Eze Nwanyi Activities Banned in Asaba: A Royal Decree from the Asagba of Asaba
Asaba, February 2025 — In a move that has captured the attention of both local and regional communities, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Highness (HRH) Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has issued a royal decree that directly impacts the activities of certain traditional and spiritual groups in the city. The decree, which was announced following the Asagba Executive Council meeting on February 11, 2025, introduces a series of stringent measures to regulate spiritual and medicinal practices within the Asaba region, particularly targeting activities conducted by non-natives.
The new directives focus primarily on the activities of Ndi Eze Nwanyi (women in traditional leadership roles) who are not natives of Asaba, alongside male traditional medicine practitioners who are not registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. The decree bans these non-native practitioners from conducting their activities within the city limits. Additionally, the Onishe shrine, a significant religious and cultural site for the people of Asaba, has also come under tighter scrutiny, with a ban on non-natives visiting the site unless they are properly registered by the relevant traditional authorities.
The royal mandate comes at a time when the region has seen an influx of external practitioners, particularly in the realm of traditional medicine and spiritual activities, which has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike. The Asagba, who is the traditional ruler of Asaba, explained that the primary intent of the new regulation is to preserve the cultural integrity of the region, protect the interests of the local people, and ensure that traditional practices are properly monitored and controlled.
The key directives in the royal decree are as follows:
- Ban on the Activities of Non-Native Ndi Eze Nwanyi:
- Effective immediately, all activities of Ndi Eze Nwanyi who are not natives of Asaba are prohibited. These women, who often hold influential roles in traditional and spiritual ceremonies, will no longer be allowed to practice or operate within the Asaba region.
- The decree does not specify whether this ban extends to all women in traditional leadership positions from outside Asaba or if there will be any exceptions made for specific cases. However, it highlights the intent to control external influence on the region’s spiritual leadership.
- Restriction on Male Traditional Medicine Practitioners:
- Affected by the new mandate are all male traditional medicine practitioners who are not registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. Asaba has long been home to a variety of traditional healing practices, but this new regulation seeks to ensure that only qualified and registered practitioners can legally operate within the community.
- This measure is being enacted to maintain oversight over the practice of traditional medicine and protect residents from unregulated or potentially dangerous healing practices.
- Access Control to the Onishe Shrine:
- The Onishe shrine, a significant cultural and religious site for the people of Asaba, is now subject to stricter access control. Non-natives are now required to register with the Otu-Ihaza (the traditional council) before being allowed to visit the shrine. This move is designed to monitor and regulate the influx of external individuals to this sacred space, ensuring that it remains a site for the local community and those with a legitimate spiritual or cultural interest.
- Further, any native Asaba person who wishes to visit or worship at the Onishe shrine must also secure clearance from the Otu-Ihaza, ensuring proper monitoring of visits and access to the shrine.
- Severe Consequences for Non-Compliance:
- The royal decree emphasizes that any individual found violating these regulations will face severe consequences. While the exact nature of the penalties remains unspecified, the Asagba has made it clear that this is a matter of great importance to the traditional leadership and will be enforced without exception.
The Motivations Behind the Ban
The recent royal decree comes at a time when Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, has witnessed a notable increase in the activities of non-native traditional practitioners and spiritual leaders. Over the past few years, an influx of external Ndi Eze Nwanyi and male traditional medicine practitioners has raised concerns among the traditional leadership and local residents about the authenticity and regulation of spiritual and medicinal practices in the region.
Many residents of Asaba have expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of vulnerable people, particularly through the unchecked activities of non-native spiritual leaders and practitioners. There are also worries that some of these external figures might not have the cultural understanding or qualifications necessary to offer genuine services to the community.
The Asagba, in his decree, made it clear that the goal is not to alienate people from other regions but rather to ensure that all traditional and spiritual practices in Asaba are conducted in accordance with the region’s cultural norms, laws, and regulations. He emphasized the importance of preserving the spiritual integrity of the community and safeguarding the well-being of the people.
As the traditional ruler of Asaba, HRH Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge holds significant influence over the region’s cultural and spiritual matters. The Asagba’s role extends beyond mere ceremonial duties; he is also responsible for the governance and regulation of traditional practices, as well as the protection of local customs and values.
The Asagba’s leadership in this matter reflects his commitment to upholding Asaba’s cultural heritage and ensuring that the people are not subjected to unregulated and potentially harmful practices. In many African communities, traditional leaders hold the power to regulate and control spiritual and cultural matters, and the Asagba’s actions are in line with this longstanding tradition.
The Otu-Ihaza, which is the traditional council responsible for overseeing the governance of Asaba, will play a central role in implementing and enforcing the new regulations. The Otu-Ihaza is tasked with ensuring that non-natives seeking to visit or worship at the Onishe shrine adhere to the new registration process and receive proper clearance before accessing the site. This move is intended to protect the shrine from potential misuse or exploitation by external individuals.
The ban on non-native Ndi Eze Nwanyi and the regulation of male traditional medicine practitioners are likely to have a significant impact on the local community. While some residents may welcome the move as a necessary step toward regulating spiritual and medicinal practices, others may view it as an infringement on the freedom of non-natives to engage in traditional and cultural activities.
There is also the issue of economic impact. Some local businesses and individuals may rely on the services provided by these non-native practitioners, and the ban may disrupt this economic activity. However, the Asagba has made it clear that the primary concern is the safety and well-being of the people of Asaba, and any economic implications are secondary to this goal.
For many of the locals, the Onishe shrine is a vital spiritual space, and the new restrictions on access may be viewed as a means of safeguarding the sacredness of the site. While there may be some resistance from non-natives seeking to engage with the shrine, the new registration process is intended to ensure that only those with a legitimate interest in the shrine are granted access.
The Asagba’s decree marks a critical moment in the evolution of traditional practices in Asaba. By taking a proactive stance in regulating spiritual and medicinal activities, the Asagba is asserting his authority and responsibility as the leader of the Asaba community. It remains to be seen how the new regulations will affect the long-term landscape of traditional practices in the region.
As with any major policy change, there may be challenges and resistance to the new measures. However, the Asagba’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people and the preservation of Asaba’s cultural heritage will likely guide the implementation of these new rules.
The royal decree issued by the Asagba of Asaba represents a significant shift in the regulation of spiritual and traditional practices in the region. While it has been met with mixed reactions, the central goal is clear: to protect the people of Asaba from potentially harmful practices and to preserve the integrity of the community’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
As the decree is implemented, the leadership of the Asagba, along with the Otu-Ihaza, will continue to monitor and regulate traditional practices to ensure that they align with the values and norms of the Asaba community. The decree’s long-term success will depend on its ability to balance the need for regulation with the cultural freedoms of both natives and non-natives alike.
In the words of the Asagba, “Long live HRH, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, Asagba Ahaba. Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu!!!”
EXCERPT
Arising from the Asagba Executive Council meeting held today, 11th February 2025, it is hereby directed that, effective immediately, all the activities of Ndi Eze Nwanyi who are not natives of Asaba are totally banned. All male native/traditional medicine practitioners who are not registered with the apprioprate bodies will not be allowed to practice in Asaba.
Also, effective immediately, non natives of Asaba are hereby restricted from visiting the Onishe shrine. All non natives who wish to assess the Onitshe shrine must be registered by the Otu-Ihaza. Ndi Ahaba who wish to visit/worship at Onishe shall get clearance from Otu-Ihaza. This is to enable close monitoring of those who visit the shrine.
There will be severe consequences should anyone flaunt these royal directives.
Long live HRH, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, Asagba Ahaba.
Nna Agu !
Nna Agu !!
Nna Agu !!!
