Ayankola Ayanwuyi

Unpopular opinion that is gradually becoming popular

Me: Esu is Not Satan

1 day ago | [YT] | 7

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

These are places to buy Esu is Not Satan.
#esuisnotsatan

5 days ago | [YT] | 11

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

Let's honour Esu Odara today and always. Esu is Not Satan.
#esuisnotsatan

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5 days ago | [YT] | 14

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

Ogbomoso from Ajagungbade III to Orumogege III

Today, December 19, marks two years since the official coronation and presentation of the staff of office to Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, the 28th Soun of Ogbomoso. The ceremony was a pivotal moment in the Ogbomoso’s history. It was a day that heralded a new reign in our collective tradition and identity.

The event drew notable dignitaries from across Nigeria. It was a clear show of the enduring cultural and political influence of Ogbomoso in Yorubaland.

I captured this historic moment in a documentary titled "Ogbomoso: Journey from Ajagungbade III to Orumogege III." The film trace the lineage of the Oba Laoye Orumogege III from Soun Ogunlola. And it explore the reign of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, whose long and illustrious leadership helped shape the course of Ogbomoso’s contemporary identity. It also document the ceremonies, culture, and traditions that marked Soun kingship transition.

This documentary is personal to me. It is produced in memory of my late paternal grandmother, Princess Alice Jadesola Ayanwuyi (Nee Atoyebi), who lived a life full of cultural memory (c. 1903 – June 16, 2023). Our moments together inspire my dedication to capturing culture and memory.

Documenting Yoruba culture is a very important because every story, no matter how small, is a bridge between the past and the present. It connects who we were to who we are becoming, and it is a tool to decode the future.

May the reign of Oba Laoye Orumogege III be long and peaceful.

- Ayankola Ayanwuyi

1 week ago | [YT] | 12

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

The more accessible information we have on Esu Odara, the better for the Yoruba people. The greater the enlightenment, the closer we return to our true identity.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 12

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

I captured the process of making locust beans (popularly called Irú in Yorùbá), as told through the hands and voice of a woman in Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria. The video was shot in 2023 to highlight the business, and how Irú has turned important ingredients for African kitchens.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

The Yoruba identity have been shaped by over 500 years of colonialism, and it's no surprise that this has left deep scars. That’s a long time for generations to live under oppression. But isn’t it time we break this cycle? A cycle that makes us want to become more like others, instead of embracing who we truly are.
#esuisnotsatan

1 month ago | [YT] | 13

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

Mo júbà o.

New Potraits from Chinese photographer.
Xiexie, China 🇨🇳

1 month ago | [YT] | 12

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

In the news for Yoruba cultural heritage.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 12

Ayankola Ayanwuyi

Decoding Ancestral Wisdom for Innovation Using Ifa as a Case Study

This morning, a sharing session was held at Jiangsu Central Asia Center where I presented my work with Dundun Centre and introduced the fellows here to how we can harness ancestral knowledge systems for digital innovation. I drew content for this presentation from the coursework we designed at Dundun, which will serve as an elementary programme for cultural innovation when we kick off our physical sessions.

I explained how the Yoruba ancestral homeland spans across West Africa. The Berlin Conference divided Yoruba communities across modern national borders—placing most in Nigeria, and others in Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and beyond. They ignored our shared language, traditions, ancestry, and spirituality.

Berlin Conference was held in Germany from 15 November 1884 to 26 February 1885. Today, 18 November 2025, marks exactly 141 years since it began.

I principally introduced Ifa system as the bedrock of digital technology and computing. Generally, Ifa is a living intellectual tool. Its knowledge can be harnessed across many disciplines. Thus, I emphasised how indigenous knowledge systems should be central to sustainable development that aligns with our specific geographical need, and day-to-day realities. Any development that doesn't serve our ecosystem is counterproductive.

It was a moment to reflect and listen to others share ideas and cultural projects from around the world.

Every group of people has everything they need to survive and thrive if they can look within their indigenous knowledge system. The marginalization of these systems must stop. We’ve strayed too far from them. Now more than ever, we need to reclaim and harness them for a more inclusive and balanced world.

Ire ni o.

1 month ago | [YT] | 14