ENUGU – There has been a notable resurgence of idol worship and the rise of self-proclaimed native doctors—some flaunting unexplained wealth—across Igbo land in recent years. Many of these individuals have climbed the social ladder, mingling with elites while being linked to criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual killings. These acts are often associated with the growing insecurity in the South East, as some of these traditionalists are believed to prepare charms for criminal gangs.

Despite efforts by governments in states like Anambra and Enugu to combat this trend, Rt. Rev. Gideon Ilechukwu, Bishop of the Anglican Missionary Congregations (AMC) in the UK and Europe, has pointed fingers at Christian leaders. Speaking at the 33rd Synod of the Diocese on the Niger, held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ojoto, Anambra State, Bishop Ilechukwu—also a medical doctor—criticized Christians, especially their leaders, for not living according to their faith.

He stated:
"Idol worship is returning because our lifestyles don’t reflect Christ. If Christians genuinely lived as light in the world, people would not turn back to paganism. Our failure to preach and practice the true message of Christ is the root of this problem."

The bishop warned that the reintroduction of idols into Christian communities contradicts biblical values and could bring serious spiritual consequences.

Clerics Echo Concerns on Celebrating Ill-Gotten Wealth

Archbishop Raphael Opoko of the Methodist Church in Umuahia echoed Bishop Ilechukwu’s sentiments, criticizing church leaders for glorifying individuals with questionable wealth.
"Pastors have failed by staying silent. When dubious individuals donate large sums to the church, we reward them with titles and honors without questioning the source of their wealth," he said.

Archbishop Opoko condemned the celebration of materialism in churches, especially when civil servants and politicians—whose wealth far exceeds their known income—are glorified.
"Silence in the face of evil is ungodly," he warned, urging religious leaders to take a stand.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha, co-chair of the Interfaith Peace and Justice Forum, also called for a stop to conferring church awards on individuals with suspicious backgrounds, saying the church must no longer enable such practices.

Poverty and Poor Governance Also to Blame – Rev. Fr. Okwadike

Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Okwadike, a Holy Ghost Priest in Ebonyi State, added that bad governance and worsening economic conditions are also driving people toward idol worship.
"While some church leaders are not leading by example, the real problem lies in poor leadership and economic hardship," he argued.

According to him, frustration among youth and desperation for quick wealth lead many to resort to rituals and traditional sacrifices.
"Many are not idol worshippers per se, but ritualists seeking fast riches. Churches that promote prosperity over salvation are part of the problem," he said.

Fr. Okwadike also lamented that some pastors allegedly obtain charms from traditional priests to attract followers, deviating from the gospel message.
"Unlike our forefathers, who upheld moral values in their traditional practices, today’s idol worship is rooted in crime and blood sacrifices," he added.

Christians Fuel Native Doctor Industry – Pastor Okwuonu

Pastor Innocent Okwuonu, General Overseer of True God Evangelical Ministry, observed that many self-identified Christians still engage in idol worship, thus supporting the rise of native doctors.
"When Christians cling to beliefs in ancestral curses, they often return to traditional practices in search of deliverance," he said.

He warned that mixing Christianity with idol worship brings spiritual bondage and limits one’s destiny.
"Many families suffer due to unresolved ancestral issues. Without proper spiritual cleansing, success remains elusive," he said.

Celebration of Wealth Without Scrutiny – Evangelist Ukaegbu

Evangelist Okechukwu Ukaegbu, National Secretary of the Church of God Seventh Day, Nigeria, said that societal obsession with wealth—regardless of its origin—is fueling the return to idol worship.
"Wealth has become a symbol of success, and this obsession has corrupted values. People will do anything, including rituals, to become rich because they see it as the ultimate goal," he explained.

He criticized the glorification of native doctors, ritualists, and cultists across Igbo communities, warning that such trends pose long-term risks to societal values and morality.

True Faith Over Signs and Wonders – Pastor Okorie

Pastor Joshua Okorie of True Rhema Evangelical Church in Owerri added that many Christians now prioritize miracles, prophecies, and speaking in tongues over genuine spiritual transformation.
"Christianity is meant to be lived, not just preached. Today, how many truly reflect Christ?" he asked.

However, he dismissed native doctors as genuine alternatives, labeling many of them as fraudsters posing as healers.
"Neither side—corrupt churches nor deceitful native doctors—offers a true solution. Christians must return to authentic, Christ-like living," he concluded.