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Eshu: The Yoruba Trickster God and Divine Messenger

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Exploring the cultural and spiritual symbolism of Eshu, the Yoruba deity who bridges heaven and earth

The sculpture in question represents Eshu, also known as Elegba, one of the most complex and revered deities in the Yoruba religion. Eshu occupies a vital role in Yoruba cosmology as both a trickster spirit and a divine messenger, embodying the balance between chaos and order, mischief and wisdom, justice and communication.

Eshu: The Divine Messenger

In Yoruba belief, Eshu serves as the intermediary between humans and the gods (Orishas). No prayer, offering, or ritual can reach the higher deities without passing through him. This role as a cosmic gatekeeper makes Eshu indispensable to the Yoruba spiritual system.

He ensures that divine messages are properly delivered and that sacrifices reach their intended recipients. However, if ignored or disrespected, he can also disrupt communication, causing confusion or misfortune. For this reason, Yoruba devotees always begin their rituals by honouring Eshu first, a practice that underscores his spiritual authority.

A Trickster and Guardian

Eshu’s personality embodies duality—he is both a protector and a provocateur. Known as the trickster god, he uses cleverness and unpredictability to teach lessons about morality, fairness, and human nature. His tricks are never random; they serve to remind people of the consequences of dishonesty, pride, or neglect of spiritual obligations.

Despite his reputation for mischief, Eshu is a benevolent guardian who defends justice and ensures balance between good and evil. He is particularly associated with communication, truth, and reciprocity, symbolising the complex moral fabric of Yoruba philosophy, where opposites coexist in harmony.

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Eshu in Yoruba Art

The Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria, primarily in states such as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos, have a long-standing artistic tradition where spirituality and aesthetics merge. Sculptures of Eshu are a crucial part of this tradition, often made from wood, metal, or clay, and adorned with symbolic motifs such as cowrie shells, beads, and iron rods.

Eshu sculptures are typically characterised by exaggerated facial features, representing his watchfulness and ability to perceive hidden truths. The dynamic poses and intricate designs reflect his vibrant personality and spiritual energy.

Shrines dedicated to Eshu are often placed at crossroads, home entrances, and marketplaces—spaces where boundaries are crossed and communication occurs. These locations emphasise his role as a deity of transitions, movement, and choices.

Cultural Symbolism and Global Influence

Eshu’s influence extends beyond the Yoruba homeland. Through the transatlantic slave trade, the worship of Eshu spread across the Americas and the Caribbean, where he evolved under various names, such as Eleggua in Cuba’s Santería religion, Legba in Haitian Vodou, and Exu in Brazilian Candomblé.

Despite the different contexts, his essence remains consistent: Eshu is the divine messenger who mediates between the spiritual and physical worlds, ensuring that balance and justice prevail.

His adaptability across cultures demonstrates the resilience of Yoruba spirituality and its ability to evolve without losing its core principles.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary Yoruba and Nigerian artists continue to reinterpret Eshu’s image through sculpture, painting, and performance. Artists such as Ajibike Ogunyemi of Osogbo—a member of the New Sacred Art movement—draw inspiration from deities like Eshu to merge traditional spirituality with modern creativity.

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Through such artistic expressions, Eshu remains not only a religious figure but also a symbol of cultural identity, resilience, and creative expression.

Moral and Cultural Reflection

Eshu’s story serves as a profound reminder that communication, justice, and wisdom often require embracing both light and shadow. His trickster nature teaches that life’s challenges are tests of character, and true understanding often comes through confusion and correction.

In Yoruba thought, Eshu’s duality symbolises the reality of existence—nothing is purely good or evil, and every action carries consequences. Respecting Eshu means respecting the delicate balance that sustains both the spiritual and physical worlds.

References:

Lawal, Babatunde. The Gelede Spectacle: Art, Gender, and Social Harmony in an African Culture. University of Washington Press, 1996.

Drewal, Henry John. Yoruba Ritual: Performers, Play, Agency. Indiana University Press, 1992.

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art archives on Yoruba sculptures.

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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