EXERCISING THE RIGHT TO DIE: AN AFRICAN INQUIRY INTO THE IDEA OF EUTHANASIA

In chapter one, the concept of euthanasia was espoused. Chapter one defines euthanasia as "good death.” According to this first chapter, over the years, euthanasia has sparked intense debate globally, raising fundamental questions about the nature of human existence, dignity, and the right to determine one's own fate. At its core, euthanasia involves the intentional termination of a person's life to alleviate their suffering, typically in cases of terminal illness or unbearable pain. The second chapter reflects on the concept of a person according to both Akan and Yoruba’s philosophical understanding. It reveals that Yoruba thought sees human existence as a multifaceted journey that is deeply connected to the spiritual, natural, and social dimensions of life. It emphasises the importance of balance, harmony, and responsibility in navigating this journey and seeking meaningful existence. The conception of a person in traditional Yoruba thought goes beyond the possession of these ontological qualities to a normative sense as well. This position is not unconnected with the fact that to the Yoruba, being a person is more than having physical and spiritual aspects of creation, as exposed in the mythological account of the Yoruba, but a person in the real sense of it is a person when his attitude and character conform to that of society. It is as a result of this, that the community has a vital role in ascribing who a person is, in the African (Yoruba) traditional thought system Also, it argue that life according to African people, revolves in communality. That is, man is seen as individualistic yet exists socially. This is an understanding of the African communalistic nature. That man does not exist without community. In furtherance, this chapter discusses the understanding of life and death and asserts that death is an occurrence that leads an individual from the visible world to the transcendental or invisible world. The final chapter concludes that voluntary euthanasia in Yoruba culture is anchored on a good death, which is attached to simple, good, and easy life. If one lived a good life, he may likely die a good death. Living a bad life may often result in a deadly disease that may warrant crying to ask for death. Or living life in regret every day with the hope that death comes sooner rather than later. This is justified in a Yoruba adage, which is igbe aye daada or daradara iku daada or iku daradara. This can be transliterated into “a good life, a good death.” The position of the Yoruba people is that the spirit beings can inflict disease or hardship on people. Some ailments and health issues are attached to spiritual attack. Most diseases with unclear diagnoses are often assumed are as a result of spiritual attack. The chapter establishes that, the Yorùbá people achoring on their communitarianistic nature and approach to life have compassion on others. And in such nature believe that iku ya ju esin lo, and abiku san ju rada rada. These two Yorùbá adages cement the fact that, traditionally the Yorùbá people appreciate good death, and that it is beneficial for the sick individual and his or her relative if such person give up the ghost when it is still good. Finally, this essay can not shy away from the question that euthanasia in Africa is a work in progress, and it is important to not portray an overlay of analysis which can not be verifiable. It is on this premise, this essay concludes that euthanasia within the Yorùbá rethinking shows that the voluntary form of euthanasia is within the scopes of Yorùbá culture but however not generally acceptable by conventional law, as it is subject to ongoing investigation.