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🌿 When Deities Walk Among Us: Understanding Divine Presence in Igbo Spirituality

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  Not every encounter is ordinary. In Igbo spirituality, there are moments when the line between the human and the divine becomes… thin. Moments when a voice is not just a voice. When a person is not just a person. Moments when a deity walks among us. But what does that really mean? Is it possession? Is it symbolism? Or something far deeper rooted in the philosophy of Odinani? 🧠 Understanding the Igbo Spiritual Framework To understand how deities can “walk among us,” you first need to understand how reality itself is viewed in Igbo thought. In Odinani, existence is not divided into a strict section of physical vs spiritual worlds. Instead, it is interconnected. There are: Humans (mmadu)- US, THE PRESENTLY LIVING ONES Ancestors (ndichie)- YOUR DIRECT FAMILY LINEAGE BOTH YOUR FATHER'S SIDE AND MOTHER'S SIDE Deities (alusi)- THE gods WORSHIPPED BY YOUR ANCESTORS BEFORE YOU, TRACING BACK TO THE PARTICULAR WHO BROUGHT IT IN The supreme source (Chukwu)- GOD WHOM EVERYONE PRAYERS TO....
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Surviving Ogbunike Cave 2020

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The Ogbunike Cave is one that holds a particular significance in terms of spirituality to the people of not just Oyi local government area but Anambra as a whole. It was even said that a popular Reverend Father has been there for pilgrimage.

The cave consists of series of tunnels and it is easy to get lost if you are not with a proper guide. At the foot of the last step, it is mandatory to take off your footwear before walking towards the cave.

Before i get carried away, Ogbunike is located in Oyi Local government, and my journey was right after the ease on lock-down due to the Covid 19 virus.

https://otieu.com/4/9711193

 It wasn't hard for me to get to the location because I went with some friends who are based in Onitsha to make the day all fun. This also made the transportation quite cheap for us 😂. When you get to Oyi Local government, just take a bike to Ogbunike cave that simple and easy! 

 The entry fee is not specific as it varies but you can also negotiate better 👍. I will also advice you do not go alone.

Guys! the journey to the cave was not an easy one as there are 337 steps down to the cave and you would climb up same steps after the tour. The water dripping from the rock is said to have healing properties and is free to drink or take home if you wish.

The Ogbunike cave is said to house the talking stone, some crocodiles and tortoise. It was also a source of refuge to the people of ogbunike during the Nigerian Civil War, outsiders can never understand or navigate their way through the complex maze in the cave.

When you start the journey of going into the cave, you can not leave same way and that is not negotiable. You have to be fully prepared  to test your endurance level and crawl your way out. The stream that flows in the cave also channels its way to the Nkissa River.

In 2007, UNESCO added the caves to their tentative list to be considered as a World Heritage Site, after it was submitted by the Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments.

The famous IGODO movie was acted here.....




For an explicit view of how my experience was,  kindly watch here

TIPS to aid your tour go smoothly:
  • Women on their Menses/Period are not allowed to visit the cave
  • Acknowledge other people's belief and take off your footwear when asked to
  • Always listen to the guide and follow where he leads to avoid getting lost. 
  • Take your caving essentials such as flashlights, water, etc
  • Heels or long attires are not advisable as there would be both trekking and crawling to be done
  • Be ready for bats
  • If you are claustrophobic, do not attempt to go in. There is no turning back! Hence the warning before the journey begins
There is no doubt that adventure-seeking individuals would not like to experience this thrill. But just like some tourist location in Nigeria, there is no proper maintenance to give ogbunike cave that major face-lift that is needed. For example, aside from the tour guides who know their way around and who could be dismissive most times due to monetary value, there are no other side attractions at the destination.

This makes me wonder, how long will this destination be sustainable for? 
Let me know your thoughts and if you would love to visit 👌
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Location: Ifite, 433103, Ogbunike, Nigeria

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