Scholarly Works

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Democracy and the people empowerment (part 1)
(Egbe Ifie and Contributors, 2000-12) Adekannbi, T.
The trend in superstition
(2001) Adekannbi, T.
The gloom and the ray: a collection of poems
(Oputoru Books, Ibadan, 2002) Adekannbi, G. O.
Roman divination - a discourse on the treatise of cicero, the statesman
(Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2006-06) Adekannbi, G. O.
This article addresses a philosophical trend in the ancient Greco- Roman world: making efforts to rid men's minds of fears that were outgrowth of ignorance concerning natural laws that govern the material universe and the perception of the supernatural realm. While such attempt may not necessarily be seen as discrediting the divine agency, the philosopher, Cicero, recognises the need to root out the thought of arbitrary celestial involvement in human affairs: groundless terrors, unfounded and hasty judgments that subject people to questionable practices. The essay is a discussion of a statesman's critical appraisal of an invaluable aspect of Roman religion divination, vis-a-vis man's need to rationally bear more responsibility for his actions. The work highlights the arguments of Cicero in his treatise. Divinatione, that identify the practice of divination among the Romans with superstition and provide an index to the subject of superstition, even in a modem African society with a similar propensity.
Tibullus’ poems and issues on Yoruba beliefs
(Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 2009-08) Adekannbi, G. O.
The human society has a history of exposure to strange or incomprehensible experiences. Different explanations and interpretations have been employed in coming to terms with puzzling occurrences for ages, and here is a consideration of superstition, the subjective pattern that often guides or accounts for human perceptions and behaviours, either as individuals or as a group, which may be overt and obvious to others or inward. Superstition in this context is treated as a belief that is held on to, even when an empirical basis is lacking. The paper employs the work of the Roman poet, Tibullus and some Yoruba beliefs to examine behaviours to which human beings attach a specific meaning or set of meanings that are challenged from time to time by reasoning considered more enlightened. In addition to underlining the personal subjective meanings of Roman and Yoruba beliefs, the paper partly depicts how social and religious structures influence self-goals, and problem-solving activities, calling on man to bear some responsibility for his action or inaction.
A critique of irrational elements in African beliefs
(The Department of Religious Studies, Ibadan, 2009-12) Adekannbi, G. O.
Various researches show that irrational elements in human beliefs^ otherwise known as superstition, just as they were criticised in ancient Greek and Roman societies, have been challenged in Europe and America as well. This paper highlights how individuals and organizations in Africa have similarly raised their voices against the increasing controversial stories of claims of supernatural influences or interferences in human affairs, suppression of thoughts, sexual abuse and extra-judicial inflicting of punishment or killing by individuals professing authority from spiritual realm. After a brief consideration of the socio-religious atmosphere that engenders the romance with the supernatural sphere, this work shows how the prevalent recourse to mystery in providing reasons for extraordinary occurrences could be most subjective. It then relates how what may seem a private expression of socio-cultural or religious views is confronted with criticism when it infests the public domain with disquieting concerns. The paper illustrates how practices rooted in superstition are perceived as growing threats to people's welfare in the continent. When the subject is understood in these terms, more meaning could be added to the search for a solution to sporadic religious, political and social conflicts in Africa.
Re-enacting oedipus rex with Yoruba witticism
(Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 2011) Adekannbi, G. O.
Yoruba proverbs are witty expressions, the effective use of which requires being apt and clever. These traits that dominate the work of Ola Rotimi, The Gods Are Not To Blame, do more than reflecting the Yoruba's perception of the world. Hence, this paper examines how strong opinions, foreboding and misfortunes are conveyed with the Yoruba literary devices to produce Sophoclean emotions. Yoruba Proverbs or witty sayings are demonstrated in this work as very rich in figures of speech and meaning; products of human experiences or relations as well as observation of natural phenomena, which are communicated with words of mouth, songs and talking-drums. These elements constitute the witticism shown in this article as powerfully employed by the playwright who has succeeded in recreating the tragedy of Oedipus Rex in a Yoruba setting, before, as it were, an African audience.
A portrayal of the supernatural fixation in the Iliad and works and days with allusion to an African belief system
(Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2011) Adekannbi, G. O.
Funeral rites: a reflection of the afterlife in ancient Greek and Yoruba traditional belief
(2012) Adebowale, B. A.
