Warfare and the Cult of Heroism in Traditional Ohafia Society in the Era of Globalization: A Socio-Religious Study

Abstract

Ohafia militarism and warfare in pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary periods was an integral part of the ancient tradition and culture of Ohafia people in Abia State. This martial culture has become proverbial and legendary because Ohafia is synonymous with military prowess. Warfare and the cult of heroism is a cultural practice of attaining manhood in Ohafia traditional society. This paper was an attempt to examine warfare and the cult of heroism in Ohafia traditional society. This paper employs a multi-dimensional approach comprising historical method. The paper will also gather data through primary sources namely oral interviews, focus group discussion, and oral tradition and personal observation. The secondary sources of data were collected from books, journals, magazines seminar papers and Internet materials. The paper noted that although colonialism and Christianity brought Ohafia warfare and head-hunting tradition and culture to an end, the people’s spirit of individual achievements and desire to excel has remained undiminished. The attainments of manhood are no longer conceived in warfare and head-hunting paradigm. The new order has provided criteria to economic, social, political, cultural and educational attainments. In a globalized world order, education, economic prowess, business and commerce are the new measures of power and success.