Odinani Under Siege: NOWA Declares War Against Fake Spiritual Practices in Igboland

Odinani is the traditional spiritual belief system and cultural philosophy of the Igbo people—a way of life that blends spirituality, ethics, cosmology, and ancestral heritage.

It is a sacred tradition passed down from generation to generation, designed to regulate the actions of its practitioners and uphold moral and spiritual order.

Unfortunately, Odinani has suffered significant abuse from unscrupulous individuals who portray it through the lens of evil practices, thereby creating a widespread misunderstanding of its essence.

This distortion by false practitioners has drawn major concern from the custodians and authentic devotees of Odinani, prompting them to establish strict measures aimed at stopping the propagation of harmful practices falsely attributed to the tradition.

At a press conference organized by the Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Amaeze Village in Oraukwu, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, members of the association addressed the public. They outlined the actions of fake spiritual practitioners, their damaging effects, and issued stern warnings to curb their impact on Omenani (the Igbo cultural system).

In his remarks, Mr. Obinnaya Ibeneme, the Eze Udo of Agulu Uzoigbo, declared that NOWA, as the apex guardian of Odinani, had officially declared war against evil practices such as black magic for wealth, witchcraft manipulation, and other acts that defile sacred culture and tradition. He emphasized that these practices wrongly project Odinani as an evil system.

Expanding on this, Eze Udo called for full community participation in fighting the takeover of true Odinani by misguided practices. He proposed holding public seminars across various communities to educate the masses about the true values of Odinani and the dangers of occultism. He also recommended spiritual cleansing for repentant offenders and urged support for governmental policies aimed at preserving cultural and traditional integrity.

He further encouraged traditional rulers who are yet to align with NOWA to do so, in order to join the campaign against fake dibias and fraudulent prophets. He urged youths to follow the sound teachings offered by NOWA.

The President General of NOWA, Nze Ezeafor Onyebuchi Chukwuemeka Izuegbu (Ize Otiwaluoji), stressed that anyone involved in crafts connected to divine insight must identify with NOWA, as there are numerous benefits attached to being a member.

To further support his point, Ize Otiwaluoji explained that NOWA fights for the oppressed, defends the weak, and offers protection and solutions based on the unique challenges faced by its members. He listed those already affiliated with NOWA.

“The 13 Igbo-speaking states are in NOWA. The Yorubas and Hausas living in Igbo land are members of NOWA. Igwes and President Generals (PGs), relevant institutions, community security outfits are aware of the existence of NOWA, and acknowledge it as the apex body of Odinani Igbo. We call on anyone who hasn’t joined to register, so we can collectively correct the wrongs affecting our cultural heritage. And to those using evil methods in the name of Odinani to accumulate wealth and power, take this as a warning: NOWA has run out of patience, we will take action. Stay clear,” he cautioned.

The President General of NOWA thanked the Governor of Anambra State for the moral cleansing he initiated by clamping down on fake dibias. He noted that the Governor’s efforts are in line with NOWA’s mission and encouraged him to continue the good work.

Mr. Nwankwo Mmụọebonam (Anịkụanze) popularly known as Tonymor and a native doctor by profession, spoke on the similarities between authentic Igbo traditional religion and Christianity. He highlighted teachings on morality and condemned immoral behavior. He also pointed out the spiritual significance of chaplets and other sacred items used in worship.

Ogbuefi Ezechinyelugo, High Chief Priest of the Gordian Religion, elaborated on sacred elements used in Igbo spiritual practice. He emphasized their vital roles in cleansing, protection from death or doom, healing, and divine inquiry.

Deputy President General Dr. Onyeka Ezeakụ (Obiadịmbugha of Awka Etiti) suggested that communities experiencing activities by evil dibias whose practices contradict authentic Odinani—should report such individuals to the authorities and community leaders for appropriate prosecution.

Ugoafọ Nkiruka Izuegbu (Ijele Nwanyi), Central Women’s Coordinator of NOWA, called on Nollywood filmmakers and content creators to use their platforms to promote Odinani positively. She warned against spreading distorted portrayals that undermine its value and sacred role in Igbo tradition.

She demanded that future Nollywood productions include scenes where natural forces are used to solve real issues, and where deities—being natural spiritual energies—are installed and called upon to detect and stop hidden evils from manifesting.

Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA), through its mandate as the apex guardian of Igbo traditional spiritual heritage, remains firmly committed to reclaiming sacred values, eradicating occult crimes, and ending cultural violations that threaten the authenticity of Odinani.