Faculty of Arts

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Open Access
The Account of Joseph (Yusuf [A. S.]) in the Quran and the Bible
(1995) Opeloye, Muhib O.
The Quran, according to the Muslims' belief, is the culmination of all the revealed scriptures. Prior to its revelation, the earlier scriptures were revealed to different peoples in accordance with the requirements of their age. The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (P. B. H.) not only to confirm the previous scriptures but also to remedy the interpolated inconsistencies found in them. It is the purpose of this paper to bring to light how the Quran performs this function with reference to Joseph's narrative. Joseph (A. S.) is the only prophet whose account is given in greater detail in one single Surah following the Biblical sequence. A close study of the Biblical account of Joseph (A.S.) reveals a number of puzzles one of which is addressed by I.A.B. Balogun in his article "Joseph in the Bible and Quran". This study is, therefore, motivated by the desire to carry further this scholarly endeavour.
Open Access
Adverbial-Tense Relationships in the Written English of Selected University of Ife Students.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fabusuyi, Mojisola Ajibike; Aremo, Bolaji
Adverbial-tense relationships are an important area of English grammar. It is indeed generally felt that there is the need for learners of English as a second language to master these relationships adequately if they must use the language for effective communication. The present study is an attempt at examining the mastery of the relationships by Nigerian learners and users of English. It would seem clear from the findings that, compared with native speakers, the Nigerian students selected for the study were grossly deficient in their adverbial-tense usage. Thus, it was found that of the 48 temporal meanings identified by David Crystal in a study on adverbial-tense relationships in native English, only 18 were expressed by the students. In the light of the findings, suggestions are made for improvement in the teaching of the relevant areas of English to Nigerian students.
Open Access
Afiwe Akoonu Ajemo-Eko-Iwa-Omoluwabi ni Awujo Yoruba ati Hausa Bi O Se Han Ninu Orin Orlando Owoh ati Dan Maraya Jos (A Comparative Study of the Ethical Values of the Yoruba and Hausa as Reflected in the Songs Of Orlando Owoh and Dan Maraya Jos).
(2015-08-24) Adesokan, Sunday Lawrence; Agbaje, J.B.
This study analysed and contrasted the content of the songs of Orlando Owoh and Dan Maraya Jos, using them to identify the similarities and differences in the ethical values of the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic groups. In addition, the study explored their socio-cultural environments which gave the compositions the fame and acceptance they enjoyed. The themes inherent in the songs of the two artistes were also analysed. The methodology involved the collection, transcription and translation of five music albums of each of the artistes' songs. Ten purposively selected fans from four Yoruba speaking states and ten others from four Hausa speaking states were interviewed on the songs of Orlando Owoh and Dan Maraya Jos. The data collected were analysed within the framework of sociological theory of literature. The findings revealed that although the artistes were from two different backgrounds, there were similarities in the content of their songs. They employed their lyrics to campaign for strict adherence to ethical values in the two societies. The study also revealed that the two societies differed in terms of some peculiar ethical values. Peculiar values in Yoruba society are avoidance of despisement, avoidance of hard drug consumption, avoidance of embezzlement of public funds, staying away from armed robbery and avoidance of wandering while those of Hausa society are having many children, keeping beard, observation of fasting and prayer, taking pap as breakfast and non engagement in professional prostitution. The study concluded that the recent development in the music of the two artistes indicated that the pre-colonial traditional role of musicians as social critics was now being revived.
