SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST AND THE PARADIGM SHIFT FROM AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS TO CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM IN ILE IFE NIGERIA, THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Religion is a common heritage which Africans share with the rest of mankind. It is considered to be an inseparable phenomenon dominating the whole strata of human existence. Thus, the trust of this paper is to examine the historical religious situation in Ile Ife, Osun state, Nigeria before the arrival of foreign religions such as Christianity and Islam on Africa soil. The encounter of both religions on the indigenous African traditional religion enhanced the eventual religious harmony in the town of Ile Ife. The methodological approach to be adopted in this paper is the combination of both historical and sociological approach. In conclusion, useful suggestions are preferred as way forward for peaceful co existence among religionists in Nigeria such as, Interfaith dialogue and cooperation, cultural preservation, Contextualization of Christianity and Islam to adapt their messages to resonate with local culture and traditions and Community development through joint initiatives addressing social issues like poverty, education, and healthcare among the adherents of different religions.