Gbogbo Wa Lẹlẹ́bọ: The Duality of Ẹbọ-Sacrifice as a Healing Practice in Human History

Abstract

Ẹbọ-sacrifice occupies an important place in Yorùbá approaches to healing and human well-being, yet its meaning is often restricted to its spiritual or religious dimension. This study examines Ẹbọ as a dual practice encompassing both spiritual and secular dimensions of human life. It argues that while spiritual Ẹbọ involves offerings directed toward Òrìṣà and other spiritual entities to restore balance, secular Ẹbọ includes food and other forms of nourishment through which human beings sustain health and well-being. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on rapid research, telephone conversations, and in-depth interviews with thirty participants comprising ten traditionalists, ten Christians, and ten Muslims in Ibadan, Nigeria. The data are analysed thematically to examine differing understandings of Ẹbọ and its relationship to healing. Findings indicate that participants hold divergent views concerning the relationship between food and Ẹbọ, particularly regarding whether everyday nourishment can be understood as a form of sacrifice. The study further demonstrates, through selected Ifá verses, that the concept of Ẹbọ extends beyond ritual offerings to include physical nourishment and the maintenance of wellbeing. It concludes that Ẹbọ should be understood within both its spiritual and physical dimensions, rather than being reduced to a purely religious practice.