THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION IN SHAPING AFRICAN IDENTITY AND SELF PERCEPTION IN AKUNGBA AKOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Despite the persistence of traditional religious practices, their impact on identity formation, social cohesion, and cultural continuity in Akungba-Akoko has received limited scholarly attention. The growing dominance of Christianity, Islam, and global cultural shifts has further obscured the relevance of indigenous beliefs, creating a gap in understanding their contributions to African identity. The study aims to analyse the role of African Indigenous Religion in shaping identity and self-perception in Akungba-Akoko. Its objectives include investigating how indigenous beliefs influence social relationships, communal unity, negotiation between tradition and modernity, religious-ethnic intersections, and moral values within the community. The study employs both ethnographic and socio-historical approaches, utilizing primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through oral interviews with community elders, religious practitioners, and residents, while secondary data were obtained from textbooks, journals, and online resources. Findings from the research reveal that indigenous religion remains integral to the cultural identity of Akungba-Akoko. It shapes communal values, reinforces ancestral continuity, fosters moral responsibility, and strengthens social cohesion through festivals, rituals, and divination. Despite challenges from globalization, foreign religions, and generational shifts, indigenous practices continue to influence personal and collective identity, often coexisting with Christianity and Islam. However, erosion of sacred spaces, stigma, and declining youth participation threaten their continuity. In Conclusion, Indigenous religion is not merely a relic of the past but a living system of belief that sustains identity, moral values, and communal belonging in Akungba-Akoko. It provides a framework for resilience against cultural erosion and remains central to the people’s worldview. The study recommends the documentation and preservation of indigenous practices, integration of indigenous knowledge into educational curricula, and promotion of interfaith dialogue to reduce stigmatization. Community leaders and policymakers should leverage traditional values to foster unity, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Furthermore, efforts should be made to encourage youth participation in cultural practices to ensure intergenerational continuity.