‘Èṣù Is the Devil’ — Brymo Challenges Wole Soyinka’s Yoruba Theology Interpretation

In a philosophical and religious discussion on Yanga 89.9 FM, Nigerian singer Brymo counters Professor Wole Soyinka’s interpretation of Yoruba theology, particularly the claim that Èṣù should not be equated with Satan.

He disagreed with that position, arguing instead that Èṣù and Satan represent the same concept across different religious traditions:

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

Brymo further referenced interpretations drawn from Abrahamic and Yoruba religious texts to support his view, suggesting that similar figures appear across traditions as messengers or testers of human morality.

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

He also extended the comparison to Islamic and Yoruba belief systems, insisting that the figures described share the same underlying role across cultures.

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

He concluded by shifting responsibility for wrongdoing away from spiritual entities and toward human actions:

“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.”

More details here...