For the sake of my non-Igbo-speaking followers, here is a detailed summary of my online conversation with Mazi Mattias Ezeaku, a popular advocate of African traditional spirituality.
Our live session opened with a prayer led by me, Rev. Fr. Chidi. Mazi Mattias then introduced himself and offered his own traditional prayer, setting the tone for an honest, respectful dialogue.
Mattias’ Background and Early Life
Mazi Mattias revealed that he was born into a deeply traditional family in Enugu State. His name, he said, was given culturally—not through Christian baptism.
After losing his father, and with his mother not associated with any church, he left home at the age of 11 to begin learning a trade.
His church experiences include:
- 2000 (Port Harcourt): Attended the Church of Christ with his boss
- 2003 (Onitsha): Attended Living Christ Mission, Assemblies of God, and the Catholic Church
- He received multiple baptisms in different churches
- He even contributed ₦78,000 to help build and roof a Pentecostal church
The Turning Point
According to Mattias, everything changed in 2017 after he recorded a video of an elderly man molding blocks. This would later inspire the creation of the Igbo Charity Foundation.
By January 1st, 2018, he began to question several church doctrines—especially the belief that every illness has a spiritual cause.
He argued that:
- Sickness requires medical treatment, not only prayer
- “There is no miracle”
- Many churches mislead people
- No believer has proven miraculous healing, despite his public monetary challenge
His findings led him deeper into research on African history, culture, and colonialism.
Return to African Tradition
Mattias claimed his research revealed that:
- Africans already knew God (“Chineke”) before missionaries arrived
- Christianity altered Igbo culture in negative ways
- Early Catholic documents supported slavery
- If Christianity had not arrived early, Nigeria might have become an Islamic nation
These convictions pushed him to return to African traditional spirituality. In 2023, he publicly burned his Bible.
Mattias’ Biggest Claim: “Nigeria’s Problems Come From the Church”
Throughout the conversation, he maintained a very strong opinion:
“The Church is responsible for many of Nigeria’s problems.”
His reasons include:
- Churches selling “healing oils” and water
- Crusades focused on fear, “blood suckers,” and superstition
- False promises of miracles
- Blaming sickness on evil spirits instead of referring people to hospitals
- Clergy who study abroad but return to Nigeria to open adoration grounds
His conclusion was firm:
“If the Church in Nigeria was honest, the people would not be suffering this much.”
Fr. Chidi’s Response: “Nigeria’s Problems Come From Government, Not The Church”
I respectfully corrected him by stating that:
- Poor hospitals, lack of ambulances, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption are government failures, not church failures
- If Nigeria had functioning healthcare, people wouldn’t run to churches seeking healing
- Many Catholic dioceses have banned the sale of “healing oils”
- Christians should not expect money or miracles from church—discipline and hard work remain essential
My position was simple:
People turn to churches because government has failed them—not because churches caused the problems.
Mattias’ Future Plans
He shared ambitious goals, including:
- Establishing branches of Omenala Bu Eziokwu
- Building hospitals
- Providing affordable or free medical treatment
He claimed he already constructed an Omenala Hospital within three years.
My Mission and Vision
I explained that through our congregation’s work in Haiti, we care for over 580 vulnerable individuals, including mental patients, stroke victims, and abandoned people.
My mission is rooted in:
- Service
- Compassion
- Humanity—not fear or superstition
I also hope to establish a charity kidney dialysis center when I return to Nigeria.
Mattias’ Final Words
He advised Nigerians to:
- Stop attributing everything to spirituality
- Ask questions and seek knowledge
- Work hard
- Focus on development
- Keep their hands clean
Conclusion
I ended the session by praying for truth, unity, enlightenment, and progress.
Many viewers expected confrontation or insult. But maturity means handling differences with love and understanding. I approached him with brotherly love, and he responded with brotherly love.
We can disagree, believe differently, and still live in peace.
May God bless everyone.
— Written by Rev. Fr. Prince Chidi Philip
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