How Ajayi Crowther Committed Error While Translating English Bible To Yoruba – Traditionalist

How Ajayi Crowther Committed Error While Translating English Bible To Yoruba – Traditionalist

A Yoruba traditional worshipper, Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, who serves as the General Secretary of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Oyo State and the founder of Olodumare’s Temple of Light International, has emphasized that the mistake made by the late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, in naming Esu as Satan while translating the English Bible to Yoruba, has had a significant impact on African traditionalists’ true identity.

During the 2023 annual Esu festival, known as the “Walk For Esu,” held at Alade Town on Old Oyo Road, Ibadan, Fakayode highlighted the enduring consequences of the incorrect stereotype. He explained that this error has perpetuated wrongful discrimination, violence, and unjust treatment of adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion over the centuries.

The purpose of the festival and the associated sensitization campaign rally around major areas in Ibadan was to address and correct the historical mistake made by Bishop Ajayi Crowther. The late Bishop, who was a freed slave of Yoruba descent, later became an Anglican Bishop and was entrusted with the task of translating the Bible into the Yoruba language.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate Esu, one of the most industrious of all Yoruba deities and who unfortunately was misconstrued to be of the same character as the Bible’s Satan.

“The sensitisation rally, which has been on across the world for years is meant to change the stereotype caused by the Crowther’s mistake and restore the deserving respect that should be accorded Esu by all and sundry, an effort which we have seen is achieving success.

“Esu is a deity that Yorubas believe has always blessed them with good things as a messenger of God, he is not vile and bad as being characterised by the people of foreign religions,” Fakayode pointed.
The event culminated in a public lecture titled “Esu: The Wealth of The Society”, which was delivered by Chief Fakayode Olaonipekun, a traditionalist based in Ibadan.