Are Ogbanjes Gifted Children Or Evil Fiends? Unveiling An African Spiritual Mystique
By Jude Obuseh In the heart of ancestral folklore lies the mystique of the "Ogbanje," whispered about in hushed tones among the lineage of those possessing extraordinary spiritual qualities. They're known as the "gifted children," entrusted with a spiritual purpose transcending the ordinary realm—a destiny to guide and salvage souls through their otherworldly work. From their early years, these beings stand distinct, marked by bouts of ailment and distinct physical attributes—gap-toothed smiles, deemed as "open teeth," or adorned in tangled locks known as "dada." The term "Ogbanje" itself hints at a life not entirely embraced within the physical domain, one that flits between spiritual dimensions and earthly existence. Their characters waver, akin to the ebb and flow of the tides, and sadly, many depart too soon, while some linger, bound by spiritual agreements etched in a mystical oath known as "iyiuwa." Resis...