Re-enacting the relevance of the moral codes of the un-shrined gods of Igbo Imabana Nation: The significance for socio-cultural development

Abstract

The incessant destruction of the people‟s cultural values due to Western way of life has almost turned the people‟s tradition and religion to a tussle. A good example is the contemporary generation of Igbo/Imabana nation, Cross River State, Nigeria. This research is poised to harness and re-enact the traditional commandments based on the taboos of the numerous un-shrined gods. These codes or Kipa have held and helped the people of Igbo/Imabana to live in harmony with man and nature. They save live; demonstrate brotherly love, enhance respect for human live and dignity. Also they maintain social justice, give cultural identity and encourage patriotism. The work will, identify the moral codes and analyze the methods of enforcing them. It will also delve into how the gods are appeased. The socio-cultural significance would be treated for a clearer view of the relevance of the moral codes of the un-shrined gods.

Keywords: Moral codes, Unshrined gods, Socio-cultural, Development