RETHINKING THE RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL IMPACTS OF DEITIES IN IGBO WORLDVIEW ON SUSTAINING AFRICAN HERITAGE

Abstract

In most religions of the world, the concept of the Supreme Being is strongly spelt out and emphasized just as it is in the Igbo cosmology. God in Igbo religio-philosophical worldview implies the Living Eternal Being who is the source of all living things and has existed from the dateless past. He exists without any other being’s assistance and His power alone sustains the universe. Without any aid, He knows and sees all things at the same time. This Great Being has revealed Himself in many different ways especially through deities, divinities and spirits who He clearly set forth as His messengers to human beings in particular. Human beings have continued to feel His presence and responded to Him through worship and this has brought about unity, cohesion, love, oneness, communalism among other virtues in African heritage. This paper focuses on the history of Igbo people, analyses the existence, realities, roles and positions of these deities in Igbo cosmology stressing that their belief in these beings does not contradict their belief in the Supreme Being rather it has contributed in ensuring social control and the sustenance of norms without which African society will go into extinction. This work finally articulates how the sacredness and reverences accorded to these deities in Igbo religio-philosophical cosmology have contributed in sustaining the heritage and global future of Africa.