Anambra Indigenous Spirituality Practitioners Accuse Soludo Of Cultural Insensitivity

By Chuks Eke

Awka, Anambra State – Indigenous spirituality practitioners in Anambra State, known as Ndi Odinani, have issued a strongly worded rebuke to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of cultural insensitivity and prejudice following his recent labeling of them as “idol worshippers.”

In an open letter released yesterday, the group condemned the governor’s statement as a fallacious generalization and a violation of their constitutional rights.

The letter, signed by Izuorah Nnamdi, Director of Lomat Global Resources Limited, asserts that while tackling criminality within any religious or spiritual framework is necessary, singling out Odinani practitioners for condemnation while overlooking alleged misdeeds in other religious groups constitutes an act of injustice.

Ndi Odinani contend that criminal acts committed by individuals claiming to be traditional healers (Dibia) should be dealt with according to the law, but this should not lead to the demonisation of their entire belief system.

The letter sharply criticises Governor Soludo’s declaration of Anambra as a “Christian state,” arguing that this assertion is historically inaccurate and constitutionally flawed.

It highlights that Christianity’s presence in the region is relatively recent, dating back only to 1857, and that Odinani predates it, shaping the cultural, governance, and ethical structures of the Igbo people for centuries.

The group emphasises that Anambra belongs first and foremost to its indigenous people and their ancestral heritage, and that the Governor’s statement disregards this fundamental truth.

The Ndi Odinani further cite Section 38 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, arguing that Governor Soludo’s actions are in direct contravention of this fundamental right.

They highlight instances of alleged wrongdoing within Christian institutions, suggesting that a consistent application of justice requires equal scrutiny across all belief systems.

The open letter also addresses concerns regarding the governor’s stance on traditional practices, such as sacrifices at road junctions and water bodies.

The group argues that banning these practices without offering alternatives disregards the cultural significance deeply embedded in Igbo cosmology and calls for constructive dialogue instead of outright prohibition.

The letter concludes with a plea to Governor Soludo to uphold his constitutional duty to protect all citizens, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs, and to promote inclusivity and cultural respect within the state.

The group urges him to reconsider his statements and adopt a more inclusive approach in governing Anambra State.