The fundamentals of Odinani

Odinani is anchored on the sanctity of Ani, the Earth Deity,

INTRODUCTION
The Igbo traditional religion is a philosophy that has stood the test of time. To understand the basis for Igbo philosophy, we must understand first the Igbo concept of the Cosmos, a logical concept that makes few pretensions about the great unknown. This concept has survived the introduction of Middle Eastern religious beliefs and modern science. The Igbo belief is therefore both metaphysical and scientific as well as sacred and socioenvironmental.

A very tolerant but conservative philosophy, its capacity for ecumenism is enormous. While not yielding an inch to mythical and unproven concepts of life on earth, the Igbo philosophy maintains an elastic but credible concept of the Cosmos and its constituents that is rooted in science rather than the traditional myths of some imported beliefs.

To the ancient Igbo, the Cosmos is an endless space of visible and invisible beings. This Cosmo is divided into four complex constituents, [Onwuejeogwu, 1975: The Igbo Culture Area in “Igbo Language and Culture,” F. Chidozie Ogbalu & E Nolue Emenanjo -ed.]:
Okike (Creation)
Alusi (Supernatural Forces or Deities)
Mmuo (Spirit)
Uwa (World)

OKIKE
The Supreme Being (Chi ukwu or Chukwu) is the God of Creation (Chi Okike), the Force that fires all forces. God in Igbo language is also called Chineke (“God in the morning of creation, ” or “the God who creates” or “God and the Creator” (duality of deity), depending on perspectives). Chineke is far removed from the perception of mere mortals. This Supreme Power (Ikekaike) is neither a living-dead (ancestor) nor a spirit. It has no known physical form, yet indirectly impacts the affairs of the human world. Chineke manifests to our world as:

Anyanwu (the Sun)—Chineke is the mastermind behind the source of light, love and knowledge and, implicitly, earthly existence or life itself;

Chi (the godly guardian), the personal providence is a divine agents assigned to each human from cradle to the coffin;

Kpakpando (the stars) which manifest as the celestial beauty;

Enuigwe (the heavens), the home of all supernatural forces including the stars.
Chineke created everything visible and invisible. The concept of Chineke is incomprehensible; to know God is the end of knowledge, which is probably why the Igbo do not debate those who say their ancestors dropped from the sky – who knows! The evil forces that intrude into our lives and the physical forces of the universe are all put in place by the Supreme Force, the Godhead or Creator, for definite reasons and to coexist in harmony and multiply and or evolve.

ALUSI
Alusi is a supernatural force. Although the forces are neither human beings (mmadu) nor spirits (mmuo), they sometimes assume the attributes of human beings. Prof. Onwuejeogwu called them “being forces.” Every Igbo town has a shrine dedicated to its communal alusi; every other community respects the deity. A priestly clan usually ministers to the revered communal deity on behalf of the community.

MMUO
Mmuo is the spirit of ancestors who lived, died, and moved on to the great unknown, the other side of the realm. Hence, mmadu (human beings) must die to become mmuo (spirit being). If a man was good while alive, upon his departure he could become an ichie or nna-mmuo —a hallowed ancestor spirit or a saint. Ancestor spirits are more commonly known by the collective term “Ndiichie.” A respected, living elder can therefore be called ichie —a living saint. Ndiichie is also used for a group of accomplished and distinguished elders who uphold the morals of the society, dispense unquestionable justic, and preserve the culture of the community.

A woman who has lived a distinguished life becomes nne-mmuo. Those who have lived horrible lives, and those who committed unpardonable sins (ajo njo) or alu (abomination) against Ani – the Earth Deity, become ajo mmuo (evil spirits) or Ekwensu (Devil or Satan). The male ajo mmuo could be akaliogoli (a roguish spirit); the female counterpart could become either a mermaid (owummiri) or a bloodsucking amaosu (vampire) or some other gender-specific evil spirit. Some mmuo are so restless they come back to be born-again (ogbanje), not to make amends but to torment a mother, her family, and the community. [This must not be confused with the desired and celebrated “inouwa” or reincarnation.]

