Not too long ago, the use of traditional medicine came into the focus of many countries, China being the first to explore the efficacy of traditional herbs. African countries are now looking inwards with a view to bringing to the doorsteps of their citizens the need to cut down cost and control of traditional medicine. With the high cost of orthodox medicines continuing to spiral upwards in the wake of dwindling economy, it has become necessary to focus attention to the use of traditional medicines which are more easily accessible and cheaper. Since the cost of the so-called best remedies is beyond the means of the average Nigerian, the option is to seek out affordable alternatives being traditional and herbal medicines.

It is against this backdrop that the Oduma of Ugbezanzan Temple, Chief Amiendamhen Samson Eromosele, applauded the vision of Governor Obaseki with regard to streamlining the improved processing of herbal medicine.

Ambassador Eromosele, who is also a member of the Modern Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, believes that most herbal medicines are presently in use throughout Nigeria, adding that this is a good development because according to him, it saves time and is more effective.

Chief Eromosele added that the only area relevant health authorities should be focused is how to improve on the preparations through the use of laboratory procedures.

“Traditional and herbal medicines have been proven to have a broad range of characteristics and elements which has made the World Health Organization to grant them the working definition,” he asserted.

He disclosed that in the Ugbezanzan Temple, both physical and spiritual solutions are offered to those who have such problems like stroke, pile, diabetes and arthritis, to mention a few.

It is the foregoing and the increasing widespread use of traditional medicine that informed the WHO to promote the integration of traditional medicines and Complimentary Alternative Medicine into the national health care system of some countries and to encourage the development of national policy and regulations as essential indicators of the level of integration of such medicines within a national health care system.

It is worthy of note that the above happens to be the stand of the Modem Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria (MTMPN), an elite body set up to regulate and monitor activities of its members. It is also designed to liaise with government health agencies and promote healthy relationship with them.

Chief Eromosele, besides formal education, got involved in traditional medicine through the powers of his late father in the art of divination, treatment and cure of many diseases including bone setting.

Wait a minute! It appears as if what used to be a past time for our fore-fathers are no longer interesting to our present-day youth.

In those good old days people were known for what they could do for humanity – like taking care of the sick. There was hardly any community not known for one trade or the other. Christianity has rubbished most of these traditional values to the extent that native doctors are seen as pagans. No one wants to seek their help except under the cover of darkness and maybe when orthodox medicine practitioners have failed to perform to their expectation.

There is a popular hospital in town where those with fractured bones are treated. The only method there is by inserting iron inside the affected part. Whereas, such could easily be handled by our local bone setters who abound in their numbers and at a cheaper cost.

Ogwa Community in Esan West has been the home of orthopaedics for so many years, the place of birth of Chief Eromosele. Matter of fact, the father was a renowned bone-setter, a trade his son, Oduwa, also prides himself in.

However, the Ugbezanzan leader said he refused to advertise himself to avoid cheap popularity. Rather, those whom he had treated are the people who tell others.

He opined that fake practitioners are difficult to arrest and prosecute but is convinced that by their works they will be exposed.

On the issue of dreadlocks by some traditional medicine practitioners, Dr. Eromosele said that it has no bearing on the professed practice.

“Dreadlocks do not show capability or a sign of being a strong native doctor,” he said.

He said that there are no traditional proofs that dreadlocked practitioners perform more effectively than those without dreadlocks, adding that indigenous healing traditions are defined by cultures, beliefs that satisfy the health needs of their communities over the years.

Speaking on the moral decadence of our present-day youths, Chief Eromosele admonished them to be up and doing and always ensure that they have basic education.

He frowned at the idea of children relying on the wealth of their parents and also blamed parents for not talking to their daughters about the way some of them dress to attend functions. He wondered why parents should allow such habits except maybe, they are not living in the same house.

He then advised other traditional medicine practitioners to be focused and more serious in view of what the future holds.

He warned that anyone who is still practicing what all the native doctors swore against at the instruction of the Oba of Benin will be doing so at his or her own risk.

Ugbezanzan Temple worshippers meet on Thursdays weekly.