PROSPECT OF “IGBA OJU†IN AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY: PATHWAY TO MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

In the traditional African societies, it is rarely strange to see a child misbehave either in the home or society at large because the honour of such child's family is at stake. Thus, Africans make it an important task to educate and train a child to develop holistically through collective efforts of every member of the society. Many parents of current disposition go to the extent of giving boundaries to how far teachers can correct and influence their children, whereas, in African view, every member of the community stands as parent to every child, and this had served as a mean of check and balance in moral development of children. This study therefore investigates the Igba-oju concept in the African Philosophy as a pathway to moral development of young children in Southwestern Nigeria. This study adopted phenomenological approach of Qualitative Research design. One key informant interview guide was used to interview six adults. The data collected were analyzed using thematic. One of the findings showed that igba-oju is a child upbringing practice that allow everyone in the child's immediate environment to guide and correct any wrong behavior or character exhibited by the child and likewise reward good behavior in the child. We recommend that Traditional rulers in Yorubaland such as paramount kings, baales (Village head), mogaji (Family head) and chiefs should organize seminars and meetings on the benefits of igba-oju to the moral development of children.

 

Key word: moral; igba-oju; children; African Society