Spiritual Content of Yoruba Concept of Sexuality and Sustenance of Family Values through Eko - Ile (Home Training)

Abstract

This paper examined the spiritual content of the Yoruba concept of sexuality and the implications it has for the sustenance of family values by use of eko ile (home training) which parents are expected to provide for their children as they prepare them for good citizenship.  It is observed that most complaints about bad behaviours of young people in the contemporary African society are blamed on the lack of this cherished aspect of parenting.  Inability to provide this training either because the parents do not have it or that the challenges of the time make it impossible for them to do so has resulted into a degeneration of family values in the society and almost every aspect of life; spiritual, social and moral.   Traditional values and cultural norms are slowly but steadily phasing out with an alternative that permits lose control in family and community structure. The paper therefore recommends for parents to have a rethink and retrace their steps to forestall further degeneration by practicing and teaching their children eko ile that assign responsibilities with sexuality in view for the total development of society.

Keywords: Spiritual content, Yoruba, Concept Human Sexuality, Sustenance, Family Values