In recent years, the influence of false prophets and pastors has become a significant issue in many Igbo communities. These individuals, who claim to have divine insight, have caused considerable harm and disruption within families and communities. Their false prophecies and misleading messages have led to crises, divisions, and even violence, leaving lasting scars on the affected individuals and their loved ones.
The Devastating Effects of False Prophecies
Many families in Igbo communities have been thrown into crises as a result of what fake prophets and pastors said about a member or members of the family. False prophecies given by people who claim to be prophets of God have indeed destroyed many families and even communities.
Their messages have stoked crises in many families and communities. In some cases, lives were lost as the concerned family or community, in a rage of anger for revenge, attacked the alleged offender, killing, maiming, and destroying his property. This has left everlasting acrimony and hatred among the people. In other cases, these “men of God” destroyed some valuable historical artifacts in communities, claiming that they were harbingers of ill luck to the communities and their people.
In Anambra State, some people narrated how the messages of the so-called men of God have brought sharp divisions, enmity, and long-lasting hatred among siblings and family members. Most times, the sickness of a family member or perceived ill luck of a community usually leads to the invitation of a prophet or pastor who they believe could find out the cause of the problems, and in the process, the prophets would finger a person or persons suspected to be evil behind the problems, hence instigating big trouble.
According to Leonard Nnadi, an Awka-based businessman, the animosity a prophet created in his family five years ago has not been healed, as family members still do not have trust in each other.
Narrating the story, Nnadi said: “One of my siblings fell sick and despite being attended to by many hospitals, she did not get better. Later, a suggestion was made for the family to take her to a local herbalist and after several months with the herbalist, her sickness still did get better.
“So, somebody suggested to us to try a prophet who has a prayer house and that was how we entered one chance vehicle. After taking our sister to his prayer house, he said he would visit our compound for family prayer and cleansing, and listed several items we should get ready for the spiritual work.
“When he eventually came, he was prancing from one part of the compound to the other and making incantations. Suddenly, he stopped at a spot and said that a charm was buried there. One of his aides dug in the place and, behold, he brought out something wrapped with a red cloth.
“The next question he asked was the name of the person living in the opposite house. When we informed him that he was our uncle, the prophet said he was responsible for all the bad things happening in our family; that he tied the destiny of every member of the house in the alleged charm dug up. He also accused him of being responsible for the sickness of the girl.
“We were all perplexed and from that day, bitter hatred entered our family. We no longer visit each other and the person who was accused became withdrawn from the public. When he died three years later, no member of the family participated in his burial ceremony.
“Now the true story has emerged that his hands were clean and that his spirit is angry with every member of the family who accused him of being diabolical. We have agreed to conduct another burial for him to appease his spirit. That is what a false prophet caused in our family”.
Chief Ezemba Nwosu from Omor in Ayamelum council area, narrating his own experience, said his community has not been the same since one pastor performed a cleansing ceremony for them. According to him, the decision to invite the pastor was prompted by complaints from their people, particularly the youths that nobody was making progress in the community.
According to Nwosu: “Despite strong opposition by some of us, the youths decided to invite a pastor who organized a week-long fasting and prayers programme, and all our people living outside the town were asked to come home.
“When the pastor came, he ordered every family to bring out their ancestral symbols of authority which, he alleged, were responsible for our poverty. He also ordered the cutting down of all the monumental trees in the community, claiming that our ancestors buried charms that were holding our progress.
“Since that prayer which cost our community so much money, we have not seen any difference.”
They’ve caused serious harm to the society, they should be checkmated —Obosi monarch
In his reaction, the traditional ruler of the Obosi community in Idemili North council of the area of Anambra State, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III, expressed serious concern over the evil activities of false prophets and the harm they have done to the society. He called for urgent laws and actions to be deployed to checkmate them.
The Role of the Government and Community Leaders
The government and community leaders have a crucial role to play in addressing the menace of false prophets. There is a need for stringent laws and regulations to be put in place to curb the activities of these individuals. Community leaders should also take proactive steps to educate their people about the dangers of falling prey to false prophets and the importance of seeking genuine spiritual guidance.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are key in combating the influence of false prophets. People need to be educated about the tactics used by these individuals and the potential harm they can cause. Awareness campaigns should be conducted in communities to inform people about the importance of critical thinking and the need to verify the authenticity of any spiritual guidance they receive.
The Role of Religious Institutions
Religious institutions also have a significant role to play in addressing the issue of false prophets. They should take it upon themselves to educate their congregations about the dangers of false prophecies and the importance of seeking genuine spiritual guidance. Religious leaders should also work together to identify and expose false prophets within their communities.
The Need for Counseling and Support
Families and individuals affected by the activities of false prophets need counseling and support to heal from the trauma they have experienced. Community leaders and religious institutions should provide counseling services to help these individuals rebuild their lives and restore trust within their families and communities.
Conclusion
The activities of false prophets have caused significant harm to many families and communities in Igbo land. It is essential for the government, community leaders, religious institutions, and the people themselves to work together to address this issue. By educating people, implementing stringent laws, and providing support to those affected, we can mitigate the impact of false prophets and restore peace and harmony in our communities.
