye
The same was also revealed to the inhabitant
of Ife
When they were full of anxiety over the attack
of negative forces
They were advised to offer ebo
They complied
Behold, we give thanks to Agija gogoogo
Who assisted us to drive away death in the
land of Ife
We also appreciate the good works of Olomo
turuye
That also aided the banishment of death away
from our land
We give thanks to both Awo

16. Ifa advises you to offer ebo against untold adversities, which
are capable of putting your life into confusion and hardship.
You also need to propitiate Ifa with pounded yam so that you
will not only be protected by Ifa but also be assisted to
overcome any form of adversity. Your life will then begin to
experience bliss and comfort. On this Ifa says:

O sa bara
O rin bara
Ogun nii mu agbalagba ba ni poro oko
 Dia fun Onibara
Omo agunyan bo’gun
Ebo ni won ni ko se
O gb’ebo, o ru’bo
Ogun o wole Onibara mo o
Onibara, omo agunyan bo’gun

Translation
O sa bara )
O rin bara ) aliases
It is war that makes an elder to hide out of
sight in the farm
This was the message of Ifa for Onibara (king
of Ibara land)
He who uses pounded yam to feed and
appease warriors
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
War will no longer beset the home of Onibara
again
Onibara, he-who-uses-pounded yam to
conquer and overcome war

Aboru Aboye
B. TABOOS OF OSA-OBARA

1. You must not be frequenting your in-laws home.

2. You must not eat duck
3. You must not be talking in parables in order to avoid being mis-
quoted or mis-interpreted.
4. Must never use red clothes
5. Must never dance in public
6. Must never prove that you are wiser than other

C. AFFILIATED ORISA AND IRUNMOLE

1. Ifa
2. Osun
3. Obatala
4. Sango
5. Orisa Ogiyan
6. Esu
7. Ogun
8. Ogboni
9. Ori
10. Odu

D. POSSIBLE NAMES OF OSA OBARA

1. Oladiran; Honour is in our lineage

2. Segilola; Coral bead is for honour
3. Ifasegun; Ifa is victorious

ABORU ABOYE