Èṣù Is Not Satan: Rethinking a Yoruba Spiritual Tradition

Èṣù is an Òrìṣà in Yoruba Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, with roles linked to communication, mediation, ẹbọ and the consequences of human actions. This differs from the Christian understanding of Satan as an adversary of God. The association between Èṣù and Satan became widespread through Bible translation, missionary teaching and popular usage. Using the name of an existing Yoruba spiritual figure as the equivalent of the Christian Devil has shaped how many people view Yoruba traditional religion. Examining Èṣù through Ifá and Yoruba religious thought does not prevent Christians from holding their beliefs about Satan. It simply recognises that the two figures come from distinct spiritual systems and should be understood in their own historical and cultural contexts. The debate raises wider questions about translation, religious influence and how Yoruba people can study their ancestral heritage without reducing it to categories imposed by another faith.

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