Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

INTEGRITY JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 2811-2407
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/IJAH
Start Year: 2020
Email: ijah@integrityresjournals.org

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Taboos, violations, and punishment among the Urhobo people of Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.31248/IJAH2025.222   |   Article Number: 92C263692   |   Vol.6 (5) - October 2025

Received Date: 13 September 2025   |   Accepted Date: 29 October 2025  |   Published Date: 30 October 2025

Authors:  Anthony Uviekovo* , Doris Udoka Uti and Daniel U. Onotere

Keywords: Nigeria., taboos., punishment, Urhobo, violations.

ABSTRACT

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As a result of modernization, what constitutes a Taboo in Urhobo is getting thinner by the day. A taboo is a social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing. The aim of this study is to explore some of the taboos, violations, and punishments among the Urhobo people of Delta State.  The descriptive and analytical methods are adopted to achieve the aim of the research. The findings show that many taboos exist in Urhobo; however, some of them are being violated as a result of factors like modernization, religion, and acculturation. The paper concludes that Taboos are still being practiced among the Urhobos, and in cases of violations, there are consequences. The study recommends enlightenment on culture by families, social-cultural groups, and traditional institutions as a way forward.

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