Divination, Modernity and Religious Pluralism in Yorubaland: A Twentieth Century Consideration

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Periodical article

Title:	Divination, Modernity and Religious Pluralism in Yorubaland: A Twentieth Century Consideration
Author:	Babalola, E.O.
Year:	1992
Periodical:	Africana Marburgensia
Volume:	25
Issue:	1-2
Pages:	45-57
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	divination Yoruba Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft
Abstract:	Divination is an ubiquitous phenomenon in Yorubaland, Nigeria. It is the live wire of African indigenous religion. The main and most renowned mode of divination is Ifa. However, other forms of divination exist as well, such as necromancy, astrology, dreams, the casting of lots, and geomancy. Divination is used in healing. It also has a role in the Yoruba traditional economy, in politics and administration, and in marriage. Divination has persisted in the twentieth century, and has been incorporated into Christianity and Islam. In Christianity, divination is called prophecy, and this is the specialization of the Aladura movement. Divination is also found in Islam, and this 'Africanness' of Islam actually encourages Islamization in Yorubaland. Indeed, divination is a veritable source of religious cofraternity among the major religions of Nigeria. Notes, ref.