Ogungbile
Ogungbile
ABSTRACT
This paper addresses the problem of language as a tool in the expression of an African form
of Christianity. In particular, it describes how a Nigerian religious community, Ijo Orile Ede
Adulawo Ti Kristi (National Church of Christ), founded in 1919 by the Reverend Adeniran
Ake in Ibadan, established its place later in Ile-Ife State under the protection of the traditional
leadership. Through this example the paper argues that the indigenisation of an African
Christian religion can be attained through the use of a local language, a local culture with its
beliefs and practices, and adherence to the biblical roots of Christianity. Although the
movement has been agitated to cut ties with the mainstream Christianity, it has not done so.
The fact that it also maintains several schools, at least some with good reputation, shows that
it has extended its influence also to the educational sector. This church has also motivated
other indigenous Churches in the Yoruba-speaking area in Nigeria to try to integrate the
biblical foundations with African heritage in an authentic manner. (Ed.)
Keywords: African culture, tradition, indigenisation, Christian Church
INTRODUCTION
Twentieth-century Africa has produced diverse forms of Christian religious
expression. A lot has been written on the emergence, development and growth
of several brands of Christianity in Nigeria, one of the most populous countries
in sub-Saharan Africa (Ajayi 1965; Ayandele 1966; Turner 1967; Peel 1968;
Kalu 1978; Ndiokwere 1981; Omoyajowo 1982; Sanneh 1983; Clarke 1986;
Adogame 1999). Some of these authors, including those in numerous journal
articles, have approached the issue from the perspectives of history, sociology,
anthropology, church history, phenomenology and theology. Some have focused
on the cultural significance of the Christian presence in Africa generally and in
Nigeria in particular. Various terms have developed out of these writings, such
as
indigenisation,
inculturation/acculturation/enculturation,
adaptation,
interaction, dialogue, syncretism, African Christianity and African Christian
Theology (Hastings 1976; Shorter 1977; Ahirika 1991; Babalola 1991;
Olayiwola 1993; Ogungbile 1996, 1997, 1998). Most of these terms emphasize
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These classifications are not exhaustive, nor are they given any biblical/
theological analysis. They are adapted and used to conform with the Africans
(Yoruba) approach to their social, religious and ritual ceremonies. Each of these
Yoruba literary genres is used at specific times, on specific conditions and for
specific occasions to effect a particular change and desire. They all have their
psycho-religious and metaphysical applications in Yoruba culture and religion.
The contents of the Psalms are recited as appropriate for the members needs.
They form part of the Church liturgy, listed in their order of services in Yoruba
language.
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6. SOCIAL CHANGE
The most significant area of sociological interest where the Church has made an
impression on Yoruba society is education. At present, the Church has four
primary schools, at Iyekere, Boosa (Modakeke) Alutierin and Oru. The
Ethiopian National Primary School, Boosa, in Ife, was elevated to Secondary
Modern School in 1963 and was further upgraded to Ethiopian Secondary
Grammar School, Ile-Ife, in 1980. This school is one of the largest schools in
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8. CONCLUSION
Ijo Orile-Ede Adulawo Ti Kristi (in its shorter form, Ijo Adulawo) has
undoubtedly scored some points in the indigenisation process of Christianity.
This Church has branches in Ibadan, (Oyo State), Ilesa (Osun State), Ido-Osun,
Ayegunle-Ekiti, Ogotun-Ekiti, Erinjiyan Ekiti, Ipole-Ekiti and Iloro-Ekiti (Ekiti
State), all in the western part of Nigeria where Yoruba indigenous culture still
flourishes. The present leader of the Church is Bishop Timothy O. Soobola. Ijo
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REFERENCES
Adewale, S. A. 1988.
The African Church (Inc.) 1901-1986: A Synthesis of Religions and
Culture. Ibadan: Oluseyi Press.
Adogame, A. U. 1999.
Celestial Church of Christ: The Politics of Cultural Identity in a West
African Prophetic-Charismatic Movement. Frankfurt am Main: Peter
Lang.
Ahirika, E. A. 1991.
Acculturation of Christianity: A case Study of Igbo Culture. African
Journal of Biblical Studies 6(2): 106-112.
Ajayi, J. F. A. [1965] 1981.
Christian Missions in Nigeria, 1841-1891: The Making of a Modern
Elite. Essex: Longman.
Awolalu, J. O. and Dopamu, P. A. 1979.
West African Traditional Religion. Ibadan: Onibonoje Press.
Ayandele, E. A. 1966.
The Missionary Impact on Modern Nigeria 1842-1914. London:
Longmans.
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PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
June 15th 1995.
Bishop Timothy O. Soobola, 87 years, The Present Head , National
Headquarters, Oke-Ijan, Ile-Ife.
Pastor Timothy Adeyemi, 62 years, Resident Pastor, Ijo Orile-Ede
Adulawo Ti Kristi, National Headquarters, Oke-Ijan, Ile-Ife.
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