Indigenous pastors in Umuoji hold spiritual clash prayers against Uzoiyi festival, targeting destructive spirits and idolatry

Indigenous pastors in Umuoji organised what they described as a spiritual clash against “destructive spirits” linked to the Uzoiyi festival on Sunday.

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The event, held at the Glorious Divine Grace Assembly in Ireh village, featured warfare prayers, exorcisms, prophetic revelations, and symbolic blood sacrifices.

The convener, Chief Apostle Fidel Chimezie, President of the Nigerian Ministers Project, and Apostle Tony Phillips, Senior Pastor of Glorious Divine Grace Assembly, led the service, warning that the festival fosters idolatry and spiritual oppression.

Apostle Phillips described the Uzoiyi festival as a fétìsh tradition that threatens the destinies of community members, spreads hopelessness, and misleads people spiritually.

He explained that the festival involves invoking the Idemili River goddess, which he claimed carries harmful spiritual influences across the 23 villages of Umuoji.

“Many think it’s just music, masquerades, and fun, but spiritually it goes far beyond ordinary festivity,” Phillips said, adding that the prayers included blocking the marine goddess’s destructive influence through angelic intervention.

Chief Apostle Chimezie echoed these concerns, noting that the festival, while appearing cultural, involves worship of idols and marine spirits, aimed at undermining the community’s destinies.

“God instructed me to gather ministers to stand in the gap and pray against this evil influence,” Chimezie said, explaining that symbolic blood sacrifices were part of the ritual to neutralise malevolent forces.

The festival itself is an annual cultural event that celebrates Igbo heritage, particularly the Idemili River goddess, to ensure a bountiful harvest and rainfall. It features masquerades, music, and dance, showcasing the artistry of Umuoji’s 23 villages.

Pastors leading the prayers distinguished between cultural heritage and idolatry, arguing that authentic Igbo tradition lies in lifestyle, dress, and cuisine not spiritual ceremonies involving marine deities.

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The spiritual clash in Umuoji has reignited debates about the intersection of faith and tradition, highlighting how some clerics interpret indigenous festivals as potential threats to spiritual wellbeing.