UWA
Uwa is our world, or the so-called “Mother Nature.” [Compare with Hausa: uwa = mother]. This is the world we live in, the visible universe that directly impacts our life. Uwa is made up of two distinct parts: Igwe and Ala.

Igwe is the firmament, and it constitutes of the following:
Ulukpu (the clouds);
Onwa (the moon);
Alaigwe (the planets);
Ikuku (the winds) —the totality of winds and airs that hold the earth in place and help to make it everything it is.

While the ancient Igbo philosophers might not have measured the firmament by any known scientific method, they knew that it is immensely bigger than the earth, that the earth is but a revolving part – not the center – of the universe. Hence, the popular phrase Igwe ka Ala, which is also one of Chineke’s many names, Igwekaala.
Ala: Ala is the physical manifestation of Earth Deity, Ani. It harbors four components:
Mmadu (human being) — Man and woman exist to perform specific functions in the complex equation of conservation and preservation of the species. Humans are the beauty of life; hence it has been suggested that the word is from “mma ndu” = the beauty of life.
Anumanu (animal) — Like human beings, animals have their specific functions in the equation of life;
Ofia (forests) Vegetation sustains both mmadu and anumanu.
Mmiri (water) —The “life” of fish and all other beings in all water bodies is dependent on the quality of water. When the Igbo pray, they pray for the “life” of water because it is also the life of fish, which invariably provides rich sources of protein for humanity. Therefore, pollution of streams in Igboland is a taboo. All community streams are sacred and water fountains are deities, iyi. Menstruating women should not step into communal streams to fetch water. In some communities, women of childbearing age are banned all together from fountains.

GOLDEN RULE
The Igbo are very particular about constructive coexistence on earth. In the saying, “egbe bere ugo bere” (Let the eagle perch, let the hawk perch), the Igbo express the golden rule of the religion: Live and let live. Some go further and add: nke si ibe ya ebene, nku kwaa ya (whichever says the other shall not perch, may its wing break). This supposedly “old testament” version seeks to ensure that whichever of the Earth’s components wants the other not to survive shall not share of the food chain and shall eventually become extinct – so that others may thrive well in the ecosystem. Hence, the protection of lesser lives is imperative to good existence on Earth. Indiscriminate slaughter of animals or killing of human beings is an abomination of the highest order. To kill a female being is even more atrocious because she assures the continuation and preservation of the species.

A “new-testament” version of the saying stipulates: “nke si ibe ya ebene gosi ya ebe o ga-ebe, (whichever says the other shall not perch, may it show the other where to perch); but, truly speaking, there should be no reason in the first place to deny another an anchor on this planet. This pacifist approach to the Golden Rule is similar to turning the other cheek. Whichever holds in anyone’s philosophy is acceptable. However, it is highly suspected that the original saying is simply: "Egbe bere, ugo bere.” Period. There should be no room for compromise on the desire of one over the other.

ANI
Ani, the Earth Deity or so-called “Mother Earth” is also called Ala (land), which is actually the physical manifestation of Ani. This gives an erroneous impression of Mother Earth as “earth” – a rugged land mass of fiercely boiling, molten core washed by bodies of oceans. It may be, but it is also alusi, the deity which made the evolution of the modern person possible. Its core spiritual component is Ikejiani (“the force that holds the Earth” or the force of gravity).

In Odinani, the reverence of Chineke or Chukwu as the Almighty God is so deep that mere mortals, while attributing all cosmic powers to this Head, do not normally bring petty petitions directly to the seat of Supreme Power. It is not only humanly impossible, the chances of success are slim because God cannot be manipulated in any way, shape, or form. Besides, there are so many forces to overcome from here to eternity that Ndiigbo deal with the forces they can either manipulate or with whom they can enter into peaceful pacts. But, most importantly, every life on earth is pre-destined.

