Ebira Traditional Belief About Onovave (Reincarnation)

Ebira Traditional Belief About Onovave – In Ebira tradition, Onovave refers to the belief in reincarnation, where a person’s soul begins a new life after their biological death. It is commonly believed that individuals reincarnate within their families, embodying the spirits of deceased relatives. This belief underpins practices like Eva Ozi, a traditional healing ritual still observed today. There have been instances where people who fell ill abroad were brought back to Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria, for Eva Ozi and subsequently recovered.

Manifestations and Recognition of Reincarnation

The Ebira believe that if a reincarnated soul wants to be recognized, it will manifest by disturbing the person carrying the reincarnated spirit. This recognition is often facilitated through Oheva, a person who consults the Oracle of Wisdom. My next article will delve deeper into Eva Ozi, a practice viewed as contrary to Islamic and Christian doctrines, which consider it an act of Satan. However, let’s first explore Onovave in more detail.

Also See: Ebira Traditional Beliefs about Witches (Opochi) – The Women of the Calabash (Ipa).

Educational Note

This article aims to educate readers about Ebira traditions. The topics I write about on Ebira Online Media (www.ebiraonline.com) are either widely requested or deemed significant for contemporary youth. This article was prompted by a request from one of my followers who asked whether reincarnation is a genuine belief or merely a tale to scare children. Below is the message I received:

Also See: Top 20 Ebira Native Names for Girls and Their Meaning

Yusuf Ozovehe’s Request:

“Hello Yakubu Binuyaminu Adeiza of Ebira Online Media, I urgently need your help regarding reincarnation. My brother and I, despite our love for each other, never get along and are always in conflict. Surprisingly, my mother is unbothered by this and explained that it’s because we reincarnated family members who also never got along—my brother as our grandfather and myself as our grandfather’s younger brother. This situation has deeply troubled me. Since you are in Nigeria, where such beliefs might be more familiar, could you offer some guidance? Thanks in advance.” Yusuf Ozovehe, from England.

Ebira Traditional Belief About Onovave

Traditionally, the Ebira believe that individuals who die untimely deaths reincarnate to complete their remaining years in a different location and possibly among different tribes. My grandfather, who taught me about these traditions, recounted a story of someone who died in Okene and was found ten years later in a small Yoruba village with a new family. After being persistently urged by his wife to reveal his origins, he brought them to Okene, but he mysteriously disappeared again. This story, widely discussed in Inoziomi, has never been refuted by the family involved.

Eva Ozi and Naming Conventions

After performing Eva Ozi through an Oheva, if the reincarnated person is identified, names like Inya, Inda, Mummy, and Daddy are given to reflect the belief that deceased family members have been reborn. Such children are often pampered, regarded as elders returned. In Yoruba culture, similar names include Babatunde or Yetunde, meaning “father” or “mother has returned.” While not all individuals with these names have undergone Eva Ozi, the practice’s influence is evident.

Also See: Eva Ozi – Child Divination in Ebiraland

Islamic Perspective on Reincarnation (Onovave)

In Islam, while the concept of reincarnation might be acknowledged, it is considered the work of evil spirits rather than actual deceased family members. These spirits aim to deceive and lead people astray. Consulting an Oheva, which is against Islamic law, is strictly discouraged. Muslims are advised to be cautious and avoid such beliefs.

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