A group of native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners in Anambra State have staged a protest against what they call a targeted crackdown by the government of Governor Charles Soludo.
The traditional healers, known as Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi, claim that the state government is using security operatives under the Agunaechemba initiative to harass and intimidate them. They argue that this violates their fundamental rights to practice their religion and profession freely, as permitted by the Nigerian Constitution.
The protest, which drew native doctors from different parts of the state, took place at a secret location. The practitioners gathered to perform traditional rituals and offer prayers, declaring their resistance against what they described as an attempt to suppress their way of life.
Allegations of Bias Against Traditional Worshippers
Leading the protest, High Priest Ikele accused the Soludo administration of discrimination, saying that the government was unfairly targeting traditional worshippers while allowing other religious groups to operate without interference.
“We are not criminals, and we are not cultists. We are traditional healers who have been serving our communities for generations. Governor Soludo is trying to make us look like criminals, but his plans will not work,” Ikele said.
The native doctors also announced their opposition to Governor Soludo’s possible re-election bid in 2025. They vowed to continue their protests and traditional rituals until the government stops what they called an unjust persecution of their members.
Government Plans to Prosecute Arrested Native Doctors
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has denied claims that it is targeting traditional practitioners unjustly. The government insists that its actions are aimed at tackling crime, not suppressing religious or cultural beliefs.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, stated that several native doctors had been arrested for allegedly aiding criminal activities, particularly in promoting money rituals and providing charms for fraudsters and criminals. Those currently in custody include Chidozie Nwangwu, also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly called Onyeze Jesus; and Ekene Igboekweze, also known as Eke Hit.
These individuals are accused of using social media to promote illegal practices, including rituals believed to bring wealth or protection from law enforcement. Security operatives arrested them as part of the enforcement of the newly introduced Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
One of the arrested traditionalists, Igboekweze, had earlier mocked his colleagues, Nwangwu and Okocha, for being captured, only to be arrested himself a few days later.
Soludo’s Government Defends Its Actions
Dr. Mefor defended the government’s stance in an interview on the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). He explained that the administration was not against traditional practices but was committed to cracking down on those who use them to aid crime.
“Governor Soludo’s administration respects all religious and cultural practices. However, we will not tolerate those who use these practices to encourage criminal activities. The security operatives are only going after individuals who break the law, not those who practice their faith peacefully,” Mefor said.
He added that all those arrested would face trial and would only be convicted if found guilty by a court of law. If convicted, they would be punished under the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.
A Growing Controversy
The protest by native doctors has added to the growing debate on the role of traditional medicine and spiritual practices in Nigeria. While many Nigerians continue to seek help from traditional healers for health and spiritual needs, there have been increasing concerns about the involvement of some practitioners in fraudulent and criminal activities.
The Anambra State Government’s crackdown on native doctors accused of aiding criminals has divided public opinion. Some residents support the government’s efforts, arguing that money rituals and other harmful practices must be stopped. Others believe that the government is overreaching and unfairly targeting an important part of Igbo culture.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the government and traditional practitioners will resolve their differences. For now, the native doctors are standing their ground, and the state government is pushing forward with its legal actions
