Dolaries:
Am a Religious student and I find this post intriguing would like to know more about it and wonder where I can source for data if I want to conduct a research..
Thanks for your anticipated reply OP

There are many articles on Igbe in Professor Peter Ekeh's Edited book, History of the Urhobo People of Niger Delta!

Look for the works of Professor Michael Nabofa to know more about Igbe! He is the sole academic authority on Igbe religion.

fratermathy:



The real ORIGINAL IGBE UBIESHA with headquarters in KOKORO INLAND does not engage in idolatry. They worship a universal God like every other religion and their tenets are based on purity and love above all else. The name of the God of their conception is "Oweya" just like "Oghene", "Osanubua", "Olorun", etc.

There are many splinter Igbe based groups out there that have become diluted with idolatrous practises. We now have Igbe Ame- Igbe Uku, Igbe Akpokiniovo, etc and these groups have their own systems of thought.

This article documents the ONLY TRUE ONE IGBE RELIGION from KOKORI!!!


Let us remove this colonial vestige that our cultural practices are ba[/b]rbaric!!!

[b]Igbe people wont say these things Christians say about them. It makes me wonder who is actually practising LOVE and TOLERANCE!!! Hmmm.

Whether if there are fake igbes adherents or genuine igbe adherents.It doesn't change the fact that it is one of those extincting idolatrous religion.

Christians are taught by Jesus to walk in love towards our neighbours and when you love people you tell them the truth, but Jesus Christ didnt teach Christians to accept, condone or celebrate idolatory.Never!!!!!

fratermathy:


There are many articles on Igbe in Professor Peter Ekeh's Edited book, History of the Urhobo People of Niger Delta!

Look for the works of Professor Michael Nabofa to know more about Igbe! He is the sole academic authority on Igbe religion.

Prof Nabofa was my HOD, still lectures us on African Cultures wow, will ask him for the Book directed on Monday.. Thank you

Thanks for the write up. There is no group of religion without some odd attribute. majority of their members are in most cases unaware of these details. for example, before building a church, first d out how the foundation is prepared. the kind of materials that under the place of worship. These is mostly known to the elders, both reasons and purpose. besides, there are so many unknown things in these wildly accepted believes, but we happily play along for the numbers. Mark this, in all the religions of the world, these are the keys. Your attitude, belief in one God, Purpose after good alone, holiness of body and spirit. The love of others. Then come these, What do you know about spirituality? Is it just in talking or doing also? Religion beliefs is to train our spiritual mind to help us overcome human weakness by opening your spiritual eyes to the fact that you more than your body. Your spirituality is revealed. In another word, wherever Gos is revealed to you in truth in his Pure spiritual power and he is worship in truth. You have a religion.

The Niger Delta style dance, "avbo, avbo" has it's root not far from here. Most of the early prophets and prophetesses where once Igbe priests. As a kid growing up I used to love their dance with their drums... Always like to star at the large mirror in the Ogwa... Wack correct Owoh soup with yam. Sometimes I think if I can still do all those stuffs again. But naija, yes I can.
I for one condemn no religion. I know most of us fantasize more about Buddhism and other foreign religions but give little thought about our traditional religions. "Juju", fear... What am I even saying? We're all Christians.

bezimo:


I am of the Isoko tribe of Delta State and I, my family and many Isoko sons and daughters reject this backward stuff. Jesus Christ is the true God and died for all of us to be saved and redeemed. We choose to be liberated to follow christianity of the Bible not some pagan idolatory religion.

Many people might not know that part of the major problems of Africa is its foundation. Our fore fathers were neck deep into idolatory.God had stated he would visit the sin of Idolatory to children childrens even till the 4th generation.A generation is 100 years, so do the maths


To show you how true this is.If you look at Europe, it was founded on great spiritual revivival, the prosperity of europe was built on a great spiritual awakening. Check the early inventors from europe most where christians, same thing with America they have a christian foundation. So they dont struggle to achieve feats, no evil foundation of their fathers house is fighting them. If you look at the Native American tribes of the US and Canada who are also called red indians.They are neck deep into idolatory. They worship fire, the earth and other terrestrial stuff.
If you look at their lives, you cannot but pity them because of their poverty and backwardness.They go about begging in the city from even immigrants for survival.You can imagine how bad their situation is.
Idolatory has a positive correlation with backwardness.

