Igala Ontology and Its Influence on Their Social Praxis

Abstract

This paper argues that a people’s ontology determine their world-view which in turn is manifested in their outlook and attitudes towards life and existence. This view point is contrary to the popular view enunciated by scholars such as Redfield, Kraft, Gyekye, Egbunu and Mbaegbu who hold world view as synonymous with ontology and in some instances as if a people’s world-view determines their ontology. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the Igala ontology which is about the people’s thought system which is exposed through their world view and is experienced in and through their attitude towards life, family, society and other aspects of their social praxis. The paper is investigative in nature, analytical in outlook and critical in approach. It investigates the thought of the people and presents them for analysis with critical tools. It is organized as follows: introduction, clarification of concepts, Igala People and their world view, Relationships between Igala worldview and their ontology, Igala ontology and its reflection on their thought system, Influence of Igala ontology on their social praxis, evaluation and conclusion.