EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION ON TRADITIONAL PRIESTHOOD OF AKPOKU ETCHEOF NIGER DELTA

Abstract

In Akpoku, priesthood not only represents an important aspect of Akpoku traditional religion but also seen as one of the ritual practices associated with Akpoku traditional priesthood. Thus, priesthood not only makes traditional religion of Akpoku thick but also associated with the sacred such as shrine, forest, dedicated to deities. In Akpoku, this sacred spot or areas are forbidden to penetrate and in turn symbolize no go area. Despite this, this forbidden spot is at present being intentionally desecrated by the youths of present generation of Akpoku who often go into this forbidden areas to cut down the trees for firewood and charcoal all for economic gains. The methodology adopted was oral interviews (report of Akpoku traditional priests and Handed down tradition from the custodians of custom and traditions of Akpoku) and secondary sources (published materials). Findings reveal that indiscriminate destruction of the bush dedicated to deities by the youths of present generation of Akpoku has impinged very negatively the important Akpoku cultural values and practices.