Yoruba Indigenous Religion and its Implications for the Restructuring of Nigeria

Abstract

The attitude of the political class in Nigeria, often lacking basic religious, moral values and principles essential for democracy, have led to widespread calls for restructuring to ensure peace, unity, and integration. This paper identifies moral laxity as the primary challenge facing Nigeria and explores Yoruba indigenous religion as a foundation for restructuring in pursuit of national cohesion and growth. Utilizing descriptive and historical phenomenological methodology, the paper highlights how Nigerians have abandoned their cherished traditional norms and moral values in the quest for power and supremacy, leading to corruption. The paper concludes that restructuring, involving indigenous religion and culture, can address these persistent agitations. It is recommended that, despite ethnic and cultural differences, Nigerians should appreciate and uphold the moral values of indigenous religions, such as love, respect for human life and dignity, trust, transparency and accountability, equity, and social justice, to ensure peace, unity, and national solidarity.