International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue XI, November 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Akombo in Tiv Traditional Worldview: A Theological Discourse

Iorshager Terhemba Ph.D¹ , Wayas, David Tarhom^2*
1Department of Philisophy and Religion, Benue State University, Makurdi
²Department of Linguistics and Nigerian languages, University of Nigeria
*Corresponding author

Abstract
Many Foreign and some indigenous scholars have in the past undertaken several investigations on the concept of akombo with varying degrees of negative ideas. The false impression created and subsequent practical misrepresentation of this concept by scholars and adherents has changed the true meaning and essence of akombo over time. This work aimed at setting a theological basis for a correct understanding and practice of akombo. This was accomplished by investigating the religious role of akombo as healing and protective rituals and as divinities in Tiv belief system. Descriptive phenomenology was adopted and used to investigate and describe the conscious experience of akombo as a way of attaining a healthy, prosperous and long lasting life through interaction with the Supreme Being. When compared, significant difference in characteristics of akombo as rituals to that of divinities was noticed. While some divinities (primordial) were deified to become ancestors no akombo had such quality. Akombo were therefore, viewed to be means through which interaction with the Supreme Being was made feasible. The work recommended that practicing akombo in hygienic condition, an integration of modern socio-religious ideas into akombo belief and practice with frequent and intensive research on the concept by scholars will help redeem the faulty perception that akombo are divinities worshipped by the Tiv.

Keywords: Akombo, Traditional Worldview, Theological Discourse, Tiv

1. BACKGROUND

The picture of a particular object one draws depends largely on his or her position where he or she stands or sits. The religion or belief system practiced by an individual or group depends on his or her experience of the divine defined by the environment from where he or she comes from. The variety in experience produces the differences in religious practices by different ethnic groups all over the world. This clearly shows that people’s claim of their encounter with the divine as seen in their practices should not be dismissed out rightly but be investigated for a better understanding of such belief system.
The Tiv of Central Nigeria as a religio-cultural group has had their experience of the divine. This group is situated in the Benue valley of the middle-belt region and is said to have come from Bantu race in Central Africa (East 14, Gbor in Torkula 8-9). This is accepted based on similarities in language, physique and belief system as expressed by the groups (Baka qtd in Ushe 6). Population explosion which