A sociological review of the effects of slavery on Yoruba nation - research
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The Yoruba nation encompasses all peoples of Yoruba ethnic origin found mainly in Nigeria and
also in some West African countries of Benin, Togo, Sierra-Leone and Ghana. As a result of
slavery, otherwise known as enslavement, Yoruba presence expressed by its language and
culture are found in such places as Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago amongst
others. This paper which draws materials from secondary sources posits that enslavement led to
the dispersal of Yoruba language and culture to the Diaspora. Beyond this, it also transported
Yoruba religion to the Caribbean as exemplified by the Condembles in Brazil and Santeria in
Cuba and practice of Ifa. Furthermore, slavery impacted Yoruba nation in economic terms and
altered traditional social relations among the Yoruba. However, slavery could be said to be
double edged in the Yoruba nation. It introduced the Yorubas to new ways of life, transformed
the traditional economy and aggravated the internecine wars in the search for slaves. It also
affected, though it did not obliterate Yoruba communalism. The paper concludes by suggesting
the need for the establishment of a supranational and pan-Yoruba association that will promote
studies into Yoruba history and culture and further promote and propagate the interest of the
Yoruba nation in all its ramifications.
Keywords
HM Sociology