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American Journal of Public Health Research. 2015, 3(4), 174-179
DOI: 10.12691/AJPHR-3-4-8
Original Research

Food Prohibition among the Urhobo Nation: Ethical Consideration

Anyanwu E. B.1, , Abedi Harrison O.2 and Edafiadhe E. W.3

1Department of Family Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, P.M.B. 07, Oghara, Nigeria

2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, P.M.B. 07, Oghara, Nigeria

3Department of Mental Health, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, P.M.B. 07, Oghara, Nigeria

Pub. Date: July 20, 2015
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Cite this paper

Anyanwu E. B., Abedi Harrison O. and Edafiadhe E. W.. Food Prohibition among the Urhobo Nation: Ethical Consideration. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2015; 3(4):174-179. doi: 10.12691/AJPHR-3-4-8

Abstract

The practice of food prohibition or food taboo has existed among the various local indigenous sects of the world for several generations. Such practices are usually attached to some myths or beliefs among the practicing population. The myths or beliefs are passed from generation to generation by means of stories, folklores, legends and even religious practices. The Urhobo people are found in the Southern part of Nigeria and they are found in a region that is surrounded by an evergreen forest. The people enjoy a lot of unique delicacies such as “Ukhodo” (yam and unripe plantain dish), starch meals, banga soup (from palm kernel), and oghwevwri soup (made with dried or smoked fish, bush meat, unique spices and oil palm). But then, the people practice some food prohibition with various reason attached to these acts that have various health implications for the local population.

Keywords

food prohibition, Urhobo, taboo, beliefs, practice

Copyright

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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