For the Yoruba, the Creator rules over the entire universe manifesting the elements of nature. These indigenous beliefs and practices are a life philosophy and natural science. We see the relationship of man with nature and universe. Revealing the ways in which humans can be in harmony with the energies of nature and the universe.
It is the basis for understanding the beginning and end of life. All the elements of the visible world are symbolized as Orisa in the invisible world. With the belief of re-incarnation, each of the Orisas after their ascendance soon revisited the earth with evidence.
Yoruba theology emphasises the unique status of Olodumare, as He is Supreme over all on earth and in heaven, acknowledged by all the divinities and as the Head to whom all authorities belong and all allegiances is due. .
His status of Supremacy is absolute. Things happen when He approves, things do not come to pass if He disapproves. In worship, the Yoruba holds Him ultimately First and Last; in man’s daily life, He has the ultimate pre-eminence.
Our traditional religion is part of our heritage, which needs to be preserved and recognised. The frontal attack on Yoruba religious, socio-cultural and spiritual traditions must be resisted and confronted.
It is indeed lamentable on how the Yoruba ancestors were acculturated before the era of European enslavement which dislocated brothers and sisters to an unknown abode.
Findings revealed that Yoruba culture is the most spread and and most surviving everywhere in the post-colonial time due to our strong spirituality in Orisa and the efficacy of our indigenousness.
Like the majority of historic religions around the world, Yoruba traditional religion was founded on oral traditions. These customs are not religious doctrines but rather a cultural identity that is transmitted from one generation to the next through stories, myths, and tales. The environment, together with one’s family and community, is crucial to one’s personal life, hence the followers trust in the guidance of the spirit of their forefathers. There are several types of priests and spiritual leaders in various traditional African religions.
Yoruba traditional religion is primarily focused on the human being and his or her life in this world, with the consequence that religion is clearly functional, or a means to serve people to acquire earthly goods (life, health, fecundity, wealth, power, and the like), as well as to maintain social cohesion and order.
Traditional Yoruba society, religion, traditions and culture are vehicles for character formation, hence a means of education through which members of the society become well-adapted. It gives meaning to life, forges identity, and regulates social life. Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.
However, Egungun denotes the specific masking tradition among the Oyo Yoruba where it is believed that the practice originated.
It is an integral aspect of traditional religion in Yoruba land usually
occasioned by a colourful gleefulness in deference of ancestors which the Yoruba people believe has an important influence on their living.
Egungun refers to the concept of the powers concealed and can relate to practices which work to both honor ancestors and gods, both of which are considered “beings from beyond.. It has been more explicitly associated with the honoring of the ancestors in particular, the Egungun society and a descendant’s commitment to continuing the traditions of his predecessors and maintaining the reputation of his lineage.
In this way, the egungun tradition can be understood as masking tradition which works to both honour ancestors and gods, whereas the Egungun among the Oyo has been specifically linked to ancestor honoring in particular.
Egungun festival in Oyo town is a historical event that brings together people from far and near to see the proof of evidence of the Yoruba strong religious belief and how it has cleverly evolved to solve their problems and proficiency of the Egungun and overdeveloped the potential substance of a sudden development in economic activities.
Egungun hold deep historical significance, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity that defines the ancient City’s identity.
From its role in the old Oyo Empire to ceremonial presence in cultural festivities, the Egungun stands as a testament to the enduring cultural legacies. Empirically, Egungun Festival is part of the religious practices of the Yoruba people of Oyo.
To be continued ……
Bode Durojaiye is the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
