AMAMIHE Journal of Applied Philosophy

The correlation between religion and culture has been an intriguing one both within the society and academic circles. This is an unbiased investigation into the history and hermeneutics foundation of Ila-oso cultural festival of the people of Amiyi Ahaba in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia state. The study delves into the implications of Ila-oso cultural festival which is unarguably, the most attractive festival of the people. Like every other festival in any sensitive and pluralized religious environment across Igbo land, it has received its doses of criticism and vituperation from other religious movements especially Christianity. However, the study tries to unearth the cause of this reservation, then analyze the social, religious and moral implications of the festival on the peace, development and sustenance of the community. This is because, the overt aim of celebrating the festival is to build a strong bond and the principle of solidarity and brotherhood both within Amiyi community and their neighbouring brother community. The celebration also strives to conscientize among the people the power and strength in unity vis-à-vis the powerlessness and danger of disunity. The study seeks to encourage social harmony, love, solidarity, tolerance and understanding as the antitheses of religious and ethnic bigotry, prejudices, ignorance and triumphalism that are disquieting the stability of the country today.

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