The Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has prohibited the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other unregulated traditional practitioners.
This decision follows concerns that these groups are contributing to crimes such as kidnappings and ritual-related murders.
The palace described this move as crucial in tackling rising crime rates in Asaba and surrounding areas.
The ban was announced after reports connected native doctors and shrines in Asaba to the murder of Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.
During a press conference, the Asagba expressed deep worry over the security situation, stating, “Anything that happens on this land affects us more than anyone else. It is unacceptable that Asaba has become a hub for these nefarious activities. Consequently, we have decided to take proactive steps to restore peace and order.”
Ban on Female Native Doctors and Shrine Restrictions
The monarch pointed out that many of these practitioners are not originally from Asaba and have engaged in criminal activities.
“We have banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi, who are not of Asaba extraction and are unknown to us. Their activities, I dare say, are nefarious.
“With the recent revelations linking an Anambra lawmaker’s murder to Asaba-based native doctors and shrines, it is clear that they are not just supporting ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ fraudsters but are also involved in kidnappings. From today, they are banned,” he declared.
All native doctors in Asaba must now register and be regulated by the Otu-Ih
