THE SURVIVAL OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN IGBOMINALAND IN THE MIDST OF CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
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Date
2018-06
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UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
Abstract
The over-all dominance of Christianity and Islam in the religious landscape of Igbominaland, and Nigeria, has made the current and future status of ATR, look precarious. The motivation, therefore, for any research work on ATR in Nigeria today, as it was for this particular research effort, would no longer be its nomenclature, practises or weaknesses. These areas had been covered in previous research works of scholars in ATR.
The aim of this study was to discover whether ATR is dead or still alive, using Igbominaland as a case study. The objectives of the study were to: (i) discover how vivacious ATR is in Nigeria using Igbominaland as a microcosm; (ii) find out some of the festivals and worships that are still observed in ATR in Igbominaland; (iii) evaluate the degree of interest and participation by the current generation in ATR worships in Igbominaland; (iv) evaluate the extent to which ATR adherents co-exist with others in Igbominaland; and (v) find out if, indeed, there is hope for ATR in Nigeria using Igbominaland as a case study.
The methods adopted were historical enquiry, participant observation and interview methods. The historical enquiry method was used to investigate what happened within time and space in Igbominaland. Participant observation was done to appraise the commitment of the adherents to their religion while interview was also carried out to know how ATR is fairing in Igbominaland. Since Igbominaland is too vast to be covered by a single researcher, a survey of ATR practices was carried out in ten towns and villages to draw conclusions on the true position of ATR in Igbominaland, and Nigeria at large.
The findings of this study were that: (i). ATR, in Igbominaland, is very resilient and can still be reckoned with because of the attention and patronage it is enjoying even by the adherents of other religions; (ii). Ogun, Esu, Osun, Epa and Sango divinities are still being celebrated and worshipped elaborately in Igbominaland; (iii). Youths are participating interest in ATR worships, festivals and observance of culture; (iv). ATR adherents in Igbominaland are peace promoters in their various communities; and (v). There is hope for ATR in Igbominaland looking at the level of community participation, consultations and patronage in times of celebrations as well as in times of crises.
The study concluded that ATR remains a major religion in Nigeria judging by what was found on ground in Igbominaland. Since ATR is still surviving in spite of the overwhelming influence of Christianity and Islam, the study then recommended that, proper mentorship be encouraged to groom the younger generation to take over from the older generation. Students are also encouraged to study ATR in elementary and tertiary schools as people study CRS and IRS. Government should give recognition to ATR in the areas of public holiday declarations and oath taking in Law Courts.
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Keywords
SURVIVAL, AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION, IGBOMINALAND, ATR, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM