ASUWADA PRINCIPLE: AN ANALYSIS OF AKIWOWO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOCIOLOGY OF KNOWLEDGE FROM AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the asuwada principle as recently discussed in Akiwowo's `Contributions to the Sociology of Knowledge from an African Oral Poetry'. Accepting the concept of asuwada as an innovation and a valuable concept in sociological knowledge, the author gives further interpretations of this concept, which develop into a principle of sociation in the light of Akiwowo's other works.Akiwowo's derivative concepts of ajobi and alajobi are developed into specific social units - the family and society or individuals-writ-large respectively - and are discussed in the context of the asuwada principle and human society.Of particular interest is the breakdown of ajobi (the family) associated with the total breakdown of ties of consanguinity which, the author argues, must also lead to the breakdown of alajobi (society) since both derive their `appeal' from the asuwada principle. And if this is the case, then the very principle of asuwada breaks down, probably owing to the collapse of reason. In this case, the regeneration of society can occur either through a revolution or, better still, by means of ifogbontaayese, a concept which the author sees as providing a sound theoretical background for the unity of knowledge in which intellectuals of all disciplines must join in order that ifogbontaayese may serve as an important antidote against societal problems as well as for the regeneration of modern societies.