Political and Religious Landscapes of Conversion: Movements and Ritual Dramas among the Ijebus of South Western Nigeria
Olanrewaju Lasisi
College of William and Mary
The Ijebu-Ode Royal Palace complex is located at the center of the Ijebu Kingdom, South-Western Nigeria. Although it has ceased to function as the seat of political power since the late 19th century, this defunct palace ground still performs other functions that include ritual dramas, festival and heritage center, and Political gatherings, all of which are remnants of indigenous practices associated with the palace ground in the past. Recent archaeological surveys, excavations, and participant observations of ritual practice in the palace complex provide empirical data that reveals why the ritual practitioners emphasize following specific ritual movements during their annual festivals on the palace ground. This presentation reveals the connection between present-day ritual practitioners and those of the past, as revealed by the material signature they left behind. It is concluded here that despite the changes that have occurred on the palace complex over the last 200years, present-day ritual practitioners rigidly followed the same ritual movements followed by the ancient priests before them.