ÈRÒ-ÌJÌNLẸ̀ YORÙBÁ NÍPA OLÓDÙMARÈ

Abstract

Abstract

The focus of this research is to examine the thought and belief of Yorùbá about Olódùmarè. This paper examines the thought and belief of Yorùbá about Olódùmarè. Previous scholars have worked tremendously on Yorùbás’ belief, but very few focused on Oríkì Olódùmarè to depict Yorùbá world-view on the characteristics of Olódùmarè. This study adopted critical analysis to fill the gaps created by the previous researchers. This paper surveyed Ọláńrewájú Adépọ̀jù’s poems as one of the popular poets in Yorùbá whose works reveal the conception of Yorùbá about God. In this study, exposition of Yorùbá thoughts and conception about Olódùmarè would project how the thought of Yorùbá about God is established through chanting of Oríkì Olódùmarè and several names given to Him in Yorùbá cosmology. The major findings of this study are that there seems to be five dominant thematic preoccupations in Olanrewaju Adepoju’s Oríkì in respect to Olódùmarè. Portrayal of Olodumare in Olanrewaju Adepoju’s poetry further describes him as a competent holder and repertoire of Yorùbá philosophical thoughts and belief. More importantly, his inclination is in tandem with what the proponents of authorial intention for analysis of literary works. Their framework entails God’s portrayal as Creator, Originator, Omnipotent, Benevolent and Immortal as intended in the chanting of Olódùmarè’s Oríkì by Olanrewaju Adepoju. The five themes as seen in Oríkì Olódùmarè of Olanrewaju Adepoju’s poetry shows that Yorùbá people see God as Supernatural, Superimposed grandeur being and Supreme whose impact though not seen is felt in every nook and cranny of both physical and spiritual lives of people and other creatures.

Keywords: Olódùmarè, Divinities, Supernatural, Grandeur, and Omnipotent-Omniscience