Ifa Priests Reveal Why People Kill Themselves by Jumping Into Lagos Lagoon

Following the tragic death of Dr Allwell Orji, after he jumped into the Lagos Lagoon on Sunday, March 19, many people including medical experts, seem to be pointing to depression as the possible cause.

But two renowned Ifa priests have maintained a different stance. In an interview with New Telegraph, the traditionalists Chief Zebrudaya of the famed New Masquerade, Chief Omo-Oba Olorunwa Ayekonilogbon and popular Ifa priest, Yemi Elebuibon said that the lagoon is angry.

After due consultation with the gods and his ancestors, Ayekonilogbon, declared emphatically that anything could have caused the death of Dr. Orji.

The Ifa priest however said, such a theory could just be a smokescreen. To him, that a bird cried at night and a child died in the morning could not be wished away as a mere coincidence.

Traditionally speaking, he said, only two theories could suffice in this case. “It is either he was controlled using an African traditional technique or the lagoon is hungry and angry.

“Considering that it was after Oji received the call that he took his life in such a cruel manner, speaks volume. If he was controlled through African traditional way, no matter how he tried to evade it, he could still have looked for or waited to get near water before taking his life.

You also know that our religion believes in destiny, it could have been his destiny as well. “Again, if you look at the rate of deaths in the lagoon in recent time, via taking one’s life mostly, it is equally possible the water is hungry and angry.

Chief Yemi Elebuibon, another well known Ifa priest, spoke in a manner that suggests that Orji could have been ‘programmed’ (hypnotized) to do what he did.

Eedi, he explained, is a bad omen in Yoruba land. “It is a great offence for a person to his own life an abomination. Whoever does that is considered to have brought dishonor to his/her family.

“Yet, the traditional belief behind taking your life is that some people do not just commit the act on their own, but for some mystical interventions. However, some people could find themselves in critical and unpleasant situations, and opt for it as the last resort instead of living to face the problem.

Elebuibon nevertheless agreed that it is possible for a person to harm himself or herself without any diabolical undertone.

“We live in a world where we all have personal battles. We tend to overcome them each time they arise as a result of our mental strength but sometimes they conquer us. When this happens, a person may consider taking his/her life as a last resort,” the priest said.

He said it could be diagnosed through a session of Ifa consultation.

“However, a person suspected or confirmed to be under hypnotism should seek help immediately as failure will wreak havoc and may eventually lead to awful death of the particular person and many others. Without proper spiritual care, sometimes, the repercussions of some actions can influence a person’s life negatively,” he said.

It was gathered that Orji was said to be on his way to Victoria Island for a meeting with the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria when the deceased had asked his driver to stop the vehicle before jumping across the bridge and into the water.

The Lagos State Police marine finally recovered the body of Dr. Orji on Wednesday, March 22.