Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has ignited a wave of reactions with a bold statement defending the Yoruba traditional religion, Ifa.

The event, held at the Green Legacy Hotel and Resort within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), highlighted the importance of preserving African cultural heritage. Obasanjo, a devout Christian, emphasized that faith should not erase cultural identity.

“I am a Christian, and I attended two church services today. But that does not mean I should abandon my culture. Whoever says Ifa is nothing, I say that person is a big fool,” he stated.

The former president further explained that before the arrival of Christianity and Islam, the Yoruba people revered Ifa Orunmila, a spiritual belief system with profound significance. Supporting his point with a Yoruba proverb, he said, “Olorun lo mo eni to ma la”—“It is Heaven that knows who will be saved.”

Obasanjo’s comments have sparked conversations about the coexistence of religion and cultural heritage in Nigeria, with many applauding his call to preserve Yoruba traditions.

Why This Matters

Obasanjo’s stance serves as a reminder of the rich cultural identity embedded in African traditions and underscores the need for harmony between faith and heritage.