Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)
Femi Abodunrin
Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.25159/2663-6697/21855 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Olu Obafemi's translation of Fagunwa's Yoruba epic Adiitu Olodumare reiterates an indigenous religious and knowledge system whose philosophical presuppositions center on a symbiotic strategy integrating humans with nature, and that this system differs from Western monotheism in ontological and metaphysical terms. Contends that Obafemi's deployment of folklore, proverbs, traditional idioms, songs, and distinctive character names evidences his attentiveness to indigenous mythical wisdom. |
Abstract
Olu Obafemi once described the connection between Wole Soyinka and Ulli Beier as one that “runs deep in the membrane of Yoruba history, culture, indigenous knowledge, metaphysics, cosmic consciousness and the pantheons” (Obafemi 2023). Encapsulated in myths and mythical wisdom, these indigenous values have at the centre of their philosophical presuppositions a symbiotic strategy that seeks to integrate man with nature. This study examines Obafemi’s The Mysteries of God, a translation of D.O. Fagunwa’s Yoruba epic tale Adiitu Olodumare, in particular, and the indigenous religious/knowledge system it reiterates, in general, as distinct from the Western monotheistic system in ontological and metaphysical terms. In the deployment of folklore, proverbs, traditional idioms, and songs that serve as commentaries in Obafemi’s compulsive dramatic oeuvre, such as Love Twirls of Aditu and Iyunade, and other plays—like his precursor Fagunwa—Obafemi has been described by various commentators as a maverick when it comes to naming his characters. From Atunda through Iyunade and Iponjudiran, to name just a few, his homage and attentiveness to the indigenous knowledge systems and mythical wisdom of his upbringing are quite evident.