The Utilisation and Role of Osanyin Deity in Crime Management in Iseyin Town, Nigeria
Abstract
Usman Adekunle Ojedokun&2Emmanuel Abiodun Ogundipe
Informal crime control measure remains a popular and major crime management strategy in most rural communities in Nigeria. Osanyin is among the major deities often involved in the resolution of crime-related matters. Although the curativepowerofOsanyin deity hasbeen well-documented in the literature,there ispaucity of scholarly researchonits roles in crime management. Against this background, this study examined the utilisation and roleofOsanyin deity in crime management in Iseyin Town, Nigeria. The study was exploratory and cross-sectional in design. Rational choice theory was employed as the theoretical framework. Data were principally generated through key-informant and in-depth interview methods. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques wereemployed for the selection of five custodians ofOsanyin deityand35 patrons. Findings revealed thatOsanyin deity was recognised as playing important roles in the maintenance of law and order in Iseyin town.The promptness ascribed tothedeity in resolving criminal caseswas the major factor accounting for its patronage. Also, the deity wasmainly consulted to resolve casesbordering on property theft. The emergence of some fake custodiansin recent timesis casting doubtson the ability of Osanyin deityto effectively handle criminal matters.
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