A growing crisis within the traditional medicine sector in Ebonyi State has triggered serious concerns from national stakeholders, as allegations of illegality, ritualism, and unregulated leadership rattle the image of indigenous healthcare practitioners in the state.
In a press briefing held in Abakaliki, Dr. Stephen Ndubuisi Nwogha, Chairman of the National Union of Medical Herbal Practitioners (NUMHP), Ebonyi State Chapter, raised alarm over what he described as a deliberate attempt by politically connected individuals to hijack and discredit the practice of herbal medicine in the state.
“What is happening now under the guise of herbal practice are games of interest used to hide evil. I cannot allow evil in my leadership. I was elected by the national body. I hold a license and certificate of return, and I am determined to follow due process," Nwogha said.
He accused some practitioners of engaging in ritual killings and hiding behind unregulated associations formed by politically-influential persons, stressing that such groups have no national mandate or ethical oversight.
“Many of us are not called to this path. They use our name to shield evil acts like ritual killings. But this union was not given to me to practice or permit evil,” he added.
Nwogha further narrated his personal journey into herbalism, stating that his calling came after a near-death experience, and since then, he has healed countless people using indigenous herbs—not rituals. He also condemned the suppression of the national body’s influence at the state level.
“We are non-governmental, but somehow, the state Ministry of Health is interfering. The Commissioner facilitated the formation of a parallel group, sidelining the national union,” he said, referring to a body led by Chief Augustine Ekechi.
Ekechi, who now leads the Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (ATMP) in the state, maintained that his association is recognized and is working in tandem with the government in power to sanitize the practice in the state.
In a previous press engagement, Ekechi condemned ritual activities carried out under the guise of herbalism and highlighted steps being taken by his group to rid the state of quacks.
“Our mission is to promote health, not horror. We have arrested fake practitioners and handed them over to SWAT. We are inspecting herbal clinics and ensuring only certified individuals practice," he declared.
However, Dr. Nwogha argued that ATMP lacks national standing, and that their licensing process is localized and unrecognized outside Ebonyi.
“The ATMP license cannot be used in Anambra, Lagos, or anywhere outside this state, including outside the country. But ours is nationally approved—even recognized in Ghana. That’s the difference,” he emphasized.
He further revealed that the conflict dates back to the alleged misappropriation of over ₦100 million in federal funds meant for national herbal development, when the leadership of National Association of Nigeria Union Traditional Medicine Practitioners, NANTMP allegedly banned from operation in any part of the country.
“They formed a shadow union called NANTMP’ to retire the money. But when the government discovered it, the group was banned across the 36 states,” he disclosed.
The disintegration, he claimed, was exploited by political actors to form new splinter groups with no legal backing. He blamed the state’s Ministry of Health for enabling the disorder.
“The Commissioner refused to recognize the national union. He backs a state-formed association. That’s where the crisis is rooted,” he said.
Despite the heated rivalry, Dr. Nwogha expressed willingness to work with Chief Ekechi under a unified structure.
“We have the same goal: to stop evil practices like ‘Okite’ rituals. But unity must come with legitimacy. Let the state recognize the national union and allow proper regulation,” he appealed.
He also called on the national body, which he said had delayed intervention due to the recent death of its National Security Adviser, to expedite reconciliation efforts and reclaim oversight of herbal practice in Ebonyi.
“The national knows my position. I’ve reminded them. The PRO (Public Relations Oficer) and secretary promised to visit after the funeral,” he added.
He urged the government in power to step in and restructure the state’s traditional medicine leadership in line with federal laws.
“Let no one rise to form associations just because they are rich or connected. This is about life, and we must protect it,” Nwogha stated passionately.
As Ebonyi wrestles with how to separate genuine healers from impostors, authorities at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed they are investigating multiple ritual-related crimes, including a recent case involving a human skull sold for ₦12,000 for "Okite" rituals.
Commandant Francis Nnadi of the NSCDC condemned the act as a desecration of humanity and assured the public that justice will be served.
National observers now warn that unless the leadership tussle is resolved and proper structures reinstated, traditional medicine in Ebonyi may spiral further into crisis damaging the credibility of indigenous healthcare across Nigeria.
