Intersociety Raises Alarm Over Criminal Labelling of Traditional Priests, Calls for Protective Legislation
News
BY TONY OKAFOR, AWKA
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has issued a strong appeal to the Anambra State Government, urging Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to uphold constitutional liberties, protect religious freedom, and preserve the state’s ancient cultural institutions and heritage.
In a detailed 11-page “Special Guide Letter” addressed to the Anambra State Executive Council and dated June 19, 2025, the group raised concerns over alleged human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and what it described as the “reckless criminal labelling” of traditional priests and community custodians.
The letter cited growing threats to communal deities and their custodians, particularly the 600-year-old Udo Orie Uga Market Deity and her current chief priest, Nze Chukwunenye Okoli-Udo. Intersociety accused the government’s security outfit, Agunaechemba/Udo Gachi, of carrying out extrajudicial arrests and prolonged detentions based on unverified and stigmatizing allegations.
According to the group, traditional custodians are being falsely branded as ritualists or protectors of criminals, a trend it warns threatens justice and erodes cultural heritage.
The group also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Udoka Ejimu, a hotelier detained for over 150 days without trial following the demolition of his hotel in Oba, Idemili South LGA.
The government had alleged that the hotel harboured ritualists, citing the discovery of “human graves” on its premises—claims Intersociety says were later found to be false, as the structures in question were fishponds installed by the property’s previous owner.
Intersociety argues that Chief Ejimu’s continued detention violates Section 35 of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
To forestall further abuse, the group urged the Soludo administration to sponsor two new legislative frameworks: the Anambra State Antiquities and Communal Institutions Protection Law 2025 and the Anambra State Freedom of Religion and Ethnic Identity Protection Law 2025.
The proposed laws aim to safeguard ancient Igbo spiritual institutions, including the Nri Priest-Kingship and communal deities, from state-sanctioned suppression or misrepresentation.
Intersociety warned against any attempt by the state to erase Igbo heritage, likening current patterns to colonial-era efforts that undermined traditional authority.
The letter was copied to senior government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders across the state.
“The Soludo government must not sacrifice our ancestral identity and liberties on the altar of political expediency or religious extremism,” said Emeka Umeagbalasi, the group’s chairman and lead researcher.
