Wa'asi in Ilorin: A Manipulation of Religious Discourse

Religion discourse addresses people's mind and feeling in order to effect changes in thier behavior and way of life. Islamic discourse is not in an exception, and various types of discourse are adopted for the purpose of admonition among which is Wa'asi which usually manipulates aspects of texts and facts to admonish on various issues among Muslim communities. Wa'asi among Yoruba Muslims manipulates aspects of discourse, so as to influence members of audience in order to ensure their follower ship, gain some material benefits, effect changes in their socio-political positions or effect moral changes in them. Wa'asi is utilized as a means of communication on ethical, political and cultural issues that can be influenced through manipulation of Wa'asi discourse. This paper aims to critically investigate how Muslim admonishers, oni-wa'asi in Ilorin manipulate wa'asi to achieve the desired benefits or changes in their audience. It attempts to uncover the likely underlying ideologies of social life that form admonishers assumption and dictate strategies of wa'asi to persuade and manipulate. The paper therefore analyses samples of wa'asi by focusing on strategies and units of manipulation and utilization of quotations.