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INTERROGATING YORUBA CULTURAL VALUES AND CONFLICTS IN BIYI BANDELE’S ELÉSIN OBA

Fémi ADÉDÍNÀ

Submitted

March 5, 2025

Accepted

June 21, 2025

Published

July 20, 2025
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Abstract

This paper interrogates Yoruba cultural values and conflicts in Biyi Bandele’s film Elesin Oba.  Every society has cultural values that are sustained from one generation to another. Yoruba traditional society had its cultural values before the incursion of colonialism. These values became traditions when transmitted to newer generations of the Yoruba land. This paper examines the erosion of Yoruba cultural values arising out of colonial interference as reflected in Biyi Bandele’s film Elesin Oba.  The paper’s main objective is to explore Yoruba values and culture as reflected in Biyi Bandele’s film and how unnecessary interference arising out of misunderstood perceptions of African traditional values and culture can lead to a catastrophic end and affect such culture. Through analysis of cultural values and conflicts generated out of interference in the film, this paper examines Yoruba values, their importance, and conflicts generated through unnecessary interference by foreign sources and the effect on the indigenous culture. The paper’s findings show that unnecessary interference in culture and values by entities that do not understand such culture will create confusion in society, lead to tragedy, and affect society’s development. In the present state of Yoruba culture and values, which are fast being eroded, this paper explains and highlights the fact that there is a need for re-igniting Yoruba values and guarding against unnecessary interference from foreign sources, concepts, and practices. This serves as a wake-up call for the Yoruba intelligentsia and people to safeguard their values and culture before extinction. 

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