A storm of controversy is brewing in Anambra State as traditional religious practitioners have risen against Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the newly enacted Anambra Homeland Security Law.
The traditionalists, under the leadership of Dibia Chukwuma Ezeruonye, are accusing the state government of discrimination, alleging that the law unfairly targets indigenous spirituality while favoring other religious groups.
At a press conference held in Awka on Monday, Ezeruonye, the Supreme Leader of the Traditional Practitioners Association of Nigeria, did not mince words in his criticism of Soludo’s administration, claiming that traditionalists are being deliberately stigmatized and marginalized.
“With the deepest sense of humility, civic responsibility, and respect, I must address my grave concerns regarding recent actions and comments from the state government targeting practitioners of indigenous spirituality (Odinani). These actions raise fundamental questions about equity, justice, and constitutional adherence,” Ezeruonye declared.
Traditionalists Feel Persecuted
The practitioners argue that since the law was passed, they have faced increased harassment and wrongful accusations linking them to insecurity in Anambra. The group is particularly incensed by reports that Soludo allegedly declared that “Anambra will no longer be a home for traditional practices.”
For Ezeruonye and his followers, such a statement is not only historically and culturally insensitive but also unconstitutional.
“The homeland security law is biased against traditional practices, generally labeling us as criminals, which is completely false. We are law-abiding citizens contributing meaningfully to the development of the state,” he insisted.
The group believes that their religion is being demonized, while other faiths continue to practice freely. “In every religion, there are both good and bad people. The authorities should focus on identifying and dealing with the bad ones instead of unfairly condemning an entire belief system,” Ezeruonye said.
Religious Tensions Rise
Adding to the fire, the traditionalists claim that Christian religious leaders—particularly bishops—are behind the government’s alleged anti-traditionalist policies.
Ezeruonye warned that such interference could destabilize religious harmony in the state.
“Justice demands equal standards. If traditionalists must prove the efficacy of their practices, then pastors, prophets, and evangelists claiming miraculous cures must also be held to the same standard of proof. Truth and justice know no religious boundaries,” he argued.
Attack on Cultural Practices?
One of the most contentious aspects of the Homeland Security Law is the reported ban on traditional sacrifices at road junctions and water bodies. According to Ezeruonye, these sacrifices are an integral part of Igbo spiritual practices and serve crucial communal functions.
“Banning them without providing alternative solutions reflects a dismissal of cultural practices integral to the identity of our people,” he lamented.
For the traditionalists, this move is a sign of deeper intolerance and a government-led erasure of ancestral heritage.
A Political Showdown Looms
As the controversy intensifies, the traditionalists have issued a strong warning to Soludo ahead of the 2025 governorship election, scheduled for November 8.
“If Soludo does not review this law and address our concerns, we will mobilize against him in the upcoming election,” Ezeruonye declared.
He urged the governor to engage with traditional custodians in meaningful dialogue rather than unilaterally imposing laws that alienate certain religious groups.
“Our people will speak with their votes,” he warned.
A Call for Religious Equality
The traditionalists insist that governance in a secular state must be neutral, ensuring that no religious group is given undue advantage.
“Nigeria’s Constitution does not recognize a state religion. Christianity, as an organized faith, is a relatively recent introduction in the South-East, whereas our traditional worship has existed for centuries,” Ezeruonye stated.
He called on Soludo to embrace inclusivity and avoid policies that deepen religious divisions.