Igbo, Edo and Efik mythologies: spirits of Nigeria
20 spirits documented in the Kunda Codex
Beyond the Yoruba world, Nigeria holds other great spiritual traditions. Among the Igbo, Ala, goddess of the earth and morality, presides over fertility and judgement, while Amadioha strikes with lightning. The Edo kingdom of Benin developed a refined court pantheon around Olokun, lord of waters. The entries below document these often overlooked spirits with sources.
SpiritallyCHUKWU
Supreme god
Igbo — Nigéria
Creator Spirit
EarthallyALA (ANI)
Earth, morality, fertility
Igbo — Nigéria
Spirit of the Earth
FireallyAMADIOHA
Thunder, justice
Igbo — Nigéria
Spirit of Fire
AirallyABASSI
God
Efik — Efik
Deity
SoulallyATAI
Goddess
Efik — Efik
Goddess
SpiritallyAZIRI
Goddess
Benin — Benin
Goddess
SpiritallyCGHENE
God
Isoko — Isoko
Deity
SpiritneutralCHI
Spirit
Igbo — Igbo
Spirit
SpiritallyCHINEKE
God
Igbo — Igbo
Deity
SpiritallyCHUKU
God
Igbo — Igbo
Deity
WaterneutralEKWENSU
Spirit
Igbo — Igbo
Spirit
EarthneutralEROSI
Spirit
Igbo — Igbo
Spirit
SpiritallyHINEGBA
God
Nigeria — Nigeria
Deity
SpiritallyHYEL
God
Nigeria — Nigeria
Deity
AirallyIGWE
God
Igbo — Igbo
Deity
SpiritneutralIKENGA
Spirit
Igbo — Igbo
Spirit
SpiritneutralMA
Spirit
Jen — Jen
Spirit
SoulallyOGUWU
God
Edo — Edo
Deity
SoulallySOKO
God
Nupe — Nupe
Deity
FireallyUMWA
God
Jen — Jen
Deity