The anxiety regarding the afterlife and immortality has been with man since the dawn of civilization. The question of afterlife is the most important personal question that can be asked in the light of the realization of one’s own mortality. The Afterlife is a generic term for a continuation of existence after death. But the form which an unending or indefinitely human life would take is obscure. However, it is generally believed that the souls of the departed persons make a journey to a specific region or plane of existence. The idea that there can be some continuation in existence after death manifests in religious and traditional beliefs, as well as in the actions and practices of the living, like funerary practices, ancestor worship, the concept of divine judgment, the doctrine of reward and punishment for the soul and the concept of the living-dead. This paper has as its task to examine how funeral rites reflect the concept of afterlife as a philosophical and religious belief among the ancient Greeks and the Yoruba of Nigeria
Reincarnation in Plato and Yoruba traditional belief
(2012-06) Adebowale, B. A.
Science claims that humans do not know what happens after death. Most people, if not all, are curious to know what, if anything, happens after death. In the history of ideas, many theories have been set forth about the issue of immortality and afterlife. Immortality of the soul is a prevalent idea in many religions. Both Western and African religious and philosophical ideas are not devoid of this doctrine. The Greek philosopher - Plato presents, perhaps, the purest example of the concepts of immortality of the soul and reincarnation. The word "reincarnation" is derived from Latin and it literally means entering the flesh again. Metempsychosis is the Greek equivalent word that corresponds roughly in meaning with reincarnation which also connotes life after death, as either human or animal, thereby, emphasizing the continuity of the soul, not the flesh. The doctrine of immortality of the soul is one of the most important subjects in metaphysics. Plato, like the Yoruba, believes that there is a state of existence that goes beyond the limit of this present mortal life span and this can be attained by human through some forms of immortality such as reincarnation. That there can be some kind of continuation in existence after death is attested to by the actions, beliefs, and practices of the living people such as veneration of the dead, concept of the living dead and belief in divine reward and punishment. Plato in the Phaedo, Republic and Timaeus asserts that the soul is a pre-existent and immaterial entity which is released front the body at the time of death and can rejoin the body or another body after reincarnation. The Yoruba traditional belief, as espoused by Makinde, Abimbola and Dopamu, also share the belief that at death, the soul, being a spiritual entity, departs from the body at death and returns to Olódumarè for reincarnation. The process of reincarnation in Plato and Yoruba. traditional thought involves a change from the old form to a new one, and at times from human to non-human. As presented in Plato and Yoruba traditional belief matching the old and the new form of the soul is problematic because there is no means of identifying them. Although there is no empirical proof of ultimate survival after the death of the body, this paper explores the generally held belief among the Yoruba of Nigeria and Platonic philosophy that the soul can reincarnate in another form after the death of one body or the other. It also examines the problem of self - identity generated by the concept of reincarnation
CORRELATIVE PARALLELS IN GREEK AND YORÙBÁ GREAT GODDESS TRADITIONS
(2012-10) ALADE, IDOWU MOJEED
Increasing interests in comparative studies have led scholars to revisit the myth of the Great Goddess. While parallels of the Greek gods have been identified in Yorùbá mythology, there has not been a comparative study of the Great Goddesses. This study, therefore, examines the parallels between the Greek’s Great Goddess, Gaea, and Àtàgé, the Yorùbá Great Goddess of Ìbàdàn, to determine points of convergence between them in terms of origin, attributes, symbols and festival, confirming the existence of a Yorùbá Great Goddess. The study adopted Jung’s Archetypal Theory. Works of Greek mythographers including Homer, Hesiod, Appolodorius, Appolonius; Yorùbá historians like Johnson, Falola, Awe, Parrinder; and certain verses of the Yorùbá Ifá corpus were content analysed for parallels on the Great Goddesses. The study applied participant observation technique. Unstructured interviews were also conducted with Abòkè, High Priest of Àtàgé, and nine of the omo òkè to verify those attributes not described in the literature. Information obtained was qualitatively interpreted. There was evidence of similarities of the evolved aspects of Gaea and the Yorùbá’s Àtàgé, notably in origin, attributes, symbols and festival. While Gaea was extensively discussed, literature had little on Àtàgé. It, however, described Àtàgé as the spirit behind the foundation of Ìbàdàn as Gaea began the universe in Greek’s cosmogony; suggested Àtàgé as Goddess of Ibadan land known for motherhood, human, animal and soil productivity similar to Gaea’s; made references to the pitcher-breasted image of the Great Goddess capable of feeding sixteen children at once; and the annual sacred orgasm festival of Àtàgé which continued even to the present. This festival took place about the time of spring vernal equinox resembling that of Gaea and all other known archetypes of the Great Goddess. During such festivals, celebrants venerated Àtàgé as the origin, mother and protector of Ìbàdàn indigenes as Gaea was so honoured by the Greeks. Phallic symbols like those of the Greek’s Goddess festivals were carried while the procession prayed to Àtàgé for healthy children, safety and abundance in wealth. Led by transvestite priest, reminiscent of the Greek’s, they danced round the town, singing ribald songs and making gesticulations capable of stimulating sexual desire. The Priest, with plaited hair, confirmed that Àtàgé had a covenant with Lágelú, the legendary founder of Ìbàdàn, to protect and bless the town. As the functions of Gaea were taken by Zeus, the priest gave evidence that Àtàgé originally had a priestess before the role was taken over by a priest. The importance of the annual festival in relation to fertility, protection and success of the indigenes was corroborated. UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY x Àtàgé has similar origin, attributes, symbols and festivals as the Greek’s Gaea. The significance of Àtàgé in Ìbàdàn presupposes the presence of a Yorùbá prehistoric matriarchal society and confirms the existence of a Yorùbá Great Goddess. Key words: Great Goddess, Ìbàdàn, Gaea, Àtàgé. Word count: 460.
