Indigenous rituals offer a powerful framework for cultural reparations, revival, and sustainability. This study argues that these rituals, often marginalized or suppressed during colonialism and subsequent periods, are not simply vestiges of the past but dynamic systems of knowledge and practice with intrinsic value for contemporary community well-being. By examining specific examples, the project explores how indigenous rituals such as Benin Igue Festival and Igbo-Ukwu Nri Festival foster cultural memory, preserve indigenous knowledge, and provide pathways to cultural revival and reparations. Furthermore, it investigates the role of these rituals in resisting cultural homogenization, reclaiming agency, and facilitating sustainable development practices that align with indigenous ritual wisdom. The study employs mixed-methods approach through qualitative and quantitative data, where fifty indigenous elders – twenty-five each across two major locations in Nigeria (Benin City, Edo State and Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra State) – were selected and interviewed. Each of these locations and its peoples represent and showcase a significant epoch in the history of colonial invasion and the subject of reparations. The paper concludes by advocating for the recognition and revitalization of indigenous rituals as vital instruments for achieving authentic cultural reparations and fostering a more just and sustainable future for West Africa.
DR. BERNARD EZE ORJI
CURRICULUM VITAE
Bernard Eze Orji is a cultural data expert and activist, a former head of department and a distinguished academic and researcher in theatre arts. He earned a PhD in masquerade and carnival arts, from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. Currently, he is serving as a senior lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria. With a keen interest in African performance traditions, cultural studies, and theatre history, he has made significant contributions to the study of indigenous art forms and their evolution. His research focuses on the intersection of tradition and modernity, particularly examining how African performance aesthetics and cultural expressions like masquerade and ritual performances have transformed over time. By linking traditional practices to modern expressions, his research offers insights into cultural resilience and adaptation, informing broader discussions on innovations, digitalisation, and preservation of cultural heritage.
