The Role of African Traditional Religion in the Formulation of Policies in Civil and Political Leadership in Africa

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the role of the African Traditional Religion (ATR) which is the indigenous religion of the African people prior to the coming of the new religions such as Christianity and Islam in the formulation of policies in civil and political leadership in Africa. Leadership is the biggest challenge facing the African continent today. The African society has experienced a tremendous growth yet the post-independence Africa has not produced leaders who are able to formulate policies to meet the rising needs of the African people. Africa is thus in desperate situation due to vices such as corruption, poverty, diseases, economic melt down, tribal animosity, unemployment, refugees, e.t.c. The paper suggests that African leadership should utilize ATR which is the dominant religion in Africa and which greatly influences the lives of many Africans in formulating policies in both civil and political spheres. This way we can address the current situation which Africa unfortunately finds herself.

KEY WORDS: Africa, African Traditional Religion, Leadership, Civil and Political Leadership.