Professor Reveals the Hidden Origin of Many Church Worship Styles

A Professor of Yoruba Folklore, Literature and Culture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Olusola Ajibade, has explained how elements of the Yoruba indigenous religion, popularly known as Isese, have influenced the worship styles of many Christian and Islamic congregations in Yorubaland.

Speaking during an interview with Yoruba Gidi TV, which was published last week but gained widespread attention on social media on Friday, the scholar said many worship practices now common in churches and some Islamic gatherings have roots in Yoruba traditional religion, even though many worshippers may not be aware of it.

According to Ajibade, the influence of Isese can be seen in the use of traditional drums, rhythmic chants, clapping patterns, dancing, and indigenous musical expressions that have become an integral part of worship in many churches across the South-West.

He noted that while early Christian missionaries discouraged several aspects of Yoruba traditional culture, many indigenous forms of worship gradually found their way into church services as Christianity became more rooted in local communities.

The professor explained that these cultural expressions were adapted rather than completely discarded, allowing Christian and Islamic worship in Yorubaland to reflect aspects of the people’s cultural identity without necessarily promoting traditional religious beliefs.

Ajibade, whose academic research focuses on Yoruba religion, folklore, drama, and traditional practices such as the Sango cult, said the evolution of worship in the region demonstrates how culture can continue to shape religious expression across generations.

His comments have generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the relationship between culture, tradition, and religion in contemporary society.

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