AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS
Abstract
This paper examines the traditional medicine institution as a style in Goddy Onyekaonwu’s plays
focusing on their roles within Igbo culture. Qualitative research design focusing on textual
analysis of the selected Igbo literary texts was adopted. Through an analysis of Nwata Rie Awọ,
Ọkụ Ghara Ite, Ọkụ Ụzụ Daa Ibube and Eriri Mara Ngwugwu, this study aims at uncovering the
wisdom and knowledge embedded in these plays. Onyekaonwu manipulated this aspect of culture
and unveils the secret behind the interpretation and use of these wisdom and knowledge. The
theoretical frameworks guiding this analysis are ecocriticism developed in the late 20th century
influenced by the environmental movement led by Cheryll Glotfelty and and his team. The second
is the theory of indigenous knowledge. This theory is as old as human being. It originates from
the daily experiences of indigenous communities. This study therefore seeks to examine how
Onyekaonwu incorporates elements of traditional healing within his plays and the symbolic role
of traditional medicine in the plays and its impact on the style and choice of themes in the works.
The findings suggest that while these dibia types are closely connected in their practices, they
differ in their underlying philosophies. The paper concludes that traditional medicine institution
provides services that are as effective as those of their orthodox counterparts, emphasizing their
ongoing importance in Igbo culture.
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Eze, Nkechinyere, M. (2026). AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS. Rumfa Journal of Arts, Vol. 4(No. 2), 233–249. https://doi.org/10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599
Eze, Mabel Nkechinyere. "AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS." Rumfa Journal of Arts, vol. Vol. 4, no. No. 2, 2026, pp. 233–249, https://doi.org/10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599
Eze, Mabel Nkechinyere. "AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS." Rumfa Journal of Arts Vol. 4, no. No. 2 (2026): 233–249. https://doi.org/10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599
Eze, Nkechinyere, M. 2026, 'AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS', Rumfa Journal of Arts, vol. Vol. 4, no. No. 2, pp. 233–249, available at:
Eze, Mabel Nkechinyere, "AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS," Rumfa Journal of Arts, vol. Vol. 4, no. No. 2, pp. 233–249, 2026, doi: 10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599
@article{eze2026ANAPPRAI,
title={{AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS}},
author={{Eze and Mabel Nkechinyere}},
journal={{Rumfa Journal of Arts}},
volume={{Vol. 4}},
number={{No. 2}},
pages={{233–249}},
year={{2026}},
publisher={{Department of Arts and Humanities, School of Continuing Education, Bayero University, Kano}},
doi={{10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599}}
}
TY - JOUR AU - Eze AU - Mabel Nkechinyere TI - AN APPRAISAL OF THE Dibia INSTITUTION ANDTRADITIONAL MEDICINE AS A STYLE IN GODDY ONYEAKAỌNWỤ’S PLAYS JO - Rumfa Journal of Arts VL - Vol. 4 IS - No. 2 SP - 233 EP - 249 PY - 2026 DO - 10.5281/rumfa.2026.2599 ER -