In 1990 I was initiated into the Afro-Cuban Tradition called "Lucumi"

17 years later I became one of the very few women to reach the level of

OBA Oriate also called "obasa"  In  our ever evolving tradition there are many who claim to be experts and claim to know the truth and what is correct or incorrect. The internet is the most guilty of this however I do not intend to contribute to the war of who knows more. This is just my experience. You make your own decision. In  2003  the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba published a the names of 16 women who were Obas in the early years of our Lukumi tradition, as well as the names of 21 men who were named for their contributions as oba oriates. The following is quoted from that article:

In the first groups of slaves who came from the land of the Yorubas arriving to our country, we encountered the presence of women who had the conditions and the knowledge to act as obas, something that is missing in our present days. In the list we find the names of these great women who realized this noble function.

Ña Caridad -Iguoro

Ña Rosalia- Efuche

Ña Teresita Ariosa- Ochun Bumy

Ña Merced- Ordoro Sumi

Ña Belen- Apoto

Calizta Morales-Odedey

Timotea Albear- Ayai leu latuan

Ma Monserrat Oviedo- Oba tero

Africana- Ogun Fumito

Carmen Miro-Ewin Lety

Guillermina Castel-Ewin Bi

Ramona Collazo-Awaptico

Pastora Martinez- Ade Kola

Arabia Oviedo-Chango Bi

Camila Oviedo-Ochun Funke

Ferminita Gomez- Ocha Bi

Combined with this publication is the fact that I have gone to the source, Havana and Matanzas, Cuba and have spoken with elders who actually knew women who were obasas, who witnessed women sitting on estera and functioning as obasas in ceremony. I even met the grandaughter of the famous Obasa  Felipa  "Pepa" Calderon  - Bamboche , godmother to"Cheo Chango" , and from my personal experience I can add more names to the list of Obasas:

Caridiad Cuesta-Oya Rinu

Concha Mokoyu

Delia Malecon

Maria Campusan

Ña Merced Pintado-Okantomi

Ana Rodruiguez-Oshun Were

Erinita-Ode Niwe

When you look at all those names I hope you can look at them with respect and realize that these Alagwas contributed to the preservation  of our tradition and deserve to be recognized.  The odu of 4-9 says "what is written well cannot be erased" I hope that these names remain in our hearts and minds along with all the great men who kept our tradition alive during those most difficult of times.

I continue to study with my elders to perfect my art and to preserve this rich and profound tradition that has helped me and many  others in the struggles of life and spiritual elevation I would not have been able to realize the office of Oriate without the help , support and teaching of my teacher and friend Oggun Lana Jorge Morales a priest of Oggun for over 50 years. A ceremony is not sufficient to give the necessary knowledge to sit on the mat, this position requires a teacher who gives blessings as well as guidence and I am greatful to Oggun that I have found that person. Maferefun Oggun!!