MAGUN: THE TRADITIONAL JUJU FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF ADULTERY AMONG YORUBA NATIVES

This paper addresses the issue of traditional method of punishing adultery among the Yoruba natives of the Western part of Nigeria. Magun is a Juju which is applied to punish adulterers in Yoruba land. Using qualitative research methods, the paper identifies two categories of Magun and the varieties subsumed under them. The paper argues that the application of Magun for the punishment of adultery is no longer a common phenomenon as a result of westernization and modernization. Yet, there are rural areas where the application of Magun to punish adultery are still found. It is recommended that extensive researches to be conducted on Magun and other ways of punishing crime and deviant behaviour among the Yoruba people. Furthermore, the adequate documentation of the findings in order to preserve the culture of the people in area of Penology and Criminal Justice System is also highly recommended.