Africa is rich with many with cultures and traditions that are dated back to centuries and it is generally believed that Snake is associated with fear due to its dangerous nature to human existence.
In modern- day practices, SNAKE traditions continue to captivate and intrigue us. So, in this feature story, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of snake tradition in Kwara State, North-Central, Nigeria, to discover their worth, uniqueness and powerful tradition.
Recall that in the United State of America, especially in the South-Western part, there is a native tradition of snake dancing, whereby citizens will dress up in different snakes attires to celebrate; also, in West Africa, the snake is revered as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
The Fon people of Benin Republic worship the snake goddess, who is believed to have the power to grant wealth and protection. Also in Egypt, the Cobra, with its raised hod, was a sign of protection and divine power.
While snake is dangerous/poisonous to man and other living things, it is been worshipped by some clan but the people of Olororo Compound Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State sees the Snake as their great Ancenstor that should not be harmed or killed.
Ganmo is a community located a short distance from Ilorin, Kwara State. It is located along the Ilorin-Ajasse-Ipo Road and just about 10km from the Ilorin City Centre.
They cherish and preserve the culture till today despite the current era of civilization and digitalisation of virtually of human existence because they see their heritage as awesome, great and un-ending traditions.
In an exclusive interview by ROYAL NEWS Crew, a woman in her early 70s, Alhaja Falilatu also known as Iya Badia, said snake is their great grandfather, which has been paying them homage, protecting them before the advent of both Islam and Christianity.
She said: “Snake usually visit new born baby by staying beside him/her for some minutes for seven days but if the snake notice the mother is panicking or afraid, it will leave the baby side earlier without causing any harm unless the baby is a bastard.
“The mother will never have any background knowledge or clue before the creature visit expect the brides happens to be from that town / descendant. Infact, the snake paid me a visit recently when I returned from Lagos.”
While sharing an ugly incident, Iya Badia disclosed that one of her neighbours from Asaka compound came to inform her about some youths attacking a snake, stressing that, “I went there to fight with them but I later explained and pleaded with them to always leave or ignore the snake anytime it is coming towards my home that it will never hurt or harm them.”
She vowed that none of the children from their household will ever killed snake when they went hunting adding that, “No member of our household will neither stone nor eat snake talk less of using the pot used in preparing meals.”
While eulogizing the snake, Iya Badia always say, “My father, cobra, mighty with stylish moments, cobra that cares for its kids, when you are not around, python was made to head, Uhmm, haa, death don’t kill, sickness do not strike us”.
Speaking further, she said: “When a new bride first experience in our household, she became unconscious five times and screaming when snake came to pay visit to her newly born baby because their husband will never inform them before the snake visit them.
“There is no where you are living that the snake will not pay you a visit unless you are not the real child of Olororo compound either physically or spiritually. I’m from snake offspring and I got married to another snake descendant that is why I am not afraid nor scared.
According to an eye witness, Mallam Abdulrahman Fasasi said Adekunle compound have high regards for snakes because they believe that it is their Ancenstor and testified that snake usually paid homage to their new generations for some specific days and the popular snake that do come is COBRA.
Another person, who seek anonymous due to her religious status attested that the snake usually appear physically to male children of Adekunle family especially to the new born baby and their mother alone. It will NEVER appear to a girl-child of Olororo household once she left their family house to her own husband dynasty but will only be appearing to her in the dream even if you are aboard, it will pay you a visit.
In addition, Mr. Thaoban; a brother to another new bride who got married to the family said, he got to know about the tradition from her elder sister and described her experience as an un-forgetful one as the sister ran away from her own new born baby when she was delivered of her first baby and almost divorce her husband.
“This tradition can not be overlooked or underrated because it will serve as a warning for their wives to avoid adultery, which will result to illegitimate child and bring shame to the family”, he said.
