The Anambra State Government has taken action by sealing the ministry of Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha, located in Amafor village, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, after it was found to be involved in the controversial Oke Ite practice.
Mr. Ken Emeakai, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, led a team from Operation Udo Ga-Achi to carry out the sealing. This followed multiple public complaints about Pastor Okocha’s activities, including a video circulating online in which he openly claimed to perform Oke Ite rituals, among other practices for people.
Emeakai emphasized that the Anambra State Government is not opposed to any religion but will not support practices that promote dangerous and misleading behaviors, particularly those tied to the “get-rich-quick” mentality.
The government has announced plans to subject liquid containers found at the ministry to forensic testing. Additionally, samples from River Bethsaida, a water source allegedly used by Pastor Okocha—also known as Aka na asa uchu—for rituals involving the bathing of people, will be sent for hazard analysis to determine potential health risks.
This intervention marks a significant step by the state in regulating practices within religious spaces that may harm the public or mislead vulnerable individuals.
(Abs Radiotelevision)
