06/11/2023
In the ancient traditions of the Idoma people, there exists a legend about a deity known as Alekwu, the guardian of marital fidelity and justice. The story of Alekwu's vengeance against those who betrayed the sanctity of marriage is a cautionary tale told from generation to generation.
Once upon a time, in a peaceful Idoma village , there lived a man named Oche, known for his arrogance and disrespect for the sacred vows of marriage. Oche was married to a beautiful woman named Elakeche, but he had grown careless in his ways. He had heard whispers about Elakeche's involvement with another man from the same village, a handsome and charming farmer named Odoh.
Elakeche, driven by the emptiness she felt in her marriage to Oche, had indeed found solace in the company of Odoh. She sought comfort and love in his arms, and they both knew the consequences of their actions if they were discovered.
Oche, however, had become aware of Elakeche's affair but chose to turn a blind eye, fueling his arrogance further. He not only allowed Elakeche to continue her relationship with Odoh but even went as far as to demand her to prepare meals for him with the produce that Odoh had cultivated. This act of defiance and blatant disrespect for the sacred bonds of marriage was an affront to the values of the Idoma people.
It was during one fateful evening, under the watchful eyes of the moon, that Oche pushed his luck too far. He sat at their communal dining table, devouring a meal prepared by Elakeche, who had reluctantly used Odoh's farm-fresh ingredients. Oche took pleasure in flaunting his dominance and control, savoring the food while openly mocking Elakeche.
Unknown to him, Alekwu, the deity of marital fidelity, had been observing the situation closely. Alekwu, a silent guardian of love and commitment, had grown increasingly displeased with Oche's arrogance and Elakeche's infidelity. It was time for the deity to intervene.
In the dead of night, as Oche lay in his slumber, he was visited by a vivid and terrifying dream. Alekwu himself appeared in the dream, adorned with flowing robes and a powerful aura that demanded respect. Oche, shivering with fear, was chastised by Alekwu for his arrogance and betrayal of the sacred bonds of marriage.
The deity warned Oche of the consequences of his actions, especially for continuing to consume meals prepared by his unfaithful wife. Alekwu declared that from that moment, Oche would be cursed, and his actions would lead to his ultimate demise. The deity's wrath would be swift and unrelenting.
From that day forward, Oche's life took a dark and irreversible turn. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he was plagued by misfortune. Crops failed in his fields, and his livestock withered away. Despite seeking help from the village elders and healers, Oche's condition worsened.
Elakeche, witnessing her husband's suffering and fearing the wrath of Alekwu, confessed her infidelity and begged for forgiveness. She vowed to end her affair with Odoh and begged the deity for mercy. However, the deity's judgment was unyielding.
In the end, Oche's life came to a tragic and lonely end, consumed by the very arrogance and disrespect that had brought about his downfall. The village, learning of the curse of Alekwu, held the story as a powerful lesson about the importance of fidelity in marriage and the dire consequences of betraying those sacred vows.
To this day, the legend of Alekwu serves as a powerful reminder within the Idoma culture, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the need to honor and protect the bonds of love and commitment.
