Catholic Priest condemns the Anambra State government for ‘destroying and burning the objects’ in a shrine

A Catholic Priest, Father Angelo Chidi Unegbu, has condemned Anambra State after items belonging to a herbalist were removed from his shrines and burnt. 

Recall that the Anambra State Government destroyed the shrine of native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, after a High Court sitting in Awka sentenced him to 11 months imprisonment for his involvement in ritual practices known as “oke ite” and related offences. 

Reacting to the burning of the objects found in the herbalist’s shrine, Father Angelo said it was inhumane to do such. 

He wrote: “Why are you destroying and burning the objects in the shrine? How can you set fire to something you don’t understand? 

“The Black Man and the destruction are  5 and 6. Shouldn’t experts have been sent to investigate what has been happening there? 

“An examination of the objects would have helped the government better understand the activities of the Okite merchants and their network. 

“Most of the objects should have been kept in a museum. Besides, who enters a man’s house without him? Strangely enough, many people are celebrating the whole thing. 

“Every time I write posts like this, I get asked: Are you sure you’re a Catholic priest? My counter-question to such people is: Are you sure you’re human?”