Pages: (79-92 )
Abstract
The Yorubas are the originators of Aso-ebi culture. Aso-ebi was first intended to make it simple for family members to be recognised during a significant event. Additionally, it was intended to strengthen group members' sense of social identification and camaraderie. In Nigeria, the culture has gained popularity and expanded to other ethnic groups. Despite aso- ebi's increasing recognition, certain methods have recently devastated it, casting doubt on its applicability. The study examined the conceptual delineation of the Aso-ebi practice, reciprocity of the buying of aso-ebi and the significance of the buying of Aso-ebi. Exploratory research design was adopted.
Data were collected through the use of key informant interview and in-depth interview. A total of 17 interviews were conducted in Lagos state, South-western Nigeria.
The study was anchored on the social exchange theory and symbolic interactionism as theoretical framework of the study. Finding revealed that there is no meaning attached to the buying of aso-ebi has those who engage in it give no meaning to the usage. The study discovered that aso-ebi strengthen friendship, unity and it’s involve social reciprocity, this study identified financial reasons, quality of the material and religious doctrines to be the contributing factors influencing the usage of aso-ebi.
The study recommends that the buying of aso-ebi should be encouraged as it will boost the economy by providing jobs for people as well as creating bond of unity, social cohesion and preservation of the cultural practices.
Keywords: Ankara, aso-ebi, aso-Egbe, aso-Ijo, aso-oke, Culture, Yoruba,