Open Access
Afiwe Awon Owe Ti O Je Mo Igbeyawo Laarin Yoruba Ati Igbo
(2015-09-23) Adeyinka, Adeyemi Abiodun
This study carried out a comparative study of Yoruba and Igbo proverbs on marriage. It also highlighted the similarities and differences in issues relating to marriage among the Igbo and the Yoruba as reflected in their proverbs. This was done in order to examine the form and content of proverbs in the two societies and compare them on the basis of the context of their use, their cultural values and aesthetics. Ninety-one Yoruba and sixty Igbo proverbs were purposively collected. Oral interviews were conducted with the native speakers of Yoruba and Igbo languages. The collected primary data were complemented with secondary materials from textbooks, libraries and the internet. The hermeneutics method was used in the analysis of the data. The analysis of the proverbs revealed that there were differences in the number of visitations made by the groom's family, in the requirements of engagement materials and in the format of the wedding ceremony. It also revealed that parents had the exclusive right to determine the choice of partners for their daughter as well as the time of marriage after consultation with Ifa oracle and members of the two families. Other similarities included formal introduction, engagement and a befitting marriage ceremony for the children. The Igbo attached much importance to the wealth and financial status of the groom as evidenced in the large amount of gifts presented by his family during various visitations to the bride's family. The Yoruba however, attached much importance to the moral standard of the groom’s family. Unlike the Yoruba who frowned upon intertribal marriage, the Igbo allowed their daughters to many from other ethnic coups, once other conditions were met by the groom's family. The study concluded that love, peace, progress and harmony were promoted in the house and in the society through the stages involved in marriage in the two societies as depicted by the proverbs. It also added that the two societies held female pre-marital virginity in high esteem and abhorred pre-marital sex.
Open Access
Agbeyewo Alawomo-Litireso fun Oriki awon Sooko ni Ile Ife
(2015-05-19) Salami, Ejitoyosi Olayemi; Sheba, J. O.
The study examined Sooko praise poetry (oriki Sooko) and analysed the stylistic devices used in it. It also examined the place of Sooko chieftaincy and the traditions associated with it in Ile-Ife. These were done with a view to revealing the form, content and social significance of the poetry. Interviews were conducted with three traditional chiefs, three palace singers, four Sooko, all purposively selected in each of the four ruling houses in Ile-lfe and two Sooko each from Oke-Igbo, Ifetedo, ipetumodu, Edunabon and Ifewara. The data were analysed using sociological and hermeneutical . methods. The result showed that Sooko praise poetry was rich in the affirmation of attributes of princes and princesses in Ife land. It also revealed the important position of Sooko as the representative of princes and princesses in the political administration of Ife land. The study also revealed the spiritual prowess and social relevance of Sooko. It further showed that Sooko praise poetry employed such stylistic devices as repetition, alliteration and assonance, tonal counterpoint, allusion, simile, metaphor, personification and parallelism. The study concluded that Sooko praise poetry was very important in the political administration and cultural practices in Ife land.
Open Access
Agbeyewo Ewi Ayaba Laarin Awon Oyo-Osun (An Appraisal of the Poetry of Obas' Wives among Oyo-Osun People)
(2015-05-18) Oyeweso, Musibau Oyewale; Agbaje, J. B.
This study examined poetry of Oba’s wives among the Oyo-Osun people. It analysed the nature, language and performance of the poetry of Oba's wives in the society, with a view to highlighting its significances. The primary data for the study were collected from the five purposively selected towns Osogbo, Ede, Ilawo-Ejigbo, Iwo and Ikoyi. Oral interviews were conducted with the kings of the selected towns. The data were transcribed and analysed using sociological and formalist theories. The results showed that the poetry was chanted daily in the palace and during any royal ceremony. It was also affirmed that there were two categories of Oba's wives, namely ayaba agba; (senior wives of an Oba), and ayaba keekeeke; (junior wives of an Oba) that jointly performed this poetry. It also showed that the poetry expressed status and role of Oba’s wives and the characters and deeds of the past Oba and the incumbent, and invocation of the spiritual forces within the palace. The language was found to be replete with poetic devices such as repetition, alliteration, parallelism, allusion, and metaphors. The study also showed that the two categories of Oba's wives, that is ayaba agba and ayaba keekeeke jointly performed this poetry. The study concluded that the poetry was an important means of instrument revealing information about the Oba, his wives, the happenings in the society and contemporary issues.