Speak for yourself alone and your claim to metaphysical knowledge and truths is just that "your claim" while i believe and profess christ like you claim to do, I can't disqualify this religion from a cultural angle as it is us, ours and defines our culture but then unlike you i wouldn't judge them from a spiritual cum religious angle as my belief in christianity is absolute and that from a theological standpoint is an obvious bias and as such precludes me from passing judgement on the igbe religion but i gladly read about it nonetheless, because i can't and refuse to be divested from my history

bezimo:



Whether if there are fake igbes adherents or genuine igbe adherents.It doesn't change the fact that it is one of those extincting idolatrous religion.

Christians are taught by Jesus to walk in love towards our neighbours and when you love people you tell them the truth, but Jesus Christ didnt teach Christians to accept, condone or celebrate idolatory.Never!!!!!

Believe what you may..


Christians, as much as I know, are the most intolerant people I have ever met on earth. Most Christians destroy before they even examine. Mind you, I am not even an Igbe member. I was born a Christian and I sometimes flatter myself that I am one but when I see the practices and acts of Christians sometimes, I'd rather identify as an Igbe member or a Muslim!

Igbe is not going extinct anytime soon. There is a center for Igbe studies now in Abraka. Igbe is practised in the UK and US and they are translating their liturgy to English gradually. Igbe remains and even though it has lost a lot to Christianity, it'll wax on and stronger. Scholars, especially in the arts, are already studying Igbe religion for its aesthetic aspects.

What can you say about Islam based on this perspective?

bezimo:


I am of the Isoko tribe of Delta State and I, my family and many Isoko sons and daughters reject this backward stuff. Jesus Christ is the true God and died for all of us to be saved and redeemed. We choose to be liberated to follow christianity of the Bible not some pagan idolatory religion.

Many people might not know that part of the major problems of Africa is its foundation. Our fore fathers were neck deep into idolatory.God had stated he would visit the sin of Idolatory to children childrens even till the 4th generation.A generation is 100 years, so do the maths


To show you how true this is.If you look at Europe, it was founded on great spiritual revivival, the prosperity of europe was built on a great spiritual awakening. Check the early inventors from europe most where christians, same thing with America they have a christian foundation. So they dont struggle to achieve feats, no evil foundation of their fathers house is fighting them. If you look at the Native American tribes of the US and Canada who are also called red indians.They are neck deep into idolatory. They worship fire, the earth and other terrestrial stuff.
If you look at their lives, you cannot but pity them because of their poverty and backwardness.They go about begging in the city from even immigrants for survival.You can imagine how bad their situation is.
Idolatory has a positive correlation with backwardness.

BraniacX:



Speak for yourself alone and your claim to metaphysical knowledge and truths is just that "your claim" while i believe and profess christ like you claim to do, I can't disqualify this religion from a cultural angle as it is us, ours and defines our culture but then unlike you i wouldn't judge them from a spiritual cum religious angle as my belief in christianity is absolute and that from a theological standpoint is an obvious bias and as such precludes me from passing judgement on the igbe religion but i gladly read about it nonetheless, because i can't and refuse to be divested from my history

If you can celebrate another religion with roots in idolatry your christianity is obviously complete fake.You can deceive yourself but not me.

Besides I used the word "many" not all. So I guess you are in the few I didnt include because your phrase of "defines us" "our culture" makes me think you might be on your own and alone in that line of thinking.

macof:


900 years practiced by who?

You harsh no be small

bezimo:



If you can celebrate another religion with roots in idolatry your christianity is obviously complete fake.You can deceive yourself but not me.

Besides I used the word "many" not all. So I guess you are in the few I didnt include because your phrase of "defines us" "our culture" makes me think you might be on your own and alone in that line of thinking.

Roots in idolatry??

Do you know what idolatry even means?

Did you read my article on the origins of Igbe??

DO you think Christianity does not originate from Idolatry, based on the same parameters you yourself used to include Igbe??

Do you think that by denying Igbe as part of Urhobo/Isoko culture, that it does not exist as such? One person's denial doesn't change FACTS!!!


The more you keep attacking Igbe on an Igbe thread, the more you show us the "Christian Love "!!!
I am ready for you. I am not a member but I will defend Igbe to the bones because I've had it with self-righteous Christians who are so deluded that any way to God other than by their method is idolatry! How silly!!!

chimeziepaul:
What can you say about Islam based on this perspective?

Islam has its root in Abraham loins through Ishmeal. God gave a prophesy concerning Ishmeal.We see that manifested today.
Disscussion on this is for another day.

fratermathy:


Roots in idolatry??

Do you know what idolatry even means?

Did you read my article on the origins of Igbe??

DO you think Christianity does not originate from Idolatry, based on the same parameters you yourself used to include Igbe??

Do you think that by denying Igbe as part of Urhobo/Isoko culture, that it does not exist as such? One person's denial doesn't change FACTS!!!

