Abstract: | The literal meaning of 'ogbanje' (Igbo), 'ekabasi' (Efik), 'abiku' (Yoruba) is 'one who comes repeatedly or one who dies and comes again'. Since science has not yet delineated the nature of the ogbanje phenomenon, this study intends to rely heavily on insights derived from Nigerian literature for the descriptive and speculative level of the investigation into the nature of the ogbanje problem. In an attempt to explore in some depth the ogbanje problem, this article relies exclusively on insights gleaned from Nigerian writers, especially Achebe, Soyinka, Clark and Akoma. The following questions are explored: Who or what is an ogbanje? What are its characteristics? What is society's attitude (as represented by parents) to an ogbanje? What measures, if any, are adopted to arrest the ogbanje cycle? What part does the ogbanje's iyi-uwa (oath binding an ogbanje to a definite goal in this world) play in the treatment process? Notes. |