Babaláwo · Philosopher · Educator
Kọ́lá Abímbọ́lá
The Ajagunnà Ògún Àgbáyé. Full Professor of Philosophy at Howard University. Ordained Babaláwo of the Ọ̀yọ́ tradition.
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About
A scholar between worlds.
For four decades Kọ́lá Abímbọ́lá has worked at the intersection of jurisprudence, philosophy of science, and the Òrìṣà tradition — transversing philosophy, law, the classroom, and the consecrated grove.
His scholarship spans evidence and proof, Africana philosophy, and the epistemology of Ifá divination. Ordained in the Ọ̀yọ́ lineage by the Ògeese conclave under His Imperial Majesty the Aláàfin, he holds doctorates from the London School of Economics and the University of Birmingham, an LLB, and a B.A. from Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀ University.
He is Full Professor of Philosophy at Howard University, where he teaches courses in evidence, proof, and Africana thought.
Films
In motion
Documentary portraits, ceremonial recordings, and conversations spanning two decades of public scholarship and ritual life.
Areas of work
Four traditions, one practice.
Philosophy & Law
Evidence, proof, and the philosophy of science.
Books and articles on jurisprudence, evidence and proof, the structure of scientific reasoning, and Africana philosophy — work spanning Birmingham, LSE, Howard.
Babaláwo · Òrìṣà
The Ajagunnà Ògún Àgbáyé.
Ordained in the Ọ̀yọ́ tradition by the Ògeese conclave under the Aláàfin. The universal Ajagunnà of Ògún — a title bestowed for service across the diaspora.
Music · Discography
Devotional and ceremonial recordings.
Original compositions and traditional Yorùbá repertoire — available on Apple Music, Spotify, and across major streaming platforms.
Films & Lectures
Public scholarship in moving image.
A growing archive of lectures, interviews, ceremonial documentation, and conversation — on Vimeo, IMDb, and major networks.
Music
Sound as devotion.
Original recordings rooted in Yorùbá liturgy and ceremonial practice. The discography draws from decades of performance and study within the Òrìṣà tradition.
Listen on Apple Music →Featured writing
Selected work
Aesthetics for Birds · 2017
100 Philosophers, 100 Artworks, 100 Words: №64
An entry in the long-running series in which philosophers respond to a single artwork in exactly one hundred words.
Read the piece →Cardozo Law Review
On evidence and inference in law
An article in the Cardozo Law Review on questions of jurisprudence, evidence, and proof.
Books
Selected monographs and edited volumes
Long-form scholarship in jurisprudence, philosophy of science, and Africana thought.
Curriculum vitae
Full academic record
Appointments, publications, presentations, awards, and service in a single document.
Get in touch.
For lectures, ceremonies, interviews, and academic correspondence.