While seemingly ordinary, his statement gained profound significance amidst the currents of the time. Let me quote him verbatim: “A nam eme Omenani, mana anaghi m ago Alusi.” (I believe in culture, but I do not engage in fetishism.) This assertion by Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Obiefuna offered illuminating insights into the distinction between culture and fetishism or what some confused youths pass for culture.
“Omenani,” or culture, represents the way of life of a people, encompassing their dressing, language. It includes customs and rituals, such as those observed during marriages and burials. However, it’s essential to differentiate culture from fetishism and “igwo ogwu.” As Anarchasis put it beautifully among the Greeks: “If you bring all the customs and beliefs of a people considered evil and remove from it what others consider good, nothing shall remain.” This is about the relativity of customs, but there are some that are intrinsically wrong and contrary to natural laws implanted into us by nature; we, beings with intellect, recognize those bad ones when we see them. A culture that once killed twins was at best a culture hinged on ignorance. Therefore, Christianity does not oppose culture but aims for the refinement of customs, removing any negative elements. For instance, if human life is considered sacred, it becomes irrelevant whether that life originated as twins.
The profoundness of Rev. Fr. Obiefuna’s statement was evident as numerous individuals, including priests and Reverend Sisters, commended him during a gathering after a requiem mass for one of our brothers, Mr. Bernard Becket Ebebe today at Obe village, Agulu.
Society’s concern is palpable amidst what appears to be a resurgence of paganism, mistaken for a return to customs by many, especially the younger generation. Their actions stem from ignorance and a misguided perception of cultural practices. This phenomenon is reminiscent of Emperor Julian, nicknamed “The Apostate,” known for his attempts to restore paganism in Rome after early Christianisation. Is that not what some misguided youths are doing today? The irony is that they do not even know what they do.
Regrettably, Igbo land faces numerous challenges today, with some erroneously attributing them to Christianity. Consequently, dark practices, such as “Oke Ite,” wrapping white cloths around trees, rebuilding houses for diverse gods, the proliferation of “Eze Nwayi,” among others gain traction among the youth under the guise of culture. In such times, voices like that of Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Obiefuna are essential in clarifying the distinction between genuine culture and harmful fetishism.
