THE DEGENERATING LEVEL OF MORALITY AMONG THE AGBAJA PEOPLE OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The terms degeneration and morality are used here to describe the moral standard to have fallen to a level that is very low or unacceptable to most people. Morality is concerned with the principle of what is right or wrong, and what is good or bad behaviour. Morality in Agbaja conception involves a three dimensional relationship God, man and the ontological order. A morally good act reaffirms the right relationship between God, man and ontological order while a morally bad act negates and disrupts this relationship. In this study therefore, it is intended to bring together the institutions of morality, the conceptual definitions of the Ancestors, God, the Supreme Being, and the divinities, spirits, odo and other masquerade cults. The research was conducted using both historical and descriptive approaches. The data collected were analysed using the phenomenological method to come up with results. Results showed that the Agbaja people have reduced their moral standard below its traditional state. The moral standard has degenerated to an abysmal level. Finally, the paper has recommended among other things that the places and areas that attract immorality in the area should be seriously and consistently addressed in avenues like August meetings, village meetings, kindred meetings et cetera.