This opinion piece addresses the growing problem of criminal activity among some traditional healers in Nigeria. It commends Governor Soludo’s actions in Anambra State and calls for nationwide reform to restore the integrity of traditional healing practices. The piece explores the historical role of traditional healers, the rise of criminal elements, and the need for ethical codes and public awareness.
In the annals of African Traditional Religion (ATR), traditional doctors, also known as herbalists or native doctors, were once venerated figures. They held a sacred duty as custodians of ancestral knowledge, healers, spiritual guides, and intermediaries between the living and the spirit world.
Their roles were clearly defined by culture and tradition, and they operated within the boundaries of morality, integrity, and service to their communities. However, in contemporary times, an increasing number of native doctors have strayed from their noble callings and ventured into crime, bringing dishonor to an institution that once commanded the highest respect.
This unfortunate development is what has prompted Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, to take decisive action against rogue elements within the traditional medical system.
“If our ancestors could rise from their graves, they would undoubtedly express disappointment in how some of their revered spiritual heirs have become harbingers of terror instead of healers of the people.”
Rather than criticizing his efforts, Governor Soludo must be commended for this courageous step. Other states where native doctors have been linked to criminal activities should take a cue from his administration’s policies. If our ancestors could rise from their graves, they would undoubtedly express disappointment in how some of their revered spiritual heirs have become harbingers of terror instead of healers of the people.
The Sacred Role of Traditional Healers
Without a doubt, traditional doctors are custodians of African spirituality and healing. Historically, traditional doctors were seen as pillars of African societies. Their primary responsibilities revolved around healing the sick using herbs, roots, and natural remedies.
They were also spiritual mediators who provided guidance on matters such as marriage, fertility, protection from evil forces, and resolving disputes through divination and rituals. These spiritualists were deeply respected, often consulted by kings and elders before major decisions were made.
Guardians of Culture and Heritage
Additionally, native doctors played significant roles in fortifying warriors before battles, blessing farmlands to ensure bountiful harvests, and preserving cultural heritage through oral traditions. Their practices were guided by ethical principles passed down through generations. Unlike modern fraudulent practices, their work was rooted in the genuine service of humanity, often regulated by traditional councils and spiritual oversight bodies.
The Erosion of Trust
Regrettably, many of today’s so-called traditional doctors have abandoned their original roles. Some have resorted to heinous crimes, including human rituals, kidnapping, fraud, and other nefarious activities.
“These crimes have tarnished the reputation of genuine traditional healers and have instilled fear rather than respect in the minds of the people.”
There have been numerous reports of shrines doubling as criminal hideouts where victims are slaughtered in the name of money rituals. Innocent individuals have fallen prey to deceitful practitioners who exploit people’s desperation by promising them wealth, power, or revenge through dark means.
The Alarming Trend of Human Sacrifice
One of the most alarming trends is the rising cases of human sacrifice and organ harvesting orchestrated by fake native doctors. These crimes have tarnished the reputation of genuine traditional healers and have instilled fear rather than respect in the minds of the people. It is, therefore, not surprising that Governor Soludo has decided to clamp down on these elements that misuse the title of “native doctor” to perpetrate evil.
Governor Soludo’s Bold Initiative
Without a doubt, Soludo’s action is a step in the right direction. In response to the alarming rise of criminal activities linked to some traditional doctors, he has taken decisive steps to rid Anambra State of this menace.
“Soludo’s crackdown is not targeted at genuine herbalists who practice in accordance with traditional ethics but rather at impostors who have turned their trade into a tool for crime.”
His administration has identified and shut down shrines used as criminal hideouts, while individuals linked to ritual killings, fraud, and other illegal activities have been arrested and prosecuted.
Addressing the Critics
Some critics argue that this move is an attack on African traditions, but such claims are unfounded. Soludo’s crackdown is not targeted at genuine herbalists who practice in accordance with traditional ethics but rather at impostors who have turned their trade into a tool for crime. If anything, his actions should be seen as a purification process to restore dignity to the traditional healing profession.
A Call for Nationwide Action
State governments across Nigeria should take a cue from Soludo’s approach and implement similar measures to sanitize the practice of traditional healing. This includes setting up regulatory bodies that will work with traditional rulers to operate, while those with criminal intentions are flushed out.
The problem of criminal native doctors is not exclusive to Anambra State. Across Nigeria, several cases have been recorded where traditional shrines have served as fronts for criminal activities. From Ogun to Delta, from Kogi to Edo, the involvement of fake native doctors in violent crimes has become a national crisis.
Restoring the Honor of Traditional Healing
Looking at the issue from the perspective of restoring the honor of traditional healing, beyond government intervention, there is an urgent need for cultural and religious leaders to reclaim the lost dignity of traditional medicine.
“The problem of criminal native doctors is not exclusive to Anambra State. Across Nigeria, several cases have been recorded where traditional shrines have served as fronts for criminal activities.”
Traditional councils and associations of native doctors must set up stringent ethical codes and ensure strict compliance. Native doctors should be certified by their respective traditional institutions, and anyone found engaging in illegal activities should be disowned and handed over to the authorities.
The Importance of Public Awareness
Moreover, the public must also be educated about the dangers of patronizing fraudulent spiritualists. Many people, driven by greed or desperation, seek the services of criminal native doctors, thereby encouraging their illegal activities. The awareness that true traditional healing does not involve human sacrifice, blood rituals, or illegal means should be emphasized in schools, religious institutions, and media platforms.
A Time for Cleansing and Restoration
Governor Soludo’s crackdown on criminal native doctors is a necessary and commendable step in the fight against crime in Anambra State. The infiltration of criminal elements into the traditional healing sector has severely damaged its reputation, making this action long overdue. Our ancestors who upheld the sanctity of traditional medicine would be dismayed to see how some of their supposed successors have turned into criminals.
“Our ancestors who upheld the sanctity of traditional medicine would be dismayed to see how some of their supposed successors have turned into criminals.”
Rather than opposing Soludo’s move, other state governments must follow suit to rid Nigeria of this disturbing trend. Traditional councils, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure that the traditional healing profession regains its lost honor. Only through such collective efforts can we preserve our heritage while ensuring the safety and well-being of our people.
Without mincing words, it is not a misnomer to opine that it is time to cleanse the land and return traditional healing to its rightful place of honor.
The opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily align with the views of JolibaLive News! or any of its staff members. The author is in no way associated with this online news blog.
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