The group also vowed to oppose Soludo’s re-election bid in the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election if their demands were not met.
Awka, Nigeria – A group of native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners in Anambra State have staged a protest against what they described as a witch-hunt by Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
The traditional healers, who gathered from various parts of the state, accused the government of using Agunaechemba security operatives to harass and clamp down on their activities. They claimed that the crackdown was discriminatory, violated their fundamental rights, and was aimed at stigmatising their profession.
During the protest, the group offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they called the governor’s interference in their religious and cultural practices.
Native Doctors Condemn Government’s Actions
Speaking at a secret location, the leader of the protesting native doctors, High Priest Ikele, described the government’s actions as unjust.
“We are not cultists or criminals. We are traditional healers who have served our communities for generations,” Ikele said. “Governor Soludo’s attempts to suppress and stigmatise our practices will not succeed.”
The group also vowed to oppose Soludo’s re-election bid in the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election if their demands were not met.
Government Plans to Prosecute Arrested Native Doctors
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has concluded plans to prosecute several arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
Among those currently in custody are well-known traditional practitioners, including Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area.
Igboekweze, who had previously criticised the arrests of Nwangwu and Okocha on social media, was also apprehended shortly after his comments.
State Government Defends Crackdown
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed allegations that the government was targeting traditional worshippers. He explained that the administration’s focus was on fighting crime and apprehending those who enable criminal activities, particularly native doctors allegedly involved in preparing charms for criminals.
Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that those arrested would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court,” Mefor stated. “If convicted, they will face penalties under the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.”
The situation has sparked concerns among traditional practitioners in the state, with many calling for dialogue between the government and native doctors to address the issues.
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