A High Chief in Ìjẹ̀bú, Rasaki Adeneye has revealed that he once performed Èṣù rituals, locally known as Èṣù Adaje for prominent churches and mosques in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Punch Newspapers, Adeneye explained that the traditional practice was not limited to individuals but extended to religious institutions that sought spiritual fortification or protection.
“I did the Èṣù ritual for known churches and mosques. It’s called Èṣù Adaje,” the Chief disclosed, stressing that many religious leaders who condemn traditional religion in public often secretly engage with it.
According to him, the Yoruba traditional system recognizes Èṣù as a messenger and mediator, not as the devil it is often misrepresented to be. He noted that the ritual of Èṣù Adaje is performed to remove obstacles, avert danger, and ensure peace in the community or organization requesting it.
“People misunderstand Èṣù because of how outsiders painted him. In truth, Èṣù is about balance and order. Even churches and mosques know the importance, that is why some of them come for the ritual quietly,” he explained.
Adeneye stressed that his revelation was not to indict any religious group but to highlight the hypocrisy of condemning Ìṣẹ̀ṣe in public while embracing its powers in private. He said such double standards create confusion and diminish respect for cultural heritage.
His comments have stirred fresh debate over the relationship between traditional practices and organized religions particularly in a society where Christianity and Islam are dominant but indigenous spirituality remains widely acknowledged.
