…As the Okuoghae Family of Evboesi Faces Persecution Over Religious Beliefs
The lingering cultural and religious tensions in parts of Edo State have once again come to the fore, following a deeply troubling incident involving the Okuoghae family in Evboesi community. At the heart of this conflict lies a clash between age-old traditional beliefs and the evolving embrace of Christianity by some members of the community.
The early spread of Christianity in the Benin Kingdom, championed by missionaries such as Rev. Emmanuel Egiebor Ohuoba between 1885 and 1950, was marked by resistance and deep cultural friction. Though this movement eventually transformed Benin into a largely Christian state, pockets of intense traditionalism have persisted, with some communities continuing to uphold their indigenous religious practices and customs.
In Evboesi, Christianity had long been welcomed by many as a symbol of liberation from superstition and underdevelopment. However, not all embraced this shift. Some community members still see Christianity as a foreign incursion, undermining long-standing spiritual traditions.
One striking example is the ordeal faced by Mr. Lucky Sunday Okuoghae, a member of the revered Okuoghae family, known for their historical roles in upholding traditional worship. Until 2017, Mr. Okuoghae served as the deputy to Chief Omogui Ogievia, the then chief priest of the community’s ancestral religion. However, his conversion to Christianity in that same year triggered widespread backlash within the family and the larger community.
The situation reached a crisis point following the death of Chief Omogui Ogievia on June 4, 2022. In line with long-standing tradition, the community insisted that Mr. Lucky Okuoghae must succeed the deceased as the new chief priest an appointment he flatly rejected on account of his Christian faith. Community elders and family members saw his refusal as a betrayal. Attempts to convince him failed, sparking tension and ultimately violence.
In a show of aggression, his shop in the local market was set ablaze, and the community youth were mobilised to track him down. When they eventually located him, he was subjected to a brutal attack. His life was only saved due to the swift intervention of the Etete Police Division, who rescued him and rushed him to a nearby hospital. According to medical reports, Mr. Lucky sustained severe injuries.
But more troubling was his mysterious deterioration during recovery, which many in the community interpreted as supernatural punishment for defying him for defying the gods. Despite undergoing treatment for nearly a month, his condition showed little improvement, until a friend introduced him to Land of Solution Ministry, a faith-based church known for prayer and healing. It was there that Mr. Lucky reportedly experienced divine healing, attributing his recovery entirely to his Christian faith and the support of the ministry.
In an interview conducted on August 3, 2022, Mr. Lucky shared the harrowing details of his experience:
“I did not reject our traditions out of disrespect. I simply cannot serve two masters. My faith in Christ is my personal conviction. I have no hatred for my people, but I cannot return to a role that goes against everything I believe. The attack on my life was painful, but my healing has strengthened my resolve.”
He went on to thank the Etete Police Division for their timely intervention, saying:
“Were it not for the officers, particularly the one I initially reported the threats to, I wouldn’t be alive today. Their support during my stay at Land of Solution Ministry also gave me courage.”
As of the time of this press release, Mr. Lucky Okuoghae remains in hiding for fear of further attacks, while reports suggest that community elders are still seeking to compel him to perform the traditional rites or face dire consequences.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between religious freedom and traditional expectations, a dilemma that continues to define the evolving cultural fabric of communities across Nigeria.