This study explores the cultural significance and influence of Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ oral poetry performances within the Yoruba cosmic tradition, with a specific focus on Lanlate, Oyo State, Nigeria. The intention is to showcase the enduring role of Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ as a vehicle for moral instruction, social control, and cultural education. Through critical examination of sampled poetic contents from three renowned Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ traditional performers, the research identifies embedded values that serve as moral compasses for the community. These include warning against immoral family lineages, discouraging antisocial behaviours, and promoting communal harmony. To complement the qualitative insights, a quantitative component was introduced to examine the relationship between residents’ exposure to Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ performances and their level of cultural awareness. Data were collected from 200 respondents and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive statistics revealed a mean of 1.06 for readability indices and 1.10 for comprehension test results, indicating moderate engagement with the performance content. Most importantly, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.890, p < 0.01) shows a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between exposure to Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ and cultural awareness. This confirms that the more individuals are exposed to Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ performances, the more culturally informed they become. The study concludes that Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ is not only a performative tradition but a cultural archive that shapes identity and preserves ethical values. Therefore, it is recommended that further empirical and interdisciplinary studies be conducted to enrich the understanding and conservation of Yoruba oral traditions.
Abimbola Dapo Adelowo (Wed,) studied this question.