The Igbo religion is therefore anchored on the visible, which is invariably controlled by the invisible Ani. We thrive and derive life itself from the bounties of Ani. What more could be as merciful as “Mother Earth.” It provides human beings with an anchor, a base on which Ikejiani keeps people without restricting their ability to move freely on land (ala); avails earthlings with nutritional needs; protects all creatures from extended exposure to the Sun by providing day and night and the seasons; drains the unrelenting onslaught of rain from the clouds; shelves the wastes and, with time, avails earthlings with useful materials to make the passage through life an easier ordeal.

Together with other interlinked forces of our world (uwa), supernatural forces (alusi) and anyanwu (the eye of light, life, and love), Ani controls the “day deities” (Eke, Orie, Afo, Nkwo) and the “year-force” (afò). The sun therefore does not “rise” nor “set” in Igbo philosophy: the Earth determines the length of days and nights and, with the moon (onwa), sets the months. Hence, there are seven weeks or 28 days in an Igbo month and thirteen moons a year.

The Earth Deity’s control does not stop here: its forces control agriculture and even the activities of good and evil spirits, which occasionally attempt to misdirect the destiny of human beings. For example,
Ifejioku or Ahiajoku (“the yam force” is very important for yams to do well.
Idemmiri (“the water force” is a being force that must be appeased to ensure healthy water supply.
Okeofia or Agwu-Ofia (“the forest-force” also plays important roles.

The Igbo enter into pacts with these forces to take into their benevolence. The process is called “igommuo”(to placate/negotiate – not worship– spirits). Even Agwu (“the divination force” or the trickster alusi, which causes confusion in the life of human beings) can be manipulated in afa (divination) to yield good effects.

Evil forces affect our lives adversely. The extent of their intrusion into our laid-out life-plan or destiny (akalaaka) can be curtailed by the intervention of one’s Chi and also by the intercession of ndiichie (ancestor spirits). The Igbo therefore maintain a special relationship with their ancestors by offering sacrifices to please their souls and working hard for the good of the lineage. Dealing with this spirits and deities is known by the same term “igommuo” or “ilommuo” (“to placate or ask of the dear departed/living-dead/ancestor spirit”.

Ndiichie are not worshipped; they do not demand to be worshipped — they are not Chukwu, the Almighty God) to whom we owe praises and thanks. In fact, the term “worship” does not readily occur in Igbo theosophy. “Ifé alusi” (“to worship deities” is a colonial concept introduced by Euro-Christianity. The Igbo considered it more appropriate to negotiate and navigate natural forces around them; the will of God cannot be manipulated or changed. They just need to get there without too much hassles.

CONCLUSION
Odinani is anchored on the sanctity of Ani, the Earth Deity, a creation of the Supreme Creator. O di n’Ani literally means “It is anchored on the Earth Deity.” Hence, Igbo philosophy is sacred, spiritual, and socioenvironmental. The Igbo attitude toward Chineke is unlike that of Euro-Christianity: Chineke has no form that humans can conceive nor perceive. Those who follow the teachings of Christian churches and Muslim mosques soon find out that the fundamentals of Odinani are unwavering in every Igbo community. Odinani is about doing the right things; it is about following the dictates of our personal providence, Chi. Failure to do so, Agwu or other more potent evil forces take over our lives; we would keep running in circles and meeting bad spirits (ajo mmuo) or even Satan itself (Ekwensu). But once we are at peace with Chi, we shall be on our way to our destiny. Which is why the Igbo say: “I buru Chi gi uzo, i gbagbue onwe gi n'oso.” [If you walk before your Chi, you will do the race of your life.]

Vooks brother how far

I love this keep it up bro...Igbo mythology is so colourful and beautiful.. it was their own little way of doing science.. they could read the stars (astrology), predict the seasons, divided the year into 365days correctly... I love being an igbo man.

Redoil:
Vooks brother how far

Keep your stain away from this thread.