Based on your definition of Idolatory educate my supposed ignorance on the bolded.

bezimo:


Islam has its root in Abraham loins through Ishmeal. God gave a prophesy concerning Ishmeal.We see that manifested today.
Disscussion on this is for another day.

You just seem to be so warped in your perfect Christian delusions today!!!

If I am to argue with you using your own logic, you'd end up showing me more reasons to denounce Christianity and embrace more embracing religions like IGBE!!!

bezimo:


Based on your definition of Idolatory educate my supposed ignorance on the bolded.

You said Igbe is idolatrous didnt you?

I only included Christianity in your statement using your own criteria of inclusion in idolatry because these are the facts:

Igbe believes in ONE GOD, so does christianity
Igbe believes in LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF, so does Christianity
Igbe believes in reaping what you sow, so does christianity
Igbe believes in forgiveness, so does christianity
Igbe believes in Ubiesha Etarakpo, Christianity believes in Jesus the son of Joseph
etc etc etc

Infact there are a hundred things that Igbe and christianity share in common. SO if Igbe is idolatrous then Christianity must logically be as well.

When the british came to enslave us back then, none of these so called gods could do anything to help. Abacha and co made us suffer and still nothing.... LOL. Igbe ko ito ni. Mumu people injesting chalk.

fratermathy:


Believe what you may..


Christians, as much as I know, are the most intolerant people I have ever met on earth. Most Christians destroy before they even examine. Mind you, I am not even an Igbe member. I was born a Christian and I sometimes flatter myself that I am one but when I see the practices and acts of Christians sometimes, I'd rather identify as an Igbe member or a Muslim!

Igbe is not going extinct anytime soon. There is a center for Igbe studies now in Abraka. Igbe is practised in the UK and US and they are translating their liturgy to English gradually. Igbe remains and even though it has lost a lot to Christianity, it'll wax on and stronger. Scholars, especially in the arts, are already studying Igbe religion for its aesthetic aspects.

The bolded truly speaks volumes on who you are and engaging you further on a robust back and forth discussion on this may be an exercise in futility so I wont even bother.

Christians are the most intolerant according to you yet, when last did you hear that people were killed or destroyed in a christian dominated part of Nigeria due to religious intolerance or abusing of our christian faith.Yet we know were in Nigeria that happens against Christians frequently.

You were born a christian. Sorry, no one is born a christian even if your family is headed by an Apostle or Pastor or even church founder.You become a Christian based on a conscious and deliberate decision between you and the Lord Jesus to follow him.

You would rather become a muslim or Igbe adherent yet you were a supposed Christian.
Life is a choice afterall and we live with the consequences of choices made in this life in the After life in Heaven or Hell.

Must one be religious or worship something?

izywzy:
When the british came to enslave us back then, none of these so called gods could do anything to help. Abacha and co made us suffer and still nothing.... LOL. Igbe ko ito ni. Mumu people injesting chalk.

And now that we are CURRENTLY SUFFERING, what has Christianity done other than turn us to those who SUFFER and SMILE

You started with a logic that inherently includes Christianity in the current dispensation. The past is gone, along with the gods. But what has Christianity done about terrorism, world hunger, wars, scarcity, etc. I have not seen it rain diamonds yet. I have not seen anyone smite down terrorists from the clouds yet or have you??


Meanwhile, Igbe is not a subscriber to your concept of the "gods"! Igbe has always been monotheistic and believed in one God like Christianity!

fratermathy:


You said Igbe is idolatrous didnt you?

I only included Christianity in your statement using your own criteria of inclusion in idolatry because these are the facts:

Igbe believes in ONE GOD, so does christianity
Igbe believes in LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF, so does Christianity
Igbe believes in reaping what you sow, so does christianity
Igbe believes in forgiveness, so does christianity
Igbe believes in Ubiesha Etarakpo, Christianity believes in Jesus the son of Joseph
etc etc etc

Infact there are a hundred things that Igbe and christianity share in common. SO if Igbe is idolatrous then Christianity must logically be as well.

Jesus was born immaculately dude

bezimo:


The bolded truly speaks volumes on who you are and engaging you further on a robust back and forth discussion on this may be an exercise in futility so I wont even bother.

Christians are the most intolerant according to you yet, when last did you hear that people were killed or destroyed in a christian dominated part of Nigeria due to religious intolerance or abusing of our christian faith.Yet we know were in Nigeria that happens against Christians frequently.

You were born a christian. Sorry, no one is born a christian even if your family is headed by an Apostle or Pastor or even church founder.You become a Christian based on a conscious and deliberate decision between you and the Lord Jesus to follow him.

