Nollywood actor and pastor Yul Edochie has raised alarm over the increasing number of premature deaths among young Nigerians, particularly those in their twenties to forties, describing the trend as “not normal.” In a thought-provoking post shared on his Instagram page, Edochie expressed his concern about the alarming rate at which young people are dying, attributing it to the abandonment of African traditional practices in favor of foreign lifestyles.
The actor, who is also a pastor, believes that the growing number of untimely deaths is a direct consequence of Nigerians moving away from their traditional roots. “Too many premature deaths these days. Young people dying in their twenties, thirties, forties. It is not normal,” he wrote in his post. He emphasized that the trend is not just coincidental but a result of the neglect of time-honored customs and the adoption of what he referred to as “oyibo” (foreign) lifestyles.
In his post, Yul Edochie further explained that the abandonment of African traditions has led to a disconnect with the protective spirits tied to the land and culture. He believes that these spirits, once revered in traditional practices, are now displeased due to their relegation. “The spirits that protect many of us and our lands are angry because they have been relegated,” Edochie said, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and honoring these spiritual forces for protection and wellbeing.
Edochie urged Nigerians to reconnect with their roots and return to the traditional ways that he believes hold powerful protective properties. “We must go back to our traditional ways, which are very pure and powerful,” he wrote, suggesting that a revival of these practices could help curb the rising mortality rates among young people.
