Mention the word “Ekwensu” today, and most people immediately think of the Devil.
But was that always the meaning in Igbo thought?
Many elders explain Ekwensu differently.
According to a common traditional understanding, Ekwensu speaks to a principle:
“If you agree, it will happen.”
“If you give it room, it will occupy it.”
“If you permit it, it will manifest.”
Think about it.
A habit enters because it was given room.
Fear grows because it was entertained.
Hatred expands because it was allowed to settle.
Even good things work the same way.
Wisdom grows when it is welcomed.
Discipline grows when it is practiced.
Success grows when it is nurtured.
Could it be that Ekwensu was not originally about a horned being hiding in darkness, but about a powerful truth of life?
That whatever gains your consent gains influence.
That whatever you continually allow eventually finds a place in your life.
If that understanding is correct, then the question is not:
“Where is Ekwensu?”
The real question is:
“What have I given room to?”
What do you think?
#Ekwensu #IgboCulture #OmenalaIgbo #IgboHistory #IgboTradition #AfricanSpirituality #AncientWisdom #ThoughtProvoking #DeepQuestions #LetsDiscuss
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