INTRODUCTION TO OBOT EMANA BY DA EFFIONG DANIEL

INTRODUCTION The history of the Efik, Ibibio, Annang, oro, eket, and other ethnic group dates back to ancient times are located in the southern part of Nigeria, known now as cross river and Akwa Ibom State, a region known for its rich historical and cultural /spiritual /religious backgrounds. The region was originally inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oron, and Eket, who lived in separate kingdoms. These kingdoms thrived under the rule of traditional rulers and had distinctive cultural practices, which are still evident today. This book focuses on the ancestral heritage of the people and their past deep-rooted connection to the Obot Emana deity which was misunderstood to be God the creator of the heaven and the earth. During the colonial period, the missionaries exerted its influence across Nigeria, brought significant changes to the region's political, religious and social structures. The establishment of missionary schools or introduction of western education, with the gospel of our lord and savior Jesus Christ gradually transformed the people and changed their religious understanding. This area in question which is now cross river /Akwa Ibom State is a melting pot of assorted cultures, each with its unique customs, traditions, and language. The Efik, Ibibio, Annang ethnic group, which constitutes the majority of the population worshipped obot emana in the past as a traditional religion and now worshiped obot emana in church as the God of the bible with personal altars in their houses as prayer altars The people have a deep-rooted connection to their ancestral/ artistic heritage, particularly in woodcarving, weaving, pottery, and masquerade performances yet their belief in supernatural beings plays a significant role in their culture. In the past, one of the most revered deities was Ikpaisong deity which they worshiped as god of the earth,(abasi isong) and obot emana as the creator, God of the heaven and the distributor of destinies . More so unlike ikpaisong which was a general god that protect the land and the people from evil or external attack, Obot Emana is a personal savior /god to all it worshippers and families deity with a global status but with different names. At that time, the obot emana deity was a spiritual force believed to be the creator and the giver of destiny and children, prosperity of the people. This deity was worship as God of prosperity and wealth and was ranked very high by the people. The obot emana deity was believed to interact with the living through dreams, visions, and divination and serve by keeping private altar (tum obot) in your compound. The worship of the obot emana deity in the past involved rituals and ceremonies conducted by traditional priest/priestess known as Oku obot These priests/priestesses acted as intermediaries between the deity and the people, offering sacrifices and performing spiritual cleansing to ensure the well-being of the community. It was one of the traditional god worshipped by the people. The Obot emana deity was believed to possess immense powers, including the ability to bring good fortune, prosperity, giving children, punishment with evil if you fail to serve it, and maintain peace and harmony. It was also associated with fertility and protection of agricultural activities, ensuring bountiful harvests. The deity served not only as a religious symbol but also as a unifying force, fostering a sense of belonging among the people of this cultural area. Through the worship of the obot emana deity in the past, by the people of the cultural area strove to maintain a connection to their ancestors, acknowledged their historical roots, and upheld their cultural practices. The deity acted as a guiding force, influencing decisions, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the overall well-being of the community. In a nutshell, the worship of the obot emana deity played a significant role in shaping the identity and the religious /spiritual practices of the people as being very religious hence they attributed everything that happen to obot emana whether good or bad. This book examines into the enigmatic world of the obot emana deity in the cultural area. This comprehensive exposition aims to impart a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and religious significance surrounding obot emana highlighting the fact that it is no longer powerful but dead in the present dispensation. The book begins with an overview of obot emana , describing it as a prominent deity that is shrouded in mystery and legend among the people of cultural area Akwa Ibom State. The author takes the readers on a fascinating journey through various narratives, rituals, and beliefs associated with obot emana, offering valuable insights into the cultural/religious fabric of the region. This book provides readers with an extensive exploration of the deity's cultural, historical, and religious significance. The author's comprehensive approach elucidates the mysterious world of obot emana, unknots the unknown surrounding its existence and amplifies its powerlessness in the face of Christianity The author practically reveals the real and the fake faces of obot emana and the confusion that occurred as the deity is brought to the church. Moreso, the book exposes the war between traditional religion and Christianity as they traditional religion is accusing Christianity of stealing it deity (obot emana) into the church to be worshiped as God of the bible This book serves as a treasured resource for scholars, religious educators, anthropologists, sociologists, students and individuals interested in the vibrant traditions and spiritual practices of Cross River and Akwa Ibom State.