Bamidele Olumilua, University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti. Department of Liberal Arts (History and International Studies unit)
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'ORI' AND 'AYANMO' IN YORUBA ETHICAL VALUE CONSIDERATION: A RE-ASSESSMENT
UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal International Open Access, Peer-reviewed, Refereed Journal
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10.65919/uimrj.2026.v2i9003
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Abstract
In this paper, the Yoruba concepts of Ori (destiny) and Ayanmo (fate or divine purpose) are critically reexamined within the larger framework of Yoruba ethical value systems. These interrelated concepts, which have been at the heart of Yoruba philosophical and religious thought, are examined in relation to current ethical frameworks and moral dilemmas. By carefully examining their philosophical foundation, historical development, and practical applications, this study investigates how Ori and Ayanmo continue to influence both individual moral responsibility and collective ethical standards in contemporary Yoruba society. With an emphasis on how these concepts might be able to address today's ethical problems, it seeks to offer a novel viewpoint on their applicability in moral discourse. This essay critically reevaluates traditional Yoruba ethical ideals in the context of modernity and globalization, adding to the expanding corpus of work on African philosophy.
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Received
14 July 2026
Accepted
09 September 2026
Published
30 October 2026
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© 2026 The Author(s). The author(s) retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License .
How to Cite
Kehinde, O. M., & Abiodun, A. E. (2026). 'ORI' AND 'AYANMO' IN YORUBA ETHICAL VALUE CONSIDERATION: A RE-ASSESSMENT. UnivColl International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(9), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.65919/uimrj.2026.v2i9003
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References
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- Adebayo, Adekunle. “Yoruba Ethical Thought and Contemporary Political Morality.” African Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy, vol. 5, no. 1, 2016.
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- Alabi, Funke. “Ori, Ayanmo, and the Question of Communal Ethics in Modern Africa.” Journal of African Moral Philosophy, vol. 8, no. 2, 2020.
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