ESAN & ATUNWA: A dissertation of Karma and Reincarnation in Yoruba Religious Belief Hardcover – Large Print, June 10, 2025

This study investigates the Yoruba beliefs in Ẹ̀san (retribution) and Àtúnwá (reincarnation) among the Ibadan people, examining their interconnectedness and influence on human behaviour and morality. Utilizing a combination of oral traditions and scholarly discourse, the research aims to revitalize these cultural tenets within Yorùbá communities experiencing a dilution of traditional identity. The methodology includes structured qualitative interviews and focused group discussions with Babalawo-Ifá priests, to address gaps in existing literature. The findings reveal that Ẹ̀sán and Àtúnwá are deeply embedded in Yorùbá cosmology, impacting familial lineage, ethical behaviour, and individual destiny. Ẹ̀san is shown to influence future generations through ancestral inheritance, while Àtúnwá manifests in various forms, including the return of ancestral spirits (Ìpadàwáyé), cyclical reincarnation of children (àbíkú), and living wraiths (Àkúdàáyà). The study underscores the significance of morality in Yorùbá religion, where virtuous character (Ìwà-Pẹ̀lẹ́) is essential for achieving spiritual fulfilment and navigating reincarnation. The research highlights the urgent need to reintegrate these beliefs into contemporary Yorùbá life to counteract the moral decline among the youth. Recommendations include developing educational programs, promoting cultural festivals, utilizing media and technology, fostering intergenerational dialogue, supporting research and documentation, and advocating for policy changes to protect and promote Yorùbá cultural heritage. Read more