23/11/2023
There is nothing wrong with regarding the almighty as Chukwu or Chukwuabiama. However, it is important to clarify that Chukwuabiama does not mean God of Abraham. I am posting this to educate you on something you may not have known before. Some people have mistakenly believe that Chukwuabiama refers to the biblical God of Abraham. In reality, Chukwuabiama is the name of the oracle at Arochukwu, specifically the Ibini Ukpabi shrine, where people consult for divine guidance. It is located in a place called Ovia Chukwu in Aro.
Chukwuabiama predates the introduction of Christianity to Igbo land.
The term "Abiama" comes from the Aro word "Abia/Ibiam," meaning "to divine," and "Ama," which represents infinite knowledge or revelation (igba ama).
Therefore, Chukwuabiama can be translated as the Great Spirit of Infinite Knowledge or Revelation, symbolizing a deity who reveals all infinitely. Because of this, people would come to the oracle to seek answers to their problems or to resolve disputes.
"Dibia" is an Igbo word derived from two words: "Di," meaning "Master," and "Ibia," meaning "Divination." "Obia/Ibia" refers to the wand used by diviners and soothsayers.
Hence, "Dibia" can be interpreted as the master of divination.
The Aro people established minor branches of the Chukwuabiama oracle throughout Igbo land, which contributed to the spread of its name.
As mentioned earlier, we can agree that "Chukwu" means God almighty, but it's crucial to remember that "God" is not the original name for the Almighty.
The English word "God," used to refer to the creator of heaven and earth, originated in the 6th century. It derived from the Proto-Germanic root word "ǥuđán," whose precise meaning is still uncertain among scholars. Some claim that it may have been derived from an ancient chieftain called Gaut, who was deified.
What is clear, however, is that as English speakers converted to Christianity, the word "God" took on its present form to distinguish the Supreme Being of Christians from the divine powers recognized by pagans.
On the other hand, "Chukwu" is an Aro deity and not the Igbo conceptualization of the supreme being. Although we often use it to interpret the Almighty today, similar to the word "God," it is not the original name for the Almighty. In its original sense, "Chukwu" is a deity.
The more we understand the origins of foreign words, symbols, and gestures used in worshiping God, the more we can appreciate the richness and beauty of our native language, culture, and traditions.
Furthermore, "Ukwu" simply means mighty, higher in rank, or great, not supreme or almighty.
The "Ukwu" in "Chukwu" does not differ from the "Ukwu" in Enugwu Ukwu, Igbo Ukwu, and many other Igbo communities where the title "Ukwu" is used.
Interpreting "Ukwu" in "Chukwu" as supreme is equivalent to saying Igbo Ukwu means Supreme Igbo, which is an incorrect interpretation.
"Ukwu" does not mean supreme; it simply designates something or someone of higher rank or greatness.
Even human beings can be referred to as "nnukwu mmadu," which does not mean supreme human but rather a person of great stature or higher rank in areas such as wealth or farming.
It was initially hard for me to believe this, but I had to accept it because it is the truth. However, it does not prevent me from regarding Almighty as Chukwu.
Aside from being an Aro idol, Chukwu does not literally mean Supreme Being or almighty spirit , contrary to popular belief.
"Chukwu bu Arusi" has shrines in many communities across Igbo land and its headquarters is in Arochukwu. It demands sacrifices, including blood sacrifices, from the communities that host it.
On the other hand, "Okike," "Chioke," and "Eke" do not have shrines anywhere. They represent a universal force that can be acknowledged during prayer (igo ofo). This force is the source of existence for all other beings and does not require any form of sacrifice, be it blood or material. It is unseen, cannot be represented by artifacts, and can be revered without any shrine.
For years, Nollywood and many scholars have perpetuated these misconceptions. However, understanding Igbo spirituality requires delving deeper into research and exploration.
Lastly, the media and many academic works have made it seem like Amadioha is a god reverence by all Igbo, they generalized it. However, the truth remains that Amadioha is only a god for specific communities mostly around Abia state and River state axis. Many Enugu, Ebonyi, and even some Anambra and Imo and Anioma has nothing to do with the deity Amadioha right from the olden days.
Let’s start understanding this things and think beyond movies . Note I never said that we should stop calling Almighty, Chukwu,I just told you the origin of the word Chukwu. White men adopt it for us to use for supreme Being and Ekwensu as Satan.
