Benue State University, Makurdi

On Esu and Aje: An Exercise in Conceptual Decolonization

Mohammed Akinola Akomolafe, Ph.D

Abstract

The principal preoccupation of this study is to question the implications of some Hellenistic concepts upon traditional African concepts. In other words, this research furthers previous explorations on the discourse on conceptual decolonization of African thought systems. Specifically, there has been the uncritical assumption that Esu translates literally as the Devil/Satan in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic religious traditions as practiced among the contemporary Yoruba. This seems to be the case owing to the parallels in character between Devil/Satan within these traditions and Esu in traditional Yoruba religion. However, it needs to be stressed that there persist some conscious scholarly efforts to correcting this misrepresented and uncharitable locus. As a result, there is a consciousness, albeit vegetative but nevertheless an improvement compared to the initial uncritical status quo that Esu does not translate equivocally as Satan/Devil in Yoruba theology. This ‘victory’ implies that there are other concepts in need of decolonization but vitiated perhaps owing to the influence wielded by Christianity and Islam over contemporary Yoruba custom. Hence, this research intends to explore the notion of Aje which does not translate necessarily into English as ‘witches’ and then pass necessarily as a feminine affair. Using the methods of critical analysis and interpretation, this research adduces that Aje is not necessarily evil or malicious and feminine but is a force with benevolent characterizations, like Esu if propitiated properly.

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