DEITES

DEITES

Oral traditions and legends holds that some of the deities were transferred down to Etuno in the course of migration while others were discovered post arrival. The latter categories were discovered through divination by individuals whose clans became custodians of the respective ones each of them discovered.

ORI-IDAKORIKO.

This deity is located in the North Eastern flank of Igarra rocky hills. It is accessible from the Osue Uroko (Osuroko) spring water area located to the East of the path to Ivokoto Spring of Ubobo Quarters. It is a deity whose custodianship is not confined to any particular clan hence its fetish priests could be from any of the fifteen extant clans provided the aspiring candidate meets other necessary criteria. Prayers and sacrifices are offered to it for solutions to barrenness, warding off spiritual attacks, and blessings of micro-economic prosperity.

ORI-ASAU (Idowo)

This too is located in the same axis as Idakoriko but a a little further South of it specifically at the Osue Uroko area just after Enyi Ozeh brook.

Custodianship is of the Ezidowo group of clans hence priesthood to it could only be from any of the five clans in the Ezidowo group. Prayers and sacrifices are offered to it for protection during journeys, blessing of the womb, spiritual attacks and many more.

It is the only Igarra deity where a masquerade emerges. The ‘Idowo Masquerade’. It only comes out as an integral part of the funeral rites of an Oshidu as well as Ozoku Idowo (oldest surviving male of the Ezidowo group of clans). The masquerade descends from the hills and also ascends the hills through another route as it doesn’t take the same route for both coming and going. Idowo masquerade pulls a crowd which in terms of size is second to only that of Aba Festival.

ORI-UBAURU

This is located far further east of Ori-Asau and accessible from same Enyi Ozeh area of Ubobo Quarters. It is the deity located at the greatest distance away from the town. Custodianship is of the Eziezu group of clans hence priesthood to it is exclusively the right of members of the five clans under Eziezu group.

ORI-IRETUTU (Ori-Opete)

This is located adjacent to the entrance of Iretutu Primary School in Ubobo Quarters. Custodianship is of Anona clan which therefore produces priests to it.

ORI-INYAMA

This was located in the rocky hills but relocated to its present site along Inyama street in Orere, Uffah quarters during our downward movement.

Custodianship is of Anonyete clan who alone bear the right to produce the priest to its shrine. This is the deity consulted for rain during the times of prolonged drought. This deity, as the name (Inyama) implies, is also known for success in commerce and business ventures. This is the only deity in Igarra that gifts cowry shells (being the financial currency of pre-colonial era) to traders and business men and women seeking success.

Men and women whom the Inyama has assisted in whatever prayers they had offered are allowed to make thanksgiving offerings to it, and only Anonyete men and Azi Anonyete are permitted to partake in the consumption of any sacrificial animal (goats and chickens) offered on its alter.

ORI-IVOKOTO

This is located right at Ivokoto Spring. Custodianship is not confined to any clan. This deity protects Ivokoto water from pollution by inflicting spiritual punishments on individuals who carry out unhygienic acts during the course of fetching water from it for domestic uses. Ivokoto water is the cleanest and most potable natural source water in Igarra.

ORI-OKUTE

This is located at Ivishe Eba in Uffa Quarters. Custodianship is exclusively of the Eshimozoko.

ORI-ENYIOSHIMUFA

This deity is located along Somorika Road. Custodianship is of Anona clan.

ORI-OZE OKOROGO

This is located at Orosi-Atikoko area around Gloryland School. Custodianship is of the Eziakuta clan. The deity is consulted for cure to sexual impotence in men.

ORI-ABASU

This is located at Oriabasu street off Somorika Road. Custodianship is of the Eziodu clan.

ORI-ONYIOVABE

This is located along the road which connects the Local Government Secretariat with Okpe Junction at Ibillo-Auchi Expressway. Custodianship is of Eziezu group of clans.

ORI-OJOZARIWEYI

This is located at the upper part of Eyin Orosi with distriburory of Eyin Okaigo on Somorika road before Aba Ground. Custodianship is of Eziodu.