COMMUNAL LIVING IN IFÁ DIVINATION: FUNCTIONAL INTERPRETATIONS OF OGBÈTÚRÁ AND OGBÈROSÙN IN NIGERIA CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of communal living in Ifá divination and explores its relevance to contemporary Nigerian society. Specifically, it investigates the communal values embedded in Ifá mythology and examines how these values address current social challenges in Nigeria. The study adopts Myth Theory as its analytical framework. Primary data consist of myths from Àpólà Ogbè, collected through interviews with an Ifá priest. Two selected myths from Àpólà Ogbè serve as the basis for the analysis. The findings reveal that these myths promote unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility as fundamental principles of communal living. They further demonstrate that traditional Yoruba society regarded communal life as essential to social stability and harmonious coexistence. The study concludes that the ethical values embedded in Ifá mythology provide enduring lessons for contemporary Nigerian society by encouraging communal solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual support. Revitalizing these values can contribute to social harmony, national cohesion, and sustainable societal development.