Lineages of Babalawos in Cuba

The Afro-Cuban Ifa that is practiced today comes from 6 main branches of Ifa in Cuba: Ño Blas Bengala Cardenas Otrupon Meji, Don Remigio Herrera Adeshina Obara Meji Iyesa, Olugere Kokó, Don Francisco Villalonga, Ño Carlos Adebi, and Don Joaquín Cádiz. The Ifa practiced today in Cuba is from the Ijesa land, while the "Nigerian Ifa," as some call it, is from the land of Ife.

The most famous Babalawo with the Ogbe Di sign was Dr. Jose Herrera (1900-1972), Omo Ochun. He was the godson and successor of the also famous Babalawo Bernardo Rojas Torres (IreterDi). Joseito El Medico, as he was commonly called, was an extremely brilliant man with immeasurable modesty. He lived on 90th Street in the Pobolotti neighborhood of Marianao. From his early days as a Babalawo, he was chosen by his godfather Bernardo as his right hand and heir to his legacy, despite Enrique Santa Cruz (Ika Kana) being his elder godson. Joseito’s human quality with his godfather and compadre Bernardo was such that Bernardo financed every penny of his education, turning Joseito into an excellent doctor specializing in Gastroenterology.

Upon Bernardo's death, he inherited all the powers, which made him the Obba of the Vatican Branch (as it is commonly called). With the help of Joaquin Salazar (Osaloforbello), who was the Obba of ceremonies, and other Babalawos of the time, they continued to strengthen and consolidate the traditions inherited from their ancestors. Jose Herrera and Bernardo consecrated a large number of men in Ifa, making "The Vatican Branch" the largest in the history of Ifaism in Cuba. To this day, it remains one of the most traditional and extensive branches in Cuba. Another notable branch is the China Wall Branch, led by the famous Babalawo Angel Custodio Padron Cardenas, Bebo Mokongo (Baba Eyiorbe), which has remained united for almost 50 years.

The legacy of José Herrera (Ogbe Di) continues to this day through his successors as a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and respect for our ancestors and Afro-Cuban traditions.

Also, a very serious and respectful religious house is Cristo de Palmira, led by Don Facundo Primitivo Sevilla Ogbe Di, just like Jose Herrera, who was Bernardo Rojas’ Ifa brother. When Sevilla Ogbe Di was older than Jose Herrera, Facundo was made Ifa by Tata Gaitán.

Everyone agreed that the Babalawo with the best education, charisma, respect, and wisdom with the Ogbedi sign was Jose Herrera Ogbedi, "Joseito El Medico."

Alfonso Roca Iwori Koso, speaking about Joseito, said that he was the Babalawo who best "handled the cartucho," referring to his profound knowledge, especially of ebbo. Alfonso, a man of great knowledge and cultural level, also had a refined sense of humor.

Obà Oriaté David Alá Aggayú