ṢẸ̀GÍLỌLÁ ARÓMIRẸ́ ÒGÌDÁN: A YORÙBÁ ODYSSEY OF SELF-LOVE, BETRAYAL, AND SUPERNATURAL MYSTERIES

Reading Ṣẹ̀gílọlá Arómirẹ́ Ògìdán by Àrẹ̀mọ Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun feels like stepping into a vibrant Yorùbá world where love, betrayal, and supernatural forces collide. This novel, a treasure of Yorùbá literature, grips me from the first page, and I can’t stop urging friends to dive into its pages. It’s a story that demands to be shared, especially at women’s gatherings or book clubs, where its themes spark deep conversations.

The novel follows three women; Ṣẹ̀gílọlá, Afọlákẹ́, and Bẹ́wàjí — whose lives intertwine in a society that often confines women to rigid roles. Ṣẹ̀gílọlá, a gifted artist, chases her music dreams in Lagos, only to face heart-wrenching choices driven by love and ambition. Her journey questions whether love blinds her or if she willingly walks toward destruction. Afọlákẹ́’s chaotic marriage to Lateef, a devout Muslim, unravels through supernatural warnings, while Bẹ́wàjí’s pursuit of justice hides her own secrets. Àrẹ̀mọ  Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun weaves these characters seamlessly, ensuring each new face feels like a vital thread in the story’s tapestry.

What makes this novel unforgettable is its cultural richness. Chapter headings like Iná Ràn and Àkàrà Tú Sépo ignite slow-burning excitement, pulling readers deeper into the narrative. Introductory poems, such as Obìnrin Ilé Wọn, set the stage for the women’s struggles, while Ìfẹ́ Bí Iná reflects on love’s fiery consequences. My favorite, Àlàkẹ́, captures the heart of self-love: “Àlàkẹ́ kò nífẹ̀ẹ́ ara rẹ̀, ó pé aráyé kò nífẹ̀ẹ́ òun” speaks volumes about Ṣẹ̀gílọlá’s battle to value herself. These poetic touches, rooted in Yorùbá tradition, makes every chapter a cultural gem.

The supernatural elements elevate the story to a haunting new level. Lateef’s story, in particular, pulses with eerie undertones. Through vivid flashbacks, we learn of warnings he ignores; about places to avoid, actions to shun, that lead to chaos in his marriage with Afọlákẹ́. The supernatural manifests as a force beyond the characters’ control, hinting at ethereal consequences. Toward the novel’s end, new characters tied to the afterlife emerge, raising chilling questions about what lies beyond death. I found myself both spooked and captivated, wondering how the unseen shapes our choices. This mystical layer, woven subtly into the Yorùbá worldview, adds depth without overshadowing the human drama. The plot’s shocking twist, which I won’t spoil, ties these supernatural threads into a moment that left me reeling.

Ṣẹ̀gílọlá Arómirẹ́ Ògìdán explores self-love, societal pressures, and betrayal with raw emotion. It’s a novel that resonates deeply, especially for women navigating their own paths. As a reader, I feel I’m doing the world a favor by recommending it. Perfect for book clubs or anyone craving a story that blends cultural richness with suspense, this book lingers long after the final page.