Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has revealed that he finds traditional Orisa worship more appealing than Christianity and Islam, describing it as more artistic, inclusive, and non-violent.
Speaking during an interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo, Soyinka reflected on his early exposure to both Christianity and indigenous spirituality, noting that the latter had a stronger impact on him.
According to the renowned playwright, his fascination with Orisa worship stemmed from its mystery, creativity, and openness.
“I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, until he got converted, was an Orisa worshipper and a chief, and his side fascinated me much more,” he said.
Soyinka further argued that traditional African spirituality possesses a generous and ecumenical nature that distinguishes it from many organised religions.
“For me, it was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam. Orisa is open and very ecumenical. Because of the generosity of this spirit, it is not violent. It is one of those African religions which eschew violence,” he stated.
Clarifying his personal convictions, Soyinka said he does not subscribe to the Christian or Islamic concept of God and acknowledged that some may therefore regard him as an atheist.
“I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God. If that makes me an atheist in the eyes of adherents of those religions, then I say I am an atheist. But I believe all human beings possess a spiritual core, and I consider myself highly spirit-sensitive,” he added.
Beyond religion, Soyinka also disclosed his discomfort with film or literary adaptations of his life and works, describing such portrayals as emotionally unsettling.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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