Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has expressed a preference for traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam, stating that he finds it more fascinating. In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka explained that the depth of faith in Islam and Christianity does not resonate with him in the same way as Orisa worship.
He noted that Orisa worship promotes creativity and non-violence. "I was fortunate to be born into both worlds—the Christian world and that of traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, despite eventually converting, was an Orisa worshipper and a chief, and I found his side of Orisa worship particularly captivating. For me, it embodies more artistry, creativity, and mystery.
I don't see much mystery in Christianity and even less in Islam, primarily because I did not grow up in a Muslim environment. Orisa worship is open and ecumenical, which is why these foreign religions have been able to penetrate and even distort its truths."