Ethical Dimensions of the Ojude-Oba Festival as a Vehicle for Cultural Preservation among Indigenes in Contemporary Ijebu-Ode Society

الملخص

The Ojude Oba festival is held yearly by the people of Ijebu in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is deeply rooted in ethical and communal cultural tradition. This festival showcases the moral worldview and values of ijebu indigenous people, despite its cultural significance. The Ojude Oba festival faces challenges that threaten its integrity, including commercialization, the sale of political influence, cultural dilution, and religious extremism, all of which hinder its growth. This paper explores the ethical dimensions of the festival and examines its role as a cultural mechanism for preserving cultural heritage amid advanced modernization. This research employs qualitative methods to explore the ethical foundations of the festival and the protection of Ijebu cultural identity, using a descriptive and interpretive case-study approach. It explores the principles associated with festivals’ rituals and social practices, including
respect for traditional leaders, respect for elders, and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. The findings indicate that the Festival serves as a tool for education and the transmission of values. The festival serves as a cultural archive that continues to protect the social and ethical fabric of the Ijebu Community in contemporary Nigerian society.