The Yoruba Times to Layi Wasabi: “You Have Crossed the Line – Retract Your Skit and Apologise”

By Ademola Adekusibe
June 28, 2026

Popular content creator Layi Wasabi has come under fire over his recent skit, which many have condemned for trivialising and degrading the name of Esu, a revered deity in Yoruba cosmology. The Yoruba Times, in a strongly worded editorial, has called on the comedian to retract the skit and issue a public apology.

The media house expressed deep disappointment, noting that Wasabi turned a sacred figure of cosmic order, justice, and balance into a punchline for cheap comedy. It described the act as cultural sacrilege and an insult to millions of Yoruba people who hold their heritage sacred.

The editorial traced the long-standing misconception that equates Esu with Satan to a colonial distortion, particularly the translation of the Bible into Yoruba by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther over 140 years ago. The Yoruba Times noted that this error led to the unfair demonisation of a vital part of Yoruba spirituality, and that traditionalists, scholars, and cultural custodians have worked tirelessly to correct this misrepresentation.

“To use the sacred name of Esu as a prop for a skit is not just careless; it is an affront to the heritage and identity of the Yoruba people,” the editorial stated.

The media house stressed that creative freedom does not excuse cultural disrespect, and that Wasabi must take responsibility for the impact of his content. It demanded a public apology, the removal of the skit, and a commitment to more responsible content creation.

“This is not about censorship; it is about respect. Our culture must be honoured, not insulted,” the editorial concluded.

The Yoruba Times also called on all content creators to exercise caution and cultural sensitivity, and urged the public to reject content that demeans Yoruba heritage.