Eke Festival: Traditional Healer Advocates for Cultural Roots

In an address at the 2024 Igba Oruru Eke Annual Cultural Festival, Dr. Chukwuma Ezeoruonye, a respected traditional medical practitioner and Supreme Leader of the Traditional Practitioners Association of Nigeria, passionately defended the integrity of traditional practitioners.

He emphasized that true traditionalists are well aware of the dire consequences associated with engaging in criminal activities.

The festival, hosted by the Chief Priest of Oruru Eke Ancient Deity in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, saw Ezeoruonye emphasize the importance of traditional practices in preserving cultural heritage.

He lamented the shift from the values upheld by their ancestors, stating, “During the time of our forefathers, crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings, and ritual murders were virtually non-existent.”

He further contended that the crisis Nigeria faces, including economic hardship and security challenges, is rooted in the abandonment of indigenous beliefs for borrowed religious doctrines.

Ezeoruonye noted, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not personally embody these issues, but his actions may be influenced by the Christian framework that has historically misled our people.”

Urging Nigerians to reconnect with their heritage, he asserted that embracing traditional practices is crucial for changing the nation’s narrative and addressing the struggles faced by today’s youth.

He poignantly shared his own journey: “Though two of my brothers are Catholic priests, I turned to traditional religion after recognizing its profound significance in my life. I am a digital traditional doctor and my ‘ofor’ is in an air conditioned room. I have come to support my good friend and colleague who is the celebrant. I help and empower the indigent people in the society as the gods keep prospering me.”

The festival was attended by notable dignitaries, including Prince Chigbo Enendu (Akwa Udene Nnobi) and Chidiebere Ezeafulukwe. They echoed Ezeoruonye’s call for the Igbo youth to embrace and uphold the cultural practices bestowed upon them by their ancestors.