Nigeria a multi-ethnic state remains an abode for several traditional and cultural practices mostly occultic in nature and sometimes culturally inclined from across the Niger to the west hinterlands. Several communities still upholds these traditions, customs and the rites involved in these practices. Although, despite the advent of religious and modern era, the custodians of these customs and traditions remain passionate about upholding their statutory relevance in Nigeria as such they remain committed to protecting their rather barbaric and inhumane acts through the taboos attached to the festivals and initiations, some of this barbaric rites and acts are however entrenched through the cult coven established by the traditions of the land. This piece will therefore explore clinically the southwestern region of Nigeria for it evaluation of occultic influx in Nigeria.
The south western region of Nigeria dominantly inhabited by the Yoruba speaking tribe remain rich and unique in its cultural heritage as such, it adhere strictly to its traditional views, tenets and values. The emergence of the Yoruba race must have therefore stemmed out from an alliance with the root and the indigenous culture it uphold till date. Festivals therefore cannot be divorced from this root as it culturally depicts the celebration of their existence and relevance. The Eyo festival should have been renounced since the emergence of civilization in Lagos as well as the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu, Ogun state, Osun- Osogbo festival in Osogbo, Osun state and host of others but the permanent hold on tradition will not allow all these festivals to be abrogated. However, the hidden truth is that each festival creates an avenue for a barbaric and inhumane occultic practices entrenched in the burial rites of the incumbent predecessors and the initiation rites of the successor.
Predominantly, cult exists for the practice of some of these barbaric rites and activities for the success of this festival or for the installation cult heads and chiefs who therefore remain the custodians of these practices. One important thing to however consider is the secrecy of these cults and its activities. Another is the continuous involvement of persons to preserve these traditions, family members are co-opted willingly or forcefully depending on the laws guiding the emergence of new leader and initiation of new members into the fold. New head and members go through some rituals and oftentimes are subjected to inhumane and callous forms for initiation. In PR Mckenzie Journal of religion in African corroborated by Daramola and Jeje (1975) identify some cult groups that are actively involved in devilish, deadly rituals and barbaric rites of initiation. These cult groups include Ogboni, Orisha Ojuna, Oro cult, Orikini confraternity, Kuyeegba cult among others is the Ologbo cult group of the Oluponna, Ede, Oshogbo and ile ife among others in Osun state and their members are widely spread across the country.
Having researched into several cult covens in Nigeria, the Ologbo cult group must have skipped the lenses of researchers because it is being practice with utmost reference to the oath of secrecy strongly adhered to by members of this group in Osun state and this same cult group would not have come to lime light if a deliberate attempt is not made to expose another evil act endured by the people of the Osun state.
Exploring across borders, some towns in Osun, specifically the Oluponna settlement, the people of the town though discreet with their utterances about the Ologbo cult made a clear presentation of the evil act of the custodian of this cult group and their callous practices.
An anonymous resident expressed vehemently the vicious acts of initiation into the group ‘…Circumcision of the daughters of the proposed title bearer by the Onikola(An individual saddled with the responsibility of cutting the female genital) with rusted blade…’ There is an holistic tendency that these groups despite cultural locations might have same ritual practices, For instance, in Emure Ekiti in Ekiti the Oloofin cult group which is directly controlled by the king through the priestess of a deity called Oloofin acknowledge the cutting of the female genital (Female circumcision) as one of the essentials of their traditions and rites.
He further laments ‘…All the brains (Men of prospects) of this town had to run away for safety in foreign lands to avoid these practices and to protect their families from the reach of the callous cult chiefs…’He concluded.
Several scholars and social commentators have written extensively on occultic group and practices in Nigeria, however, there exist dearth of knowledge on the Ologbo cult group in Osun state. Another myopic belief by the Ologbo cult group is the exposure of new intake into the evil forest which invariable is a test of bravery. Among other rituals are the incisions, intake of diabolic blood related concoctions, and exchange of powers for the purpose of fortification and host of other inhumane acts.
In conclusion, the Nigeria system despite civilization pretentiously believed that the emergence civilization and religion have abrogated the existence of rituals and cult existence. However, this remains a fallacy in recent engagements; as long as most of these festivals, customs and tradition still remain pronounced every other rites and rituals associated with it still exist. The practitioners are everly conscripted willingly or forcefully to continue the practice of these cult groups. Basically, the defining point for most of these cult groups is the initiation processes, rites and rituals which is characterised by Circumcision, incision and eating and drinking of diabolic concoctions.
Obstinate intakes that however refuse to follow the laid down rules of the cults are subjected to threats; attempts are made on their lives and in worst case scenario is death as seen in the Ologbo cult group. …The death of the stubborn ones is always of importance to the rite chiefs except he or she flees the country… As explained by elder Sijuola a native of Ede in Osun state.
***By Samuel O. Adekola.
(M.A, African religious studies)
(B.A Religious studies).
Samueladekola51@gmail.com
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