Wole Soyinka cautions against dismissing African indigenous spirituality
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has warned against disparaging African indigenous spirituality, calling it a form of blasphemy against global spirituality. Speaking at the World Heritage Day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Soyinka criticized the tendency of some Nigerians to label their own cultural and spiritual practices as "fetishism" or "primitive" while embracing similar traditions elsewhere. He argued that what is often dismissed as "fetishism" is a sophisticated form of symbolic, artistic, and spiritual expression, citing the example of Barbados where masquerades and dances are celebrated. Soyinka emphasized that World Heritage Day encourages the sharing of diverse spiritual expressions, stating that "Godhead is one, but there are many parts to Godhead." Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted the state's efforts to preserve its heritage through songs, folklore, and cuisine, and its promotion of tourism through infrastructure development and cultural festivals. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Anietie Udofia, also urged people to embrace their cultural roots.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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