Yoruba Ọbaship institution and its new religious paradigms

Abstract

The institution of Ọbaship in Africa is not only sacred but also revered and exalted as a traditional institution because the Ọba (king), who ascends the indigenous stool of Ọbaship, is regarded not as an ordinary person but as a 'ritualised human being'. In Yorubaland, Ọba is regarded as 'next to God Almighty'. He is worshipped and adored as one of the deities. He is an institution in his own right. Ọbas are the custodians of the relics of history, culture and traditions. However, this paper examines Yoruba Ọbaship institution and its new religious paradigms. Utilising descriptive and historical content analysis and participant observation of some traditional rulers' spiritual beliefs and practices. Findings reveal that foreign religions and their civilisations have affected the Yoruba Ọbaship institution. The paper concludes that there is a significant departure from both the historical past and modern trends in the religious beliefs and practices of Yoruba traditional rulers.