Okija Shrine
Okija Shrine or Ogwuwu Akpu is a popular local shrine located in Okija, a town in Ihiala local government of Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria.[1] On 3 August 2004, the shrine was invaded by a team of policemen led by former Anambra State Commissioner of Police Felix Ogbaudu who arrested over 40 native doctors, keepers and attendants.[2] Over 70 dead human bodies and skulls were discovered in the premise of the shrine.[3]
History
Okija Shrine was a dispute settlement shrine where people with personal, land and business issues go to in order to seek adjudication by the gods.[4]
Relationship with Nigerian politicians
Over the years, Okija Shrine is believed to have been patronized by influential Nigerian politicians.[5] In 2003, it was revealed that former Anambra State governor, Chris Ngige visited the shrine in the company of Chris Uba to swear an oath of allegiance to his "political godfathers" on winning the 2003 Anambra State gubernatorial election.[6][7]
References
- ^ Aloysius Obiwulu (2008). The Paranormal, the Occult and the Society. Delta Publications.
- ^ "CHRIS NGIGE, THE GOVERNOR WHO SWORE OATHS NAKED AT OKIJA VOODOO SHRINE, SIGNED RESIGNATIONS". NEWSRESCUE. 7 October 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ^ Deon Maas (1 April 2011). Witboy in Africa. Tafelberg. pp. 122–. ISBN 978-1-920323-61-5.
- ^ JOACHIM ONYEAKOR (August 2012). DID WE CREATE GOD?: God Scam Exposed!. Xlibris Corporation. pp. 112–. ISBN 978-1-4771-3695-9.
- ^ "Understanding The Okija Shrine Phenomenon And The Art Of Mental Poisoning: Just Before The Rush To Judgement. By Emmanuel U Obi". Gamji. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ^ The News. Independent Communications Network Limited. January 2010.
- ^ Benjamin Obi Nwabueze (2007). How President Obasanjo Subverted Nigeria's Federal System. Gold Press. ISBN 978-978-070-237-3.
Further reading
- Ujumadu, Vincent (25 August 2015). "'Okija Shrine: No longer a bee-hive of activities for politicians". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- Okere, Nnaemeka (14 August 2015). "The Okija Shrine Phenomenon [A Must read]". Elombah. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- Stephen Ellis (2008). "The Okija Shrine: Death and Life in Nigerian Politics". The Journal of African History. 49 (3). Cambridge University Press: 445–466. ISSN 0021-8537. JSTOR 40206673.