Òrìsá Nlá Festival: Change and Continuity in the Festival of Obàtálá in Ilé-Ifè, Southwestern Nigeria
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2024
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Journal of Africana Religions
Abstract
In the Yòrùbá pantheon, Obàtálá, otherwise known as Òrìsá Nlá, is imagined as a creator god, next only to Olódùmarè. Meanwhile in Ilé Ifè, Obàtálá is regarded as an important king of Ilé-Ifè, whose reign was significant to the development of monarchy in the reputed source of the Yòrùbá. In Ilé-Ifè, where festivals occur daily, the festival of Obàtálá is essential to the continuity of life and the institution of the monarchy. Thus, it is considered to be a national festival. Be that as it may, when placed at the intersection of Western education, colonialism, religion, and modernization, the festival of Obàtálá has been subject to change. Using primary and secondary sources, this article examines the nature of the changes associated with the festival. Despite the impact of change, attempts are being made to sustain the festival of Obàtálá through adaptation.
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Elugbaju, Ayowole S. "Òrìsá Nlá Festival: Change and Continuity in the Festival of Obàtálá in Ilé-Ifè, Southwestern Nigeria." Journal of Africana Religions, vol. 12 no. 1, 2024, p. 1-28. Project MUSE, https://muse.jhu.edu/article/929118.