Nigerian author, Dimeji Sodeke spoke at length about his thought-provoking new novel,“Heavens of Immortals”, dishing insights into the deep, spiritual themes that shaped the book.
In a recent press conference, Sodeke elaborate on the driving forces behind his ambitious literary work and the inspirations that pushed him to explore themes of spirituality, tradition, and human understanding. The novel, which fuses elements of science fiction, theology, and mysticism, is envisaged to draw attention for its unique approach to age-old questions.
According to Him, the inspiration for Heavens of Immortals stems from his lifelong curiosity about the unseen spiritual forces that shape our reality—forces that many people either fail to notice or do not fully understand.
“I wanted to explore the things that control the physical world but remain hidden from the naked eye,” Sodeke said. He spoke passionately about how his fascination with spiritual realms and how the known and unknown parts of existence interact, informed the foundation of the book. Through his novel, Sodeke unravel mysteries that have lingered in human history and consciousness, challenging conventional understandings of life, religion, and existence.
During the event, Sodeke also reflected on his strong ancestral tradition of storytelling, which he credited for nurturing his creative spirit. “I come from a lineage that loves storytelling,” he shared, relating how this familial background has influenced his approach to writing. “Storytelling is part of our culture. It’s in our DNA.” He further explained that while Heavens of Immortals might be considered a deviation from the modern Nigerian storytelling style, it still remains deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual essence of Nigeria. Sodeke’s ability to blend his cultural heritage with modern literary themes has garnered praise, with many scholars and established authors already lauding the book for its depth and originality as seen in the foreward.
Yet, Sodeke admitted that his works has not been without criticism. “Some intellectuals have criticized my book, and that’s okay,” he said with a calm, assured demeanor. “But it doesn’t change the fact that it shines a light on truths that are not widely known. Sometimes, the truth can be uncomfortable.” He spoke of how his exploration of controversial and complex subjects such as the intersections between ancient traditions and modern faith may not be easily understood by all, but he remains steadfast in his belief that his work carries an important message. “It’s about unveiling the unknown, and even if people resist or question it, the truth is there, waiting to be discovered.”
Sodeke also spoke extensively about the novel’s broader themes, which intertwine with historical and spiritual elements. Heavens of Immortals examines the connections between ancient traditions and the modern world, particularly focusing on elements from traditionalist beliefs and how they foretold the coming of future events, including the advent of Jesus Christ. “There were things happening during the time of indigenous religious practices that indicated the future we are now living in,” Sodeke stated. He emphasized that many of the themes explored in his book mirror historical occurrences and spiritual phenomena that are still relevant today. This vision, he explained, became a key motivator for delving into complex topics like spiritual cosmology, mythology, and religious prophecy.
In a particularly striking revelation at the conference, Sodeke shared how for the sake of balanced view in the development of the novel, he had to also explore the African traditional belief systems, particularly Ifá, despite his own strong Christian upbringing. “I come from a very strong Christian background, but I saw the need to research into Ifá and explore its spiritual relevance,” he explained. He noted that this intellectual and spiritual journey required him to step outside of his comfort zone and challenge traditional paradigms. “I had to study Ifá for a long time to grasp its intricacies, which I am still studying viz a viz the Bible and this deep dive into African spirituality ultimately provide deeper insights,” he added
Closing the press conference, Sodeke addressed the impact he hopes his work will have on readers. He encouraged the audience to approach Heavens of Immortals with an open mind, promising that those willing to engage deeply with the text will find a wealth of knowledge and insights waiting for them. “I hope people will read the book and truly see what is embedded within it,” he concluded. “I am confident that it will leave a lasting impact.” He expressed his belief that the novel’s multilayered narrative would resonate most with readers who are seeking to challenge their beliefs and expand their understanding of the mysteries of life, spirituality, and existence.
