African Philosopl

Based on recent field research among the Ekiti) South West Nigeria) this paper explores the question ofphilosophic sages. It attempts to find traditional experts) possessing the capacity for critical and rigorous thought) as required l?J pbilosopby, but ivithout the abiiity to nirite. Tno k(!)' questions arise: Do experts in philosophic thought exist among the Ekiti Yoruba) and if so) do they match) if not surpass) the JJJell-knoJJJn philosophers of the UJ'est? ; Do Ekiti Yomba 'philosophers' qualify as philosophers in the conventional sense considering that their thinking and ideas have not been disseminated through the general!); expected means qf ivriting? These and other related issues are discussed in the paper.