Redoil:
Vooks brother how far

What has any of this got to do with me?

reading, i will comment later!!!!!
no need of editing my already made post. like Thesonoflucifer has already created a nice article. some new age religious bigots will see everything that comes out from our culture and tradition as worshiping their imaginary satan/lucifer, like it was mentioned above 'odinani', in igbo land today, if you ever mention odinani, you are own your own and hell fire awaits you. the concept of God has been in the mind of every human being. trying to define what you know nothing about. some will come up saying that the only proof of God is that they feel it in them, yes off course, its is my mind so i have every right to make some imaginations with it just like where a young boy is having a vision of his future, seeing the kinds of building he was setting up and the kind of places he is traveling to without knowing that he/she may die tomorrow.
if you want to argue with some people about african culture and tradition, they will keep mentioning the atrocities been committed by our fore fathers like offering human head to an imaginary being, killing of twins, sacrifices and so on, i still see all those things as the cause of been uncivilized, yet some Christians will not see the genocide, fornication, wars, slavery, maltreatment and so on in the bible yet they will refer to it as ''God knows why''
our fore fathers were just a little inhuman compared to the atrocities happening right now. Isis and boko haram have killed thousands of people in few years, countries are using explosive on another countries to kill their citizens. yet all these are done by the God fearing people. a lot of people are into fake products which are harmful to health, yet every Sunday they will run to church to give tithe and praise while those criminals on the alter will bless them and pray for their success. look at our politicians who have lost their sense of humanity. every church will be happy to receive them. do you know how much that has gone to church pockets from those politicians, these money are meant for we citizens yet some fraudsters will be happy to park all of them as church offerings and donations.
i weep for my country when it comes to religious matters,
until we all die, no body should ever come up to me with the concept of his God without any proof or evidence.

what makes us to think that the white mans version of history is the truth or the best? still beats my imagination..the Egyptians where already living in a civilised society with kings and prime ministers, while the jews where busy running around in the deserts looking for land to steal aided by their warriour god..yaweh..i bet our fore fathers down in in subsaharan africa were also living in well planned society, before the white man came to confuse us, because they wanted our land and resources. now we see everything about us as evil.....make i see person wey tell me say my chi na lucifer, i go pour acid for him face...

Apologies for not posting the link earlier.
http://igbocybershrine.com
Also, one could read 'After God is dibia' for more elucidation.

sonOfLucifer:
Apologies for not posting the link earlier.
http://igbocybershrine.com
Also, one could read 'After God is dibia' for more elucidation.

Thanks a million .

It is indeed a great tragedy of history that we abandoned such a rich philosophical heritage for the hate and filth religions of the middle east.

plaetton:


Thanks a million .

It is indeed a great tragedy of history that we abandoned such a rich philosophical heritage for the hate and fifth religions of the middle east.

You are always welcome. The website is a huge repository of Odinani/Omenala resources. I'm a bit concerned the article in the OP equates Satan to Ekwensu. Might have been a mistake or that part of the text was for readers coming from a Christian/Muslim background.
Ekwensu is a god of mischief and war. He wasn't a direct adversary to Chukwu, unlike Satan who is an adversary to Yahweh.

plaetton:


Thanks a million .

It is indeed a great tragedy of history that we abandoned such a rich philosophical heritage for the hate and fifth religions of the middle east.

The greater tragedy is that millions of Africans across the continent are unwilling to consider or contemplate the question 'What if we are wrong'.

sonOfLucifer:

You are always welcome. The website is a huge repository of Odinani/Omenala resources. I'm a bit concerned the article in the OP equates Satan to Ekwensu. Might have been a mistake or that part of the text was for readers coming from a Christian/Muslim background.
Ekwensu is a god of mischief and war. He wasn't a direct adversary to Chukwu, unlike Satan who is an adversary to Yahweh.

Please expantiate on the persona/ role of Ekwensu in Igbo mythology.

Abuamam:


Please expantiate on the persona/ role of Ekwensu in Igbo mythology.

Ekwensu is also a god of trickery and trade. . magic and sometimes cures barrenness. Its just some kind of trickster god who derives pleasure from mischief and trickery.

