Application of ‘Magun’ to Punish Unrepentant Adulterous Act: Reactions of Men in Igbesa Community to a Traditional Way of Punishing Adultery in Yoruba Land

Abstract

This study is a sociological investigation of the opinions of some men in Igbesa community of Ogun State, Nigeria, on the application of Magun in punishing the act of adultery in the community. Using a survey design, the study investigated some men (n=40) who were conveniently sampled from the community, to seek their opinions on the application of Magun in pu- nishing the act of adultery. Through questionnaire, which was the instrument employed in the study, the information gathered revealed that the people still believe in the existence of Magun and that the same is still very efficient and effective in punishing the act of adultery among the Yoruba people. A large proportion of our samples would not apply Magun to punish adultery because it involves taking of human life and that this would be a sin within their religious contexts. Some considered the act to be a barbaric. It was discovered that religion and education would likely play prominent role in determining whether husbands would apply Magun to punish adultery or not. The study, therefore, recommended further studies on how religion and education would significantly influence the application of this method of punishing adultery among the Yoruba people.