The use of rumour in tacitus' annals
(Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2013) Adekannbi, G. O.
The Roman historian, Tacitus, is well-known for his colourful and dramatic narratives, which are observable in his juxtaposition of facts and motives. This is particularly manifest in Annals, and the style has brought the charge of anger, bias and error in writing history against him. This article relates how Tacitus’ portrayal of his characters is evidently prejudiced by his experience of tyranny, corruption and decadence under Domitian’s reign of terror, as well as how the training he received as a rhetorician accounts for the rhetorical and literary treatment of material to realise the objective of preserving the past. The article further notes that the historian scrupulously distinguishes fact from rumour to impress his viewpoints and judgment on readers’ minds. Yet, his use of rumour as a literary device in expressing bias is considered an inevitable part of any historical work, as well as an effective tool in allowing the public to pass judgement on what may be missing in ‘official’ account or possibly wittingly or unwittingly tampered with by those in position of authority. Although Tacitus was not a researcher in the modern sense, the article concludes with a justification that he can still be trusted as a reliable historian who has not descended into wholesale fabrication.
CHILD MORTALITY IN ANCIENT ROME AND MODERN IBADAN
(2013-05) ANENI, M.O
High records of occurrences of child mortality were documented in ancient Rome and in modern Ibadan. Available studies on ancient Rome focused on the effect of female infanticide on the population, and those on modern Ibadan, concentrated on the effects of cerebral malaria on children below the age of 5. However, these studies ignored the comparative possibility of health situations in both societies despite their related experiences. This study, therefore, compared the causes of child mortality (ages 0-5) in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the factors that caused child mortality in both societies. Sources utilised on ancient Rome were volume X of the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum, from which gender distribution of mortality and chronological age of children were gleaned. Data were also extracted from classical and contemporary authors. For modern Ibadan, information was gathered from medical literature and newspaper reports. The data were subjected to content analysis. The factors which brought about child death in ancient Rome and modern Ibadan were similar, but they occurred in varying degrees of magnitude. Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, asthma, and tonsillitis caused child mortality in both societies. Air-borne and water-borne diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, typhoid, measles and diarrhea killed children below age 6. These diseases were often aggravated by malaria. Dysentery and inflammatory bowel diseases such as entiritis also accounted for children’s death. Other diseases that included jaundice, malaria, convulsions, neo-natal tetanus, meningitis, severe malnutrition, severe birth syphxia, ulcers and gangrene also caused child mortality in both societies. Maternal illiteracy, superstitious beliefs, social deprivation, and poverty were the social and economic factors which permitted child mortality in the two civilisations. In both societies, children less than 3 were worst affected by these diseases due to their vulnerability. In ancient Rome, neo-natal death resulting from venereal diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis were transferred from mother to child at birth, but this death was rare in modern Ibadan since people were informed of the disease in modern Ibadan than in antiquity. Lead poisoning, superstitious beliefs and social deprivation caused death in both societies. In ancient Rome, social deprivation ranked highest, followed by superstitious beliefs and lead poisoning because of government’s enthusiasm about the empire’s consolidation. In modern Ibadan, superstitious beliefs caused more death than lead poisoning and social deprivation due to the people’s belief system. While malaria and tuberculosis killed thousands of children than other diseases in ancient Rome, neonatal tetanus, prematurity and low birth weight, neonatal septicaemia and severe birth sphyxia ranked highest in modern Ibadan. They ranked highest in antiquity and Ibadan respectively due to weather conditions and people’s ignorance of the diseases. Child mortality in ancient Rome and modern Ibadan was caused by tropical diseases, sexually transmitted infections and respiratory tract infections. Thus, child mortality was a social challenge in both societies. Further studies could examine the divergence and convergence in the medical approaches applied to infant diseases in ancient Rome and modern Ibadan.
