Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has shared his preference for traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam, citing a deeper connection to Orisa’s faith. He described Orisa worship as more artistic, creative, and mysterious compared to the other religions. In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka explained, “I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers.” He emphasized, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam.”

Soyinka praised Orisa worship for its non-violent nature, stating, “It is one of those African religions which eschew violence.” He also expressed his views on the Islamic and Christian gods, saying, “I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God… so I say, I am an atheist.” He believes that all humans possess a spiritual core and sees himself as “a more spirit-sensitive person.”

Additionally, the playwright revealed his discomfort with adaptations of his life or works, saying, “Turning anything in my life into what other people can watch pains me. It makes me extremely uncomfortable… It takes me a while to bring myself to watch me.”