Anambra State Government has demolished the feared “Olulu Eke Deity” in Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area, to pave the way for the construction of a flyover at the popular Ekwulobia roundabout.
The Olulu Eke deity was deeply revered by worshippers in the neighboring Aguata communities, causing widespread concern about potential repercussions upon the shrine’s demolition.
The chief priest of Udo Olulu Eke Ekwulobia criticized the state government’s choice to demolish the shrine, urging the authorities to adhere to due process in handling the matter.
According to him, there are potential repercussions that could come from the forceful demolition of the deity.
In a bid to avoid offending the deity, a viral video captured the driver of the demolition caterpillar respectfully dropping kola nuts on the ground before proceeding to dismantle the shrine.
The destruction of the Olulu Eke Deity was carried out as part of the state government’s development agenda to enable the construction of the Ekwulobia flyover.
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has revealed plans to build a flyover in Ekwulobia, located five kilometers from his Isuofia Community, some individuals in the area raised concerns about potential outcomes.
Despite the warnings, Soludo remained unshaken and authorized the shrine’s demolition, emphasizing the greater benefits the flyover would bring to the people.
It is better to have the flyover than to edify an ancient shrine”, the governor had said adding that this might have been the reason previous governments endured the traffic congestion at the Ekwulobia roundabout for years.
Encouraging the church to address the shared adversary of idolatry, which he described as the fastest-growing belief system in the state, Soludo affirmed that Anambra is under the protection of God.
“We must continue to pray, to take back our state from criminals, touts, and lawlessness.
“Idolatry is the fastest-growing religion in the state and we must not take it for granted.
“If we bond together, we will survive collectively, but if we go separately, we will die separately. This land is our own, we must not give up on this”, he said.
Kanyi Daily recalls that Anambra State’s ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ program, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had provided more than 5,000 young people in the state’s 21 local government areas with a significant N2 billion start-up capital.