Soul as the sole determinant of human personality in Plato and Yoruba traditional thought
(CSCanada, 2014) Adebowale, B. A.
The soul, as a concept, has been a subject of philosophical inquiry in ancient, medieval and modern history of ideas. There is no universal agreement on the nature or purpose of the soul. Thus, the term “soul” has been given various definitions according to the philosophical theories and cultural perspectives in which it is defined. Soul, according to many religious and philosophical traditions, is the “self-aware essence” unique to a particular living being. In these traditions, the soul is believed to incorporate the inner essence of each living being. Both Plato and the Yoruba consider the soul as the immaterial element that, together with the material body, constitutes the human individual. Plato in The Republic presents a tripartite soul which harmonious interaction produces an esteemed human personality. This Plato’s idea mirrors the notion of the Yoruba that a man’s soul is the reflection of his personality. The word ‘soul’ has been investigated from divergent thematic perspectives — invisibility, intangibility, immortality and reclamation — but this paper sets as its task to examine the Platonic and Yoruba presentations of the soul as the sole determinant of human personality
Heroism of suicide in stoicism and early Oyo empire traditional political setting
(2014) Adebowale, B. A.
Suicide, as a concept, has been a subject of philosophical, psychological, sociological and religious inquiry in ancient, medieval and modem history of ideas. 'Through the course of history, suicide has evoked a wide range of reactions. It has been both condemned and condoned by various societies. Generally, suicide is regarded as an anti-social behaviour, condemned by Christianity, Islam and Traditional Religions. Despite the condemnation, suicide was still condoned under certain circumstances. For instance, in ancient Greece and in the early Oyo Yoruba political setting, suicide was an acceptable way of dealing with military- defeat in order to preserve national and personal honour and dignity. Therefore, a number of questions such as what have constituted suicide?’ ‘ to what extent can suicide be- considered a rational choice?’ ‘And what is the moral permissibility of suicide?’ have been raised. Philosophical arguments, regarding whether or not suicide can be morally acceptable, range from strong opposition to its perception as a sacrosanct right. The latter is a strong tenet of the Stoics who consider suicide as an honorific act. Although thee Yoruba condemn suicide, they also condone and even consider it an honourable thing to do under certain circumstances. ’This paper examines the honourable aspects of Stoics’ concepts of suicide and the politically motivated suicide in the early Oyo Empire traditional political organization such as the case where a host of title holders, known as abobaku, had to commit suicide at the demise of the king so as to accompany him to the hereafter. Today, however, many commit suicide not out of traditional obligation but to escape what seem to be unbearable circumstances claiming that suicide is a personal choice. This paper argues that no matter how plausible the idea is suicide is inadmissible and abominable from every standpoint
Plutarch's essay on superstition as a socio-religious perspective on street begging
(Department of Classics and Philosophy, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 2014-03) Adekannbi, G. O.
Plutarch (c.46AD), in his work, Peri Deisidaimoma (On Superstition), presents a striking portrayal of superstition in the First Century. The Philosopher who also served for decades as a priest of Apollo portrays the pernicious effects of some supposed religious practices as worse than the outcome of atheism. His position constitutes a forceful explanation to ostensibly controversial socioreligious behaviours. This article discusses some of the priest’s concerns as well as his rebuff of religious attitudes that are borne out of what he describes as misrepresentation of the gods or superstition. Plutarch’s essay is seen as illustrating a reason for a socio-religious situation in Africa, a continent that shares a similar religious background with the world of the writer. Specifically, with the example of the hard fight against street begging in some parts of Nigeria, the article shows how social reform programmes could fail when effects of traditional African beliefs and cultural practices remain potent.
Politics and morality in the career of alcibiades
(The Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2015) Adekannbi, G. O.; Akinboye, G.
