By Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu
Sphere of influence denotes an area that a person or entity affects. It might be an economy, which entails that there is an equilibrium between demand and supply. Governor Soludo has become a global personality for moving beyond politics, religion and ethnicity to restoring sanity in the lives of Anambrarians.
He can no longer be called a local champion. That vision of transforming Anambra State into a liveable and prosperous homeland reared him away from a political cocoon to a master of it all. There are still ripples in the state for the land cleansing initiated in January 2025.
The fiery passion in Governor Soludo has brought light, not just politically, or economically, but spiritually. With a heart burning for reform, he called for the eradication of what he calls “the forces of darkness”. Traditional custodians fear not just for their lives and legacies, but for what they perceive as an erasure of identity.
Anambra, like many parts of Nigeria, has grappled with the ugly underbelly of ritual killings, cult violence, and the disturbing rise of so-called “Yahoo-Plus”, “Oke-ite” activities – all often cloaked in a facade of spirituality. These traditionalists have persuaded the youths to see success as a possession, or a destination.
They prefer to be announced without any accomplishments. Sweat is a curse and struggle for survival is demeaning, yet knowledge is the antidote for a life of sweat and struggles, not blood sacrifices. We can attest to the fact that nothing destroys the destiny of any people like cheap money. Any responsible government should indeed take a firm stance against these evils.
The reprobates and purveyors of superfluity are already spreading rumours that the governor wants to put an end to Traditional Religion in the state. One thing that permeates in the leadership style of Prof. Soludo is that he is the only “prosperity preacher” governor in Nigeria.
Then, why would he fight ‘Oke-ite’, ‘Isa-uchu’, rituals and sacrifices geared toward making people wealthy? Soludo, like prosperity institutions as Bishop David Oyedepo, started life as a pauper before coming to limelight. To many, they are not criminals – they are custodians. They are the gatekeepers of a spiritual heritage that predates colonialism, Christianity, and the very idea of modern governance.
Cardinal Francis Arinze in his doctoral thesis on Igbo Religion, Culture, exposed the depth and height of sacrifices involving human beings and virgins. Notably, every woman that is an “Ezenwanyi” establishes her altar with the blood of a virgin. Every ritual or sacrifice that attracts financial success must be performed with human blood, part. Considering these issues, one would testify that paganism is retrogressive.
An old leaven should give way to what is new, redemptive. Some have called for a balance between African Traditional Religion and Christianity. Perhaps, it drove the governor to ban open air preaching. If we need balance, it should be between adversity and prosperity and not comparison of faiths.
The wellspring of SOLUDO’S character disposition could be felt in the manner he radically altered the conflict, tradition and idolatry at Isuofia, his home town. The burning heart is a heart that can go through anything, having its flames alive. It’s an age long truth that we are not to preach the doing of good things; good deeds are not to be preached, they are to be performed.
Tongues are wagging: ‘why would this man rush in where angels loathe to tread, why not back off, so God can move in, why not allow some slack in the rope then at the right time, nemesis may unfold? Such voices justify the stance of the few righteous people in Nigeria. They would never boldly stand against evil.
They wrap themselves in a shroud of selfish pursuits. The decision of Governor Soludo harmonizes well with the voices of many searchers in our society.
The Traditional Religion practitioners feature on media platforms to kill the burning heart. In some way, apprehension leaves you crippled, immobile. It’s an undefined uneasiness – a feeling of uncertainty, misgiving and unrest.
What frustration is to yesterday, apprehension is to tomorrow. Apprehension is impressive until determination pulls rank on it and forces it to salute. This determination has been commissioned by Governor Soludo. To them, the constitution recognizes the freedom of worship and the right to cultural expression.
Finally, the slightest noise gives woolies the willies. Soludo is neither troubled nor intimidated; always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks him to give an account for the hope that is in him.
The physical world is full of celebrities but it is possible to be a celebrity on Earth and not be known in the spiritual realm. Soludo – Charlie Nwa Mgbafor – is a name that has become acquainted to and well known amongst all the idols, shrines, deities, cults, thrones and principalities in Anambra State. He became a line-crosser by putting an end to inhuman and devilish activities amongst traditionalists.
Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu is a public affairs analyst and commentator on culture and governance.
Email: obiotika2018@gmail.com
