10/08/2026
Becoming onye Odinani & Ogo mmuo has been the most beautiful decision of my life.
Let me tell you how & why. Try to read till end, it will help you in your Odinani Journey.
Growing up, i was very inquisitive about Igbo cultural practices, i enjoyed coming across elders with background knowledge of igbo culture and my community, i paid attention to their conversations and asked questions when necessary.
I started attending Village Meetings and joined my kinsmen to functions right from secondary school days many years ago. As at then, i used to be the youngest, and was always called upon to serve kola which excited me.
Whenever I'd visit families on errands, I'd marvel at the unique decorations adorning their Obi, particularly those featuring cow or goat skulls and black-and-white photos of their ancestors. I often dreamt of building my own house with an Obi that would surpass them all in grandeur. The traditional setup, where a man rests in his Obi while his wife (or wives) sleeps in the mkpuke, also captivated me.
That inspired my Name; “Obi-Chinyelu”.
Back then, i knew my loyalty to Foreign religion was just a matter of time. And I’d immediately switch when i come of age. I didn’t rush into Odinani despite being familiar with the practices and the practitioners.
I simply waited to become a man first and be guided by my Orammuo.
The first thing clasping to Odinani removed from me is fear & futile hope, and replaced it with Accountability. When something happens, i ask questions. I no longer leave things to fate or let someone become an intermediary between me and my Chi. I don’t fear about the unknown or wait till it happens, instead i inquire & get prepared.
Secondly, i became free like a bird. Christianity makes you judgmental, no matter your denomination. I can comfortably mingle with Catholics, Anglicans, Pentecostals and Sabbatarians without despising their style of worship and practices. Instead of being uncomfortable, i try to teach them from Igbo Cultural perspective. I see people first for who they’re (Igbo) before what they do (religion).
I became aware of who i am. The moment i installed my Agwu and started venerating my ancestors, my path became straightened and my destiny became evident in all i do. My Orammuo provided me with a direct link to commune with them, i don’t need any dibia or intercessor.
Constantly being on the lookout for my Nso Chi & Akogholi triggers increased my spiritual consciousness more than before. Little things i overlooked started mattering. A good Odinani Practitioner is one who diligently observes holiness.
Unlike me, so many have had hard times navigating through Odinani Practices, especially after so many years of abandoning their ancestral foundations. My advice is to be steadfast and patient. Odinani is a journey that you will go through till the day you stop existing and not a destination that you get to and relax. Destiny differs, so are experiences, in your daily Igo Ofo, ask your Ora mmuo to speak to you directly. Once they start doing so through dreams, feelings, intuitions etc, you’re an inch close to perfection.
