Oke-Ite Money Rituals have taken over Igboland, says Asuzu

…Calls for inauguration of Traditional Native Doctors Council

By Okey Maduforo

Dr. Ramaz Okoye-Asuzu, popularly known as Eze-Oba and a prominent leader of Traditional Native Doctors in Anambra State, has raised concerns over the alarming rise of money rituals, locally referred to as Oke-Ite, in the South-East region. He lamented that the practice is fueling ritual killings in Igboland.

Dr. Asuzu’s statement comes in the wake of Governor Charles Soludo’s earlier initiative to regulate Traditional Native Doctors in Anambra State. Last year, Soludo introduced a registration process for practitioners to combat ritual killings and curb insecurity. The governor had alleged that some Native Doctors were aiding criminal activities, such as providing charms and amulets to gunmen involved in killings and kidnappings.

Speaking to reporters at his country home in Agu-Ukwu Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Asuzu emphasized that Oke-Ite rituals are a grave taboo in Igbo culture, religion, and tradition. He argued that the practice is alien to Igbo heritage and has contributed to the erosion of societal values.

“When you go to the bush, you see these criminals hanging red, white, and black cloth here and there, pretending to be Native Doctors. They are all fakes and quacks,” he said. “These so-called Native Doctors have made our young men and women lazy, steering them away from meaningful ventures. Instead of embracing the Igbo apprenticeship system, they chase quick wealth through illegal means.”

Asuzu further condemned the involvement of some young people in internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo, which he described as a facade for ritual killings. “These rituals often involve human parts, and that is pure evil. Oke-Ite is not an Igbo tradition; it is a taboo,” he stated.

To address the growing menace, Dr. Asuzu called on the South-East governors, particularly Governor Soludo, to establish a Council for Traditional Medicine or a Native Doctors Board. He suggested that such a council would help regulate the activities of practitioners, distinguish genuine Native Doctors from impostors, and curb criminal practices hiding under the guise of traditional medicine.

“We have genuine practitioners like the late Rev. Fr. Arazu, Ifediomimi in Nnewi, Anyafulugo, also known as Ilonze in Agu-Awka, and Awogu in Anaku, Ayamelum Local Government Area. With a properly constituted council, we can regulate the sector, fish out bad eggs, and preserve the integrity of traditional medicine in Igboland,” Asuzu added.

He reiterated that safeguarding Igbo tradition and promoting its authentic practices should be a collective responsibility, calling on stakeholders to join hands in protecting the region from the moral and cultural decay caused by Oke-Ite rituals.

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