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Opha Ceremony: An Instrument of Enhancing Sex Ethics among Teenagers in Urhobo of Delta State Nigeria
(ADRI Journal, 2014-01) Ofuafo, P.U.
The Opha ceremony is a socio cultural institution rooted in the tradition of the Urhobo people of delta state in Nigeria. The opha institute defines it locus within puberty or adulthood it is a level of transformation from the young age of childhood to new and mature age of adult with social responsibilities that are attached to it. This ceremony is only performed by young girls with high level of sexual ethics. The general notion is that if girls who are not virgins should partake in the ceremony, they would face repercussion from the divinities and the societ y. This serves as a check on promiscuity among the girls and disgrace to the family and future suitors. This paper therefore, will examine the Opha institution, the ceremony, its role in curbing sexual immorality, the efficacy and the effect of modernization on the institution