The Unseen Devotees: Christianity and Islam Have More Ifá and Òrìsà Initiates than Recognized Onisese in Nigeria -By Olusegun Daramola

It is a well-observed fact that the number of Christians and Muslims initiated into Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality surpasses the number of those publicly recognized as Ifá and Òrìsà devotees, or Onisese, in Nigeria. This phenomenon arises from a deeply rooted fear of the afterlife, ingrained in their subconsciousness through the teachings of the Bible and the Quran, which propagate certain ideologies about the afterlife, deterring many from openly acknowledging their devotion to Isese.

These religious texts often emphasize a dichotomous view of the afterlife, portraying it as a place of either eternal reward or punishment. This dichotomy creates an existential anxiety about the fate of one’s soul after death. As a result, even those who find solace and answers in Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality are reluctant to openly embrace and acknowledge it due to the fear of divine retribution or social ostracism.

Contrary to the fear instilled by these religious doctrines, Ifá provides a comprehensive and nuanced explanation of the afterlife. According to Ifá, the afterlife is not a place of arbitrary judgment but a continuation of one’s spiritual journey. The focus is on understanding the lessons learned during one’s lifetime and how they contribute to the soul’s evolution. Despite this profound and reassuring perspective, many individuals struggle to fully accept it, largely because of the pervasive influence of their prior religious beliefs.

Sometimes, this often stems from a lack of clear understanding of Ifá itself, which impacts their ability to engage deeply with its teachings. As Onisese, we recognize this gap and are committed to bridging it through education and enlightenment. Humans are guided by ideologies that align with their inner spiritual levels, and this diversity of belief should not be a basis for attacking others. Embrace what resonates with you.

Engaging with Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality solely for immediate problem-solving and material gains, without a genuine conviction in its principles, is not encouraged within Isese. This approach diminishes the true essence and spiritual depth of our traditions.

Such a transactional approach to Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality—using it for benefits while publicly discrediting or failing to acknowledge the power of Olódùmarè—is fundamentally flawed. As Onisese, we do not judge these individuals. Our role is not to condemn but to encourage a truthful and respectful engagement with our spiritual traditions.

I admonish those in this category to seek peace within themselves and be truthful to themselves and those around them. Badmouthing IṢẸṢE in any form is unproductive and only sows discord. Instead of worrying about someone else’s salvation or their eternal fate, focus on self-improvement and the betterment of the world around you.

As Onisese, or devoted practitioners of Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality, we bear the responsibility of educating and enlightening others about the true essence of these spiritual paths. It is crucial to demystify the misconceptions surrounding Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality and to present them as viable and enriching paths for spiritual growth. By doing so, we can help alleviate the fear and uncertainty that prevent many from openly embracing their spiritual inclinations.

It is essential for those who find themselves straddling different religious identities to seek the truth within themselves and to live authentically. There is no need to tarnish or discredit the Isese tradition out of fear or societal pressure. Instead, we should focus on fostering a culture of tolerance, understanding, and unity. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of all spiritual paths and the shared goal of seeking enlightenment, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Let us work together to make this country and the world a more beautiful place by embracing love, unity, and mutual respect. Ìfà speaks on the oneness of humanity, and it is our duty to strive for unity and understanding among all people.

I urge all those who are secretly initiated into Ifá and Òrìsà Spirituality to embrace their faith openly and truthfully. Let us move beyond fear and embrace a path of honesty and integrity. Through mutual respect and understanding, we can foster a more harmonious and enlightened society.