LIST OF UGEP TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

LIST OF UGEP TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

1. The Yose Deity — Goddess Fertility Spirit
The Yose deity is the goddess fertility spirit responsible for population growth and the protection of Matriclan members of Ugep. It is presided over by the chief priest called Binah or Yabol Ajimma.

The Yakurr people of Ugep had 22 matriclans that worshipped 11 (Eleven) Ase fertility spirits. Each fertility spirit is worshipped by one or two or three matriclans.

2. The Elamalama Pondel Deity — God Fertility Spirit

The Elamalama Pondel deity is the god fertility spirit responsible for population growth and the protection of patriclans throughout Ugep. It is presided over by the Obol Kemboka as the chief priest.

The Elamalama pondel deity, which is located at Ukpawen, gave birth to the various Npondel deities of the different patriclans (Akemma) of Ugep.

3. The Epondel Deity — Patriclan God Fertility Spirit

The Epondel deity is the patriclan god fertility spirit responsible for the population growth and protection of a particular Lekomma (patriclan).

It is presided over by the Obol Lekomma, who is also regarded as the overall Obol keeper of the Lekomma. A particular Lekomma or patriclan may have two, three or more paternal lineages, all of which worship the same Epondel deity of that Lekoma.

4. The AKota Deity — War Spirit

The Akota deity is the war spirit responsible for the defence of Ugep against its enemies. It is presided over by the Obol okpebili of Ugep as the chief priest.

5. The Korta/Kepelapala Deity — Sanctification Spirit

The Korta/Kepelapala deity is the sanctification spirit responsible for the purification and cleansing of the land of Ugep, particularly as regards official engagements, public celebrations and blessings, and for doing away with broken taboos and abominations.

The Korta/Kepelapala deity is also in charge of the initiation of young boys into Male Adulthood every seven (7) years, during which the Korta cult society dance is displayed. The deity is presided over by the Obol Ebinyang of Ugep as the chief priest.

6. The Iso Obase Deity — Divination and Soothsaying Spirit.

The Iso Obase deity is responsible for fortune-telling, revealing hidden knowledge (Lobo or Obla-ase), and soothsaying or the art of prophecy by supernatural means.

The Iso Obase deity is presided over by the Obol Njokolo of Ugep as the chief priest. He is also the Director of Kebongha cult Display on the Yekpi day of the Ugep Leboku New Yam Festival.

7. The Obalgbor Deity — Warfare Spirit

The Obalgbor deity is the warfare spirit located at the Ikpakapit play ground for It is associated with warfare protection and protection and also the powers to attack the enemies of Ugep.

8. The Ojilikpoto Deity — Powerful Charm Spirit.

The Ojilikpoto deity is a powerful charm spirit located near Ijiman play ground. It is associated with the protection of warfare men in battle.

9. The Esandel Deity — Farm Crop Spirit.

The Esandel deity is a farm crop spirit located along Isang Farm Road. It is associated with the annual growth of good crops and abundant harvests for all Ugep farmers.

10. The Ekau Deity — Female Adulthood Spirit:

The Ekau deity is the female adulthood spirit responsible for the initiation of young girls into Female Adulthood which is observation every five (5) years.

During the initiation of the girls into Adulthood, the Ekau deity invokes the spirit of fertility into the young girls who are preserved and ready to become the future wives and mothers of Ugep Traditional Society.

Religiously speaking, the initiation of young girls and boys is a special traditional observation and preservation for Ekau deity spirit to initiate girls into Adult Womanhood, whereas the Korta deity spirit initiates boys into Adult Manhood.

OTHER UGEP TRADITIONAL DEITIES

Other Ugep Traditional Deities include Ekpe secret secret society, Edelopon, Oje-Onen, Oblantamana, Obokupo, etc.