Cultural Interpretation and Traditional Perspectives in Ahmed Yerima’s Akudaaya
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Religion
Abstract
The complex religious background and diverse cultural setting of Nigeria make it a nation to investigate the intersections of religion, religiosity,
leadership style and ideological drive. With roughly half of its population as Christians and the other half as Muslims, Nigeria has been the site
of ongoing tensions and debates around women's rights, religious identity, leadership and the role of religion in public life. This study, therefore,
examines religion, religiosity and the Marxists ideology in Adeoluwa Owu’s widely celebrated film, Adire. The study adopts the content analysis
method, and reveals that religious beliefs and practices often shape economic behaviour and vice versa. It is also revealed that religion empowerment
and traditional power structures often shape social norms and perpetuate inequalities in Nigerian and indeed, most African societies. The study
concludes that religious syncretism promotes cultural resilience, and that the fusion of traditional African spirituality with contemporary
expressions of faith demonstrates the adaptability of religious beliefs and practices in the face of social change and external pressures.
Keywords: Religion, Religiosity, Leadership, Marxist Ideology, Adire