Àṣùwàdà Principle and the Concept of Ọmọlúàbí as a Yoruba Ethico-Metaphysical Foundation for a just and Equitable Polity

Abstract

The paper recognizes the importance of equity and justice to a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among members of any human society. To establish this condition of existence, the paper examines the Àṣùwàdà principle (which emphasizes bunched existence among human beings and other creatures), and the concept of Ọmọlúàbí (which accords primacy to good character), within the Yoruba (African) orality, with the view to establishing an ethico-metaphysical foundation for a just and equitable polity. Using critical textual analysis and philosophical argumentation, the paper finds that the bunched existence advocated by Àṣùwàdà and moral uprightness that forms the content of the Yoruba Ọmọlúwàbí, if conjoined, would provide a basis for an empathetic and moral relationship among the sovereigns and the subjects within a commonwealth. It concludes that with the qualities of empathy and moral uprightness, we can establish a just and equitable polity.

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