Shrines, Oath-taking and Jurisprudence in Yoruba and Igbo Religions

The book contains the findings of over one year research on the intersection of African indigenous religion and Jurisprudence. The research was conducted among the Yoruba people of Southwest and the Igbo of Southeast of Nigeria. Particular emphasis was laid on Ogun, Sango and Ayelala shrines among the Yoruba and Okija shrines among the Igbo. Using Afrocentric epistemology, and phenomenology of religion, the study forcefully argues that the administration of the universe should not be left to man alone. This reasons out why African jurisprudence fuses religion and reason. Since religion permeates every facet of the lives of indigenous African peoples, it is essential that, in order to cultivate a jurisprudence that is indigenous to Africa, African indigenous religion is indispensable. Oath taking that will really be potent should therefore put into consideration the place of African deities.