Soyinka shuns Christianity, Islam prefers traditional Orisa worship

October 10, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Renowned Nigerian writer and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has revealed his inclination towards traditional Orisa worship, citing its unique depth and creative essence.

In a recent statement, Soyinka expressed his reservations about Christianity and Islam, suggesting that they fail to match the profound spiritual connection he experiences through Orisa worship. “The depth of faith in Islam and Christianity doesn’t resonate with me as much as Orisa worship does,” he acknowledged.

Soyinka attributed his fascination with Orisa worship to its distinct characteristics, highlighting its non-violent and creative nature. “Orisa worship, an integral part of African religions, stands out for its emphasis on peaceful coexistence and artistic expression,” he noted.

“I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, until he – poor man – also got converted – he was an Orisa person and a chief, and his (grandfather’s) side (of Orisa) fascinated me a lot more,” the playwright told CNN’s Larry Madowo, during an interview.

He added, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam and that is for a simple reason that I didn’t grow up in a Muslim environment.

“Orisa is open, and very ecumenical and that is why these foreign religions were able to penetrate it and even distort the truth. Because of the generosity of this spirit (Orisa), it is not violent. It is one of those African religions which eschew violence.

“I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God and for the adherents of these religions if that makes me an atheist, so I say, I am an atheist. I insisted that all human beings have a certain spiritual core in their being, I believe myself to be a more spirit-sensitive person.”

“Let me put it this way, turning anything in my life into what other people can watch pains me. It makes me extremely uncomfortable. It’s wrong to say it’s terrific, let me just say I’m detached from it.