There has been a recent wave where thousands of young Igbo people are getting back to Odinani way of life, below is an extensive explaination of reasons why many Igbo Youths are falling back to the religious practice of their ancestors.
1. Pride laced with Cultural Identity
The beauty of complex culture of Ndi Igbo including its traditional practices inspires a pride sense of Igbo heritage among young people. Authors like Chinua Achebe in his works expanciated this beauty.
2. Spiritual Fulfilment
Ọdinani spiritual doctrine makes emphasis on connecting with nature, forefathers, and community. The anthropical of Onwuejeogwu details how cosmology of Igbo tradition cuts across all aspects of life, making room for a sense of fulfilment which is clearly missing in Western religion, as it disconnects Africans from their ancestors and community.
3. Dissillusionment with Modern Religions
The theme of disillusionment in western religious practices as seen in our today’s world and highlighted by prolific writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in “Purple Habiscus” where young people might be forced to turn away from Christianity as a result of its perceived disconnection with the typical African cultural identity and this could gear towards redefining and rediscovering of Ọdịnani.
4. Academic and Educational Interest
The research made in “Igbo Traditional Religion and the Christian Missionaries” made emphasis on how the interest on Igbo religion has academically has been on the increase, Angela Okagu’s work encouraged younger generations to dive deep and explore their cultural roots spiritually and academically.
5. Cultural Global Movements
The global trend of falling back to indeginous practices has been discussed by scholars like Ifi Amadiume, where the adaptability and resilience of indeginous African practices was discussed. This context globally supports the reenforcement of Ọdịnani amount Igbo people especially the youths.
6. Cultural Events and Festivals
The glam and allure of Igbo culture and festivals has been studied and put down by scholars like John C. McCall in his work “Dancing Histories: Heuristic Ethnography with the Ohafia Igbo”. These cultural festivals, rooted deeply in Ọdịnani don’t just educate about Igbo spirituality but also celebrate it, attracting young people back into practicing Ọdịnani.
7. Social and Community Healing:
In the works of V C. Uchendu “The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria.” the role of religion in settling conflict or cultural suppression is discussed and evidence shows how Ọdịnani practices have ability to repair communal bonds and also address trauma, culturally. This in turn resonates with the youths looking out for cohesion socially.
The revival of Ọdịnani isn’t a mere return to former ways but a reinterpretation and reclamation of the identity of Ndi Igbo and its Spirituality in there context of modernity.
© Chinua Achebe – “Things Fall Apart”
© Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – “Purple Hibiscus”
© M. Angulu Onwuejeogwu – “The Social Anthropology of Africa”
© Ifi Amadiume – “Male Daughters, Female Husbands”
© Angela Okagu – “Igbo Traditional Religion and the Christian Missionaries”
© Victor C. Uchendu – “The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria”
© John C. McCall – ” Histories: Heuristic Ethnography with the Ohafia Igbo”