In the igbo pentheon Ekwensu is not an advisary of Chukwu in any way but just a lesser god just like others; Amadioha, Fijioku and the etc.

It's nice discussing our own ancestral mythology You know sometimes discussing foreign mythologies gets stale.

Abuamam:


Please expantiate on the persona/ role of Ekwensu in Igbo mythology.

Ekwensu was a Trickster God (Alusi) of the Igbo people who served as the Alusi or God of Bargains and the tortoise. Crafty at trade and negotiations, he was often invoked for guidance in difficult mercantile situations. Like most Trickster Gods, the deity was a force of Chaos and Change, thus in his more violent aspects, Ekwensu was also revered as a God of War and Victory who ruled over the wicked spirits and the chaotic forces of nature. His companion was Death. With the advent of Christianity, the more beneficent aspects of the deity were supplanted by missionaries who came to misrepresent Ekwensu as Satan.

He was the testing force of Chukwu, and along with Ani the Earth goddess, and Igwe, the Sky God, make up the three highest Alusi's of the ancient Igbo people. Ekwensu is also the Igbo word for Satan.

The destruction of every culture deemed threatening by the west is not a new concept. Thanks to Prof Damian Opata, the name of Ekewensu has finally been vindicated. Ekwensu is not the Devil; Ekwensu is the Igbo God of War and Trickster God.

It’s quite funny to see how we Nigerians have become more holy than the gods. The Europeans venerate their deities and make them look appealing. We let our children watch Disney’s Hercules, call our daughters Diana, we read the Greek illads, we watch Odysseus, The goddess Britannia is on every monument in the Uk, the goddess Columbia is on every American Monument; yet we call our heritage, demons, devils and diabolic, ”The worst thing that ever happened to Africa; was turning your gods into demons”, How on earth do you expect to find peace, I think it’s time to rehabilitate our Gods?

https://m.facebook.com/Theigbopeople/posts/405289752961610

johnydon22:
It's nice discussing our own ancestral mythology You know sometimes discussing foreign mythologies gets stale.

Paganism is the new cool. In 10 years, Africans will be seeking shrines and buidling their lands again. The journey to spiritual freedom has begun.

vooks:


What has any of this got to do with me?

Hi brother.

sonOfLucifer:

Ekwensu was a Trickster God (Alusi) of the Igbo people who served as the Alusi or God of Bargains and the tortoise. Crafty at trade and negotiations, he was often invoked for guidance in difficult mercantile situations. Like most Trickster Gods, the deity was a force of Chaos and Change, thus in his more violent aspects, Ekwensu was also revered as a God of War and Victory who ruled over the wicked spirits and the chaotic forces of nature. His companion was Death. With the advent of Christianity, the more beneficent aspects of the deity were supplanted by missionaries who came to misrepresent Ekwensu as Satan.

He was the testing force of Chukwu, and along with Ani the Earth goddess, and Igwe, the Sky God, make up the three highest Alusi's of the ancient Igbo people. Ekwensu is also the Igbo word for Satan.

The destruction of every culture deemed threatening by the west is not a new concept. Thanks to Prof Damian Opata, the name of Ekewensu has finally been vindicated. Ekwensu is not the Devil; Ekwensu is the Igbo God of War and Trickster God.

It’s quite funny to see how we Nigerians have become more holy than the gods. The Europeans venerate their deities and make them look appealing. We let our children watch Disney’s Hercules, call our daughters Diana, we read the Greek illads, we watch Odysseus, The goddess Britannia is on every monument in the Uk, the goddess Columbia is on every American Monument; yet we call our heritage, demons, devils and diabolic, ”The worst thing that ever happened to Africa; was turning your gods into demons”, How on earth do you expect to find peace, I think it’s time to rehabilitate our Gods?

https://m.facebook.com/Theigbopeople/posts/405289752961610

Got that thanx.

