Nobel Laureate and literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka has shared his spiritual preference for traditional Orisa worship, emphasizing its deep cultural roots and creative mystique in a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo.
Soyinka recounted his unique upbringing, stating, “I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers.” He revealed that his grandfather, a chief and Orisa devotee, greatly influenced his fascination with this spiritual practice.
He highlighted Orisa worship as an expression of African spirituality that embodies values such as non-violence and creativity, which he believes are often missing in mainstream religions. “For me, it was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious,” he explained, contrasting it with Christianity and Islam, which he finds lacking in that mystical essence.
While acknowledging his limited exposure to Islam, Soyinka expressed discomfort with personal portrayals in adaptations of his life, stating, “Turning anything in my life into what other people can watch pains me.” He conveyed a sense of detachment when viewing dramatized versions of his experiences.
Soyinka’s reflections underscore his profound reverence for African spiritual heritage, revealing why Orisa worship is a central aspect of his identity and life