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Yók-Òbòlò: the influence of a traditional religion on the socio-cultural life of the Andoni People

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2011

Nkparom C. Ejituwu
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Extract

This is a study of the influence of Yók-Òbòlò on the Andoni of the eastern Niger delta. The origin of the deity is shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to be the Òbólò, the ancestor of the people, elevated on his death to the level of god. Around him there developed a series of socio-political structures. Because their region was a conflict zone, the Andoni developed the military arm of government more than any other, with the result that they were able to survive the pressures of a difficult environment. But their success also had some side effects on the social development of the area. One such effect was that their military achievements inspired fears among some of their neighbours, who described them to Europeans in the delta as ‘too dangerous’ for ‘strangers’ to visit. Despite this artificial description some Europeans visited the area. But overall the result was Andoni isolation from the outside world. Even upon independence in 1960, without a strong core of indigenous, educated personnel, Andoni remained ‘backward’, and Yók-Òbòlòism the main source of inspiration and direction in the people's private and public affairs.

Résumé

Cet essai est une etude de l'influence de Yok-Obolo sur les Andoni du delta à l'est du Niger. L'origine de cette divinité est enveloppée de mystère, mais on croit qu'il s'agit d'Obolo, l'ancestre du peuple, qui fut élevé à sa mort comme Dieu. Une série de structures socio-politiques ont été développées autour de lui. Parce que leur région était une zone de conflit, les Andoni ont développe la branche militaire du gouvernement plus que toute autre, et le résultat en a été qu'ils furent capables de survivre les contraintes d'un environnement difficile.

Mais leur succès a aussi eu certains effets négatifs sur le développement social de la région. L'un de ces effets a été leurs accomplissements militaires qui ont inspiré la peur parmi certains de leurs voisins, qui les décrivent aux européens dans le delta comme étant trop dangereux pour que des étrangers leur rendent visite. En dépit de cette description artificielle, des européens ont visité la région. Mais en général la conséquence en a été l'isolation des Andoni du reste du monde. Même avec l'independance en 1960, sans un fort noyau de personnel indigène et éduqué, les Andoni sont restés “retardes ” et le Yok-Oboloisme est resté la source principale d'inspiration et de direction en ce qui concerne les affaires privées et publiques du peuple.

Type
Working with deities and the dead
Information
Africa , Volume 65 , Issue 1 , January 1995 , pp. 97 - 113
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 1995

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