Amadioha vs. Sango: Nigerian gods of thunder, briefly explained.

 

Amadioha vs. Sango.

 

Who is Amadioha?

 

Amadioha is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, Alusi of NDI IGBO, in South-eastern Nigeria. He is the Alusi of Thunder and lightning. Astrologically, his governing planet is the sun. his color is red, and his symbol is a white ram. His name, Amadioha, literally translates to the man of the people. Metaphysically, he represents the collective will of the people. He is always associated with Anyanwu, which is the Igbo God of the sun. His day is Afor.

Amadioha vs. Sango: Nigerian gods of thunder, briefly explained.
Amadioha vs. Sango: Nigerian gods of thunder, briefly explained.

Shrines of Amadioha still exist in the Igbo land till today. The main shrine is located at ogboro, Ama ukwu, or ihiokpu as it’s called in etche local government area, present-day rivers state, Nigeria. Even though it’s located there, it’s said that Amadioha lives in ozuzu and serves as it’s earthly headquarters. It spread from there to other Igbo lands. In some parts of Igbo lands, he is referred to as kamalu or ofufe.

Amadioha is primarily known as the god of justice that speaks through Thunder and lightning, which he creates by casting thunderstones down to earth. Anyone that pleads guilty in front of Amadioha is either killed by lightning, which lives a black mark on their head or attacked by swarm bees. The property of the victim is taken by the priests of Amadioha, and the person’s body left unburied and unmourned. The ritual cleansing of Amadioha is transferring the curse to a live goat that is let loose, outside the community. The ram is a common offering to him. His priestly clan is known as umuAmadi or Amadi.

Outside justice, he is a God of love, peace, and unity, and he is being prayed to, for benevolence. He represents as a messianic hope in critical conditions.

Amadioha is also known as the husband of Ani, the earth mother. They are said to be the first Alusis created by Chukwu okike.

Amadioha is depicted as fair skin and regarded as the patron deity of fair people. But in reality, his skin color can not be explained because he has no humanoid form and no physical form like Sango and thor, except for a gigantic white ram, which is how those who have witnessed him, describe him to be.

Amadioha is also referred to as the god of carvers.

As a personal spirit, his shrine brings wealth as his shrine is considered a spirit of enterprise.

Who is Sango?

In Yoruba mythology, Sango is the most popular orisa. Yoruba, an ethnic group from western Nigeria. Sango is a God of Thunder and lightning as well, like Amadioha. A loyal ancestor of the Yoruba, The third king of the Oyo kingdom. His symbol is a double-headed axe. He is said to have succeeded Ajaka, the son of oranmiyan. His double-headed axe represents justice: a swift and balanced system.

He was the third Alaafin of Oyo and one of the greatest rulers, yoruba ever had before his deification. He is noted for his anger. Shango brought prosperity to the Oyo empire, even though he was a very powerful and violent leader. Unlike his brother, Ajaka, who was very peaceful. He reigned for seven years, seven years of won battles. His reign ended due to the continuous destruction of his palace by lightning. Queen Oshun, queen oba, and queen oya were his wives.

Amadioha vs. Sango: Nigerian gods of thunder, briefly explained.
Amadioha vs. Sango: Nigerian gods of thunder, briefly explained.

He was said to have gained his powers from a Babalawo when he sought more power to destroy his enemies. He gained the powers to control lightning and was subsequently possessed by the spirit of lightning, marking his ascendance into Orisha’s level.

The Oyo empire lost its strength in the 19th century, which led to the enslavement of its people by the Fulani and the fon. Amongst them were followers of Sango. Strong devotion to Sango and the result of the slave trade led to Yoruba religions in Recife. He is also venerated in Haiti; Brazil is also said to be named after the deity. He is known as Xangô; in Umbanda, as the potent loa Nago Shango; in Trinidad as Shango god of Thunder, drumming and dance; and in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela – the Santeria equivalent of St. Barbara, he is known as Changó.

He is worshiped on the fifth day of the week, named Ojo jakuta. His ritual worship foods include giguru, bitter cola, amala, and gbegiri soup. Also, he is worshiped with the Bata drum. Like Amadioha, he is worshiped, using red clothing. His necklaces are composed of red and white beads and in 4s and 6s, which are his sacred numbers. His sacrificial animals are freshwater turtle, a male goat, duck, and sheep.

It’s believed that he sends thunderstones to earth, which creates lightning and thunders to kill whoever offends him. His worshippers in Yoruba land do not eat cowpea so as not to incur his wrath. Rocks created by lightning strikes are revered by his worshippers. These rocks, when found, are kept in sacred areas and used for sacrifices.

Amadioha and Sango.

African traditionalists claim to prefer Amadioha and Sango’s justice system of the contemporary justice system, as they believed that Amadioha and Sango are purveyors of justice. The standard of their jurisdiction is premised on truth and impartiality.

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