Traditionalists Demand Recognition: Esu Is Not Satan

Traditionalists Demand Recognition: Esu Is Not Satan

In a bold move that defies traditional Christian and Muslim upbringing, a growing number of young Nigerians are embracing Isese spirituality. However, their journey is far from easy. VICTOR AYENI explores the compelling stories of these…Traditionalists Demand Recognition: Esu Is Not Satan

traditional worshippers, highlighting their struggle against persistent vilification, harassment, and entrenched societal prejudice.

A viral video shared by user Dewdrop on May 14, 2024, sparked a heated debate online. The footage, which amassed over a million views, depicts a young man offering a sacrifice to Olokun, an androgynous Orisa revered among Yoruba, Edo, and other southern Nigerian communities.

As the man emerged from the sea onto Sultan Beach in Badagry, Lagos, a crowd of Isese practitioners dressed in blue and white gathered in celebration. Drums, gongs, and white offerings filled the air in a display of cultural and spiritual significance.

When asked about the potential dangers involved in such rituals, an adherent explained that if the man had drowned, it would be considered a “bad omen,” prompting further sacrifices to determine why the offering was rejected.

Despite the rich cultural and spiritual meaning behind such practices, the video sparked widespread criticism. A 2024 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom revealed that approximately 46% of Nigerians are Christian, 46% are Muslim, and only 8% engage in African indigenous spirituality.

Dewdrop responded to the backlash, criticizing how adherents of dominant religions often react to their own faiths being questioned but are quick to insult and condemn others. “Traditionalists have borne the brunt of such attacks, but we, the young traditionalists of this generation, will not remain silent,” he said.

‘I Was a Jehovah’s Witness’

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Dewdrop—whose real name is Olabode Ogunjobi—shared his journey from a Jehovah’s Witness upbringing to embracing Yoruba traditional spirituality. Raised in a devout Christian household, his father transitioned from Anglicanism to Jehovah’s Witnesses, eventually becoming a presiding overseer.

Ogunjobi’s fascination with traditional spirituality intensified after experiencing racism during his time in Rome, where he felt alienated despite his efforts to integrate into a predominantly Italian congregation. The experience led him to research deeper into Yoruba traditions, culminating in his full embrace of Isese.

“Within a few years of my Ifá initiation, I noticed significant changes in my life—spiritual, emotional, and personal,” he explained.

Underlying Yoruba spirituality is Ifá, a complex system of wisdom, divination, and ritual practices. According to UNESCO, Ifá is rooted in the Yoruba deity of wisdom, Orunmila. However, under colonial influence, Yoruba practices were demonized, relegating them to the margins of Nigerian society.

Despite this, Yoruba spirituality has witnessed a resurgence, especially among younger generations. Traditional festivals like Osun Osogbo and Ogun Onire have gained prominence, drawing both local and international attention.

Esu: Not Satan

One of the significant areas of misconception is the deity Esu, often conflated with Satan. On December 24, Yoruba traditionalists marked the World Esu Festival with a theme emphasizing the distinct nature of Esu. They used social media to dispel misconceptions and educate the public about Esu’s true role—an Orisa of balance and communication between humanity and the divine.

Traditionalists argue that the confusion between Esu and Satan began with Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s Yoruba translation of the Bible, which misrepresented Esu as Satan—a fallacy rooted in colonial and cultural misunderstanding.

Citing this misconception, traditionalists are pushing for a greater understanding of Yoruba spirituality, emphasizing its richness and significance beyond narrow stereotypes.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite the resurgence, Yoruba traditionalists continue to face rising tensions. Incidents of violence, threats, and arrests against Isese practitioners are becoming more frequent. These confrontations often stem from misunderstandings and resistance from dominant religious groups like Muslims and Christians.

For many young Nigerians like Opeyemi Adepoju, the shift toward traditional spirituality is a reclamation of their heritage and identity, despite the backlash they face from family and society.

“There will always be people who misuse spiritual powers, but true Yoruba spirituality focuses on balance, prosperity, and positive energies, not rituals for harm,” Adepoju stated.

Despite the challenges, the celebration of Isese Day as a public holiday in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, and Ogun signifies a pivotal moment in the acceptance and recognition of Yoruba traditions in Nigeria’s broader social and political landscape.

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