Nigerian community worships alligators as divine protectors

In the heart of Nigeria's Anambra State lies Obeagwe, a riverine community in the Ogbaru local government area where a unique cultural practice thrives: the reverence of alligators. Despite the encroachment of modernity, the people of Obeagwe continue to hold the semi-aquatic reptiles in high esteem, believing they serve as divine protectors, safeguarding the community from harm and external threats.

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The matter even went up to the Supreme Court where our community eventually won. In spite of the court decision, some of our neighbours are still trespassing on our farmlands, although it has reduced to the stage where families fight for what belongs to them.

Farmers and fishermen, who form the backbone of Obeagwe's economy, live in close proximity to these revered creatures. Alligators are a common sight, moving freely through compounds, and harming them is strictly forbidden. This deep-seated belief stems from ancestral accounts of how the alligators' presence protected their forefathers, who lacked the means to defend themselves against those who sought to conquer the community by force.

Chief Emeka Awogu, a community leader, recounted historical struggles for sovereignty. He explained that Obeagwe, being a small community, faced attempts of annexation by its neighbors. These disputes even led to prolonged legal battles, reaching the Supreme Court, which the community eventually won. Despite the court's decision, trespassing on farmlands persisted, though on a smaller scale.

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Our fathers told us how Abor could take off from their area on canoes for the purpose of coming to fight our people, but because the community is fully protected by the gods, they would always pass Obeagwe without seeing the community, only to realise that they had passed when they got close to Atani town.

Awogu also shared a tale of a near-invasion by people from Abor in present-day Delta State, who allegedly planned to wage war to settle in Obeagwe. According to oral history, their attempts were thwarted by the gods, with the alligators acting as intermediaries. The invaders, Awogu said, would embark on canoe expeditions but inexplicably pass Obeagwe without spotting it, only realizing their error near Atani town. This continued until they abandoned their ambitions.

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Our forefathers who fought the battle said that what was protecting our people was a deity called Osa Obeagwe, which originally belonged to one village in Obeagwe, but was later adopted by the entire community. Alligator is worshipped in Obeagwe because our people believe that it protects them.

The community attributes their protection to a deity called Osa Obeagwe, initially venerated in one village but later adopted by the entire community. The alligator is worshipped as the physical manifestation of this protective deity. Before, alligators could enter homes without fear of harm. While not known for visiting traditional healers, Obeagwe residents believe that visiting the alligator shrine ensures their safety. The annual Ulo festival, celebrated after the planting season, serves as a period of thanksgiving to the gods for their continued benevolence and protection.

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Our people are not known to visit native doctors, but they believe that once they visit the shrine dedicated to the alligator, no harm could come to them. As far as Obeagwe is concerned, we accord so much respect to the alligator.