“Our Ancestors Are Angry”: Yul Edochie Raises Alarm Over Rising Youth Mortality, Blames Abandonment of African Traditions

 

Popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Yul Edochie, has sparked a heated conversation following his recent comments on the alarming increase in premature deaths across the country. Edochie, known for his outspoken nature and frequent engagement with social issues, voiced his concerns after a personal experience that left him deeply disturbed.

During a journey from Anambra State to Abia State, the actor said he noticed an unsettling number of obituary posters lining the streets. What caught his attention was not just the volume but the age range of the deceased. Many were young, some barely into adulthood. This stark reality, he said, made him reflect on what could be fueling the surge in early deaths among Nigeria’s youth population.

Edochie, who has increasingly spoken about the spiritual direction of the country, believes that the spirits and ancestors are angry. He argued that the root of the problem lies in the widespread abandonment of traditional African religious practices. According to him, the neglect of ancestral worship and the move toward foreign religions have disrupted the spiritual balance that once protected communities and ensured harmony.

He stressed that the rate of unnatural deaths among young people is not merely a matter of poor healthcare, insecurity, or economic hardship. While these are undeniable factors, he suggested there is a deeper, spiritual dimension that cannot be ignored. The actor urged Nigerians to look beyond the physical realm and consider the spiritual consequences of turning their backs on traditional beliefs.

Edochie emphasized that before the widespread adoption of foreign religions, African societies thrived with their indigenous spiritual systems. These systems, he said, honored the ancestors, respected nature, and maintained a connection between the living and the spirit world. That sacred link, in his view, has been severed, and the repercussions are manifesting in the form of tragedy, loss, and instability.

Speaking passionately, he called for a national soul-searching and a return to traditional spirituality. The actor did not advocate for the complete abandonment of modern religions but rather suggested a balanced approach where African traditions are not dismissed or vilified. He believes that reconnecting with ancestral roots will bring about spiritual cleansing and restoration, both for individuals and for the nation at large.

His comments have drawn mixed reactions online. Some social media users echoed his sentiments, stating that the erosion of cultural identity has indeed led to moral and spiritual confusion. Others, however, criticized his views, calling them regressive or superstitious. Still, a significant number appreciated his courage to voice a perspective that many may hold privately but are unwilling to say publicly.

This is not the first time Yul Edochie has spoken on controversial matters related to spirituality and culture. Over the years, he has used his platform to challenge societal norms and encourage Nigerians to question deeply ingrained systems. Whether discussing politics, religion, or personal transformation, he consistently advocates for critical thinking and cultural awareness.

The rise in premature deaths in Nigeria is, without question, a matter of concern. While statistics may point to poverty, crime, poor infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare as primary contributors, Edochie's spiritual lens offers an alternative narrative that taps into the collective psyche of a people with rich ancestral heritage.

Many traditionalists have applauded Edochie for reviving a conversation that often gets buried under modern ideologies. Some priests and custodians of indigenous shrines have even extended public invitations to him, praising his effort to awaken a spiritual consciousness among the younger generation.

As the country grapples with socio-economic challenges, the actor’s perspective adds another layer to the dialogue around national healing. Whether or not one agrees with his assertions, his observations reflect a broader cultural tension between modernity and tradition, science and spirituality, and imported faiths versus indigenous beliefs.

The road from Anambra to Abia may have physically been a few hours long, but for Yul Edochie, it became a spiritual journey that opened his eyes to what he perceives as a growing disconnect from ancestral guidance. With passion in his voice and conviction in his message, he urges Nigerians not to forget where they come from, warning that the price of such forgetfulness may be far too costly.