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The Effects of Modernity and Changing Perception on Yoruba Cultural Ethics and Biblical Moral Perspectives on Sexuality

The present-day research works have revealed that there has been an increase in premarital sexual affairs. In fact, about 85% of adolescents engage in one sexually wrong and deficient intercourse or another. Similarly, also established is the fact that younger people in Nigeria involve in untimely sex activities (Oguntola, 2006). In the primitive Yoruba societies, sex was considered sacred, ordained in the context of marital engagements which was set aside as a legal union and solemn cleaving between a mature woman and man who mutually agreed to live together. Within this understanding, the Yoruba people and the advocates of biblical ethics place immense importance on the virginity of a newly wedded bride, which appears to be socially bond for everyone, irrespective of status, in social and cultural setting. Conversely, this tradition is not commonly visible in contemporary societies. This study specifically explores the deplorable situations in the present societies where premarital sex is prevalent and virginity is of no value. The work objectively aims at delving into traditional biblical and Yoruba ethical perspectives to address the issue, using historical methods to elicit the findings.