A group of native doctors, Ndi Dibia, and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State have staged a protest against what they describe as selective justice and religious persecution by the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration.
The traditional healers alleged that the deployment of the Agunaechemba security outfit to clamp down on their activities was an attempt to suppress traditional religious practices under the guise of fighting crime.
Claims of Harassment and Stigmatization
Gathering from different parts of the state, the native doctors decried what they called targeted harassment and unjust arrests. They performed rituals and prayers to resist what they see as government interference in their beliefs.
Speaking at a secret location, High Priest Ikele, who led the protest, condemned the government’s actions.
“We’re not cultists or criminals. We’re traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo’s attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won’t succeed,” Ikele stated.
The group vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their grievances were addressed. They also pledged to oppose Soludo’s second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
Government Defends Crackdown, Plans Prosecution
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has insisted that the clampdown is aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to money rituals and fraudulent practices such as “Yahoo plus”.
Among those arrested are:
- Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki)
- Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus, Father of All Men)
- Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit)
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.
He dismissed allegations that the Soludo administration is against traditional religion, stating that the crackdown is focused on security rather than faith.
“These individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. If convicted, they will be sentenced in accordance with the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law,” Mefor said.
With tensions rising, the government faces growing resistance from traditional religious practitioners, setting the stage for a possible legal and political battle ahead of the 2025 elections.
