IWA L’ESIN: WHEN CHARACTER IS NOT ENOUGH
IWA L’ESIN: WHEN CHARACTER IS NOT ENOUGH: Is Iwa l’esin sufficient before a perfect and holy God? By Femi Obembe What if the greatest moral principle we celebrate—character—is still not enough to stand before a holy God? Sometime ago, I listened to two respected Yoruba traditionalists—Papa Yemi Elebuibon and Professor Kolapo Abimbola—on platforms such as Agbaletu, Yoruba Gidi, and Sokoto TV. These are not ordinary men; they are individuals whose lives reflect discipline, cultural depth, and admirable personal integrity. Indeed, they are a pride to the Yoruba race. One statement from their teachings stood out profoundly: “Iwa l’esin” —character is the substance of religion. It is a beautiful statement. It is compelling. It is morally sound. But the question is: is it complete? According to Merriam-Webster, religion...