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…Urges Nigerians to Tolerate One Another
By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
The annual holy festival of the Igbe Orhe Ofuafo Oghene Healing Home Inc in Unenurhie community, Evwreni kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has come and gone as usual, with a call by the religious leader, Uku Simon Imoni Efedudu on Nigerians to always tolerate one another in their religious beliefs and practices to avoid religious crisis that could disintegrate the country.
The nine-day religious event began with a vigil that brought together thousands of Igbe adherents from the various Igbe religious homes across the country.
The second day featured the religious leader’s processional dance, with the Igbe worshippers, to strategic places in the host community. The spiritual event was to bless the community and to also show his stewardship to his ancestral family compound.
It was a day to behold with its glory and beauty as the religious leader offered prayers of peace, unity, love and prosperity for the people of Unenurhie community and other places across the country.
Speaking to our correspondent after the processional dance, the ‘Uku’ in charge of the worship hall, Uku Simon Imoni Efedudu said, “The Igbe religion is the core religion of the Urhobo people before the advent of Christianity in our Urhobo land many centuries ago.
“One of the challenges confronting Nigeria at the moment is the challenge of lack of tolerance in religion. Nigeria is a multi-religious nation with various recognized religions. In a situation where one religion is claiming superiority over the other ones, then religious war is looming around the corner.
“Nigerians are highly religious people. Therefore, we must tolerate one another in all our religious practices and beliefs and to also respect our religious rights. That’s, freedom of worship and freedom of association. These are fundamental rights of every Nigerian and we must be allowed to enjoy these rights without any infringement upon them or humiliations.”
In the same way, the ‘Oyiko’ of the Igbe religious home, Mr. James Amuke and the secretary-general, Mr. Ephesians Jaito told our correspondent and those present that, the objective of celebrating the annual Igbe festival is to usher in peace, abundant blessings and good health for members of the Igbe religion and also the host community.
The duo described this year’s festival as unique and special as many of the worshippers redeemed their vows and pledges as God has blessed them in their various endeavours and professions. Many also paid homage of cash gifts and other valuable materials like foodstuff to show their gratitude to ‘Orise’ (God) for answering all their prayer requests and overcoming many temptations.
The payment of homage was usually done every year by both individuals and Igbe branches to the ‘Uku’ in charge, Uku Simon Imoni Efedudu.
The Igbe Orhe Ofuafo Oghene Healing Home Inc was founded by late Uku Sunday Efedudu many years ago in Unenurhie community and incorporated as a religious centre by the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2001.
