THE IMPACT OF CHANGE ON AYELALA (GODDESS OF JUSTICE) DEITY IN ILAJE KINGDOM OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Bukola A. Folaranmi, Olusegun A. Harmona
Publication Details
Published: July 16, 2025
Reference: Volume 9, Issue 1
Abstract
Change is a fascinating reality in human existence. Everything seems to be affected by change. In the Ilaje kingdom, the worship of Ayelala remained a major religious preoccupation of many adherents of Ayelala until the wind of change blew across Ilaje after her contact with the Western world through the activities of colonialism and the missionary activities of Christianity and Islam. This study assessed devotion to Ayelala deity in the face of change. The study employed the qualitative research design. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. The primary sources involved the use of unstructured oral interviews with relevant resource persons. The secondary sources involved the use of text books, scholarly journals, magazines and the internet. The data were analysed using the historical and expository tools. The historical method was used to evaluate the historical evolution of Ayelala before colonialism and the incursion of Christianity and Islam. The expository method presented a vivid description of the changes that have occurred with the worship of Ayelala Deity in Ilaje kingdom as a result of colonialism, Christianity and Islam. The study found out that various socio-cultural and religious changes have occurred with regards to the devotion to Ayelala as a result of colonialism and the missionary activities of Christianity and Islam. The study also discovered that the worship of Ayelala has remained impactful in the administration of justice in communities where the deity is worshipped, as even converts to Christianity and Islam still resort to Ayelala when they need speedy justice. The study concluded that despite the change brought by colonialism, Christianity and Islam, Ayelala is still not only worshiped with pomp and ceremony but is also highly revered and respected for her judicial powers.
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How to Cite
Bukola A. Folaranmi, Olusegun A. Harmona. (2025). THE IMPACT OF CHANGE ON AYELALA (GODDESS OF JUSTICE) DEITY IN ILAJE KINGDOM OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA. ABIA JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES , Volume 9 (1) .