An Analytical Consideration of Obosima’s Cultural Identity Dynamism in the 20th Century

Abstract

The unique cultural identity of Obosima which include traditional festivals, marriage customs, age-grade systems, and oral traditions as well as her cultural heritage have been evolving over the years, influenced by various factors such as Christianity, modernization, urbanisation, formal education, and migration. This paper examines the dynamic interactions betweenculture, tradition, continuity and change in Obosima as well as the factors driving these transformations. It begins by defining key concepts and then investigates how the cultural identity of Obosima transformed in the 20th century.The paper, using the historical methodological approach which employs the use of oral data gathered through semi-structured and unstructured interviews with ozo title holders,age-grade, elders and documentary data consisting of books and journal articles, argues that the cultural identity of the Obosima people is not static but rather transforming to absorb and adapt to modern taste. The paper advocates for cultural policy development at local and national levels, promoting initiatives that support the sustainability of traditional practices amidst contemporary societal changes. It concludes by underscoring the need for inclusive policies and the promotion of reciprocity in building cohesive societies.