Warfare and the Cult of Heroism in Traditional Ohafia Society in the Era of Globalization: A Socio-Religious Study

Abstract

Ohafia militarism and warfare in pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary periods was an integral part of the ancient
tradition and culture of Ohafia people in Abia State. This martial culture has become proverbial and legendary
because Ohafia is synonymous with military prowess. Warfare and the cult of heroism is a cultural practice of attaining
manhood in Ohafia traditional society. This paper was an attempt to examine warfare and the cult of heroism in Ohafia
traditional society. This paper employs a multi-dimensional approach comprising historical method. The paper will
also gather data through primary sources namely oral interviews, focus group discussion, and oral tradition and
personal observation. The secondary sources of data were collected from books, journals, magazines seminar papers
and Internet materials. The paper noted that although colonialism and Christianity brought Ohafia warfare and headhunting tradition and culture to an end, the people’s spirit of individual achievements and desire to excel has remained
undiminished. The attainments of manhood are no longer conceived in warfare and head-hunting paradigm. The new
order has provided criteria to economic, social, political, cultural and educational attainments. In a globalized world
order, education, economic prowess, business and commerce are the new measures of power and success.