SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: Religion And Human Relations

CONTRIBUTORS:

Ibezim, E. A. C.
Uche, O. O. C

ABSTRACT:

Traditional institutions and practices play pivotal roles in the socio-economic development of the society. They are channels of promoting discipline, diligence, honesty, loyalty and humility in the society. But instead create some problem within the community. Conflict existed between Ozo cult members and some Christian Churches. There was cases of intolerance, indoctrination, conflicts and ambivalence. The advent of Christianity in Ogidi gave rise to culture conflict and culture decay. The social and economic recognition of Ozo institution would not be wished away. Widowhood in Ogidi were challenged as they relate to emotional and psychological trauma and stress. There was a culture decay in the compulsory shaving of hair, wearing black or white cloths, sleeping and sitting on bare floor or mat , being restrained from bathing for days, being made to swear with husband’s corps and denial of husband property. The trust of this research is to examine the historical dynamics of Christianity with Ozo institution and widowhood practices in Ogidi. There is need to investigate the perceived problems associated with culture conflict and culture decay and proffer solutions that will improve social interaction and healthy relationships in Ogidi, Anambra State. This study discovered that intolerance, lack of accommodation and discrimination, do not promote cultural revival, unity of purpose and the basic principles of discipline, integrity and humility that the Ozo institution is based in Ogidi. The study succeeded in identifying areas of conflict such as indoctrination, bias and inability to recognize the need to tap into the Ozo and widowhood benefits built on a tradition of patience, tolerance, charity, love and filial piety in Ogidi. As part of the legacies be quitted to mankind for posterity, they needed to be preserved and guarded against being eroded by Christianity and western civilization. This dissertation x-rays Ozo institution and widowhood practices in Ogidi society and offers recommendations for their interaction with missionaries which among others include social, political, economic and religious spheres of life in Ogidi, Anambra State. It is finally to see the possibility of removing some practices that might contrast Christian ethics.