Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

Akudaaya delves into the complexities of tradition and its motivating factors in Nigerian societies. The play explores the idea of cultural heritage and how it affects the lives of individuals within their immediate communities. Tradition and custom have various definitions, just like many other generic concepts, and academics do not generally agree on which definition is the most accurate. The aim of this paper is to define tradition-motivated intricacies in the text. Unquestionably, some traditions have the potential to be considered barbaric because they violate people's rights and occasionally sacrifice human lives for their culture. Whether a life is lost or not, it's vital to realize that a lot is occurring when tradition is being upheld. Exploring the complexities of traditions hasn't received the proper attention lately, despite the fact that we have research works that are exceptional in terms of quantity and quality. As a result, the purpose of this study is to look at the intricate details of traditions in the chosen text of Ahmed Yerima. Cultural materialism and cultural criticism are the literary frameworks chosen for this study. Cultural materialism emphasizes the significance of experimental, social, and historical facts as well as how they affect cultural practices and social behaviour. While cultural criticism focuses primarily on the social, historical, and cultural influences that affect a book. The theory looks at how cultural standards, beliefs, customs, and ideologies affect how a writer creates a literary work. A literary theory called "cultural materialism" looks at how hegemony is created through cultural formations and activities and how culture develops. It examines the dominant values, beliefs, and worldviews in society. Cultural studies and Marxist theory are the foundations of the theory. The portrayal of Iyalode, Otun, Lukosi among other characters in Akudaaya reflects the complexities of tradition and spirituality in Nigerian society. Iyalode grapples with her existence as a spiritual being and the challenges she faces in navigating her role and responsibilities. The research findings highlight the belief in divine intervention and the influence of spiritual forces in shaping individuals' lives. The dialogue between Iyalode and other characters reveals the tensions between tradition and personal gain, as well as the complexities of power dynamics within Nigerian society. The research's findings also shed insight on the complexity of power relationships and decision-making. The study's conclusions highlight the value of critical thinking and discernment in navigating power relationships and coming to wise decisions. In conclusion, the research provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of tradition in African literature. The research demonstrates how tradition exerts a strong influence on society structures, individual identities, and human behavior. The study recommends exploring in African literature, foster cultural sensitivity and participates in cultural exchange.

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