Abwoi religion

Abwoi
Akursak, the 'lesser' Abwoi
TypeAfrican
ClassificationWest African
StructureSecret fraternal society
Originunknown
Central Nigeria
Other name(s)Abvwoi (Abvoi), Nezhen, Ku

Abwoi (Tyap ("proper", "Mabatado"): A̠bwoi, A̠boi. Variant spelling: Obwoi; (Gworok): A̠bvwoi, A̠bvoi; Jju: A̠bvwoi, A̠bvoi; Hyam: Ku, Buboi, Bomboin; Kyoli: Amboyinye; Nghan: Nezhen; Ibishi: Ugurza, Hausa: Dodo, Yoruba: Juju) is an African traditional religion institution which operated more like a cult of male ancestral spirits viewed as ghosts or reincarnations of the dead, whose physical forms remained invisible but voices audible, with origins among the central Nigeria plateau or Nenzit peoples such as the Adara, Atyap, Bajju, Bakulu, Batinor, Ham, Irigwe and others.

Adherents were required to participate in frequent rituals within the year and a general communal worship once in a year, during which the oracles speak on sensitive issues concerning the community.