The right leg is the principal one and is read first; the left is the secondary (witness). — Bascom, Ifá Divination; Encyclopedic Treatise of Ifá.

Odu #112 · Omo Odu (Odu Combinado)

Obara Ofun

"The awo always has something to do; the one who wished to deceive another ended up being the one deceived."

I - II - II - II · II - I - II - I

Numerology

23 (synthesis of 7 with 16)

Elements

Fire - Courage | All elements - Integration | Synthesis — Integration of forces

Sacred Colors

Gold (royalty) and Pure white (totality) (a combination of the energies of both Odus)

Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.

Also known as: Obara Fun · Obara Òfún · Òbàrà Ofun · Òbàrà Òfún

LeadershipWisdomIntegrationSynthesisDynamic balance

What is the Odu Obara Ofun

Obara Guofon is the Ifá in which nervousness, cramp, the hunchbacked and the reason why Obatalá cannot eat salt were born. It is an Ifá of supplanting: here Olofin sought the babalawos and they said that there was nothing new, and the next day his son died — because the awo always has something to do.

Meaning

In the Tratado, Obara Fun speaks of harm in the awo's food: Olofin and Orunmila command taking care where and what one eats, so that enemies do not kill them, and forbid yam and fufu. It speaks of embolisms — one cannot lie down just after eating —, of nervousness and of cramp by the work of Obatalá, and it says that the earth trembles by malediction of Obatalá and that Shango is angry with the person. A child who separated from the parents on account of a sibling will do for them in the future, while the one who stayed makes their life impossible.

Sacred Profile

Symbolic reading — interpretation, not attributed to the Treatise.

Numerology: 23 (synthesis of 7 with 16). This number resonates in the energy of this Odu, guiding the seeker in understanding the cycles and vibrations that govern this path.

Elements: Fire - Courage | All elements - Integration | Synthesis — Integration of forces. The sacred elements establish the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, offering tools of balance and transformation.

Sacred Colors: Gold (royalty) and Pure white (totality) (a combination of the energies of both Odus). The colors of this Odu carry specific vibrations that can be used in rituals, clothing, and environments to harmonize with its energy.

Qualities: Leadership, Wisdom, Integration, Synthesis, Dynamic balance. These qualities represent the inner forces that the seeker can cultivate to walk in alignment with the wisdom of this Odu.

✦ Recommendations

Fulfil what you promise, for you are fond of offering and never fulfil anything. Feed Exu and take great care of the door. Go to the doctor and do not lie down just after eating, on account of embolisms. Take care where and what you eat, and eat nothing covered nor yam, so that enemies do not kill you.

⚠ Cautions

The awo always has something to do: do not say there is nothing new when there is. The one who wished to deceive another ended up being the one deceived — do not be a liar nor spread what concerns others by doing the same, for therein lies your misfortune. Do not argue over money nor get vexed, for you may bring up blood from your mouth. They are preparing a trap for you.

This Odu describes tendencies and possible paths to work on — not a fixed destiny or a guaranteed prediction.

Ire

The shelter of the one who fulfils what they promise and feeds Exu, and the loyalty of the child who, separated by a sibling, will do for the parents in the future; the salvation of the one who takes care where and what they eat and goes to the doctor in time.

Osogbo

The supplanting and the harm in the awo's food, by which enemies wish to kill you, and the misfortune of the one who promises and does not fulfil and spreads what concerns others; the nervousness, the cramp and the embolism, and the blood from the mouth of the one who gets vexed over money.

Context and study of the 256 Odus

Obara Ofun belongs to the full corpus of the 256 Odus of Ifá, a body of oral and written wisdom spanning centuries across the African diaspora and the Americas. Understanding this Odu means placing energies, archetypes, and sacred narratives in relation to the opele, divination, and a life practice guided by balance. The philosophical reading offered on this page does not replace initiation with a Babalawo or Iyanifa, but it deepens respect for the tradition and supports structured study for those who learn with humility.

In Ifá texts, the name Obara Ofun appears in prayers, ebo, and songs; its energy is tied to cycles of transformation and to relationship with the land, the Orishas, and community. Comparing this Odu with its root Meji and related Odus helps you recognize patterns of Irê and Osogbo that recur through life and everyday choices.

The Ifá Wisdom digital library brings together all 256 paths with epithets, essence, synthesis, and practical guidance. By exploring this page and the full library, you build a foundation for meditation, spiritual journaling, and ethical follow-up—with explicit gratitude to Yoruba culture and its guardians.

Irê, Osogbo, and reading Obara Ofun

In any Odù, Irê points to blessings and positive affinities; Osogbo highlights challenges and adjustments. Reading this Odu invites integrated reflection on relationships, work, emotional health, and purpose. Ifá asks for patience, right speech, and—when prescribed by an initiated priest—ebo and disciplines of conduct.

When you use the Ifá oracle with artificial intelligence on this platform, you receive a philosophical and educational interpretation: a learning bridge, not a priestly ritual. Keep that distinction to honour the tradition and the role of Babalawos and Iyanifas.

Ethics, respect, and continuing study

Ifá Wisdom is a multilingual educational service. We combine careful documentation of the Odus with the awareness that the living oracle belongs to the communities that preserve it. We do not promise cures, material guarantees, or a substitute for initiatory counsel.

To explore Obara Ofun in depth, browse the library of 256 Odus, the Odu of the day, and—if you wish—a contextual consultation in the oracle—always respecting your autonomy and the culture of origin.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Odu Obara Ofun mean?+
Obara Guofon is the Ifá in which nervousness, cramp, the hunchbacked and the reason why Obatalá cannot eat salt were born. It is an Ifá of supplanting: here Olofin sought the babalawos and they said that there was nothing new, and the next day his son died — because the awo always has something to do.
What is the central message of Obara Ofun?+
In the Tratado, Obara Fun speaks of harm in the awo's food: Olofin and Orunmila command taking care where and what one eats, so that enemies do not kill them, and forbid yam and fufu. It speaks of embolisms — one cannot lie down just after eating —, of nervousness and of cramp by the work of Obatalá, and it says that the earth trembles by malediction of Obatalá and that Shango is angry with the person. A child who separated from the parents on account of a sibling will do for them in the future, while the one who stayed makes their life impossible.
What are the Irê and Osogbo of Obara Ofun?+
Ire: The shelter of the one who fulfils what they promise and feeds Exu, and the loyalty of the child who, separated by a sibling, will do for the parents in the future; the salvation of the one who takes care where and what they eat and goes to the doctor in time. — Osogbo: The supplanting and the harm in the awo's food, by which enemies wish to kill you, and the misfortune of the one who promises and does not fulfil and spreads what concerns others; the nervousness, the cramp and the embolism, and the blood from the mouth of the one who gets vexed over money.

Sources consulted

  • Tratado Enciclopédico de Ifá, section Obara Fun (Obara Guofon)
See all sources →

Written by

  • Pablo de Lima (Awofakan)
  • Thaiana de Lima (Ikofá)

A couple initiated in Ifá in the Cuban lineage — Regla de Ocha / Ifá.

Meet the authors →
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Notice: This platform is an educational and cultural tool. Consultations are intended for reflection and contemplation, drawing on ancestral Yoruba wisdom. They do not replace professional medical, psychological, legal or financial advice, nor an in-person consultation with an initiated priest.