APQ - APPON PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY

This research aims to bridge two worlds that are far apart from each other due to the lacuna created through a misconception of both worlds. These are the perceived metaphysical world of witches, regarded as a threat to the other, the physical world of the Okulosho people of Akoko-Edo, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of this research is to demystify the world of witchcraft for the purpose of harmonizing both worlds for peaceful coexistence, as has been achieved in Europe and America in the 19th Century. This paper observed that amalgamating the two worlds can lead to monumental development in all spheres of life. It is a common belief that development thrives faster and better in a peaceful and harmonious environment. The paper adopts a historico-phenomenological approach in order to critically examine the issues involved in an attempt to reconcile the physical and metaphysical worlds. It was also discovered that the witchcraft phenomenon in Okulosho has sown a seed of discord over the years that resulted in stigmatization, inherent hatred, suspicion, separation, disunity, and calumny among the indigenes. The paper concluded that the conflict between the two worlds is anchored in the attitudinal manner of the Okulosho people towards the perceived witches

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