Reconsidering the Yorùbá Concept of Omolúàbí and the Peaceful Coexistence in the Society

Abstract

Omolúàbí is a generally accepted character model among the Yorùbá people who are dominantly in the West African sub-region. The virtues of Omolúàbí manifested in character (Ìwà) are such that promote cooperation, solidarity, and interdependence of all interests towards a common goal and harmonious and peaceful relationship among the people. Omolúàbí of African ethics via Yorùbá worldview, though not so watertight, is more humanistic and existentialist in orientation, thereby promoting collective interest, goodwill, and peaceful coexistence. It is from this standpoint that the authors argue that the humanistic basis of Omolúàbí morality is more adequate for achieving Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations which aims at peace and justice in the society. This paper is a descriptive presentation of the concept of Omolúàbí. It argues that since culture, religion, and education play pivotal roles in the lives of African people, these roles should be engaged in reviving the Omolúàbí virtues and qualities in people to ensure peaceful coexistence. The presentation concludes that reviving and imbibing the culture of Omolúàbí can serve as a heuristic device for achieving a well-ordered peaceful society.