Ebo as a Healing Technique in Ifa Divination System: An Investigation of a Potent Therapeutic Mechanism for Today's Health Problems

Among the Yorùbá of Southwestern Nigeria, Ifa divination is a major source or means of diagnosing and detecting diseases. Ebọ is considered to be the core of Ifa divination system mode of healing and solving problems and forms the nucleus of all other healing system. The study reported in this book examined the pivotal roles that Ebo plays in the healing process with a view to understanding its therapeutic potentials. The study was premised on Franz Boa’s theory of ethno science which considers cultural relativism as an approach to understanding indigenous scientific practices. Participant observation was used in gathering data from both the clients and babaláwo (Ifá priests). Collected data were content analyzed. The study provides better understanding of efficacy of Ebo as a therapeutic mechanism for the treatment and curing of illnesses such as infertility, impotence, headache, mental illness, spiritual attacks, etc. Ebo is thus very crucial to Ifá divination as a healing technique. Cooperation between traditional and orthodox practitioners is advocated.Future research into Ebo as a therapeutic tool could be undertaken using cosmology and phenomenology theories.

Olaleye S. Kayode, an experienced herbal consultant holds PhD degree of the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria. He has practised herbal medicine for over twenty years proffering solutions to modern day diseases. Currently, he teaches and conducts research specialising in Ifa Divination System, Incantation and indigenous communication symbols.