Any comprehensive hard copy literature on Igbo mythology in circulation? Apart from the Elechi Amadi/ Chinua Achebe writings on Igbo culture, I don't really know anything in that area.

Abuamam:


Got that thanx.

Any comprehensive hard copy literature on Igbo mythology in circulation? Apart from the Elechi Amadi/ Chinua Achebe writings on Igbo culture, I don't really know anything in that area.

After God is Dibia - Anenechukwu Umeh.
Also Odinani, the Igbo Religion. I can't remember the author's name.

sonOfLucifer:

You are always welcome. The website is a huge repository of Odinani/Omenala resources. I'm a bit concerned the article in the OP equates Satan to Ekwensu. Might have been a mistake or that part of the text was for readers coming from a Christian/Muslim background.
Ekwensu is a god of mischief and war. He wasn't a direct adversary to Chukwu, unlike Satan who is an adversary to Yahweh.

Yes. Just like the god Mercury was a god of war.

We have gotten use to the misuse of the word Ekwensu, that we automatically connote it with evil.

sonOfLucifer:

After God is Dibia - Anenechukwu Umeh.
Also Odinani, the Igbo Religion. I can't remember the author's name.

I see that the Igbo mythology does make room for a deathless realm (heaven?) and a place of torment (hell?), though a limited allowance seems to be made for re-incarnation (maximum of 7 or 8 rebirths, I think). The 'Iji Ala' (geodesy theory) is also interestingly complex. Also, there seems to be an underlying streak of monotheism hidden deep down. Was there a period of change in the current beliefs, or have they always been the same? I guess it is not likely that any recorded history exists.

Abuamam:


I see that the Igbo mythology does make room for a deathless realm (heaven?) and a place of torment (hell?), though a limited allowance seems to be made for re-incarnation (maximum of 7 or 8 rebirths, I think). The 'Iji Ala' (geodesy theory) is also interestingly complex. Also, there seems to be an underlying streak of monotheism hidden deep down. Was there a period of change in the current beliefs, or have they always been the same? I guess it is not likely that any recorded history exists.

Omenala is indeed monotheistic.

I found a good thread on another forum that discusses this extensively. Highly educative and articulate discussions the kind rarely seen on AFrica's number 1 forum https://destee.com/index.php?threads/igbo-spirituality-101.50089/

sonOfLucifer:

Hi brother.

Wassup ma nigga.
What startled and sent you into meditation? Have you recovered?

vooks:


Wassup ma nigga.
What startled and sent you into meditation? Have you recovered?

Had a close brush with death. I am recovering fine.

sonOfLucifer:

Had a close brush with death. I am recovering fine.

Why would that dampen your spirits? Scared of death/dying?
I had one last year with my family

vooks:

Why would that dampen your spirits? Scared of death/dying?
I had one last year with my family

Scared of not living up to expectations. The experience changes you a bit, things that should matter come into focus.

Do you have any contributions to the topic?

ojimbo:
reading, i will comment later!!!!!
no need of editing my already made post. like Thesonoflucifer has already created a nice article. some new age religious bigots will see everything that comes out from our culture and tradition as worshiping their imaginary satan/lucifer, like it was mentioned above 'odinani', in igbo land today, if you ever mention odinani, you are own your own and hell fire awaits you. the concept of God has been in the mind of every human being. trying to define what you know nothing about. some will come up saying that the only proof of God is that they feel it in them, yes off course, its is my mind so i have every right to make some imaginations with it just like where a young boy is having a vision of his future, seeing the kinds of building he was setting up and the kind of places he is traveling to without knowing that he/she may die tomorrow.
if you want to argue with some people about african culture and tradition, they will keep mentioning the atrocities been committed by our fore fathers like offering human head to an imaginary being, killing of twins, sacrifices and so on, i still see all those things as the cause of been uncivilized, yet some Christians will not see the genocide, fornication, wars, slavery, maltreatment and so on in the bible yet they will refer to it as ''God knows why''
our fore fathers were just a little inhuman compared to the atrocities happening right now. Isis and boko haram have killed thousands of people in few years, countries are using explosive on another countries to kill their citizens. yet all these are done by the God fearing people. a lot of people are into fake products which are harmful to health, yet every Sunday they will run to church to give tithe and praise while those criminals on the alter will bless them and pray for their success. look at our politicians who have lost their sense of humanity. every church will be happy to receive them. do you know how much that has gone to church pockets from those politicians, these money are meant for we citizens yet some fraudsters will be happy to park all of them as church offerings and donations.
i weep for my country when it comes to religious matters,
until we all die, no body should ever come up to me with the concept of his God without any proof or evidence.

