In recent years, Igbo land has witnessed a resurgence of idol worship and the rise of native doctors, some of whom display questionable wealth and have become prominent figures in society. These individuals are often linked to criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and money rituals, with their influence contributing to insecurity in the South East region. Efforts by state governments, especially in Anambra and Enugu, are ongoing to address these challenges and restore order.
Bishop Gideon Ilechukwu, the Bishop of the Anglican Missionary Congregations in the UK and Europe, has placed much of the blame on church leaders, asserting that the failure of Christians—particularly their leaders—to live out their faith has encouraged a return to idol worship.
He emphasized that if church leaders truly reflected Christian values, there would be less inclination to revert to pagan practices.
He warned that introducing idols into communities contradicts Christian beliefs and could have grave consequences.
Archbishop Raphael Opoko, Methodist Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, echoed this sentiment, criticizing church leaders for celebrating individuals with questionable wealth and character. He argued that the church’s silence and tendency to honor wealthy individuals without scrutinizing the source of their riches projects the church as a promoter of negative lifestyles. Archbishop Opoko called for clerics to speak out against evil and stop rewarding materialism.
Bishop Sunday Onuoha, co-chair of the Interfaith Peace and Justice Forum, also condemned the practice of giving church awards to people with dubious backgrounds, urging the church to stop celebrating such individuals. Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Okwadike, a Holy Ghost Priest in Ebonyi State, attributed the resurgence of idol worship not only to church failures but also to bad governance, which leads to hardship and pushes youths towards seeking quick wealth through rituals and idol worship. He noted that some church leaders focus more on prosperity than salvation, sometimes resorting to charms from idol priests to attract congregants.
Pastor Innocent Okwuonu of True God Evangelical Ministry observed that many Christians in Igbo land secretly participate in idol worship, which he believes brings curses upon families and strengthens the influence of native doctors. He warned that mixing Christianity with idol worship leads to spiritual bondage and prevents individuals from fulfilling their destinies.
Evangelist Okechukwu Ukaegbu, National Secretary of the Church of God Seventh Day, Nigeria, highlighted the societal problem of celebrating unexplained wealth. He argued that the culture of worshipping wealth at all costs is fueling the drift towards idol worship, ritualism, and cultism, especially among the youth. Ukaegbu called for a return to moral values and for society to stop honoring wealth acquired through dubious means.
Pastor Joshua Okorie of True Rhema Evangelical Church in Imo State added that many Christians prioritize prophecies and miracles over living according to their faith, while many native doctors are mere swindlers posing as solution providers. He urged Christians to act more like Christ and live out the teachings of their faith.
The consensus among religious leaders is that both the church and society must take responsibility for the resurgence of idol worship in Igbo land. They advocate for a cultural shift away from materialism and a renewed commitment to genuine faith and ethical living.
