Why We Don’t Kill Witches In Edo – High Priest Tells Afba Delegation

Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, has said that
confessed witches or wizards in the Kingdom are not killed or
stigmatized but rehabilitated back into the society.

The Esogban who is regarded as the Odionwere (Head) of witches
and wizards said the powers to dispossess witches of their powers
are derived from the Oba of Benin.

Speaking while addressing members of African Bar Association
(AfBA) on certain aspects of Bénin culture, Chief Edebiri stated
that witches are made ineffective and accepted back to the society
after going through certain processes.

Chief Edebiri explained that he does not have the powers to cure
ailments but the powers given to him by the Oba to deal with
witches and wizards.

According to him, “Witches and wizards are my subjects. We deal
with them in a decent way. There is no magical process in it.

“Once anybody confessed to be a witch, we send them to a home
and a Chief is given the powers to disposes them. We take them
through certain processes and they will become ineffective.

“They will go back to the society better persons.”

Chief Edebiri who urged members of AfBA to help codify African
Laws for future generation said it would be good if they lead the
campaign to end despot rule in Africa.

His words, “There are still countries in Africa where despots
are in control of government. It should be your oversight function
to see the end of despot reign in Africa.

“Be the watchdog of democracy. Take the struggle to see that
despots are no longer in power. I urge you to see that lawyers
abide by the ethics of their profession.”

President of AfBA, Hannibal Uwaifo, said the body would do its
best to ensure best practices in the continent.