The Ibini Ukpabi was an oracle of the Aro Confederacy in southeastern Nigeria. Known to the British as the ‘Long Ju-ju,’ it settled cases of murder, witchcraft, poisoning, and family disputes. The oracle destroyed the losing party or sold them into slavery. Allegedly, priests falsified verdicts to procure victims for slavery. Communities believed the oracle devoured those who didn’t return.
The structure starts as a six-foot gully leading to the Cave Temple, guarded by the statue of Kamalu, the warrior god. It features an altar, a prophetic waterfall, and a throne of judgment. The guilty walked into dark tunnels, while the innocent returned to their families. The condemned left their clothes at the Hill of Rags before disappearing into tunnels. The Aro colored the Red River to indicate the victims’ supposed deaths. Blindfolded victims walked to “Onu Asu Bekee,” where boats took them to Calabar for slavery.
Indigenous Aro historians say the shrine is indigenous to the Bianko group of Arochukwu. They were true worshippers of God, called “Chi-ukwu Abiama.” The shrine was named “Ivu Chukwu Abiama,” “Ovia Ikoro,” and “Ivi na Ukpabi.” The Bianko people named it after their leaders. British names like “Long Juju” were incorrect.
The British Empire expanded toward the River Niger kingdoms. The shrine unified communities and served as an apex court. Shrine stewards migrated south of the Niger. During the Anglo-Aro War, the British destroyed the Long Juju stronghold. The Long Juju shrine, slave routes, and other relics are now tourist attractions in Abia State.
