THE PHILOSOPHICAL EXAMINATION OF DEATH IN AFRICA: THE ANALYSIS OF OWAN PEOPLE OF EDO NORTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

There is plenty to speculate about the phenomenon of death. In this context, this paper reexamines the concept of death in contemporaryAfrican societies. It critically analyses the meaning and significance of death in relation to human life. This paper examined the Owan people and their concept of death, and to further raise questions like, does death brings to finality the process of life? Is there other life to live somewhere after death? Does the human soul live on eternally? That is, is the human soul immortal and are there lessons of philosophical importance to be learnt from the conception of death in Owan world-view? These and others are what formed the thrust of this paper while a logical conclusion is drawn against the backdrop of the metaphysical relevance of Owan's understanding of death.