Exploring Ekwensu

This is a tribute to Ekwensu, one of the most iconic agbara in the Igbo tradition of Odinani. Ekwensu is the agbara of war, chaos, and change, a benevolent trickster invoked in situations requiring wit and strategy. Colonial missionaries, small-minded and violent, could neither fathom nor accept that Odinani does not polarize supreme good and evil forces, and claimed that Ekwensu was equivalent to Satan.

In truth, Ekwensu is known as “ugo ne tuburu agwo,” “the hawk who kills vipers,” or the predator who feeds on predators. As well as

“E’kwe nsu” — “do not allow to manifest,” the one who protects against harmful/unwelcome spirits and ill will from enemies, the impenetrable shell of the clever tortoise

“E kwe nsu” — “say and manifest,” the antelope horn played to commence battle, the announcement of one’s intentions into the universe to claim a new reality.

“Ekwe nsu” –” drum of ignition;” the slit drum played by a dibia, the heartbeat of rituals that neutralize evil spirits.

“Ika ekwensu” is a ceremony held in many Igbo villages just before planting new crops. Ekwensu is called to ward off the spirits that brought failures in the previous year, while participants confess aloud their personal failures and plans to overcome potential threats in the coming year.
The spirit of Ekwensu, mastered within the individual, is one of bravery and dominance that does not hide from fears or enemies and allows you to conquer them.

Now is the perfect time to take inventory of 2020’s revelations and make new and expansive declarations. We snap our fingers around our heads to say “tufiakwa,” “God forbid bad thing,” but also to clear our minds and make space for abundant good.