Isonguyo Iniodu
Stop Libation, ban harmful Cultural Display- Udoma urges
A prominent royal father in Abak Local Government Area of Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Aniefiok Okoko Udoma, has warned people to desist from pouring of libation.
Eteidung Udoma, who is the Village Head of Oku Abak spoke with our reporter in his palace, further warned the people against indulging in act that is displeasing to God.
Speaking during the recent celebration of Awire Food and Cultural Festival by the people of Afaha Obong in particular and Annang Land in general, the village head observed that anything that has to be done culturally should be done in a way that brings glory to God.
What is libation?
The libation ceremony is a ritual of pouring a liquid as an offering to a spirit, deity, or soul of a person who is deceased.
”As a tribe that has a link with Canaan in Galilee, Annang people should be unique, exemplary and different from others in whatever they do as special people,’’ the monarch enjoined and stressed the need for the people to embrace God.
Pouring of libation
A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid, or grains such as rice, as an offering to a deity or spirit, or in memory of the dead and could be poured onto something of religious significance, such as an altar, or into the earth.
Udoma explained that being a traditional ruler does not mean that one should not worship God, adding that irrespective of our status in the society, people should learn to obey the commandments of God.
“Irrespective of our positions, we should obey the commandments of God- be you a traditional ruler, religious leader or a political leader,” he stated.
Udoma who is also the Public Relations Officer, Abak Clan Council suggested that any cultural display that is harmful should be banned as it is being done in his community, harping on the need for people to hold fast on to God, and to stop using the name of God in vain.
Offering Libation to ancestors/gods
A prayer or incantation is offered in the form of libations, calling or invoking the ancestors or gods or goddesses to attend with an elder generally performing the ritual.
Usually, the drink is typically some traditional wine such as palm wine and the libation ritual is accompanied by an invitation and invocation to the ancestors and gods.
Stop Libation, ban harmful Cultural Display- Udoma urges
The Village Head assured that once people are ready to commit all their endeavours into the hands of God, things are bound to work out well.
He, therefore, prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the people of Annang Land, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general and warned against libation.