You would rather become a muslim or Igbe adherent yet you were a supposed Christian.
Life is a choice afterall and we live with the consequences of choices made in this life in the After life in Heaven or Hell.

Christianity, to me, is an identity as much as our ethnic group is. It is a large covering wrapper to include everyone who was born into Christianity. Being BORN AGAIN in Christianity is a different thing entirely. You who claim to be a good christian should know this.

Because Christians are peaceful doesnt mean they are not intolerant. Intolerance must not be violent as we see in the North. Intolerant may occur in verbal forms as we have seen with you today. It may also occur in other forms of exclusion, rejection, castigation, etc and as far as I am concerned, Christians are the most intolerant people in the world, save for violence!


Mind you, Igbes also believe in the afterlife- heaven and hell kinda thought!

Personally, I DONT! So that argument holds no waters for me.

izywzy:
Jesus was born immaculately dude

Lol.

Okay mister, if you say so!

Ubiesha had an "immaculate" experience with God as well. That equates the argument.

fratermathy:


You said Igbe is idolatrous didnt you?

I only included Christianity in your statement using your own criteria of inclusion in idolatry because these are the facts:

Igbe believes in ONE GOD, so does christianity
Igbe believes in LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF, so does Christianity
Igbe believes in reaping what you sow, so does christianity
Igbe believes in forgiveness, so does christianity
Igbe believes in Ubiesha Etarakpo, Christianity believes in Jesus the son of Joseph
etc etc etc

Infact there are a hundred things that Igbe and christianity share in common. SO if Igbe is idolatrous then Christianity must logically be as well.

I quote from the excerpts
"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"

How does this practice correlate with christianity, native chalk?
How is this not same with what herbalist do to fortify people against evil things from happening to them.

You lie... I know a lot about igbe adherents and have had many of them visit my home. They mostly come in facing with their backs. Unless you're telling me you don't know igbe.

fratermathy:


Igbe Ubiesha, the one original Igbe religion, does not engage in what you have just written, my friend!

bezimo:





I quote from the excerpts
"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.

How does this practice correlate with christianity, native chalk?
How is this not same with what herbalist do to fortify people like people would say against evil things from happening to them.

Oh yes!

I have seen pastors give HOLY WATER to people to cure them and protect them against malevolent spirits.

Christians submerge you in WATER three times to BAPTISE YOU!

Some christian denominations, e.g., CCC, use CANDLES to pray!

How are these not similar to what obtains in shrines?

Continue with your logic, I am here for you.

You think "Holy Water" which we can't even vouch for is better off than native chalk which has anti-poison and other good functions for the body?

Oh Pulllessseee

Omudia:
You lie... I know a lot about igbe adherents and have had many of them visit my home. They mostly come in facing with their backs. Unless you're telling me you don't know igbe.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN IGBE PERSON DO THAT.


The mere fact that you are saying this makes me question whether or not you have really met any IGBE UBIESHA adherent at all!!!

Maybe you saw splinter Igbe based group members. It is certainly not Igbe Ubiesha. Ask those "friends" of yours which Igbe they dance.

Walking with back. lol. How "Nollywoody"!

Meanwhile, the bolded in your post is subject to your own Christian scrutiny.

fratermathy:


... And Islam is an African religion? Did you even read the post before your fallacy of hasty generalisation.?


It is well...

Philosopher Spotted, don't mind all these Non-Philosophers jare

If you ever listen to igbe songs/music.... Omoh... Your head will swell.

Once they start beating drums, clapping and ticking d gong or tambourine... If u hear the rhythm, you will feel like floating in the air.

It's got tons of old adherents in my village in ukwani... But young ppl aren't joining anymore.

I remember this Igbe pple from my NYSC days in ugbogui Edo state. Always percieved them as a kind of cult. Thanks for this expository piece

Mathias iroro, you forgot to mention the incessant ogogoro drinking and the turning of the Bible upside down under the sun to achieve their aim.

oweniwe:
If you ever listen to igbe songs/music.... Omoh... Your head will swell.

Once they start beating drums, clapping and ticking d gong or tambourine... If u hear the rhythm, you will feel like floating in the air.

It's got tons of old adherents in my village in ukwani... But young ppl aren't joining anymore.

They've got nice songs bro. I concur!

Young people are not joining because their age mates are not there. Igbe religion never created an atmosphere for youths of this generation.

lumeneng22:
Mathias iroro, you forgot to mention the incessant ogogoro drinking and the turning of the Bible upside down under the sun to achieve their aim.

That is not part of Igbe practices bro. I can categorically tell you that. Maybe one of these splinter Igbe based groups do it but certainly not Igbe Ubiesha which I have captured in my writeup.