EGBESU WORSHIP - THE PATH TO TRUE SALVATION (A PREAMBLE) - Bodmas P. Kemepadei

EGBESU WORSHIP - THE PATH TO TRUE SALVATION (A PREAMBLE) - Bodmas P. Kemepadei

(thebodminati@gmail.com).

*Egbesu* is the incarnation of the Almighty Supreme Mother God referred to as "Woyingi" "TemeArau" (mother of all things and creatress respectively), and it's the most ancient belief of the Ijaws, which the known world's religion borrowed a leaf from, it's as ancient as man, and has been preserved over the years from generations to generations.

It's an ancient monotheistic Izon religion, encompassing the spirituality, philosophy and culture of the IJaw people of Niger Delta. Egbesu worship is considered as the expression of the covenant that Woyingi (God) established with the Ijaw Ancestors.

The three main principles of Egbesu are *Izon* (truth), *Egberitebe* (Justice), and *fiafia* (righteousness); the belief and practice of Egbesu worship is also characterized by asceticism and monasticism.

The Animist being is traditionally called Egbesu in Ijaw language, connoting to mean that which guides us, enforcing social order and discipline, functioning and operating as the spiritual foundation for combating evil and defense of the righteous.

*Forms of Worship*

Libation
Incantation
Invocation
Precation
Burnt offering
Recitation
Fasting
Singing, clapping and dancing with locally made instruments

*Beliefs*

Belief in Woyingi (God)
Belief in Duwei (Ancestors)
Belief in Orus and Owus (Divinities/Angels)
Belief in Obebe/Ikpada  (Divination)
Belief in Pou/foinAwo (witches and wizards)
Belief in Izonkiriyama (Nature forces)
Belief in Duomabou (Karma & Reincarnation)

- All these shall be explained in Subsequent edition.

*SYMBOL*

The Symbol of the 'Sword', representing that which is used to administer Justice, correction and defense of the righteous.

The Symbol of the 'Lion & the crown', representing Rulership/Kingship, strength, might, intelligence, which is used in governing the universe and protection of the just and upright.

The Symbol of the 'Star' which signifies Light, that is the heavenly bodies, representing Hope, Faith and Grace, when light shines, darkness is hidden.

The symbol of White, representing the purity and Holiness of God, signifying how  adherents of this faith must have clear and clean conscience or mind that must be in harmony with the divine laws and their society.

*PRACTICES*

Baptism
Confession & Remission of Sins
Feast & festivals
Meditation
Chanting
Monasticism
Asceticism
Fasting
Celibacy
Revival

- All these shall be explained in Subsequent edition.

*DOCTRINES*

The doctrine of Egbesu is hinged on three basic principles, they are:

• Truth - Always in defense of that which makes society better and staying true to oneself and community at large.

• Justice - Do to others what you want others to do to you and do not wish them what you will never wish for yourself.

• Righteousness - conforming to morality by abstaining from sin, keeping your hearts and mind clean always.

*SOCIAL GROUP*

Order of the Egbesu Brotherhood - A socio-cultural and religious organisation, with aim at uniting Ijaw people, in pursuit of development and institutionalising the Egbesu worship, belief and practices in all of Izon-Ibe. - Bodmas P. Kemepadei, Coordinator.

- All these shall be expanciated in Subsequent edition.

*Places of Worship*

Kingdoms in the Niger Delta, like Iduwini, Egbema, Arogbo, Amabulou and Gbaranmatu, are directly ruled by Egbesu serving kings. Their royal colours are White and red.

The places of worship are usually Natural habitat where the Animist being is resident, they are mostly found amongst trees close to the river banks. They are called 'ASAINWARI' (Temple).

There are places of Worship in Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Benin, Rivers and Lagos, all in Nigeria.

One of the most notable places with Modern day Architectural design is found in Oporoza community, Gbaranmatu Kingdom, Delta State of Nigeria, it's a world class structure, presided over by the King of Gbaranmatu, who serves as the High Priest, The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II (Aketekpe, Agadagba).

Another is the Mother 'S' temple, Located in Patani, Delta State, Nigeria.

During festivals or feast, Ijaws from all works of life, home and diaspora, troop in, to be a part of the worship service and with hope to blessed by Egbesu, as there are many testimonies that have been shared.

*Figures and Icons*

• Sir Weri Noel Digifa, Leader, Egbesu mightier fraternity.

• HRM, King Augustine Ebikeme, Pere of Oporomor Kingdom, 'Perekiri', High Priest of Egbesu.

• Government Oweizidei Ekpemupolo, Spiritual leader and frontier of Egbesu Worship, though has been inactive and absent since his feud with the federal Government of Nigeria, which impeded the growth of the faith.

• Dr. Chris Ekiyor, General Overseer/High Priest, Sacred Temple of Mother Supreme  (Teme-Ara).

*Scholars*

• Prof. Christopher Dime
• Professor E. J. Alagoa
• Ben Benabai
• Dr. Benaebi Binatari
• Ellington Bakumor
• Daniel Ekiyor
• PRINCE Paul Bebenimibo
• Idukedoumene Ekpemupolo

These are names of those, who have made publications, articles, journals, credited to Egbesu.

- Thank you for reading, I am Bodmas P. Kemepadei, contemporary messenger inspired by God, to bring this message to all sons and daughters of Izon-Ibe, the spirit of our Ancestors are calling to unite with us, to wipe away sin, underdevelopment and restore hope in our land.