Adìn-Aládìn: Rethinking the Contemporary Challenge to Akurẹ Cultural Identity

Olúkáyọ̀dé R. Adéṣuyì

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria omoluka@gmail.com

Abstract

The paper critically examines the concept of Àdìn-aládìn (alien culture) in contemporary Akurẹ and its effects on the community. It appeals to multiculturalism and ethnocentrism to buttress its point. While it maintains that colonialism introduced to Akurẹ in the late 19^th century led to multiculturalism in the ancient city, it later resulted to ethnocentrism which has caused the people of Akurẹ to jettison their cultural practice and embrace alien culture (election) especially in the selection process of the Deji. It argues that, although it is desirable to bring in another culture to permeate in the culture of Akurẹ, but this must not be at the expense of the Akurẹ cultural heritage, especially in the processes of selecting the Deji, the Akurẹ Monarch. The paper observes that, if allowed to be part of the processes, election, as an alternative to the traditional procedure, may complicate the entire process. It concludes that the existing traditional “due process” should be followed strictly so as to allow peace and tranquillity in the ancient city.

Keywords:

Àdìn, Àdìn-aládìn, Akurẹ, Deji, ethnocentrism, multiculturalism

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Biographical Note

Olúkáyọ̀dé R. Adéṣuyì teaches philosophy at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. His areas of specialization are Epistemology and African Philosophy. His areas of competence include African Aesthetics, Gender Studies, Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion. omoluka@gmail.com