Open Access
The Aladura Movement in Ijesaland 1930-1980.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Olayiwola, David Omoleke; Simon, Azuwou Onibere
The purpose of the study was to describe analyse the existence in Ijesaland of the Aladura Movement which, within fifty years of its emergence in a culture-area has become very important the host community as an indigenous Christian Movement. The study applied historico-phenomenlogical and theological approaches in interpreting the data gathered mainly through the participant-observation approach. The study traced the historical and ethnographical background of the ljesa and related the historical, social and political structures at work in Ijesaland to the religious weltanschauung. This was followed by the descriptive analysis of the emergence of the Aladura Movement in Ijesaland as well as of its major beliefs and practices. The conversion processes used by the Aladura in Ijesaland and its catchments areas was then examined. The impact of the Movement in ljesa society- was investigated as a major contribution to the existing body of knowledge by using the indices of religion, anthropology, social culture, econology, politics and economics. In the conclusion there was a discussion of the significance of the Movement as a powerful agent of social and religious changes in Ijesaland, and as a formula for the indigenization of the Christian Church in Nigeria.
Open Access
Alioum Fantoure: Romancier D'une Societe en Quete de la Liberte.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Eluchie, Victoria Ugoeze; Bestman, M.
Alioum Fantoure is one of the African writers whose novels have received little attention, from literary critics. Some critics do not go beyond his first novel Le Cercle des Tropigue. This study is an in-depth analysis of the African searches for liberty as presented in the four novels of Fantoure. Attention is focused on the three major periods of the African search for liberation depicted in the novels - the colonial era, the period of the struggle for independence and the post-independence era. The analysis reveals a deep-rooted pessimism the part of Fantoure vis-ŕ-vis the liberation of Africa as a continent. The colonial era, with its oppression and exploitation is seen as the beginning of the African woes. Fantoure denounces the lack of unity among Africans fighting for their independence. To the author, Africa's independence is paradoxical in that the social ills of the colonial era are still present. Africans are still in need of liberation from indigenous colonialist but this time their liberation seems to be a myth because of the indifference of the masses and the insensitivity of the leaders to the social problems. Thus, Fantoure sees the African search for liberation as hopeless.
Open Access
Assessing the Quality of Translations into English as a Second Language
(1987) Adegbite, A. B.
This paper proposes a two-dimensional approach to describing translation texts from a mother tongue into a second language. The approach observes and describes the process(es) of message transfer from the source to the target language along one dimension and describes the reactions of interpretants to the source and target language messages along the other dimension. The binary-comparative approach is expected to explicate the intricate processes of transferring and interpreting messages in translation more than the unidimensional method of comparing source and target language forms, hitherto being used.
Open Access
An Assessment of the Contributions of 'Ilmiyyah Schools to Arabic and Islamic Learning in the Southern Nigerian Universities
(1994) Opeloye, Muhib O.
This paper attempt to find out how the inclusion of Arabic and Islamic Studies syllabus in the secondary school certificate examination in the early seventies had affected the contributions of the 'ilmiyyah schools to Arabic and Islamic learning in the Southern Nigerian universities.
Open Access
Bilingual Competence and the Suppressive Influence of English on Yoruba
(2011) Adegbite, Adewale Bandele
The contact between English and Yoruba, a Nigerian language, is a typical example of the language contact situation that has existed between English and many other Nigerian languages since the middle of the 19th Century. The contact between the languages has yielded some linguistic and sociolinguistic features, which overlap bi-directionally in the contact languages as aspects of linguistic facilitation or interference.
Open Access
Bilingualism-Biculturalism and the Utilization of African Languages for the Development of African Nations
(2004) Adegbite, Wale
The slow rate of development of African nations vis-a-vis their counterparts all over the world has been a major concern throughout the 21st c. As we enter the century, it behoves African scholars and intellectuals and other non-Africans who have some goodwill for Africa to rise up and challenge this ugly situation. This paper argues that the lack of development of African nations can be mainly linked to the lack of recognition and underutilization of African languages and cultures. It has consistently escaped the attention of African policy-makers planners that language has the greatest potentials and capacity to enhance the development of human beings, as individuals or societies, hence their consistent neglect and silence about language when discussing matters of development. Using Nigeria as a point of reference, the study observes the patterns of social and language policies in Africa. It then examines the basis of government policies in order to identify the sources of socio-linguistic problems militating against national development. Lastly, it suggests the application of a bilingual-bicultural policy towards tackling the problems facing the nations of Africa. The key principles of bilingualism-biculturalism, viz (i) the conception of societal bilingualism-biculturalism, (ii) appropriate integration of tradition and modernity, and (iii) adequate utilization of mother-tongue and second language resources are explained and related to three key areas of national development -- politics, language choice and development, and education. The paper concludes by suggesting that new comprehensive language policies be formulated in African nations which will incorporate all features pertaining to the principles of bilingualism-biculturalism stated above.
