OGBE OSA

Ogbe Osa – The Lesson of the Cock and the Fox

IFA teaches us to be vigilant — to watch our backs, our environment, and our company —

so as not to fall into the temptation and tricks of the enemies. IFA says that although

enemies may dig a deep hole to bury the owner of this Odu, with sacrifice and the support of the Irunmole, victory shall be attained. Sacrifice ensures victory.

Warnings from Ifa under Ogbe Osa

Those born under the vibration of Ogbe Osa must exercise great caution so as not to fall

victim to attacks from enemies disguised as friends. For a married man, IFA warns to be

careful of the secret plans of his wife, as attacks from her or a divorced woman could bring

great harm to her husband. Relatives, family members, and neighbors are also possible

suspects. IFA advises keeping a safe distance to prevent them from truncating your

progress.

Under this Odu, IFA speaks of deceitful husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, relatives, and

neighbors. Only spiritual vigilance can counter their evil intents. Beware of deceptive

alliances and plans with those who appear as friends.

IFA says: “OLUWA OBA NI DAJO AFEHIN PERAN” — meaning, only God can judge a man

who loves to share meat with personal teeth that belong to two or more people.

Most evil establishments arise from within — from family, friends, relatives, and supposed

well-wishers working secretly to turn blessings into misfortune, prosperity into poverty,

health into sickness, and happiness into sorrow. Never judge by appearances; instead, pray

to God and take spiritual steps to secure victory and overcome the traps of the enemies.

The Myth of the Cock and the Fox

IFA tells the myth of a Cock who was once a good friend of the Fox. The Cock trusted the Fox completely, revealing all his plans and secrets, while the Fox hid his own and plotted deceit.

Fox, curious and envious of the Cock’s red comb — which he believed to be fire — was both

fearful and fascinated by it. One day, the Fox asked to touch the red comb on the Cock’s head, pretending admiration.

Out of trust, the Cock allowed it. The Fox, upon feeling its softness, quickly tore off the comb along with the Cock’s head, thus beginning the eternal enmity between Foxes and Cocks.

From that day onward, the Fox and his descendants preyed upon the Cock’s lineage.

The moral of this myth is clear: No matter how close you are to a friend or family member,

never reveal all your secrets — especially your weaknesses. What seems like harmless

openness can be used against you. Pray instead for the strength to overcome your

weaknesses in silence.

Ese Ifa – Under Ogbe Osa

Ese Ifa apa kinni labe odu Ogbe Osa

IFA jebo naa o fin

Ela jebo naa o rode orun gbure gbure

Aniseere ni sawo won ninu ibu

Ojo didi ni sawo won ni iloro

A difa fun akuko girisa lotu isalaye

A te fun kolokolo ni nu iju

Ti won jijonse ore ara won lotu isalaye

Ti won se oluku ara won loja ejigboromekun

Ase

Translation

IFA, let my sacrifice be auspicious.

Ela, let my ritual rise to the heavens.

Thus divined Ifa for the big Cock in the jungle of life,

and for the Fox in the deep forest.

When both were friends in the mystical market of Ejigboromeku.

IFA warned the Cock to be careful — for the Fox is not a creature of true friendship.

But the Cock ignored the warning, and the Fox sacrificed him for survival.

IFA, protect me from deceitful people who appear as friends but hide evil intent.

Let me not be used as a sacrifice in the secret market of Ejigboromeku.

Ela, Orunmila, protect all your devotees in the jungle of life.

Ase.