Son of Native Doctor Who Claims to Make Others Rich Works as Waiter, Says Governor Soludo

 

In a striking revelation, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has highlighted a case of apparent irony involving a native doctor in his state. During a public address, Soludo pointed out that a prominent traditional practitioner, who claims to possess the power to make others wealthy, has a son working as a waiter in a hotel. This statement has sparked widespread discussion about the credibility of such practitioners, the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerian youths, and the ongoing efforts by Soludo’s administration to address insecurity and fraudulent practices in Anambra State. This article delves into the context of the governor’s remarks, the broader implications for society, and the reactions from the public, offering a detailed exploration of this intriguing narrative.

Governor Soludo’s Statement: Context and Intent

Governor Soludo made this comment as part of a broader discourse on the nexus between crime, fraudulent spiritual practices, and the influence of native doctors in Anambra State. Speaking at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia during a meeting where he received a Good Governance Award from Vanguard Media Limited, Soludo emphasized his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity by addressing its root causes. He specifically targeted native doctors who, he alleges, deceive young people with promises of quick wealth through charms and rituals, often leading them into criminal activities such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and cyber fraud.

The governor’s mention of the native doctor’s son serving as a waiter was intended to underscore the hypocrisy and deception he perceives in such practices. “One of the native doctors from Okija who we arrested, who is always boasting of making people rich under four days, his son is a waiter in a hotel in Owerri,” Soludo stated. “Why is his own son working to earn a living if he can make people wealthy without work? Deception.” This pointed example was used to question the legitimacy of the native doctor’s claims and to highlight the disconnect between their promises and reality.

Soludo’s administration has taken a hard stance against such practitioners, particularly those suspected of aiding criminal elements by preparing charms or providing hideouts. The governor revealed that over 30 suspected native doctors and pastors are currently under investigation, and many others have fled the state following a crackdown under the recently enacted Homeland Security Law 2025. This law aims to regulate traditional medicine practices and curb their misuse for criminal purposes.

The Broader Implications: Fraud, Youth, and Society

The case of the native doctor’s son working as a waiter raises several critical issues about Nigerian society, particularly in the Southeast, where traditional practices often intersect with modern challenges.

1. The “Get-Rich-Quick” Mentality: Soludo’s remarks highlight a pervasive “get-rich-quick” culture that has taken root among some Nigerian youths. He lamented that many young people, influenced by fraudulent native doctors and religious leaders, seek shortcuts to wealth rather than pursuing legitimate hard work. “As early as 8 am, you see youths in beer parlors drinking, and the next thing is they are thinking of how to make quick money, then they go for kidnapping or other vices,” he noted. This mentality, he argues, is fueled by the deceptive promises of native doctors who claim to offer supernatural solutions to financial struggles.

2. Economic Disparity and Opportunity: The fact that the native doctor’s son is working as a waiter in Owerri, Imo State, points to broader economic challenges. Despite his father’s purported wealth-making abilities, the son is engaged in a low-paying, labor-intensive job, suggesting that the family may not be as prosperous as claimed—or that the native doctor’s “powers” do not extend to his own household. This reflects the harsh realities of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, where many young people, even those from families with perceived influence, struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs.

3. Credibility of Traditional Practices: Soludo’s example challenges the credibility of native doctors who market themselves as wealth creators. If a practitioner cannot secure wealth for his own family, it raises questions about the efficacy of his services. This skepticism aligns with Soludo’s broader campaign to sanitize traditional medicine practices in Anambra, distinguishing between legitimate healers and those engaged in fraudulent or criminal activities.

4. Security and Crime: The governor linked the activities of such native doctors to the rising insecurity in Anambra State. He cited instances where confiscated charms, known as “Oke ite,” are being forensically analyzed for traces of human blood, with severe consequences promised for those found guilty. Additionally, Soludo revealed that one arrested native doctor from Kogi State was preparing anti-gunshot charms for criminals, further illustrating the connection between these practices and criminality.

Public Reaction: A Divided Discourse

The governor’s statement has elicited a range of reactions from the public, as seen in posts on X and various media reports. The discourse reflects both support for Soludo’s crackdown and skepticism about his approach.

