Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

This work examined some Yoruba Indigenous Beliefs (YIB) appropriated among the Indigenous Pentecostals (IP) in Ibadan so as to identify the interpretations ascribed to them in terms of the concepts used, the procedures involved and their significances. A questionnaire was used and unstructured oral interviews and participant observation monitoring were conducted at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), an IP church in Ibadan. Data were subjected to percentages, content and simple descriptive analysis. Four YIB concepts were appropriated in CAC as Awo (the cult formation), Origun-merin Aye (four cardinal directions), Ogun (warfare), and Aye (odd world). Across these concepts, five types of chanting on psalms/songs associated with warfare, imprecations, power, spiritual beings and supremacy were engaged. About Awo, activities within were held in CAC like YIB as nobly, secret and honestly pacts and YIB’s Awo was substituted with Af’aduraja’gun (Prayer Warriors) who addressed die-hard spiritual challenges spiritually, through chain/ring formation mounted to unshackle the victimized positioned in the middle. Enemy’s intrusion was said to be blocked in the ring while vigorous prayers lasted for hours. On Origun-merin Aye, members faced the directions in turn praying and chanting for prosperity, protection, and favor, while doing the five chants amidst clapping, dancing, singing and stamping the feet on Ile (earth surface) believed to harbor virtues. On Ogun and Aye, CAC engaged imprecation in gesticulated mode with prayers, songs, and alertness. CAC and YIB’s worldviews showed a link between the church and Yoruba Religion in how they maneuvered their spiritual operation and protection enrichment procedures.