A traditional worshipper and the Director, Lomat Global Resources Ltd, Izuorah Nnamdi, on Wednesday told Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, that his assertion that Anambra is a “Christian state” demands careful reconsideration, adding that such a declaration is “historically, culturally, and constitutionally erroneous”.
Nnamdi was reacting to the comments made by Soludo, during the recent unveiling of the state security outfit, “Operation Udo-ga-chi”, where the governor described Anambra as a “Christian state”, insisting there is no room for idolatry and other traditional practices.
In an open letter addressed to the governor on Wednesday, Nnamdi further pointed out that the notion that Anambra is a “Christian state” is a “gross misrepresentation of history”, adding that Anambra, like other parts of Igboland, belongs first and foremost to its indigenous people, whose identity, spirituality, and customs are rooted in ancestral heritage.
He explained that Christianity, as an organised religion, is a relatively recent introduction in the South-East, insisting that Nigeria’s Constitution does not recognise state religion and hence no religion should be elevated above others.
The open letter made available to journalists partly read, “The Christian missionaries first arrived in Eastern Nigeria, including Anambra, in 1857, a mere 168 years ago, during the colonial incursion. Before this period, our ancestors thrived under a robust indigenous belief system called “Odinani”, which shaped their worldview, governance, and ethical structure.
“While Christianity has become widespread due to historical and colonial influence, it is an adopted faith, not the indigenous spirituality of the land. Therefore, Anambra cannot be designated a ‘Christian state’ without erasing the legitimate cultural identity and spiritual sovereignty of its people.
“Furthermore, Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), under Section 38, unequivocally guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the right to manifest and propagate one’s beliefs in practice and observance. It recognises no state religion and establishes a secular framework where no religion should be elevated above others. Your role as governor, entrusted with upholding the constitution, necessitates a stance of neutrality and inclusivity, ensuring that adherents of ‘Odinani’, Christianity, Islam, and other faiths are equally respected and protected under the law.
“The governor’s recent broad-stroke condemnation of indigenous spirituality practitioners, labeling them ‘idol worshipers’ and implicating the entire community in criminal activities, is both a cultural misstep and a fallacious generalisation”.
Nnamdi also expressed his profound appreciation to Soludo for his transformative leadership and commendable strides in governance within Anambra State, adding that his administration’s relentless commitment to infrastructural development and efforts towards combating insecurity amid daunting challenges are worthy of acknowledgment.
“However, with the deepest sense of civic responsibility and respect, I must address my grave concerns regarding recent actions and comments from your office targeting practitioners of indigenous spirituality (Odinani), which raise fundamental questions about equity, justice and constitutional adherence.
“Your assertion that Anambra is a ‘Christian state’ demands careful reconsideration. Such a declaration is historically, culturally, and constitutionally erroneous. Christianity, as an organised religion, is a relatively recent introduction to our land.
“The notion that Anambra belongs to Christianity is a gross misrepresentation of history. Anambra, like other parts of Igboland, belongs first and foremost to its indigenous people, whose identity, spirituality, and customs are rooted in ancestral heritage.
“Your role as governor, entrusted with upholding the constitution, necessitates a stance of neutrality and inclusivity, ensuring that adherents of “Odinani”, Christianity, Islam, and other faiths are equally respected and protected under the law”.
Speaking further, Nnamdi pointed out while it is necessary and commendable to root out criminality under the guise of any religion, singling out one belief system without applying the same scrutiny to others is an act of prejudice and injustice.
“Justice demands equal standards: if faith healers and spiritualists in ‘Odinani’ must prove the efficacy of their practices, then pastors, prophets, and evangelists claiming miraculous cures must also be held to the same standard of proof. Truth and justice know no religious boundaries.
“Lastly, I must address the troubling remarks regarding traditional sacrifices at road junctions and water bodies. Such practices, deeply embedded in Igbo cosmology, serve specific spiritual and communal purposes.
“Banning them outright without providing alternative solutions reflects a dismissal of cultural practices integral to the identity of the people. Constructive dialogue with traditional custodians would yield a more harmonious and respectful approach, allowing for designated areas for cultural observances without compromising public order.
“Mr Governor, the strength of any democracy lies in its commitment to justice, fairness, and respect for diversity. You are a beacon of intellectual leadership and innovation. I urge you to rise above religious bias, embrace your role as a father to all Ndi Anambra, and lead with a renewed commitment to cultural inclusivity and constitutional fidelity”, he added.
