THE PENTECOSTAL DEMONOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTION OF DISEASES ANDILLNESS IN YORUBA LAND

Abstract

Life is sacrosanct and valued by adherents of all religions, including individuals with aversions for religion. African Independent Pentecostal traditions are noted for their avowed stance on disease etiology and ‘cura-divina’ (faith healing). In Nigerian context, perspective on demonology is similar to the global Neo-Pentecostal movements. Epidemic and other natural disasters are linked to the manifestations of demonic operations that must be countered with spiritual warfare. The poor ranking of Nigeria on global quality of life and life expectancy index is antithetical to the invocatory prayers against the forces of death. This paper highlights the
perception of African Independent Pentecostals in Yoruba land on the causation of diseases and illness from the twentieth to twenty-first century and its implications on human wellbeing. Hybrid of textual analysis and interactions with residents of the ancient Oyo town and its environs were
adopted to gather data for the study. The study argues that demonological construction of diseases and sickness intersects poverty, poor health index and low life expectancy. This paper posits that etiology of diseases is multidimensional and healthcare intervention should be holistic and not limited to exorcism or spiritual warfare. Biomedical, herbal therapy, disciplined social behaviours, and self-acceptance incorporated with spiritual warfare, are antidotes for sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria.