Witchcraft, Sorcery and Osun Medicinal Powers in Benin Kingdom

About the interview

Medicine and OsunWitchcraft and Sorcery

The Esọgban is second in the hierarchy of town chiefs in Benin Kingdom. He is the superintendent of the Aro Ediọn Edo, an altar dedicated to the collective ancestors of the Benin people. In this interview, Chief D. U. Edebiri describes what witchcraft is and how it is often misunderstood. As the Odionwere of Benin Kingdom, he is charged by the Ọba to handle all cases related to witchcraft. When these cases are brought to Ọba Palace in Benin City, the king will refer them to the Esọgban for a fair hearing and for the accused to be reintegrated into society for the well-being of all. Contrary to the common assumption among the Benin people that the owl (Esughusughu) is the symbolic representation of a witch, it is rather the bird called Okpan, which is not known to many. The medicinal staff is a ritual instrument of the Ewaise (royal physicians), and is not related to witchcraft.

About the contributors

Referenced in this interview

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