Nigeria and the Classics: Ibadan Journal of the Classics and Multidisciplinary Studies

Method, ethics and orality: Ethnocentrism and early Greek epic

Ahuvia Kahane — 2024-03-06

No Abstract

Interrogating the successes and failures of the Seleucid empire

Monica O. Aneni — 2024-03-06

The narratives surrounding the Seleucid Empire have been presented by modern historians, and drawing from the works of such ancient authors as Appian, Pliny, Polybius, and Josephus on the subject matter. These modern scholars namely, Strootman, Houghton and Lorber, Kurt and SherwinWhite among others have discussed the various aspects of the history, culture and structure of the Seleuicid Empire, with little attention paid solely to her attainments and shortcomings. This study attempts to critically interrogate the successes and fiascos of the Empire, with a view to highlighting the workings of the leadership that translated to victories and failures in the Seleucid kingdom. The paper argues that the leaders who were motivated and succeeded in expanding the frontiers of the kingdom, in due course, became careless and deficient in employing effective strategic measures in administering the empire, and her weak foreign policies exacerbated the conflicts with allies and foes alike. Further studies may examine all the wars and peace treaties undertaken by the Seleucid Empire.

Nero's prosopography: A view of the ancient theorists

Folorunso Taiwo — 2024-03-06

No Abstract

God in human form: An examination of anthropomorphism in Greek cosmogony

E. Babatunde Blavo — 2024-03-06

Anthropomorphism is a popular concept in most religions of the world. It endears a worshipper more to an object of worship; and so, both form a mutual divine relationship. In Greek literature and mythology, divine beings are depicted as beings who did not only exhibit human traits but also live amongst mortals. For instance, Zeus, in Greek mythology, is portrayed as an amorous god who mates with numerous goddesses and mortals. In modern religions like Christianity, one finds the concept of anthropomorphism vividly portrayed. For instance, Jesus Christ was portrayed as both God and man in the Bible; or to put it rather succinctly, God in human form. Realizing the complexities of mythological deities, this paper examines the anthropomorphic character of Zeus, the king of the Olympian deities and posits that the concept of anthropomorphism is central to the Greek religion. The paper draws its evidence of the anthropomorphic traits of Zeus from the works of Hesiod and Homer.

From Troy to Owu: Women, violence and patriarchy in Femi Osofisan's women of Owu and Euripides' TZrojan women

Adekunmi Obafunmi Adeleke — 2024-03-06

This paper adopts Femi Osofisan's (2006) play as the backdrop for this discussion. Women of Owu is an African Re-reading of Euripides' Trojan Women. Women experiences across the globe today are not too different from that of the past. Violence and subjugation of women have been institutionalized in the contemporary society; while in the past, women experience violence and war more. Beyond patriarchy, this paper teases out the part played by women and how they serve as gatekeepers in the violence, subjugation, and oppression of women. The paper exudes the patriarchy in action as captured in Femi Osofisan's and Euripedes' plays; portraying the universal conception that women are the weaker vessel and are objects to be owned (property). The womanism theory shows that women can be emotional, irrational, weak, and perceived as that to be owned; but they are altruist – fighting for the survival of their people and nation. The substance of this paper is thrust towards understanding women in every society, how patriarchy operates, the women's experience and their resilience against violence. The paper is also set to portray the altruistic nature of women in the two plays; attributes that are considered to be against the norms of their respective societies and gender and demonstrating commitment to the survival of their people.

Russian language in post–soviet Russia

Akin Ademuyiwa — 2024-03-06

Russian language is not static, just like any other human language. In response to social events and past political happenings, Russian language has undergone several changes in its grammar, morpho-phonology, stylistics and social usage. In view of this, this paper compares two eras (the Soviet era and the post-Soviet era) and tries to relate the events in those two eras to the changes in Russian language. In variance from similar researches on this subject-matter, the paper adopts a multi-disciplinary approach by focusing on the history and politics of Russia language usage and change in post-soviet era. After an in-depth analysis, the paper finds out that Russian language in post-Soviet Russia is still evolving and changing in response to 1991 Soviet collapse, the hegemonic influence of Western culture after the end of the bipolar world, and the effects of globalisation (or Americanisation). The paper concludes that the linguistic changes in PostSoviet Russian can be seen in two folds: de-Sovietisation of the Russian language and the Westernisation of Russian language. A comparison of the two shows that westernisation has effected more changes in Russian language than de-sovietisation.

Towards an indigenous (African) order of knowledge

Amaechi Ude — 2024-03-06

The problem a philosopher/scholar might face writing on an area of study like the African theory of knowledge has to do with a conceptual clarification of the terms in use as well as correcting some perceived misconceptions, which due to the accidence of history, have tended to be accepted as the norm or a given. So, when the Africa's indigenous theory of knowledge is mentioned, some scholars are wont to ask; what theory? And what knowledge? Do Africans have a systematised body of knowledge? Part of our concerns in this essay is to expose the pitfalls in the disguised rejection of African theory of knowledge (epistemology) and its ideological underpinnings in order to reconstruct the ideas with a view to showing the parity of epistemological concepts between African and Euro-western.

Media and communication strategies for Ebola containment in Nigeria

Koblowe Obono — 2024-03-06

The 2014 Ebola epidemic was described as the most challenging, disastrous and deadly disease outbreak ever witnessed in world history because of its rapid spread, short incubation period, unsure therapy and fatal causalities. Despite its radical threat to African populations, the outcome of its emergence in Nigeria proved contrary as it produced only eight recorded deaths. Using the qualitative research approach, the study examined Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) with a view to determining the media and communication strategies used in curbing Ebola spread in Nigeria. A triangulation of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews described the media of Ebola information dissemination as well as the communication techniques used to contain the virus. Findings reveal that multiple languages, divergent media modes and the interface between human and nonhuman communication dynamics including, face-to-face interaction, computer-mediated communication, advertorials, jingles and pictures enabled simultaneous delivery of EVD messages and reach to the heterogenous Nigerian publics. The media-communication duo aided the rapid containment of EVD. The study has implications on health communication and disease management in West Africa.

Folorunso Taiwo, Satura Romana: An Odyssey in Ancient Roman Satire. Ibadan: Hope Publications Ltd, 2018. Pp. iii + 129. Paperback (ISBN 978-978-952-707-6) N1500

Funsho Taiwo — 2024-03-06

No Abstract

Ibadan and newfoundland: A fruitful collaboration

Luke Roman — 2024-03-06

No Abstract.