Author : Dr (mrs) jumoke oloidi
Keyword : Chief priest, igbo, tradition, religion, christianity, urbanization, industrialization
Subject : Arts and humanities
Article Type : Original article (research)
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Abstract : Igbo traditional religion is rooted in Igbo culture and transmitted orally from one generation to another. The religion is widely diffused among its adherents and deeply coloring their conscience. Though Christianity was introduced to them by early missionaries, many of them still consult native deities when they seek relief from the vicissitudes of life. These native deities are under the custody of special categories of people known as chief priests (Ezemmuo). The chief priests serve as mediators between the people and the deities. The chief priests consciously offer reasonable guidance and assistance to the people in their dealings with the spiritual forces. They provide panacea to problems of their people. Although the influences of modernity portends great threat to their position, the significance of their services and the resilient nature of Igbo traditional religion have made them to persist. This paper explores the roles of the Chief Priest (Ezemmuo) in Igbo Traditional Religion. It also discusses the influence of Christianity, education, urbanization and industrialization on the roles of the Chief Priest (Ezemmuo) in Igbo Traditional Religion. The paper uses qualitative and quantitative methods and is approached thematically and chronologically..
Article by : Jumoke Oloidi
Article add date : 2020-07-16
How to cite : Dr (mrs) jumoke oloidi. (2020-July-16). The role of the chief priest (ezemmuo) in igbo traditional religion of nigeria: a historical exploration. retrieved from https://www.openacessjournal.com/abstract/32