Open Access
Book Review Guy Cook. Discourse. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989, vi + 165pp.
(1997) Adegbite, Wale
Discourse introduces the reader to the theories properties and presentation of the communication phenomenon known as discourse in language learning and teaching. The book is divided into three sections; theory and properties of the discourse, demonstration of discourse in language learning and teaching, and exploration of discourse development in the classroom. The first and second sections are equally developed in six chapters each while the third section has only one chapter.
Open Access
Building Bridges of Understanding between Islam and Christianity in Nigeria
(2001) Opeloye, Muhib O.
Of the great monotheistic faiths having Abrahamic descent, Islam and Christianity enjoy the widest universal acceptance. Islam with about 1171 million adherents has 23.2% of the total world population which stands at about 5 billion, while Christianity with about 1424 million adherents attracts 29%. The adherents of the two religions therefore constitute more than half of the world population. Nigeria as a nation has a substantial percentage of the world population of Muslims and Christians. Archbishop John Onaiyekan makes a correct observation when he says: "Nigeria is one of the greatest Islamo-Christian nations in the world." What the archbishop means by this is that Nigeria is about the only country in the world where one finds a very large population of Muslims living side by side with a large population of Christians. There are nations with fairly large population of Muslims and Christians but more often than not we find one dominant over the other. Where Muslims and Christians are fairly balanced, the population would not be as large as Nigeria's. Though we cannot ascertain the actual population of the Muslims and Christians of this country because religious affiliation was not put into consideration during the 1991 controversial headcount, what is however certain is that the giant North remains the stronghold of Islam in spite of intensity of the Christian evangelism going on in the area, while the dominance of Christianity in the South East remains unchallenged. It is in the South-West that the two faiths attract a balanced population of adherents. The large population of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria gives the country an advantage of being a nation to be reckoned with in the global search for religious peace and harmony.
Open Access
The Celestial Church of Christ; The History of an Independent African Church
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Agbaje, Albert Aduloju; Omoyajowo, J.A.; Onibere, S.G.A.
The Independent Indigenous churches in Africa, of which the Celestial Church of Christ is one, are a twentieth century phenomenon. These indigenous churches have contrasting characteristics in the different African States where they operate. While some of these indigenous churches have come into existence for racial reasons and others as protest groups, the Celestial Church of Christ claims to be the "last ship of Salvation" - kind of "Noah's Ark". It claims divine origin and everything about the church is traced to Divine Revelation. Incidentally, the C.C.C. is the most misunderstood of all the Christian churches in Nigeria. Some see it as a cult while others describe it as a refined Yoruba traditional religion. I have under-taken to investigate the Celestial Church in order to bring out the truth about the faith and practices of that church especially now that the Dramatis Personae connected with the birth and development of that church are still on the stage. The intention is to lay bare the facts and allow individuals to give their own conclusions. In this research therefore, I have attempted to survey the social, political, economic and religious conditions of Porto Novo (Ajase Ipo) in order to show the background on which the Celestial Church of Christ was founded, as well as examine the origins, growth and expansion of the C.C.C. and then to investigate the theology, liturgical practices, organization, administration and constitution of the church. My conclusion is mainly an evaluation of the church as a Christian church vis a vis its contributions to religious change in Nigeria. My approach is mainly historical and theological.
Open Access
Christian-African Religious Interactions in Nigeria
(1994) Opeloye, M. O.; Asaju, D. F.
