PHILOSOPHY AND PRAXIS

Reincarnation, in general, refers to the belief in the continued existence of a human soul Rfollowing the death of the physical body. This ongoing existence can manifest in another human body, typically that of a newborn, which is commonly referred to as rebirth. Alternatively, the soul may inhabit a non-human form, a process known as transmigration. The Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria subscribe to these two forms of reincarnation, similar to beliefs held by communities in India, China, and various European countries. However, research has identified a unique form of reincarnation specific to Yoruba beliefs, known as "Akudaya," or the Living Wraith. This paper will focus on 'Akudaya' as a distinct type of reincarnation prevalent among the Yoruba ethnic group in southwest Nigeria. What sets 'Akudaya' apart is that the individual believed to be dead continues to exist in a location separate from their original place of residence, without taking on a different body from that which they possessed before death. This study seeks to conduct a metaphysical investigation into the 'Akudaya' form of reincarnation to explore the possibility of existence beyond death.

Open Full Text (PDF)