Introduction:
In Nigeria, individuals from different societies come together as members of various occultic groups, driven by shared ideologies and collective goals. However, when the interests of these groups conflict with the well-being of others, particularly children and family members, the modus operandi of occultic groups regarding succession after the death of a member can have dire repercussions. Unwilling family members, especially first-born children, are often thrust into never-ending crises with group members upon the demise of a family member.
The Perils of Unending Crisis:
This unending crisis is often fueled by the practice of fetish and idolatry worship, which many first-born children, often Christians, vehemently detest. When confronted with the unavoidable task of assuming the role previously held by a deceased member (such as a father or mother), these children find themselves at odds with the beliefs and practices of the occultic group. The rejection of succession membership by first-born children frequently leads to clashes between family members and the highly dangerous occultic group.
Dire Consequences of Rejection:
The rejection of membership by succession in occultic groups by first-born children, who are often secretly initiated from birth without the knowledge of other family members, comes with dire consequences. Desperate and violent attempts are deployed by group members to enforce their will, often against the wishes of others. As a result, family members and first-born children may resort to seeking self-help when alternative measures have been exhausted without yielding satisfactory results. In some cases, they may choose to seek refuge in other places, cities, or even countries to escape the escalating tensions.
A Real-Life Example:
The case of John Matthew Osezele serves as an illustration of the repercussions faced by those who reject membership by succession. Born on July 22, 1993, into the family of Mr. John and Mrs. Happy Mathew, John’s life took a turn for the worse following the death of his father in June 2008. His father, an active and devoted leader of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, an extremely dangerous occultic group in their community, was suspected to have been killed under controversial circumstances orchestrated by members of the group.
John’s family was subsequently embroiled in an unending crisis, particularly involving his elder brother, Friday Mathew, who tragically lost his life in a ghastly accident in 2013. Members of the occultic group confronted Friday, pressuring him to assume their late father’s role, which he vehemently rejected. With Friday’s passing, John became the only surviving son and was coerced by the dreaded occultic group members to accept his deceased father’s role.
Escalating Threats and Harassment:
Despite several failed attempts by the leadership and members of the occultic group, John and his mother endured continued threats to their lives and constant harassment. He was violently attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in severe facial injuries. Despite reporting the case to the police, the occultic group persisted in their harassment, exposing him to multiple death threats for refusing to accept his late father’s membership role.
Seeking Safety and Evading Tragedy:
Recent community findings revealed that John and his mother were forced to abandon their family home in a desperate effort to avoid being tracked down and murdered by those associated with the occultic group. Their rejection of membership by succession had placed their lives in grave danger, prompting them to seek safety in unknown locations, far away from the clutches of the dreaded occultic group.
Conclusion:
The unlawful succession practices within Nigerian occultic groups can have perilous consequences for family members, particularly first-born children. The clash between personal beliefs and the expectations of the group often leads to unending crises and threats to their safety. The real-life example of John Matthew Osezele highlights the challenges faced by those who reject such membership and the extreme measures they must take to protect themselves.
