Abstract

Based on recent field research among the Ekiti, South West Nigeria, this paper explores the question of philosophical sages. It attempts to find traditional experts, possessing the capacity for critical and rigorous thought, as required by philosophy, but without the ability to write. Two key questions arise: Do experts in philosophic thought exist among the Ekiti Yoruba, and if so, do they match, if not surpass, the well-known philosophers of the west? ; Do Ekiti Yoruba “philosophers” qualify as philosophers in the conventional sense considering that their thinking and ideas have not been disseminated through the general expected means of writing? These and other related issues are discussed in the paper.