A Brief Study Of Amadioha, The Igbo God Of Thunder And Lightning

 Amadioha also known as "Kamanu” or “Ofufe" is the name of a deity that is responsible for the administration of justice and law in the Igbo land.

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Relevant only in the southern parts of Igbo land, the Amadiọha deity originated in Ahoada in present-day Rivers State, and is said to have its physical headquarters at Ozuzu, a town in the Etche district of Rivers state.u

Amadioha is a strict and just deity that upholds the ethics and morals of the society. Cases are brought to his shrines, which are scattered throughout southern Igbo land, and it has always passed fair judgment, never inflicting pain or suffering on the innocent. 

It only inflicts punishments on evil-doers, oftentimes in the form of lightning strikes (àmụmà eluigwe) and sudden deaths.

In the event of communal disasters such as floods, famines and plagues, it would be believed that the community's sins had incurred the wrath of Amadiọha. Diviners would be summoned to perform cleansing rituals and sacrifices (which is costly & difficult) that would calm the god's anger.

Amadioha, the god of thunder and lightning, is the most fearsome and popular deity in the Igbo land. There are some animals that are sacred and dedicated to Amadiọha and they are often regarded as the daughters and property of Amadioha, nobody dares harm, kill or eat them to avoid the wrath of Amadioha. Among them are Cow (Ehi), Ram (Ebulu) and a host of others.

Amadioha is also the god of love, peace and unity. A creator god and an consort to Ani (the goddess of the land and fertility).

His name is used as an oath in the Igbo land and carries death penalty when broken. It's common to hear an Igbo man say "Chi m le kwee - ọ wuru si ọ wu mụ mere ihe a, Amadiọha magbukwe m" (My God, please see, if it's true that I did this thing, let Amadioha strike me dead).

Astrologically, Amadiọha's governing planet is the Sun, his color is red and his symbol is a white ram. Metaphysically, Amadiọha represents the collective will of the people, his day of worship is Afọr, which is the third market day of the Igbo four-day weekly calendar.

   Reference Sources:   

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/amadioha-the-igbo-traditional-god-of-thunder/

https://steemit.com/nigeria/@oluwadunsin/read-the-thrilling-story-of-amadioha-the-igbo-god-of-lightning

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