ECOCIDE IN TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIES: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF ECOLOGICAL CRISES IN NORTHEAST YORUBALAND

Abstract

This paper examines ecocide in traditional African communities by using the Okun of northeast Yorubaland as a case study. The world is inundated with ecological crises of immense proportion of which traditional communities bear a huge burden. The global concern for ecological crises has inundated the world especially because humanity seems unprepared to challenge these crises. Data indicate that traditional communities such as Okun speaking people are affected badly by the ecological crises, yet, not much attention is paid to their plights. It is imperative therefore to examine the causes and effects of ecological crisis amongst the people. Methodologically, the study is a poly-analytical investigation of the menace of ecological crises among the Okun people. The study employs anthropological tools as means of investigation. Data collection was done by ethnographic fieldwork. The study identifies the various causes of ecological crises among the Okun people. Findings indicate that the ecological crises in Okunland have spiritual, economic and social impacts on the people. The study identifies the problems of ecocide in Okunland and concludes that the northeastern most part of Yorubaland is experiencing a period of ecocide. Recommendations are made for the amelioration of the problems.