By Onjefu Okidu
Since the institutionalization of the Idoma kingship stool, no making of the paramount ruler of Idomaland has been as troublesomely controversial as the making of Ochi’Idoma V. So, so many angry comments have been made before, during and after the selection or “election.”
Some have angrily argued that the selection or “election” of a “Deeper Life Pastor” will amount to the abuse of the Idoma traditional institution’s doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures. Others have argued that the acceptance of the “Deeper Pastor” to be a traditional ruler will amount to the abuse of doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures of the Deeper Life Church.
Still, others have argued that the christianalization of the Idoma traditional system as symbolized by the in-coming “Pastor” is an answered evangelism prayers. There are other gemots of arguments from virtually all rainbows of values and beliefs especially within Idoma geographical domain. In fact, an Idoma socio-cultural group, Ochetoha K’Idoma, refers to the entire exercise as “SHAM.”
To justify these arguments, it is very pertinent that we first understand the concept of traditional ruler within the context of the Idoma traditional system. A traditional ruler as theoretically defined by many authors and as practically applied in the wider Nigerian context simply refers to “a keeper or custodian of a tradition who is versed in the customs and traditions of the people”.
Using this template, one can safely refer to the Ochi’Idoma as the keeper or custodian of the Idoma tradition who is versed in the customs and traditions of the Idoma people. In other words, the Ochi’Idoma is the keeper or custodian of the Idoma title, doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures introduced by the Idoma ancestors which have over the years been transferred from generation to generation.
He is also cerebral and versed in Idoma customs and traditions. Drawing from this conceptual definition, any right thinking Idoma man or woman should be able to position himself or herself to take a decision of indulgence to choose between the demands of the Idoma ancestors and the demands of others. Anything short of this will ultimately amount to abuse or adulteration on either side.
The fact of the matter is that, the Idoma traditions, doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures as defined and handed down by Idoma ancestors can hardly co-habit or converge with Christian traditions, doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures as handed down by Jesus Christ in clear and absolute terms; More so that Christianity accommodates an avalanche of denominations arguing their various positions.
This simply implies that the Idoma people can never run away from the fact that they will continue to deal with rulers who are caught up and enmeshed in an avoidable trado-religious controversy. To be sure, in the present case, as a “Deeper life Pastor” the “Och’Idoma-elect” can clearly be seen as a keeper and custodian of the Deeper Life traditions, doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures and ditto for Och’Idoma. Even when he denounces his Pastorship and becomes a congregational member of Deeper Life church, the quality of service will continue to attenuate and distort on either side.
That the Idoma traditional system and Christendom have been denigrated, mocked, misdirected and trampled upon in the processes that throw up the Ochi’Idoma V is never in doubt. First, it is a gross aberration for a people’s traditional system and religion to be shaped by manipulative politicians whose interest is solely me, I and myself.
As expressly pointed out by a former High Commissioner to Canada, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, in a letter to the Benue State House of Assembly, “politics and traditional institutions make risky bedmates.” The risk is what is manifesting in the case of Ochi’Idoma V. Before the enactment of the Benue State chieftaincy law 2015, the Idomas had their mode of selecting their traditional rulers which is solidly rooted in the Idoma tradition and history. But, this was completely dealt out politically and understandably so.
Beyond the fact that the Idoma history and tradition have been dealt a deadly blow, even when the innocuous new chieftaincy law states very clearly that traditional rulers must be versed in customs and traditional matters, the politicians and other nefarious Idoma elements hijacked the entire process, bypassed the establishment of a strong Idoma traditional system, and throw up a ruler that is versed in Deeper Life customs and traditions – a clear use of political power to advance political impunity.
As they have closed the political space, they are also closing the traditional and religious spaces. As they have killed truth and justice in the political arena so they are killing truth and justice in the traditional and religious arenas. It’s sad, very sad! Oh, yes, it is. Frankly, can any truly honest man approve of a Pastor to be versed in traditional doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures introduced by the ancestors? Or better still, can any truly honest man approve of traditionalists to be versed in pastoral doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures introduced by the church?
Traditional, religious and political matters are usually mutually exclusive, especially in Africa. After all, there exist Muslims, pagans, animists, atheists etc in Idomaland as there exist Christians. The applauded christianalization of the traditional system in Africa particularly in Benue and Idomaland is nothing short of a mockery of Christendom and the traditional institution. In most cases, as clearly observable in southern Africa and in Nigeria including Tivland, traditional doctrines, rituals, symbols, processes and procedures still predominate.
In Deuteronomy 4:2, Moses gave this instruction: “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God.” Jesus Christ reinforces this Moses’ instruction throughout His Ministry. The instruction was categorical and unambiguous. Similarly, the African traditional system maintains that tradition is tradition, no more, no less. Here lies the problem: Nothing is more deceitful and disastrously misleading than the appearances of humility and the injection of religion to human existence by dishonest people. The danger is that the dishonest people will continue to have an incredible ride over unsuspecting, gullible and feeble motley of masses that are visibly endangered but helpless.
Unarguably, when it comes to matters of metaphysics, there are certain things that cannot be readily explained or rather cannot be ascertained. Unfortunately, some people have deceptively projected the notion that all things are knowable. Hence, they have in many cases make a mockery of themselves, their beliefs and their values. They have also become a formidable institute for deception and cunning.
The point is that, as a Pastor of the Deeper Life church, aside not being versed in Idoma customs and tradition, the “Ochi’Idoma elect” cannot escape all the traditional rituals, processes and procedures handed down by Idoma ancestors that are antithetical to the Bible. Tradition and religion are not one and the same. They may have some meeting points, the two cannot not co-habit absolutely.
Tradition should be guided by traditionalists while Christianity should be guided by Christians. Each is supposed to be preserved and the choice left for individuals or the entire community. If the Idoma people decide to adopt the Christian-monarchy model, so be it!
Trying to combine the two either as a community or an individual is self-denigration and offence to whichever deity one may believe in. After all, according to the bible, the Christian God is a jealous God!
Happy New Year!!!
...Dr Onjefu Okidu writes from Ilorin. He can be reached through: E-mail - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: +2348036636139. NNL.