The Greek historian, Thucydides, as well as the historian and biographer, Plutarch, are prominent sources of information about life and career of the Athenian politician and statesman, Alcibiades. While presenting the striking political contributions of Alcibiades as an orator, a military’ commander and a strategic adviser, the accounts of the duo also put on record some arguably ugly sides of his personality and offer parameters for examining how the activities of a politician become inimical to the interest of the state when the actions reflect his and societal foul values. Using qualitative interpretive method, this paper utilises Thucydides' The History of the Peloponnesian War and Plutarch's The Parallel Lives: The Life of Alcibiades to examine the political genius of Alcibiades and the moral questions it raised. Alcibiades' case is used to illustrate the impact of individual and societal values on political outcomes, especially when politicians resort to treachery and criminal acts to become the leaders of the people. Alcibiades's example, as discussed in the paper, also shows that the blame for political crisis would be shared between the electorate and the clever politician they elect to lead the state despite his failed character.
Democracy and the people empowerment (Part II)
(Department of European Languages, University of Lagos, Nigeria, 2015-04) Adekannbi, G. O.
The concept, of empowerment of the people, is understood as a political process that involves the people selecting their leaders, making meaningful contributions to decision-making as members of a population and gaining absolute control over the system that produces their representatives. This artic 1 e is a continuation of 'Democracy and People Empowerment (Part I) publisher earlier, briefly reviews how power developed or was acquired by the people c: Athens. The work emphasises to what extent the non-altruistic background: the emergence of the demos as apolitical force in the Athenian direct democracy threatened the supremacy of the people. As the demos stirred the political ship c : Athens, evidence of their being manipulated by selfish elements c: undemocratic descents persisted and this ancient trend provides a parameter for explaining what sometimes undermines the empowerment of the people in modem representative democracy where broader participation is encouraged While people may have the power to thumbprint in elections or express their wishes through speeches, the article, using contemporary examples particularly from Nigeria, indicates how the 'original impetus' that is scarcely selfless continues to impede empowerment of the people. This is a picture of the power that marginalises, disenfranchises or refuses to let the power of the people out in a democracy.
A thenian educational values as consideration for social development
(Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 2016) Adekannbi, G. O.; Akinboye, G.
Ancient Athens was reputed to be a bright intellectual, educational and cultural center all over ancient Greece and beyond. The primary objective of its education was the cultivation of the person's mental, physical and moral qualities, with a view to helping the youth to become cerebral, physically strong, decent and then useful to his city and fellow citizens. The emphasis of Athenian education was preparing well-rounded citizens who were conscious of lofty values behind performing whatever task was asked of them. In contrast with many contemporary schools that focus on short-term outcomes, the Athenian school system took a lifelong view. Educational approach that aims at producing quality leaders and value-oriented people is hard-fought today. The place of proper values in relation to educational goals has been given very little attention by most educational institutions. Attitudes of growing number of parents and teachers are no help. In the attempt to attain personal goals, all eyes seem shut to development of those personal qualities that are most crucial to real community development: honesty, integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively. This article reviews the Athenian approach to education and posits that the values embedded in the Greeks’ basic education dictated the societal outcome of schooling in the ancient time. Then, with a discussion on Pericles’ Funeral Oration, a value assessment is presented. In sum, emphasis is placed on the social need for a value-driven education that involves an entire community in the article to demonstrate that coping effectively and creatively with emerging national and world trends requires more than possession of new knowledge and skills.
Socio-economic relevance of strike actions in ancient Rome and contemporary Nigeria
(Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2016) Akinboye, G. A.; Adekannbi, G. O.
Since the ancient Roman plebeians blazed the trail by embarking on the first general strike in human history to protest the monopolistic rule of patricians in 494B.C., numerous peoples globally have engaged in strike actions to express certain grievances and resist untoward policies of their governments or employers. This is so because it is generally assumed, especially by the masses, that 'the only language of resistance that governments understand is strike'. It is also known that when strikes are embarked upon, there is stoppage of work and services, which result in the paralysis of socio-economic and political activities and sometimes death of individuals. Beyond these various consequences and disorders, this paper examines the dominant causes of strike actions and argues that they (strike actions) are, oftentimes, relevant means of effecting positive socio-economic changes in a polity. Adopting a comparative method of research with an analysis of both ancient end modem authors to substantiate its argument, this paper provides evidence from two republics, far separated by time and space: the ancient Rome (494-287B.C) and contemporary Nigeria (A.D. 1945-2016). It concludes that strike actions are not altogether destructive; rather, they serve as the last resort of masses in attaining equity, fairness, and constructive socio-economic change.