The Youths and the Ritual of Okite (Great Pot) in African/Igbo Society: Its Negative Impacts in Christian/African Cultural Values and Ethics

Abstract

The aim of this research is to critically investigate the negative impacts of Okite ritual practice among the youths in Igbo/African society. This paper observes that among the contemporary Igbo youths, there is this desire, hunger and passion for quick acquisition of wealth. The reason being that the spirit of hard work for excellence appeared to have been jettisoned by the teeming population of Igbo youths; the Igbo society on their part have prioritized wealth over hard work, dedication and faithfulness. The poor in the society are being regarded as inferior and unimportant. This paper after critical investigation finds out that the motives behind this Okite practice is beyond making wealth but for the sake of relevance. This paper attributes these reasons as being behind the youth’s sudden indulgence in Okite money ritual. Employing the method of critical analysis, this paper argues that if urgent attention is not taken to put a stop to Okite ritual practice, the consequences and the effects will be terrible, as it will result to misfortune and calamity in the society. This is because, these youths engaging into this ritual lack proper orientation about the ritual practice. Also being that the practices associated with the ritual are totally against the Christian/African cultural values and ethics, the paper therefore argues that the youths in Igbo society need to be educated seriously on the dangers and negative effects of this ritual practice which have taken a greater toll on them. The paper concludes that all hands must be on deck to cultivate good values and create a well playing field for the youths in Igbo society.