Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief by E. Bolaji Idowu is a foundational, insider-perspective study exploring the Yoruba concept of the Supreme God and traditional West African theology. First published in 1962, this classic text remains an essential resource referenced by virtually every major writer on the subject.
The Nigerian theologian E. Bolaji Idowu constructs an authentic framework of Yoruba religion directly from a wealth of local proverbs, sacred songs, oral traditions, and folklore.
Olódùmarè is presented as the Supreme God, unique, eternal, almighty, and the ultimate source of all existence. The text details how Olódùmarè is distinct from, yet intimately connected to, daily human life, morality, and destiny. Names such as Olorun and Eledumare are explored as different facets or descriptive titles of this single supreme creator.