The Challenge of Genetic Engineering to the Spirituality and Morality of Human Destiny in the Traditional Yoruba Concept of Àdáyébá

Abstract

With the colossal strides recorded in the arena of Genetic Engineering, conviction in Orí, among traditional Yorùbás, as the bearer of an individual’s destiny and life course among the Yorùbá wanes. Through critical analysis and hermeneutical interpretation, the present study scrutinizes the relation between physiognomy and destiny in traditional Yorùbá idea of Orí. The cumulative traditional Yorùbá allegorical account depicts Òrìṣàńlá as the primordial divinity casting Ara (human body) from clay or sand; Olódùmarè, the Higher God, providing Ẹ̀mí (life-force) and Àjàlá, another primordial divinity, the maker of Orí (destiny) which must be acquired pre-natally. Hence, it seems on first showing, that it is impossible for the Yorùbá, as portrayed in the allegory, to believe in Orí, on one hand and genetically modified individuals on the other hand. As a consequence, this paper proposes to reconstruct a type of Orí acquisition that is consistent with Yorùbá thought system and loyal to the overwhelming and undeniable achievements of Genetic Engineering.