CHIDERA VICTOR OMEHI

THE AESTHETICS SIGNIFICANCE OF OFO AS A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY IN IGBO COSMOLOGY

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Abstract
This study explores the aesthetics significance of Ofo as a symbol of authority and justice in Igbo cosmology. Ofo is aesthetically significant within the Igbo cosmology because it represents not only spiritual and temporal power but also serves as a tool for ensuring justice and maintaining order in the society. The study investigates how this emblem functions in the cultural and religious practice of the Igbo people, while examining its symbolic values, aesthetic qualities and role in the socio-political system. The study employs the conceptual-analytical and reconstructive tool in the field of philosophy, while evaluating the virtual analysis of the Ofo symbol and representation in various Igbo settings. The findings reveal that Ofo is a multifaceted symbol, embodying both the spiritual authority of ancestors and the practical responsibility of adjudicating justice in the community. Ofo is not only a symbol of authority and power but also a conduit for enforcing moral order, as it is frequently used in ritualistic practice aimed at ensuring fairness and equity. The study concludes that Ofo remains a central symbol in Igbo culture, deeply intertwined with the concept of justice, leadership and social harmony.
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