Yemi Olakitan
The Yoruba people, one of Africa’s largest ethnic
groups with over 40 million individuals spanning Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and the
diaspora, possess a rich spiritual heritage centered on the worship of Olodumare
the Supreme Creator.
While Yoruba cosmology includes a pantheon of divine
beings (Orishas), scholars like E. Bolaji Idowu reveals that the tradition is
fundamentally monotheistic, structured around a "diffused monotheism"
where Olodumare reigns supreme while delegating cosmic functions to subordinate
divinities.
This article explores the theological foundations of
Yoruba monotheism, the nature of Olodumare, and the enduring significance of
this belief system.
Olodumare: The Omnipotent Supreme Being
At the core of Yoruba spirituality is Olodumare (also
called Olorun or Olofin), the transcendent yet immanent Creator who embodies
omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
Unlike the Orishas, Olodumare is not worshipped through
rituals or shrines but is revered as the ultimate source of àṣẹ (divine
energy), the breath of life (emi), and the architect of destiny (ìwà-pẹ̀lú-àyé)
. Key attributes include:
Creator of the Universe: Yoruba creation stories
describe Olodumare delegating the formation of Earth to Obatala and later Oduduwa,
who shaped the world from primordial chaos .
-Moral Authority: Olodumare governs cosmic justice,
emphasizing ethical living (ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́—good character) which can be translated
as honesty or Integrity, kindness, humility, patience, Industry, wisdom and
brotherly love as essential to aligning with one’s destiny.
Transcendence and Immanence: Though beyond human
comprehension, Olodumare permeates all existence, sustaining life through
intermediaries like the Orishas.
Diffused Monotheism: The Role of the Orishas
The Yoruba spiritual framework is often
mischaracterized as polytheistic due to its numerous Orishas (e.g., Shango, Ogun,
Yemoja).
However, these deities are not independent gods but
extensions of Olodumare’s authority, acting as intermediaries or messengers between
humanity and the divine.
Most people when they come across the religion of the
Yoruba people consider it a polytheism.
This is wrong and a total misconception. In Yoruba traditional
religion also called, Isese, or Esin Abalaye among other names, there is only
one God, the supreme being, the creator of heaven and earth who is called,
Olodumare by the Yoruba people. This, Olodumare has many messengers; the divine
beings who are called; Orisha or spelt, Orisa, in some texts. These Orishas got
their powers from Olodumare and each Orisha has an assignment on earth.
For example:
Obatala: Tasked with molding humans from clay,
symbolizing Olodumare’s creative power in heaven and on earth
Oshun: The river goddess who interceded with Olodumare
to restore rain and calmness in the waters, demonstrating humility and devotion
.
Orunmila: The divination deity who transmits
Olodumare’s wisdom through the Odu Ifá, a corpus of sacred verses recognized by
UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
This structure mirrors a cosmic hierarchy where the Orishas
serve as ministers under a singular sovereign, akin to rivers flowing from an ocean.
Scriptures and Scholarly Interpretations
The Odu Ifá, Yoruba’s oral and written sacred scripture,
codifies Olodumare’s supremacy. Its 256 chapters (Odu) provide ethical
guidance, proverbs, and rituals, reinforcing monotheistic principles . Scholars
like Idowu, in his seminal work
Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief, assert that Yoruba
religion predates Abrahamic influences and centers on a "primordial
monotheism."
Anthropomorphism: Descriptions of Olodumare using
human-like traits (e.g., justice, compassion) are metaphorical, emphasizing
accessibility rather than literal form .
Yoruba monotheism remains vibrant, shaping practices
like the annual Isèse Festival, which honors Olodumare through gratitude and
communal rituals . In the diaspora, traditions like Santería and Candomblé
retain Olodumare’s centrality while adapting to new contexts . The philosophy
of ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́, good character continues to defines Yoruba societal values,
promoting harmony and ethical conduct .
Yoruba monotheism, with Olodumare at its apex, offers
a nuanced understanding of divinity that balances transcendence with immanence.
By delegating cosmic duties to the Orishas while maintaining ultimate
authority, Olodumare embodies a uniquely African expression of monotheism—one
that has resisted erasure and evolved across centuries. As Idowu noted, this
tradition affirms that "Africa was not without the knowledge of God,"
challenging colonial narratives and enriching global spiritual discourse.
For further reading, refer to Bolaji Idowu’s Olodumare:
God in Yoruba Belief and the
UNESCO-recognized Odu Ifá corpus .
