Anambra Traditional Worshippers Demand Reinstatement of Water Sacrifices
In recent developments in Anambra State, traditional worshippers, represented by the Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA), have raised their voices against a law prohibiting water sacrifices, a central component of Igbo spiritual practices. The law, introduced under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, prohibits water sacrifices and mandates severe penalties for violators, including fines of N20 million, six years of imprisonment, or both. The law’s enforcement has sparked widespread controversy, leading NOWA to appeal for the reinstatement of water sacrifices, a practice they argue is crucial to their religious beliefs and cultural heritage.
The debate has highlighted a significant intersection of religion, culture, public health, and environmental concerns. This article delves into the background of the issue, the cultural significance of water sacrifices in Igbo spirituality, the concerns of both traditional worshippers and the Anambra State government, and the potential for compromise between cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
Water holds a sacred place in Igbo spirituality, often regarded as a symbol of purity, life, and spiritual connection. Among the Igbo people, water sacrifices are performed to appease deities, seek blessings, or atone for misdeeds. Rivers, streams, and other water bodies are seen as sacred spaces where spiritual rituals can take place. These sacrifices are integral to the Igbo worldview, which views nature as an extension of the divine. To many practitioners, water sacrifices are not just a ritual but a vital means of communicating with ancestral spirits and ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the community.
The practice has been passed down from generation to generation, rooted deeply in the traditions and beliefs of the Igbo people. Traditional worshippers often believe that neglecting these rituals could lead to misfortune, disease, or social disharmony. Thus, water sacrifices have not only spiritual significance but also serve as a means of preserving the social fabric of the community.
The act of making water sacrifices usually involves offerings such as palm wine, yams, coconuts, and other items, which are placed in streams or rivers. These rituals are typically carried out at specific times during the year, linked to agricultural cycles, and often coincide with significant events in the community. For many, the practice is as essential to their religious life as prayer is in other faiths.
However, in the wake of modernity, environmental concerns, and the evolution of public health policies, traditional practices like water sacrifices have come under scrutiny. Some argue that such practices, if not properly regulated, could harm water bodies and contribute to environmental degradation. The Anambra State government’s recent decision to ban water sacrifices was, in part, motivated by these concerns.
In March 2025, Anambra State’s government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The law was primarily designed to address security challenges and maintain environmental hygiene within the state. A significant provision of the law was the ban on water sacrifices, which the government argued could pollute water bodies and pose a public health risk.
The Homeland Security Law stipulates that anyone found performing water sacrifices will face severe penalties, including a fine of N20 million, a prison sentence of up to six years, or both. This provision has sparked controversy, particularly among traditional worshippers, who view water sacrifices as essential to their spiritual practices.
The Anambra State government’s stance was initially motivated by a desire to protect the state’s water resources. Water bodies in the region, particularly those used for ritual sacrifices, have reportedly been polluted with substances like palm oil, alcohol, and other offerings. Such pollution poses risks to both public health and the environment. The government also cited concerns about the safety of tourists and residents who might come into contact with contaminated water bodies.
Governor Soludo’s administration has made efforts to improve the state’s overall environmental sustainability, and the decision to ban water sacrifices was seen as part of this larger environmental agenda. The government has emphasized its commitment to protecting natural resources while balancing the preservation of cultural practices with the protection of public health.
In response to the government’s decision, the Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA), which represents traditional worshippers in Anambra, voiced their concerns and called for the reinstatement of water sacrifices. During a meeting with state government officials in Awka on March 21, 2025, NOWA President-General, Nze Ezeafor Izuegbu, and Secretary-General, Nze Dike Ugbaja, expressed their dissatisfaction with the ban. They argued that water sacrifices are a fundamental aspect of Igbo spirituality and are deeply tied to the cultural identity of the Igbo people.
In their appeal, NOWA representatives emphasized the long history of water sacrifices in Igbo culture, stressing that these practices have been part of the community’s spiritual life for centuries. According to NOWA, the ban on water sacrifices undermines the religious rights of traditional worshippers and threatens to erode the cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
“Water sacrifice is a key aspect of Igbo spiritual practices. It has been in existence since the time of our forefathers, and without these sacrifices, we cannot perform our spiritual duties,” said Nze Izuegbu during the meeting.
NOWA suggested that a compromise could be reached to address both the government’s environmental concerns and the spiritual needs of the traditional worshippers. They proposed that specific sections of rivers and streams be designated for sacrifices, with periodic clean-up initiatives to ensure that the water bodies remain clean and safe for all users. This approach would allow for the continuation of traditional practices while also addressing the potential environmental risks associated with water sacrifices.
“Water is life. If the state government stops this practice, it is taking life away from us,” NOWA leaders added, highlighting the spiritual importance of the practice in Igbo life.
In addition to the ban on water sacrifices, NOWA also raised concerns about alleged intimidation and harassment of traditional worshippers by security operatives and community leaders. They called for government intervention to protect the rights of traditional worshippers, who they claim have been unfairly targeted in some areas. NOWA also pledged to work with the government to ensure that unethical practitioners within the traditional worship community are identified and expelled, emphasizing the association’s commitment to promoting responsible spiritual practices.
In response to NOWA’s appeal, the Anambra State government, through the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, clarified that the state government’s position was not a blanket ban on traditional religious practices but a measure aimed at protecting the state’s water bodies and public health.
“The governor’s primary concern is to keep Anambra’s water bodies clean and safe for both residents and tourists. Traditional religion should be practiced in a responsible manner,” Onyenji stated during a press briefing following the meeting with NOWA.
Onyenji emphasized that Governor Soludo’s administration is committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people, including their religious practices. However, he also underscored the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene and public health. According to Onyenji, the government is open to discussions with traditional worshippers on how to continue practicing water sacrifices in a manner that is safe for both the environment and public health.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation for NOWA’s willingness to collaborate with the government on environmental initiatives and suggested that the state could explore solutions such as designated sites for rituals, along with organized clean-up efforts, to mitigate the environmental impact of water sacrifices.
“We must find a way to preserve our culture while ensuring that we protect our natural resources for future generations. Anambra is blessed with rich traditions, and we must ensure that these traditions are passed down in a way that is respectful of both our environment and public health,” Onyenji concluded.
The standoff between traditional worshippers and the Anambra State government highlights the delicate balance between cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The Igbo people have a long history of spiritual practices, and for many, the ban on water sacrifices feels like an infringement on their religious freedom. At the same time, the government’s concerns about environmental degradation and public health cannot be dismissed.
A potential compromise could involve the government designating specific sections of rivers and streams as ritual sites, where traditional worshippers could perform their sacrifices in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner. Periodic clean-up initiatives could be put in place to ensure that the water bodies remain safe for both ritual use and public consumption. This approach would allow traditional worshippers to continue their practices while addressing the government’s environmental and public health concerns.
Moreover, the government could engage in further dialogue with NOWA and other stakeholders to find practical solutions that respect both cultural traditions and environmental sustainability. By fostering cooperation between traditional religious leaders and the state government, it may be possible to create a framework where both cultural preservation and environmental protection can coexist harmoniously.
The ongoing debate over water sacrifices in Anambra State highlights the tensions between religious and cultural practices and the demands of modern governance, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and public health. While traditional worshippers argue that water sacrifices are a fundamental aspect of their spiritual life, the state government’s primary concern is the preservation of water bodies and the protection of public health.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that a balance must be struck between honoring the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Igbo people and ensuring the long-term environmental and public health sustainability of Anambra State. Through dialogue, compromise, and mutual respect, it is possible to find solutions that honor both the traditions of the Igbo people and the need for a safe and healthy environment for all. The Trent
