Renowned Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has sparked a thought-provoking conversation about traditional spirituality by calling for greater appreciation of native doctors and their divine role in society. In a passionate plea, Edochie urged pastors and others who feel spiritually inclined to embrace their true calling as traditional healers (Dibia) rather than shy away from this sacred responsibility.
In a recent Instagram post, Yul Edochie highlighted that many individuals, particularly pastors, are divinely destined to serve as native doctors but often resist this path due to the influence of Western ideologies and societal stigmas. He lamented that such cultural conditioning has led many to disregard their true purpose, leaving a gap in spiritual services meant to benefit humanity.
Edochie took a critical stance against the way Nollywood films have historically portrayed native doctors, arguing that such depictions often present them as inherently evil or malevolent. He emphasized that this negative representation undermines the divine and benevolent aspects of traditional healing, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that alienate people from their cultural roots.
The actor strongly asserted that the role of a traditional healer is a sacred calling from God and should be celebrated rather than vilified. He clarified that being a native doctor does not equate to evil unless an individual deliberately chooses to misuse their spiritual gifts. Edochie likened traditional healers to pastors or clergy members, noting that both serve the purpose of combating evil and promoting societal harmony.
“Many pastors today actually have the calling to be Native doctors (Dibia), but they are refusing to answer the call because Oyibo people brainwashed us to believe it is evil,” he wrote. He expressed concern over how Western influences have dissuaded people from embracing their cultural identities and spiritual duties, depriving them of true fulfillment in life.
Edochie further elaborated that a genuine native doctor’s role is to fight against malevolent forces and serve as a guardian of societal equilibrium. He argued that just as a pastor could choose to misuse their position for evil, so too could a native doctor. However, he maintained that the essence of the role is inherently good and divinely inspired.
Yul Edochie advocates for Native doctors
“Many pastors today actually have the calling to be Native doctors (Dibia), but they are refusing to answer the call bcos Oyibo people brainwashed us to believe it is evil,” he wrote. “And Nollywood has also contributed in making Native doctors look evil.”
The actor stressed that being a Native doctor is a divine calling from God Almighty, signifying that an individual has been chosen to serve humanity in a unique and impactful way. He explained that a true native doctor’s role is to fight evil, unless they deliberately choose otherwise. Similarly, he acknowledged that pastors could also make the same choice to misuse their spiritual roles.
“Go and answer your call. You may never have fulfillment in your life if you don’t answer your call,” Edochie urged, underscoring the importance of staying true to one’s spiritual path and fulfilling the purpose for which they were chosen.
The actor’s remarks have ignited widespread discussions on social media, with many debating the merits of his perspective and reflecting on the broader implications for cultural and spiritual identity. Edochie’s advocacy for native doctors shines a spotlight on the need to reexamine societal perceptions of traditional practices and the vital role they play in preserving African spirituality.
