Supernatural beings as symbols in masquerades and traditional oral tales in Ogba

Oral traditions encompass tales, legends, customs, and beliefs that provide invaluable insights into a people’s history, worldview, and cultural identity. The paper aims to investigate the roles of supernatural beings in oral traditional tales and how supernatural beings emerge as significant symbols that reflect the beliefs, traditions, and moral framework of the Ogba people in South-South, Nigeria. These tales often depict interactions between humans and supernatural entities, illustrating how these beings in Ogba oral literature serve multiple functions such as acting as guardians, tricksters, or embodiments of natural forces, showcasing the complexity of human existence and the world's mysteries. Relying on Turner Victory’s theory of symbolism in oral literature which highlights the crucial role of symbols in conveying cultural meanings and values, the paper explores the symbolic cultural meanings and values of the supernatural beings in traditional oral tales in Ogba. The paper concludes that by examining the symbolism of supernatural beings in Ogba tales, one can appreciate how these stories not only entertain but also educate, transmit cultural heritage, and strengthen social bonds, ultimately enriching the collective identity of the Ogba people. In conclusion, the paper recommends studying traditional oral tales to promote Ogba cultural heritage and transmit knowledge to future generations through collaboration with community members, leaders, and external organisations.