Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Chief Priest of Ogado, a deity in Akabo Mbaukwu in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Emeka Okeke, popularly called ‘Ichoku Mbaukwu,’ has warned those who perpetrate heinous crimes in the state under the guise of traditional practice to get ready for the repercussions.
Speaking to Ikengaonline in his Mbaukwu community, Ichoku, who is the custodian of over 50 shrines in Awka South, Anambra State Capital Territory said the use of the position of native doctor to perpetrate crime or encourage crime has huge repercussions and warned those involved to desist forthwith.
He said the traditional practice is the worship of God in a traditional way, noting that the deity abhors crime and such people practicing evil with it will pay dearly.
According to him: “I worship God in a traditional way and don’t use it to commit evil. I don’t prepare charms in any form because the deity abhors charms. If anybody enters this Ogado shrine with charms, it strikes the person dead.”
He advised trouble makers in the state to desist from crime and criminality, stressing that there is no gain engaging in actions that terminates people’s lives and means of livelihood.
He also advised the youths who are mostly deceived into picking arms for crimes to shun such and choose the part of handwork for there is dignity in labour.
Ichoku Mbaukwu speaks again: “My advice to the young boys fomenting troubles in the state is to go and look for handwork. There is dignity in labour and anybody that has something doing will not go for crime.
“I advise them to take life easy and do things that will be beneficial to them, their family and the society at large. People claiming to be native doctors are much in the world now; just like pastors. That is wrong. People should go and look for their God-given talents and utilize them for good things.”
