The lifestyle of a typical African man revolves around the belief in the supernatural. A typical African man believes in the existence of gods and goddesses and the need to pay obeisance to them. He consults them when the need arises. This can be done in form of a visit to a shine for worship and consultation. Consultations are made when one needs help at a crossroads. Some say it is occultism while some people also say it is African religion.
However, Nigerian politicians are not left out of this show. The 2011 election is fast approaching and they are desperately deploying all means within their reach, including a radical overhaul of their arsenal and paying visits to spiritualists. As they campaign to the geo political zones in the country, they also campaign to the geo political shrines. The likes of Okija shrine has become a tourist centre to the campaigners. This practice has been in place for ages.
Occultic political institution appears to be the bedrock of Nigeria politics. It is a medium through which godsons attest their loyalty and faithfulness to their godfathers. It is also a means through which supporters pledge their loyalty with pints of their blood. The shrine stands as a testimony to the agreement of parties at the expense of needless voters. These fetish customs involve rigorous ritualistic and barbaric practice.
At the end of the day, these same politrickcians dance along the aisle of churches for thanksgiving to the victory won at the polls. They appear so theocentric, giving thanks to God for what they have done behind the scene. After the show, the celebration and redemption of pledges continue at the occultic rendezvous. They have eaten the inedible and they have done the absurd and unimaginable. When crocodiles eat their own eggs, what will they not do to the flesh of a frog? No wonder they act without fear!
It has become obvious that we can never separate our politicians from occultism. They have to swear oaths of allegiance at shrines before they swear the legal oath of allegiance at the swearing in. The cabals operate within the system and if you are not in the clique, you are definitely out of the political rat race. How do we know the cabals? All lizards lie prostrate, how can one tell which lizard suffers from bellyache? Well, it’s no use to ask if the pope is from Catholic.
The fact that politics in Nigeria has been adulterated with occultism is an open secret. Since this appears to be the trend in politics, then the system cannot change. And if at all there are possibilities for changes, it is not changing into the lion that is hard, it is getting the tail of a lion. We need to evict the existing cabals. You must first of all chase away the wicked snake before blaming the fowl for carelessness in exposing her chicks.
Where do we start from when it appears nobody is innocent, Ola Rotimi in his play, The gods are not to blame, said “when the elders we esteem so highly can sell their honour for devil’s money, then let pigs eat shame and men eat dung.” How long must feverish birds tremble in silence before their keeper. This is an issue we must address as it is fast crippling the Nigerian society at large including our universities.
