Renowned author and activist Reno Omokri has stirred a heated debate with his recent assertion that the term “Yoruba” is a fabricated concept. In a thought-provoking post on his verified Facebook account, Omokri challenged the validity of the term, attributing its creation to Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a prominent figure in Nigerian history.
Omokri argues that before the colonial era, the people now commonly referred to as Yoruba identified themselves by various distinct ethnic identities such as Egba, Owu, Oyo, Ekiti, Awori, Jekri (Itsekiri), Ilaje, Igala, Igbomina, and Akoko. He asserts that the amalgamation of these diverse groups under the umbrella term “Yoruba” was a colonial construct aimed at simplifying governance and control.
Furthermore, Omokri challenges commonly held beliefs about Yoruba spirituality, particularly the characterization of Esu as a malevolent entity akin to Satan. He contends that Esu is a benevolent deity in Yoruba cosmology and criticizes the misinterpretation of indigenous beliefs by colonial and post-colonial authorities.
The controversial post has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding Omokri for challenging conventional narratives and advocating for a reevaluation of cultural identities as you can read some of the reactions below.
However, others have criticized his stance, arguing that the term “Yoruba” serves as a unifying force for millions of people with shared linguistic and cultural heritage.
This latest pronouncement by Omokri adds fuel to ongoing discussions about the complexities of identity and cultural representation in Nigeria.
