OKULU STREAM

The dry up of okulu stream have been explained from several perspectives. Many have attributed the dry up of the stream to global warming. Others pointed to the series of activities going on at the Egberekpii (Mmu ebo Ete, Aleto) axis of the Okulu stream such as pumping of water table down which probably caused the stream to lose flow through its banks and bottom. There is also an opinion that the visible changes in the okulu stream drainage of recent which forced the stream to empty its flow into the Egberekpii stream  is responsible; or simply, there is no precipitation to keep the okulu stream flowing. These observations are acceptable not totally out of place.
However, we are obliged to explore the spiritual dimensions to the dry up of the okulu stream. In doing this we ask: What is the relationship among Okulu deity of Agbonchia, Dãrã deity of Ogale and Egberekpii deity of Aleto? Are we aware that sometimes ago the Nkporon Agbonchia sacked okulu and ordered the deity to leave the community for killing a boy who went fishing in the stream? Who was Nwafor Orgreen Olai, the Priest of Ogugu of Agbonchia? Who was Olungwe Mkpaate, the Priest of Wakama Okomocho deity also of Agbonchia; the man who used his magical powers to establish the Echii Ejii (Agbonchia Sunday Market) that we all patronize today?
Are we aware of how Olungwe Mkpaate used his mystical powers to exorcise and banish all jujus and spirit forces from Agbonchia, and decreed that never will any deity survive in Agbonchia? Egberekpii deity ceased to have a priest and functional shrine on the orders of Olungwe Mkpaate when the goddess wanted to possessed Ogbuji Kanwi of Agbonchia? Like okulu, Nwonuma deity was ordered by Olungwe Mkpaate to leave Agbonchia after an agreed number of years and that agreement was honoured by the deity during the tenure of Ogwunma its last Priest. Okulu is not the only deity along that river stretch that has left Eleme. Dãrã Stream of Ogale left some years back due to rising cases of abuse. Egberekpii of Aleto has started packing. Soon it will be visible to all.
Okulu is not an ordinary deity, per say. Okulu is the deity that protects Agbonchia from external aggression. It is also believed that Okulu holds the wealth of Agbonchia and favours women by enhancing their fertility. Nwanja is an offshoot of Okulu. Several years ago barren women from all over Eleme went to fetch water from the stream to drink and became fertile.
It easy to explain everything away scientifically, but we should not forget the spiritual aspects. There are two dimensions to every event – the physical and the spiritual. The spiritual comes to pass long before manifestation of the physical. Your comments are welcome.