A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE CONCEPT OF “ENIKARO” (ANCESTORS) IN EDO METAPHYSICS

ABSTRACT

The Edo world-view on ancestors reveals the idea of reincarnation. This is without gainsaying that this view of the Edo is just part of the pervading ideas that exist majorly in African communities. In the belief system of the Edo people we noticed that the believe in life after death and the continuous care of parents for their children even after death. This does not only affect parents and their children but other areas of the community’s work as well. For the living to appreciate this kindness by the departed, they in turn offer sacrifices of appreciation to them for keeping watch over the living even after their demise. This work critically examines the Edo belief of offering sacrifices to the “Enikaro” (Ancestors) for their protection and moral consciousness. It will further make a case for the rebuilding of some values towards the actualization and easy movement of ancestral rites in the Edo belief system, and further recommends that ancestral studies should be inculcated in the learning process of the child.