Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has revealed his preference for traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam, citing its deeper appeal to him.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka explained that, for him, the depth of faith in Orisa worship surpasses that found in Christianity and Islam.
He noted that Orisa worship embraces creativity and non-violence, elements that resonate with him.
“I was fortunate to be born into two worlds – the Christian world and the traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, before his conversion to Christianity, was an Orisa devotee and a chief.
“His side of Orisa worship intrigued me much more. It felt more artistic, creative, and mysterious. I don’t find much mystery in Christianity, and even less in Islam, likely because I didn’t grow up in a Muslim environment,” Soyinka shared.
Soyinka further emphasized the openness and inclusive nature of Orisa worship, which, according to him, allowed foreign religions to penetrate and even distort its truth.
“Orisa worship is not violent; it is one of the African religions that reject violence. I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God, and if that makes me an atheist in the eyes of adherents, so be it. I consider myself a spiritually sensitive person and believe that all humans have a spiritual core,” he added.
Soyinka’s remarks highlight his personal connection to traditional African spirituality and its influence on his worldview.
