The Divinity of the Feared ‘Adoro Deity’ of Ero-Nkpokodi in Nsukka LGA: A Tale From a Chief Priest

By Nkem Ossai (1)

“When the gods engage in a dance, the earth shakes.” – Akan proverb)

In Igbo ancient cosmological beliefs, ‘Chukwu Okike Abiama or Chukwu Abiama’ as He is known among the people of Nsukka Cultural Zone, is considered above all other gods. In the long past, the people of Nsukka Cultural Zone, worshipped several other gods but, revered and deified Chukwu Abiama as all-knowing, the great creator, the creator of the seen and unseen presences. In fact, they believed that since he is all knowing, his place in the sphere of creation is very high above and therefore, considered both the sun as his eyes in the day and the moon as his eyes in the night. Other creations, mediums or deities are his stepping stones or rather messengers.

So, when I chose to discuss the celestial existence, especially of the unknown deities (gods), I was careful to avoid being seen or suspected of believing in what I have chosen to discuss.

This was exactly what was on my mind when I decided to take a trip to Alor Uno in Nsukka LGA to have a word with one of the Chief Priests of the mysterious and of course, dreaded deity in Alor-Nkpokodi named, “Adoro Ero.”

The Chief Priest, a young man in his late forties, is a very pleasant man, kind and readily willing to answer questions put to him. Stepping into the compound, I was faced with various symbols of the feared deity. The scent around and about me was anything but mysterious. Colours of Red, blue, black, yellow and white striped pieces of cloths hung in styles everywhere and dotted in African yellow chalk-like called ‘Odo’ with animal blood stains to match. Although very colorful, the thought of the revealed mysterious powers of what the deity has done to evil people will make any unsuspecting visitor be at alert against untoward happening. Standing in his compound strategically is a tree believed to be over 2000 years old.

According to mystical stories, as narrated by one of the Chief Priests: “in the days passed, ‘Adoro Ero’ served as both the law enforcer, the judge and the executor. He said that Ero-Nkpokodi was surrounded by hostile neighbours who were, at regular intervals laying siege on their lands. These neighbours engaged Ero people in several intercommunal wars in a bid to take over large chunk of their lands.

Because of these threats, Ero people sort for a powerful deity to protect them. This is the genesis of the Adoro deity popularly called “Adoro-Ero-Nkpokodi.”

According to the priest, there were many beliefs about the place of origin of the native doctor who prepared the deity. Some believe that she came from Edemani, some others said she is from Igala land while one other source says that the deity fell from the sky.

Answering questions on the deity’s capacity to cause harm, the priest explained that what is seen as harm is the result of individually self-induced and self-inflicted curses on evil people and criminals

The ancient deity, according to the priest, does not seek deification from from anyone. Rather, those who have problems and those who may have involved themselves in one crime/evil or another, seek solution by consulting the deity for help or solution to their problem according to the result of their divination. The duty of the priest at this juncture is to offer to the deity whatever they brought as the instrument of divination.

The Implication of Seeking Adoro-Ero Intervention in a Matter
@will continue in the next publication.