Abstract
In Africa, the role of shrines and sacred places for social control, conflict resolution and moral development remains an indisputable fact. However, the pride of place exercised by the shrines started dwindling with the advent of Christianity, western civilization and globalization. Many people now see shrines and sacred places as homes of demons, evil dwelling and archaic, and those who still practice the traditional religion are termed as pagans and heathens. Because of these new perceptions about shrines and sacred places by the Christians, most shrines and sacred places were destroyed and used for the erection of schools and hospitals to mention but a few. Today, the ones left are neglected and abandoned. This to a very large extent, have disintegrated African cultural and social life. Thus, religious values and social practices seem to have fast degenerated and this has hitherto, poses a serious enigma to the once enjoyed and reverend practices in African. Accordingly, shrines which have been an integral part of various cultures and faiths for centuries in Africa has been eroded and conversely enhanced the rate of alien customs and practices in many African societies. The main thrust of this paper is therefore; to highlight the great functions of the religious shrines of Biseni people. It underscores the relevance of revitalizing the functions as mechanisms for promoting justice, particularly in addressing social issues such as crime, dispute resolution, and community well-being. The paper suggests that rather than allowing Christianity and the worship of shrines to continue to be antagonistic, they can co-exist, each enriching the lives of individuals in unique ways, the focus should be on mutual respect and the preservation of heritage.
Keywords: African, Traditional Religion, Functions, Shrines, Biseni