Support for Soludo: Many Nigerians have praised the governor for calling out what they see as fraudulent practices. Posts on X, such as those from users like

@Denokgist

and

@chinexo28

, echo Soludo’s sentiment, with some expressing amusement at the irony of a native doctor’s son working as a waiter. Supporters argue that this exposure is necessary to deter young people from falling prey to such deception and to restore values of hard work and integrity. The Igbo Mandate Congress, an Igbo sociocultural organization, has also backed Soludo’s efforts, commending his consistency in addressing the role of native doctors in insecurity since taking office in 2022.

Criticism and Concerns: However, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics, including human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, have condemned the arrest of prominent native doctors like Chief Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) as a violation of their fundamental rights to freedom of religion. Ejiofor described the detention of Akwa Okuko as “unlawful” and an “abuse of power,” arguing that the state government is targeting traditional practitioners for political gain ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has also demanded the release of Akwa Okuko, warning that such arrests set a dangerous precedent for suppressing religious and expressive freedoms.

Mixed Perspectives: Other voices in the debate have called for a balanced approach. Dr. Ramas Asuzu, a traditional medicine practitioner, has urged the government to distinguish between fake native doctors and genuine healers, advocating for the establishment of a traditional medicine practice board to regulate the industry. This perspective acknowledges the cultural significance of traditional medicine while supporting efforts to eliminate criminal elements.

Soludo’s Vision: A Broader Agenda

Governor Soludo’s comments about the native doctor’s son are part of a larger vision to transform Anambra State into a hub of legitimate economic activity and social progress. His administration has launched initiatives like the “One Youth, Two Skills” program, which has reportedly produced over 1,000 millionaires through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training. Soludo emphasized that his goal is to create an enabling environment where citizens can prosper through hard work and innovation, rather than relying on dubious shortcuts.

Additionally, the governor has declared Anambra a predominantly Christian state, framing his crackdown on fraudulent native doctors as a battle between “light and darkness.” Speaking at a Healing and Deliverance crusade organized by the Dunamis International Gospel Center, he stated, “All the dangerous native doctors are on the run. Because light and darkness cannot be in the same place. Evil must give way.” This rhetoric underscores his commitment to rooting out practices he deems detrimental to the state’s moral and social fabric.

Expert Insights: The Socio-Economic Context

Experts have weighed in on the broader socio-economic context of Soludo’s remarks. Studies on youth unemployment in Nigeria indicate that the lack of job opportunities is a significant driver of crime and the appeal of “get-rich-quick” schemes. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that youth unemployment in Nigeria stood at over 40% in 2023, with the Southeast region facing particular challenges due to limited industrial development and insecurity.

Sociologists also note that the influence of native doctors and spiritual leaders often fills a void left by economic hardship and a lack of trust in institutional systems. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian economist, has previously highlighted the need for investment in education and job creation to address these underlying issues, a sentiment echoed by Soludo’s focus on human capital development.

Practical Steps Forward

To address the issues raised by Soludo’s statement, several steps can be considered:

1. Regulation of Traditional Practices: Establishing a traditional medicine practice board, as suggested by Dr. Asuzu, could help differentiate between legitimate practitioners and those engaged in fraud or crime. This would involve licensing, oversight, and community education to ensure transparency and accountability.
2. Youth Empowerment Programs: Expanding initiatives like “One Youth, Two Skills” can provide viable alternatives to the promises of native doctors. By equipping young people with marketable skills and access to capital, the government can reduce the allure of shortcuts to wealth.
3. Community Engagement: Soludo has called on Presidents-General of communities to expose fraudulent native doctors. Strengthening community-based security and awareness campaigns can empower local leaders to address these issues collaboratively with the government.
4. Legal and Ethical Balance: While cracking down on criminal elements, the government must ensure that its actions respect fundamental rights, addressing concerns raised by critics like Ejiofor. Transparent investigations and due process are essential to maintain public trust.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Action

Governor Soludo’s revelation about the native doctor’s son serving as a waiter is more than just an anecdote—it is a call to reflect on the deeper challenges facing Nigerian society. It highlights the dangers of deception, the economic struggles of the youth, and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. As Anambra State continues its efforts to combat insecurity and promote development, the focus must remain on creating opportunities, fostering accountability, and building a future where hard work, not superstition, is the path to prosperity.

For the public, this narrative serves as a reminder to critically evaluate claims of quick wealth and to support initiatives that uplift communities through legitimate means. As the debate continues, Soludo’s administration faces the task of balancing security, cultural heritage, and human rights—a challenge that will shape the state’s trajectory in the years to come.