Thousands of herbalists and traditional religion practitioners across Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for second-term ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
The endorsement came during a statewide gathering held in Awka, where members of the traditional spiritual community discussed recent legislative actions affecting their practice and addressed public misconceptions about the government’s stance on traditional institutions.
The herbalists, drawn from all 21 local government areas, used the occasion to sensitise members on the provisions of the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The law, passed in January, aims to distinguish legitimate traditional practitioners from criminal elements operating under the guise of native medicine.
The State Coordinator of Native Doctors and Spiritual Material Sellers, Daniel Ejie praised Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and inclusiveness.
“The Homeland Security Law is a bold and timely intervention.
“It has not only sanitised our practice but has given native doctors legal recognition and legitimacy.
“We were once wrongly associated with criminals, but Governor Soludo has restored our dignity by officially acknowledging our role in society.”
He commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for sponsoring and passing the bill, noting that it had instilled a renewed sense of pride among genuine practitioners.
“We also applaud the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital governance, and his efforts to create a lawful environment for all professions—including indigenous ones. For these reasons, we fully endorse his re-election.”
The event featured chants, drumming, and public declarations of support, as the practitioners expressed confidence in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to preserving Igbo culture and values.
Responding, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Ikenna Ofodeme, assured the traditionalists of continued government support.
He dismissed rumours of government opposition to traditional institutions, stressing that Soludo remains a strong advocate for the protection and regulation of indigenous practices in modern governance.
“The Soludo administration is inclusive and deeply rooted in the promotion of Igbo culture.
“The recent legislation formally organises and recognises native doctors’ operations in Anambra.
“It draws a clear line between cultural preservation and criminal abuse.”
He said that Governor Soludo swiftly signed the bill into law, further demonstrating his commitment to cultural inclusion and public safety.
