“The Sanctity of Human Life in Yoruba Religion” JORAC: Journal of Religion and African Culture

Abstract

From the beginning, the sanctity of life is the reason for human existence. process of life is sustained through procreation and preservation of the essence of human life. But in recent times, respect for sanctity of life and preservation of life have become topical and perennial issue in human society. Nigerian society today is beclouded by act of irreverence and disrespect for human life, and life is no longer sacred but disposable at the slightest provocation. Lack of respect for human life has resulted into destruction of many precious lives. The irreverence for human life could be imagined from how life was being wasted through diverse forms of killing; how kidnapping has become the order of the day; how bombing and ritual killing pervaded the land. The methodological approach for the paper was historical and descriptive in nature because it addressed the age-long problem. The study discovered that human life is sacred from conception to death where dead are accorded with good burial rites. In the light of above, human life is expected to be treated with respect and reverence which would make the society safer for all. Key words: Yoruba Religion, Sanctity of human life, Proverb, and Ifa.