THE ETHICAL RELEVANCE OFIFA LITERARYCORPUS IN YORUBA'S ONTOLOGY

Abstract

The study borders on the ethical relevance of Ifa literary corpus in Yoruba's ontology. This work transcends the mere analysis of denigration of Yoruba oral tradition as being anachronistic, superstitious and dogmatic. It rather attempts to showcasing, among others the moral conditions in which Ifa serves as a means of administration of socio-political affairs in the Yoruba community. Beside other usefulness ifa acts as harbinger of moral truth in the midst of conflicting social and individual relationship. Moreso, Ifa is recognised as a social force in the community. This provokes the importance of encouraging caring and good conduct among people within the cultural settings. Nevertheless, it dwells on the principle of fairness in the dispensation of justice as well as on the value of moral rectitude. In fact, Ifa grounds the modes of social practice in Yoruba culture.