In religiously plural societies such as Nigeria, interaction between adherents of different religions is inevitable. The capability to relate to one another depends on the nature of the religions, the preachers, the practitioners, the policies and actions of Governments. Interaction may be positive or negative. The latter is problematic because it engenders numerous social and political vices
Open Access
Cockroach in the Bath-Tub: Globalisation and the Trope of the Absurd
(Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2004) Adeoti, Gbemisola Aderemi
Using insights from dramatic literature, the paper seeks to enhance our perception of the ideals of globalisation vis-a-vis postcolonial African States. This is done through a fresh reading of Al hakim's Fate of a Cockroach, a play written from the perspective of the theatre of the absurd. Indeed from the suggestive nature of this theatrical approach, we can realise its relevance to our reflections on globalisation. What kind of philosophical and artistic temper does the theatre of the absurd articulate? What are the links between the dominant thought that inspired this theatrical approach in the 20th century and the current phenomenon of globalisation? What critical insights can we draw from the absurdist aesthetics toward the illumination of the new global order? What are the concrete lessons derivable from the textual exposition of the chosen play for contemporary Africa? What is Africa's contribution to and benefit from the "villagisation" of the globe? These are some of the pertinent questions that the paper addresses.
Open Access
Commitment to Criticism
(1998-03-21) Richard, Taylor
The nature of literary criticism and role of the critic is largely dependent on an acceptable definition of literature itself. One view which has been fairly widely held is that literature is the expression of intense and personal experience in a unique and original form which collectively reflects the values and aspirations of a given people in a particular time and place. An individual work externalizes and eternalizes the writer's perceptions of both the self and the world outside. The critic's role is to interpret works of literature to the public at large; not merely to describe or explain them, but rather to comment on and evaluate the quality of both the author's literary composition and his vision of, or insight into, human experience. In his or her quest for excellence and truth the critic should function as an educator, not as a popularizer or purveyor of culture. Serious criticism is evaluative, not descriptive, and the responsibility of the critic is to engage the artist in a public debate for the mutual benefit of all concerned. One of the more important arguments in this dialogue concerns the question of taste, the reader's apprehension and acceptance of style and structure as they change and evolve.
Open Access
Conflict Resolution in Selected Christ Apostolic Church Congregations in Yorubaland, 1990-2000
(2015-03-31) Ajayi, David Olusegun
The study examined conflict resolution in selected Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) congregations in Yorubaland between 1990 and 2000 A.D. It also identified the impact of the conflicts on the CAC congregations. In addition, the study examined the impact of the conflict on the general populace. This was with a view to unravelling the causes of schism in the CAC. The data were collected through interviews and church archival materials. Interviews were conducted with four church dignitaries who were directly involved in the conflicts in Yorubaland. Fifty CAC members consisting of five youths, ten men, ten women and twenty-five Pastors were purposefully selected to determine the negative and positive impact of the conflicts on the church. Church archival materials collected from various factions were analyzed. Archival materials of memoranda written by District Officers of Oyo Province during the formative period of the church were analyzed using phenomenological method. The results showed that causes of conflict in the Christ Apostolic Church included the violation of the church doctrine on monogamy; proven allegations that some prominent members were also members of secret cults; leadership struggle; and ethnic rivalry. Others were the refusal of some members' to yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit; establishment of private ministries within the CAC, which weakened the powers of the central administration; and the suspension and proscription of some ministries within the CAC. The conflicts led to division in the church and the emergence of various factions. In the view of the public, the CAC had deviated from the original plan and vision of its founding fathers. Conflicts resolution strategies adopted by the church included abrogation of monopolization of power by few members; developing good interpersonal relationship among leaders; educating church members to know and defend their rights; dialogue; prophetic consultation; and following biblical injunctions on living in peace with all men and women and forgiving one another. The study concluded that the conflicts in the CAC were largely traceable to leadership tussle and the inability to yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. With this understanding after seventeen years of conflict, the CAC was able to restore peace following the conflict resolution strategies adopted by the church.
Open Access
Confluence and Conflict in the Qur'anic and Biblical Accounts of the Life of Prophet Musa
(1990) Opeloye, Muhib O.
The Article compares the qur'anic and biblical presentations of Moses. Though the Qur'an does not set out the prophet's life chronologically, a chronological account can be constructed from the various passages. It can be seen that this is very similar to the life of Moses as told by the Bible. The Article nevertheless lists seven points of dissimilarity. These he attributes to the different circumstances in which the message was recorded. The similarities, he suggests, indicate a common source and origin.