well said Bro,
i couldn't have put it better.
this generation is lost.
an average african doesn't know any bloodline name in his/her family beyond his/her immediate surname, they claim son/daughter of isaac and jacob.
religious morons spend hours in the name of prayers, shouting, casting and binding the spirits of their ancestors, believing that their dead ancestors are responsible for their present misfortunes.
ask any of them what their ancestors did, they come up with funny stories of killing twins, human sacrifice, etc. forgetting that their adopted middle eastern religions had a more horrific bloody atrocious past.

sonOfLucifer:

Omenala is indeed monotheistic.

I found a good thread on another forum that discusses this extensively. Highly educative and articulate discussions the kind rarely seen on AFrica's number 1 forum https://destee.com/index.php?threads/igbo-spirituality-101.50089/

You just lost me now with this omenala is monotheistic.... What

johnydon22:


You just lost me now with this omenala is monotheistic.... What

A belief in Chukwu as the supreme incomprehensible God. The alusis are representations of his characteristics and can be used as mediator. CHUKWU is the Creator.

sonOfLucifer:

A belief in Chukwu as the supreme incomprehensible God. The alusis are representations of his characteristics and can be used as mediator. CHUKWU is the Creator.

Oh yes believing in One Supreme chukwu, good but as long as the worship of other smaller deities are involved.. it is not monotheism...The gods doesnt have to be equal.

Like the canaanite pentheon.. the supreme god el and then other lesser gods...this is just the format of polytheism... so far other lesser gods are involved and are being worshiped, it is strictly polytheism.

johnydon22:


Oh yes believing in One Supreme chukwu, good but as long as the worship of other smaller deities are involved.. it is not monotheism...The gods doesnt have to be equal.

Like the canaanite pentheon.. the supreme god el and then other lesser gods...this is just the format of polytheism... so far other lesser gods are involved and are being worshiped, it is strictly polytheism.

Ọdịnala is a panentheistic faith, having a strong central deity at its head. All things spring from this deity. Although semi – pantheon exists in the belief system, as it does in many indigenous African and Eastern religions.
Chukwu is the central deity. Chukwu as the creator of everything (visible and invisible) and the source of other deities is referred to as Chineke. Chukwu is genderless possessing the supreme power in the cosmos control.
To the ancient Igbo, the force that is Chukwu is infinitely powerful that no mmadu (human being) approach this force directly. Also, the force does not impact into our worlds directly but rather through lower force (s). The general truth is that no person can work with or deal with Chukwu directly without passing through the lower force (s). This is why the Igbo people were easily captured by the teachings of the imported western religion which holds that either Christ of Christianity or Mohammed of Islam is a lower force.
The lower force(s) are the outflows from the main stream; sparks from the supreme force that takes forms. They are the incarnations of the almighty Chukwu. Ọdịnala identify these lower forces by their names and use a collective term Arushi to describe them. If an Arushi is assigned to an individual, it becomes a Chi.
The term ‘panentheism’ refer to as a belief system which posits that God personally exists, interpenetrates every part of nature and timelessly extends beyond it. Such interpenetrations in a spiritual view occur as lower deities or Arushi. Ọdịnala therefore, anchored its belief on the existence of only but one Supreme Being: Chukwu (God) and many lower supernatural beings or deities (Arushi).
http://self.gutenberg.org/article/WHEBN0000098929/Odinani