Comparative discourse on Yorùbá concept of spirit-husband and Muslim exorcists’ belief in intermarriage between <i>jinn</i> and man

Abstract

Inability to find male suitors and barrenness are among the major challenges women are faced with world-wide. Research has identified varying factors that give rise to the challenges as well as corresponding possible solutions. The Yorùbá people of South-West Nigeria, viewing the challenges through spiritual lens, however, sometimes attribute the challenges to the handiwork of spirit husband-a belief somewhat similar to the belief among Muslim exorcists in marital relationship between man and jinn. This study therefore examines and compares the two concepts. Given the relatively unexplored and complex nature of the phenomena, qualitative methodology which allows for in-depth interviews for women believed to be victims of spirit husband as well as Muslim and Yorùbá exorcists is adopted. The result shows the reality of the phenomenon. It also shows some relatedness between the two concepts even when they differ considerably. The result also shows possibility of partial or total deliverance of victims.

Keywords: Exorcists, jinn, ọkọ-ợrun, spirit, Intermarriage