Brymo Disagrees with Wole Soyinka, Says Èṣù and Satan Are the Same

Nigerian singer and songwriter Brymo has challenged a long-held position advanced by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka on Yoruba theology, arguing that Èṣù and Satan represent the same spiritual concept across different religious traditions.

Speaking during a philosophical and religious discussion on Yanga 89.9 FM, the musician disagreed with Soyinka’s view that Èṣù, a prominent figure in Yoruba cosmology, should not be equated with the devil of Christian theology.

According to Brymo, similarities between Yoruba, Christian and Islamic traditions suggest that the figures play comparable roles as messengers, testers and agents of moral accountability.

“Èṣù is the devil. And let me tell you the truth, the devil does not lie. Human beings lie. Human beings are deceptive,” he said.

The singer argued that references found in Abrahamic religious texts support his interpretation, claiming that Satan is often portrayed as a figure assigned to test human conduct rather than one solely responsible for evil.

“If you go read the Old Testament, Satan was a messenger… sent to test the quality of behaviour,” Brymo stated.

Expanding his argument, he drew parallels between Islamic teachings and Yoruba beliefs, insisting that the narratives surrounding Satan and Èṣù share common themes despite originating from different cultures and religious traditions.

“Allah created Satan from fire… Yoruba people say Èṣù is a messenger… it’s the same story,” he added.

Brymo concluded by stressing that individuals should take responsibility for their actions rather than attributing wrongdoing to spiritual forces.

“When people do good things for you, they want you to say thank you. But when they offend you, they blame Èṣù or the devil,” he said.

His comments have added fresh momentum to ongoing discussions about the interpretation of Yoruba spirituality and its relationship with Christianity and Islam, a subject that continues to generate debate among scholars, religious leaders and cultural commentators.