PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE RISE OF TRADITIONAL RITUAL PRACTICES AMONG THE YOUTHS IN CONTEMPORARY IGBO SOCIETY.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to critically investigate the reasons or motives behind the sudden revival of some ritual practices like Ezenwanyi, Oke-ite, dibia, ichu aja, igba afa etc, among the youths in contemporary Igbo society today. This paper observes that for almost a decade in Igbo society, there is this desire, hunger and passion basically among the youths to jettison some modern ways of living and return back to the old ways of doing things. The reason being that globalization and civilization have taken away some Igbo traditions, making Igbo people to see their culture as inferior and old. This paper after critical investigation finds out that the motives behind this sudden passion for change is beyond globalization, as the focus is basically on reviving traditional ritual practices neglecting other areas. This paper attributes the reasons behind this sudden rise to collapse of faith, economic empowerment, protection and money ritual. Employing the method of critical analysis, this paper argues that if urgent attention is not taken to put a stop to these activities, the consequences and the effects will be terrible, as it will result to misfortune and calamity in the society. This is because, these youths engaging into these cults lack proper orientation about these ritual practices and these practices are totally against odinala. The paper therefore argues that the youths in Igbo society need to be educated seriously on the dangers and negative effects of these ritual practices they are delving into. The paper concludes that all hands must be on deck to cultivate good values and create a well playing field for the youths in Igbo society.