African Traditional Religion in Isuokoma, Nigeria: Focus on Tenets and the Role of Spirits

Abstract

Religion has remained a major source of hope for man’s existential experiences. In Africa, the domineering effects of Christianity and Islam have undermined the history and practice of the African Traditional Religion (ATR) that was hitherto the original religion of the people. The influence of Christianity and Islam has thus brought observable changes that affected the dynamics and practices of African Traditional Religion creating a clash of civilization and internal communal conflict, arising from misunderstanding from faithful of other religions. This study focused on ATR in Isuokoma, Nigeria. It identified the ideas and religious practices of the people using primary and secondary data that were interpreted thematically. The study found that ATR was very pragmatic and realistic, adjusting ever to meet the needs of the existential circumstances, notwithstanding the dwindling percentage sof adherents in Isuokoma. The study concluded that African Traditional Religion, in its pre-colonial form, offers the Isuokoma men and women some explanations in relation to why they are where they found themselves, why things continue or discontinue to happen and, reasons for some changes often expressed in the Isuokoma religious culture and civilization. It recommends increased religious socialization in Isuokoma and Nigeria at large as a way of building sustainable societal harmony. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in Religion, and African Traditional Religion in particular as well as enhances studies in inter-group relations.

Keywords

• african traditional religion
• spirits
• gods
• isuokoma