Back in 2010, Ijaya began as a shared idea, a seed of something bigger. Over the years, that seed matured into a vision: to create a homegrown African mythology with superheroes rooted in the continent’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Now, after a period of creative evolution, the saga is officially back, refined, reimagined, and ready for the world.
“We’re not just telling stories, we’re building mythology. Ijaya is part of a bigger dream: to create African heroes the world can root for, learn from, and remember. Because when you know where you’re coming from, it’s easier to know where you’re going, and we believe stories can help shape that path. For now, we’ll keep building the world, piece by piece.”
— Deji Jaye, Creative Director & Co-Writer, Ijaya
The first release in the newly rebooted series is now live:
Chapter 1: Breath of the Ancestors
This marks the beginning of a bimonthly rollout of the series, with new issues continuing the chapter until its completion, after which the story moves on to the next chapters.
“We’ve been on a journey to create our own African superheroes, characters drawn from our history, our spirit, and our imagination. It’s about building an African mythology the world can recognize and respect. I dream of a future where kids dress up as our heroes, play our video games, and throw Ijaya-themed parties. That’s the world we’re trying to build.”
— Okiki Laoye, Writer & Co-Creator
The World of Ijaya
The world of Ijaya is set in Akamara, a futuristic Nigerian city built on sacred ancestral ground. While the city thrives with technology and innovation, its foundations are tied to an ancient spiritual war.
At the dawn of time, Odumare, the Divine Creator, ruled the worlds with the Ossai Irunmole (Orishas), using the powerful Sceptre of Odumare. But when Exu, Odumare’s messenger and a trickster, stole the sceptre and escaped into the human world, chaos followed.
A cosmic war erupted, forcing both good and evil spirits to dwell among humans. Eventually, Exu was imprisoned in Apaadi, a hidden spiritual realm, but now, centuries later, he has returned. With the help of a powerful Ossai Irunmole and other dark forces, Exu plans to reclaim the world.
The ancient war is about to begin again, and this time, it’s unfolding in a modern world that has no idea what’s coming.
The Rise of the Kakanfo
Sensing the coming storm, the Divine Vizier Orunla appears to Ishana, a humble Eifa (Ifa) Priest, with a sacred task: to identify and awaken the bloodlines of ancient warriors who once defeated Exu. These chosen ones, now young, modern-day Nigerians living in Akamara, must reclaim their ancestral powers and prepare for the looming battle.
Each one begins to experience supernatural awakenings that connect them to their deeper purpose. Along the way, they encounter powerful allies like Kakanfo Irunmole Oxomare and Kakanwa, a divine messenger. But their journey is anything but smooth.
Their first trial pits them against the notorious Iku Squad, an elite assassin network. Soon after, they uncover a sinister plot involving the mass abduction of teenagers, orchestrated by the twisted genius Professor Jaguda.
Meanwhile, Exu’s lieutenant Eruku begins manipulating the modern world from the shadows, aided by influential political figures like JBO. With each passing moment, the boundary between the spiritual and physical worlds weakens, and the world moves closer to chaos.
Why Ijaya Matters
Ijaya feels like a cultural reckoning.
It seeks to reclaim the mythologies of Africa and give them a global stage. It asks: What if our gods, warriors, and prophets weren’t just legends, but superheroes? What if our history was not only sacred, but cinematic?
In a media landscape where African stories are often sidelined, Ijaya returns with a renewed purpose: to spotlight bold, mythic storytelling from the continent, and to inspire a new generation to believe in its own power.
A Growing Universe
“We’re open to working with more African artists, writers, and creators who want to help shape this universe.
And as we grow, don’t be surprised if the pages stretch by one, maybe two, as the story gets deeper.”
— Deji Jaye, Creative Director & Co-Writer, Ijaya
The journey has begun. Chapter 1 is open. The Ancestors are watching. And the battle for Aye has only just begun.
