It is a hopeful sign that people on top of the social ladder express themselves and take unequivocally position against killings for ritualistic motives. A few weeks ago I posted a similar action by the Oluwo of Iwo (in Osun State), see my post dated February 3, 2025, The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, accuses Ekiti and Kwara monarchs of engaging in ritual killings.

This time the Asagba of Asaba, a monarch in Delta State, also in southern Nigeria, came in the spotlight when banning the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other traditional practitioners due to their alleged involvement in the rising crime rate in Asaba and its environs including providing assistance to internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo boys, kidnappers and other criminals.

His remarks were triggered by the murder of a man from neighboring Anambra, a lawmaker. Read the full story below.
(webmaster FVDK)

Delta monarch bans native doctors for aiding ritual killers

Published: February 14, 2025
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), on Thursday banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other traditional practitioners due to their alleged involvement in the rising crime rate in Asaba and its environs.

This decision follows reports linking the murder of an Anambra lawmaker – whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge – to native doctors and a shrine in Asaba.

Expressing deep concern, the monarch emphasised that crimes committed within Asaba directly impact its residents more than anyone else.

He stressed that the ban on these native doctors was a proactive measure to curb crime.

“Let it be on record that we support the government at all times. However, while supporting the government, there comes a time when we must take proactive steps. Anything that happens in Asaba affects us directly,” he stated.

“It is distressing to hear that Asaba has become the focal point of these criminal activities. As a result, we have decided to take measures to ensure peace and order in our land.”

The monarch declared that the activities of Eze-Nwanyi practitioners, particularly those not originally from Asaba, were now banned.

He described their growing presence as troubling and their activities as “nefarious.”

“The murder of the Anambra lawmaker points to Asaba, where money was cleared, and where the shrine harboring the kingpin was located. These native doctors seem to be aiding not only internet fraudsters (Yahoo Yahoo boys) but also kidnappers and other criminals. Therefore, we are banning them effective immediately.”

Furthermore, the monarch announced that all native doctors operating within Asaba must now register and be regulated.

He stated that they would require clearance from the Otuhas, the governing legislative body of Asaba, before being allowed to operate.

In addition, restrictions have been placed on visits to the shrine of the Asaba deity, Onishe.

Source: Delta monarch bans native doctors for aiding ritual killers

Related:

Asagba Of Asaba Bans Female Native Doctors, Moves To Curb Crime

The traditional ruler also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts in tackling insecurity.

Published: February 13, 2025
By: Vivian Oramadike – ChannelsTV, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi (female native doctors) and other unregulated traditional practitioners, citing their alleged involvement in kidnappings, ritual killings, and cyber-related fraud.

Announcing the decision at a press conference on Thursday, the monarch expressed deep concern over rising crime in Asaba, particularly after reports linked native doctors and shrines in the area to the murder of Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.

The Asagba emphasized that many of these practitioners are outsiders with criminal motives.

“From today, the activities of Eze-Nwanyi and other unregulated native doctors are banned,” he declared.

Moving forward, all traditional practitioners in Asaba must register under the Otu-Ihaza, the town’s legislative authority.

He reiterated the urgent need for action, 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.”

To further address security concerns, the monarch launched Operation Know Your Tenants, mandating landlords to properly document all tenants.

“Criminals see Asaba as a safe haven. This must stop,” he warned. “Every landlord must have proper records of their tenants so we can account for who resides where.”

Additionally, the palace will deploy a special task force to inspect guest records at hotels across Asaba.

“We will be visiting hotels to check their guest lists. The palace is already collaborating with security agencies to expose those using hotels as criminal hideouts,” he asserted.

The Asagba reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts in tackling insecurity but stressed the need for traditional institutions to play an active role in safeguarding their communities.

“We stand with the government, but we must also take responsibility for our land. Asaba must not become a breeding ground for crime,” he concluded.

Source: Asagba Of Asaba Bans Female Native Doctors, Moves To Curb Crime

And:

Delta monarch bans female native doctors, restricts shrines amid crime concerns

Published: February 13, 2025
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

The Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other unregulated traditional practitioners.

The decision comes amid concerns that these groups are fueling criminal activities, including kidnappings and ritual-related crimes.

The palace maintained it was a decisive move to curb rising crime in Asaba and its environs.

The announcement follows reports linking native doctors and shrines in Asaba to the murder of an Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.

The Asagba, addressing a press conference, expressed grave concern over the 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, Shrine Restrictions

The monarch emphasised that many of these practitioners are not of Asaba origin and have taken over the land with criminal motives.

“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.

Additionally, all native doctors operating in Asaba must now register and be regulated under the authority of the Otu-Ihaza, the legislative body of Asaba.

Source: Delta monarch bans female native doctors, restricts shrines amid crime concerns