No, Yoruba religion is not the same as voodoo, although there are some similarities between the two.
The Yoruba religion originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria and involves a rich tapestry of beliefs including reverence for a pantheon of gods and spirits known as Orishas. In contrast, voodoo, or Vodou, primarily refers to a religion practiced in Haiti and parts of New Orleans, which developed from the African traditions brought to the Americas by enslaved peoples, including Yoruba influences.
While both religions acknowledge a connection to ancestral spirits and utilize ritual practices, they have distinct cultural contexts and belief systems. Yoruba religion is deeply rooted in African traditions, while voodoo incorporates elements from various African, French, Spanish, and Native American traditions.
In summary, while they share some common elements due to their African origins, Yoruba religion and voodoo are separate spiritual practices with unique identities and traditions.