Religious Adventure—A Leaf From Yoruba Culture I

Religious Adventure—A Leaf From Yoruba Culture I
By Israel Ayanwuyi, 2019.

When there are many beliefs struggling to make stand through every nook and open place of the world, the Yorùbás of the end are even waving off without remark. The question is: why are we missing off our heritages and actual sense our forefathers created? This is a prominent issue I think you should know about religion and Yorùbá of the ancient world.

In the ancient time, Òrúnmìlà is known with oracle and he basically consult oracle for people [perhaps like today's Prophet]. Mostly in Yorùbá land, great warriors don't die, they might disappear or turn to another thing. Something of this happened to Òrúnmìlà but when he left, he started "Ikin" and that was what they do to ask for anything like instruction or guide about life and its issues. After this, people later turned to its worship on a regular basis because Òrúnmìlà make a good sense to them and he is providing every necessary help for their living struggles.

Of this category is Sàngó, Ògún, Ifá, Ọ̀ṣun and few many others. All of them had been alive at a time before people turned them to deity after their demise. No human was worshipping any of these gods when they were living.

Only that people really did pay homage to them because of their extraordinary act, special prowess each of them possessed. Those who worship those gods are their servants and a diehard followers to them.

As you might know, no one worshipped Jesus Christ when he was alive but those who follow his pattern and lifestyle after his death and resurrection started from an ancient town—Antioch—and were the ones first to be called "Little Christ"—Christians. Anyone who believe in Jesus and confessed him is bounded into a fellowship with him. Anyone who doesn't partner with him by following wouldn't know the mystery of The Kingdom and the supernatural power or forces alongside. The secret of any religion or a god is vivid to any of its committed worshipper. Am I very right about this?

Like I aforementioned, there is no one worshipping Òrúnmìlà during his lifetime. It was those who started imitating his lifestyle after his death who started the religion. They are the worshippers of Ifá.
Take this for example, it was when Prophet Muhammad [SAWS] died they initiated Muslim religion. They continued following the trend this special human being started.

There is absolutely nothing like religion in the ancient time. From my research on Yorùbá history, its human nature and experience that instituted whatsoever religion we have today.

Those who performed awestruck remark turned to Òrìṣà—gods. 

For example, if it was in the ancient time, Fela Kuti, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Obafemi Awolowo and others must have turned to gods after their death because of their own endowed power and deeds. If we call an hero, we must tremble with sword and a strike.

All those turned gods had been alive over a time. They had a wife and bore child(ren). In actual fact, history presented Ọbàtálá, Ọbàtáàsà, Ọbatakuntakun lójú ogún to even have married Yemọja, Sàngó was said to married Ọya, Ògún tó Ọ̀ṣun Sẹ̀ǹgẹ̀sẹ́; and others as well with a family.

Human started religion. Religion is a way of life. 

Preserving our godly heritage as Yorùbá is my major concern. Next time, if I am graced, I will be coming your way with more explanation of how things evolved to be stronger for Yorùbá in their religion adventures but before then, if you have any addition or concern to pass, do so in the comment box below. 

I remain your Israel Ayanwuyi, and this is copyrighted in 2019.