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The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 4:35pm On Jul 19, 2015 |
Hello Nairalanders, The advent of judeo-christian monotheistic religious groups in Nigeria such as Christianity and Islam has done great damage to the knowledge of some of our indigenous religious systems. Some scholars in recent times have tried to revive and document these extant or obsolete religious movements in Africa. However, African indigenous religions have been known to be largely polythestic and at best, syncretic. This means that in African religions, the worship of many gods plays a vital role. Ancestral veneration is also found in our various indigenous religions. In the Yoruba religious system, the pantheon of gods include; Ogun, Eshu, Sango, etc. The Ibo pantheon is also similar in functions but different in names such as Amadioha which resonates with Sango. However, little is known that Nigeria has its own monotheistic religion fashioned like judeo-christian religions but different in practises, cosmology, philosophy, beliefs, etc. Some people have called this religion a "syncretic" one. This means that it is a mixture of two religious systems. This indigenous religion is known as the IGBE RELIGION. Those people domiciled in Delta and Edo States may have come across this religion. The word "IGBE" is an Urhobo word meaning "Dance". Thus, this is a religion of dance. Most people think this religion is paganistic and believe in many gods, as usual in traditional religions. Far from this, it believes in a single God known as "Oweya" and this God is worshipped through dancing and the consumption of native chalk. The Igbe religion was founded by Ubiecha Etarakpo in 1858 and has its headquarters at 11, Egbo Street, Kokori Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State. Originating in Kokori, it gradually spread to all of Urhobo nation and austral Nigeria at large. As a matter of fact, it has gained international ground in London. The adherents of the Igbe religion are monotheists who believe in an omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent God called Oweya and that he rewards the good and evil alike, according to their deeds. Dance is a core element of the Igbe. The adherents believe that by dancing, they draw on themselves the very hand of the one and only monotheistic God. The Igbe religious adherents usually meet in an "Ogwa", a sort of temple, in which they meet to dance, welcome members, etc. As dancing is a core element of the Igbe, there is no worship session without dancing. They sing native Urhobo songs in place of hymns. At worship services, the Igbe priest(s), always dressed in white dress and white head gears, administer(s) native chalk on the worshippers for their protection and fortification. This protection is predicated on the belief that witches and wizards are extremely powerful and possess the powers to maim and kill people. The Igbe religion gained a popularity for its ability to render Witches and Wizards powerless and also null their powers, spells and charms in its "Ogwa". The Igbe religion celebrates an annual feast -Ore Isi- for twelve days which takes place every May and thousands are in attendance from all over the world. The feast is held at Kokori in Agbon kingdom, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State. Igbe was birthed in 1858 when Ubiecha Etarakpo of 11, Egbo Street in Kokori, on his way back home from the farm, allegedly saw an apparition of two divine beings who "anointed" him to preach against immorality and witchcraft. After the alleged apparition, Ubiecha became eccentric and acted insanely as no day passed without him dancing. The people assumed he was mad as he was seen dancing and feeding on nothing but native chalk, called "Orhen" in Urhobo language. This scared the people from coming close. Ubiecha was taken care of only by a lady known as Erukainure who believed he wasn't mad and whom he later married. It was also alleged that after the alleged apparition, Ubiecha performed amazing miracles, accurately predicted the future, healed the sick and miraculously identified witches. He built a worship house called 'ogwa' in his compound and, from there, ministered to the people with native white chalk; and, allegedly prophesied with stunning accuracy. This brought people from across the Urhobo country to Kokori. The Igbe religion emphasises purity of mind, body and soul of all members. This is why members are seen wearing "white" always as a symbolism of their pure state. Igbe members also believe in the afterlife. They believe that once a person dies, his soul is reunited with God until a new body is created by God for the soul to enter and come back to earth. Hence, they believe in reincarnation as is normal in Urhobo cosmology. A prerequisite for priesthood in Igbe is the ability to see into the future. Hence all Igbe priests are presumed to be clairvoyant. The apex head of Igbe worldwide is the Chief Uku who is supported by his Ochuko Uku. The 'Olori' is like the evangelist and his work is to welcome new members and listen to confessions. Every Igbe temple has an "Oni-Igbe" who is the head priestess. They can dig out any secret and see the future. They also listen to confessions, especially from women members. The typical Igbe members' day starts with the ritual of silence where the walk round the four corners of the "Ogwa" of their house and hum all through after which they eat the native chalk. This is also done at the end of the day. Their most sacred day of worship (just like christians use sunday and muslims use friday) is once every eight days. This day is known as "Edigbe" or "Ediruo" which means day of dance or day of work. The typical activities on this day include singing, dancing, praying, cleansing, confessions, intake of new members and other social/ritualistic functions. Their liturgy is not written but learnt by the "Uku" who initiates and oversees it. The "Uku" is like the walking bible of the Igbe religion. In Igbe, it is believed by adherents that the native chalk, "Orhen", can cure ALL AILMENTS of the body, mind and spirit. However, after gaining fame and wealth from a viable institution, Ubiecha kicked the bucket in 1920. After Ubiecha's death and burial. His offsprings became divided over succession. However, by tradition, his eldest son, Ibodje Ubiecha succeeded his father as chief priest and head prophet; but his half brother, Akpokovo Ubiecha, succeeded in establishing his own branch in Kokori. However, one of Ibodje's daughters, Mary Ibodje, a priestess, also, broke away to establish her own branch before Ibodje Ubiecha's death which occurred on 6 April 1986. Jackson Ibodje, his eldest son, succeeded him. Today there are various splinter groups of the Igbe religion. The one predominant in Edo state is known as "Sanughebe" and it was taken there by one of Ubiecha's adherents. Others include Igbe Ame, Igbe Oghenuku, Igbe Emeni, etc. These splinter groups have incorporated other practises into the religion that are unorthodox like the worship of water or land spirits, etc. However, the main religion remains Igbe Uku or Igbe Ubiecha. With the influx of Christianity into Kokori in the 20th century, the Igbe was corrupted by the presence and works of the Church's full scale evangelism. Another powerful Igbe organisation founded by Chief Ogbevire Ogogo evolved. This Igbe brand had some elements of Christianity infused. They observed Christmas and New Year holidays coupled with the Igbe core festival. It gained recognition and spread to many places in Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers and Lagos states of Nigeria. And in the first half of the 21st century, gained a platform in the UK. Though the Igbe extends beyond Urhobo land, the bulk of adherents remain Urhobo people and the principal medium of communication is largely the Urhobo tongue. It has a population of over 50, 000 adherents. The Igbe is replete with criticism. First, non-adherents find it less attractive because of the principal utilization of Urhobo language at worship sessions. Second, non-adherents perceive the religion as idol worship and avoid identification and participation. Third, the Igbe is criticized for the rejection of orthodox and herbal medicines for treatment of ailments. Rather the Igbe adherents believe and administer the native chalk for treatment of ailments. This, the non-adherents view as unsafe and taking chances even though some of the ill adherents allegedly confess to being healed after imbibing or externally applying the native chalk. The Igbe religion has thrived for over a century and it has waxed stronger with members across the globe. However, it is largely understudied and barely known to Nigerians outside its endemic region. This has informed the reason for this post. I hope it has, at the least, been a subject of intellectual fascination to the reader. I would like to acknowledge the usage of Wikipedia, Wadoo and Professor M.Y. Nabofa'a article as source materials for this writeup. Written by Mathias Iroro Orhero, B.A M.A(in-view) Sent in from Warri, Delta State. Insert Pictures: Some members of the Igbe religious group in a UK event. Published in the Urhobo Today Newspaper on Monday 20th 2015. Accessible here: http://urhobotoday.com/?p=17311 18 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 4:43pm On Jul 19, 2015 |
Another post on Igbe in which I was sourced for information. Igbe religion torn apart by worship of mermaids, animals, conflicting doctrines http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/igbe-religion-torn-apart-by-worship-of-mermaids-animals-conflicting-doctrines/ 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Nobody: 4:53pm On Jul 19, 2015 |
Chief Marty.. It really pains me that this religion is not being propagated by it's followers. The Urhobos and Isokos should be proud of this... THANK you for this expository work... I Hope more comes up... 22 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 4:57pm On Jul 19, 2015 |
Freemanan: True to the saying that a prophet is unacknowledged in his home, the Urhobos and Isokos have abandoned their own indigenous belief system and condemned it as devilish, evil and superstitious and embraced the religion of the white man. How sad! Salvation, however, is a personal race regardless of religious convictions. *** I still wish my friend was alive to see this post on frontpage ***** RIP Freeman! 19 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Nobody: 5:01pm On Jul 19, 2015 |
fratermathy:Yes but it needs to be disseminated.... I Hope one day, folks will be proud of their beliefs rather than what people like... 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by tonychristopher: 4:04am On Jul 20, 2015 |
I could remember my days at warri we used to say that this is an igbe woman and fetish and funny enough non of my urhobo friends explained it they were clueless about it I was staying near CKC but hutsling at ibo market okere road nice exposure here 13 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Ceenelly(m): 10:25am On Jul 20, 2015 |
