The Rule of Law and Governance in Indigenous Yoruba Society

John Bewaji’s The Rule of Law and Governance in Indigenous Yoruba Society grounds legal philosophy inescapably within its cultural context, contrary to conventional Western legal philosophy that, in the name of reason or science, is deceptively projected as culture-free. The book makes significant contribution to the decolonization of legal philosophy and ought to be read by every serious student of legal Philosophy. Although the book focuses on legal philosophy in the Yoruba community, it has relevance to legal philosophy in other African communities and beyond. Like other African communities, the Yoruba community has been the victim of epistemicide—a term Bewaji uses to describe systematic eradication of indigenous knowledge systems. According to Bewaji, indigenous Yoruba culture has a basis for generating a sound foundation for law and its rule. There is no need to wait for foreign missionaries to provide legal philosophy. Furthermore, because of its connection with governance, indigenous Yoruba notion of law and its rule provide a criterion for good governance. Bewaji articulates this criterion to critique governance in Nigeria today and, by extension, governance in Africa. He uses the same criterion to challenge the legal philosophy that the liberal Western modernity has attempted to impose on Africans. His book is worth the attention of those who have an interest in exploring modern juridical encounter between Africans and Westerners, and those who are interested in successful governance in Africa. -- John Murungi, Towson University