GBAÌ€GAÌ€LAÌ€ AS A DEITY FOR INVESTIGATION OF CRIME AMONG THE ILAJE AND IJAW/APOI OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper introduces Gbàgàlà a sacred divinity among the Ilaje and Apoi people of Ondo State Nigeria which has recorded few or no literature. It is a traditonal African mode of crime detection. The study design is ethnographic, analytical method of research was adopted while data for the study were obtained from structured interview with 7 indigenes of Ilaje and Apoi the sampled population area where the practice of Gbàgàlà is prevalent and about seven cases successfully investigated by Gbàgàlà were reported. Gbagàlà performed the role of police in investigation of criminal offences, mysterious or strange occurrences like untimely death of a deceased. No doubt, it had worked in the past and presently still working. This paper therefore brings into lime light this sacred divinity as an investigation mechanism in the criminal justice system of Ilaje and Apoi people of Ondo State Nigeria. It showcases its swiftness, effectiveness and potency in investigation of criminal complaints among these people. Integrating African mode of crime detection into the English criminal justice system of Nigeria was recommended.