I grew up in warri, during my childhood igbe was very popular among especially the urhobo/isoko stocks of delta and other neighbouring part like delta ijaw,itsekiri and part of ukwuani. But due to christianity and the advent of anglican looked-like churches like God grace, victory revival, etc which love dance and praise in their style of serving God. Most igbe members switch to this churches cos primary igbe means dance. From then on igbe was looked upon as fetish and demonic in nature. I dont think igbe will ever find its popularity anymore in our today world, the white dressing use by igbe member plus all those native chalk, sometimes the aroma is very offensive. 9 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by LKO(m): 10:46am On Jul 20, 2015 |
Why mention me na? I just dey look u with one kind eye. Christianity rocks, got no time for fetish stuffs. Anyway, I would read d write up when I free later in d day. But, before den, find Christ and flee paganism. 8 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by RichDad1(m): 12:31pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
How much will I be paid after becoming a member? |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 12:53pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
RichDad1: I don't think religion pays us to be members. However, I'm not a member but what I do know is that some of them are doing well. Extremely well 1 Like |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Demmzy15(m): 5:29pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
'Igbe' in yoruba means sh't 7 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 5:46pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
2 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Demmzy15(m): 5:52pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
fratermathy:Many tho! 1 Like |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Rilwayne001: 6:01pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
Demmzy15:It could mean 'noise' as well as 'forest'. 7 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Positivist: 11:36pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
So one religion founded in the 19th century is Nigeria's first monotheistic religion? I beg to disagree. ISLAM had been in Nigeria over 900years earlier than IGBE! Get your facts right dude! 1 Like |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by ZeezaRapture(m): 11:54pm On Jul 20, 2015 |
Arrant Nonsense |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by wheesin(m): 1:04am On Jul 21, 2015 |
somtimes I wonder why I open some threads..what am I looking for that I have not found yet |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by ProsperOnyema: 2:00am On Jul 21, 2015 |
I have heard about Igbe before. I know some women in Igbo land who are members. They always put on white clothe and a stick in their hands. 4 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by NIGERIALOLoCOM(m): 6:26am On Jul 21, 2015 |
Positivist:What the @op has in mind is the first indigenous monotheistic religion in Nigeria and we know Islam is not indigenous to Nigeria. 24 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 9:14am On Jul 21, 2015 |
Positivist: ... And Islam is an African religion? Did you even read the post before your fallacy of hasty generalisation.? It is well... 23 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Phoenix001(m): 9:17am On Jul 21, 2015 |
God is one, but the gods are too many! 4 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by Gorgeous58(f): 12:43am On Jul 22, 2015 |
This is the best post I have read in a long time. I stayed in Sapele and Warri but never understood the Igbe religion. Thanks Op for this expository, you have put many fears and misconceptions to rest. 7 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by 1shortblackboy: 9:44am On Jul 23, 2015 |
fratermathy:how is christianity the religion of the whiteman ? I believe religion is universal and anyone anywhere has the right to believe whatsoever he wants though the religion must originnate from somwhere |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by macof(m): 8:09am On Jul 24, 2015 |
1shortblackboy:Then why not move to where the religion came from? That way you are closer to ur god and reduces the disunity and discrimination in the land You don't realize that religion is so powerful that a society with multiple religions can only be full tension 7 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by macof(m): 8:11am On Jul 24, 2015 |
Positivist: 900 years practiced by who? 4 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by macof(m): 8:12am On Jul 24, 2015 |
LKO: And you think christianity is not fetish? 9 Likes |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 9:43pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Let us give this religion the recognition it deserves! |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 11:11am On Jun 06, 2016 |
macof: Lol. Every religion has its own rituals and what others may consider 'fetish'! 1 Like |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by lepasharon(f): 10:24am On Jun 07, 2016 |
Lalasticlala front page |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by fratermathy(m): 11:06am On Jun 07, 2016 |
lepasharon: Thanks. |
Re: The First Monotheistic Religion In Nigeria: Igbe Religious Movement by englishmart(m): 4:07pm On Jun 07, 2016 |
this guy likes history die. I pray as nothing epps these days, make history help you abeg 4 Likes |
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