Emmanuel Ofuasia, "Ìwà: the Process-Relational Dimension to African Metaphysics" (Springer, 2024)

Mar 29, 2026

Emmanuel Ofuasia, a Nigerian-born philosopher and decoloniality researcher at the University of Pretoria, links Kemet and Yorùbá thought through process-relational metaphysics. He discusses rethinking colonial periodization, proposing an African trivalent logic, comparing primordial concepts like NUN and Ìwà, and arguing for relational ontology, plant sentience, and new directions in African metaphysical historiography.

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ANECDOTE

Turning Point From Marxism To Whitehead

Emmanuel Ofuasia recounts rejecting Marxist guidance after reading Orwell and then discovering Whitehead, which redirected his scholarly path.
He shares that his mixed Igbo–Yorùbá family background pushed him toward comparative, cross-cultural metaphysics.

ADVICE

Focus Research On Africa's Precolonial Achievements

Do study Africa's ancient contributions and intra-African relations rather than accepting colonial periodization that starts history at colonization.
Ofuasia lists nine research directions including Kemet's contributions, pre-Columbian African voyages, and the Moors' role in European civilization.

INSIGHT

Colonial Periodization Erases African Intellectual Heritage

Ofuasia argues the pre-colonial/colonial/post-colonial periodization erases African achievements and identity, privileging European narratives about history and intellect.
He cites ancient Kemet (Egypt) knowledge (geometry, circumference estimates, transatlantic contacts) and papyri misattribution as examples of distortion.

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Correction: In the interview, the host mistakenly mentioned that Prof. Ofuasia is teaching the University of Pretoria. In reality, Prof Ofuasia is currently a decoloniality research associate at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Previously, he has taught at the National Open University of Nigeria, FCT Abuja.

Ìwà: the Process-Relational Dimension to African Metaphysics (Springer, 2024) approaches the subject of African metaphysics historically as it connects Ancient Egypt to Yorùbá. It provides a history of African metaphysics from ancient Egypt or Kemet down to John Boakye Danquah and Placide Tempels in the 20th century and then Innocent Asouzu, Ada Agada, and Aribiah David Attoe, in the 21st century. As it surpasses the deductions of these previous works, it moves further to showcase African originality and approaches to studying reality, whilst resisting the temptation to deduce conclusions from Western philosophy. It is the first book in the history of African philosophy to use a process-relational approach to interrogate African metaphysics. It also serves to harmonize and engage prominent African scholars who have written on the subject of African metaphysics. The general scope of this book centers on engaging the history of distortion and misunderstanding of African metaphysics by providing a relevant and reliable process-relational background as well as an alternative trivalent logic system. Unless African metaphysical theories are understood from this perspective, they will remain powerless to overcome these misrepresentations. It appeals to students and researchers internationally actively working in the fields of African philosophy, Intercultural African studies as well as process studies.

Online May 11-13, 2026 conference on Processual Philosophy, more information here.

Two other books by Prof. Ofuasia on related topics

1. Panentheism and Concepts of God in African Traditional Religions: A Third-Wave Proposal, Springer 2026

2. An Exploration of the Parallels Between African and Process Metaphysics: Introducing the Metaphysics of Force and Becoming, Springer 2026.

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