Transforming the Society Through Indigenous Practices: The ‘Iyawo-Ile’ Institution in Okunland as a Case Study

One of the beliefs of indigenes of Okunland, Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, is that, it is the entire extended family, and not just the nuclear family that supports a ‘son’ in marrying a wife or gives out a ‘daughter’ in marriage. Among those that constitute members of the extended family is a group of women popularly referred to in Okunland as ‘iyawo ile’. They are a minority group whose existence and significance lacks projection even though they have tried to blend into the dominant society by taking on their cultural characteristics and responsibilities. The focus of this paper is to examine the roles and activities of ‘iyawo ile’ institution in Okunland as it affects the socio-economic transformation in their community in order to accord the cultural practice of the institution a deserved recognition in other Nigerian communities. The data for this study is collated through the observation of live performances of two different institutions of ‘iyawo ile’, oral interviews with few women who are members of this institution in Ijumu area of Okunland (what obtains in Ijumu area is general and similar to other areas of Okunland) and consultation of relevant materials. This study amongst other findings discovers that the institution’s activities promote social interaction and good moral values. The study recommends that scholars, researchers, critics, community and national leaders should explore and imbibe the values in cultural practices in different Nigeria communities as a means of transforming our deplorable nation