Traditional intellectual properties and Yoruba (Ifa) philosophy in South-West Nigeria: Intellectual property versus traditional protection approach

Abstract

The claim that Ifa is not merely a form of worship has been made by many scholars and remains a controversy. According to them, it is the core of Yoruba philosophy and scientific as well. Nevertheless, there exists art and science of an intellectual orientation regarding the development of Yoruba people. There are artworks, sculptures, incantations (poetry), and performances in Ifa. Divination is based on the binary system linked to science, as well as the process of traditional healing. Indeed, where you have art and science, intellectual property rights (IPRs) are in pursuit. In this case, copyright, patents, and trade secrets. The aim of this article is to examine IPRs in the spiritual world of Ifa and Yoruba philosophy; proposing that spiritual intellectual properties are for an entirely different world with a protection mechanism outside the modern approach of protection, while other forms of traditional intellectual properties outside the realm of the spiritual world requires modern intellectual property protection approach, subsequent to the understanding of the creator or inventor.