“There Is No Witchcraft, Only Unexplained Technology” — Reno Omokri Sparks Fresh Controversy Across Africa
By Passman Akpos
A new wave of debate has erupted across social media and intellectual circles following a provocative statement attributed to Nigerian author and public commentator Reno Omokri, in which he argued that what many African societies describe as witchcraft is simply “technology not yet understood.”
In the widely circulated commentary titled “Dear Africa, There Is Nothing Like Witchcraft. It Is Your Technology. Embrace It!”, Omokri challenged long-held cultural beliefs about supernatural practices, urging Africans to reinterpret traditional spiritual concepts through the lens of science, history, and innovation.
“Witchcraft is misunderstood knowledge”
Drawing linguistic parallels, Omokri referenced the Itsekiri language where “Osho” can mean witchcraft, while “Osho Oyibo” translates loosely as “white man’s wizardry,” which he equated to technology. He also pointed to historical language links between “wit” and “witch,” suggesting that intelligence and perceived mystical ability were once closely connected.
He argued that phenomena once labelled as witchcraft would today be explained as science or engineering, citing video calls and modern communication as examples of advancements that would have been seen as supernatural in earlier centuries.
Criticism of supernatural explanations for illness and death
Omokri further dismissed traditional explanations linking misfortune or infant mortality to witches and wizards, instead attributing such outcomes in precolonial Africa to diseases like malaria, tetanus, and sickle cell complications—conditions now better understood through modern medicine and vaccination.
He described belief in shape-shifting witches as “unscientific,” insisting that many so-called mystical practitioners may simply possess esoteric but explainable knowledge in areas such as herbal medicine, psychology, or hypnosis.
Call for institutional study of traditional knowledge
In one of the most controversial parts of his statement, Omokri suggested that individuals believed to possess supernatural abilities should be studied rather than feared or ostracised.
He proposed that such individuals—ranging from traditional healers to spiritual prophets—be examined by academic and defence institutions to determine whether their abilities could be documented, analysed, and potentially applied in medicine, security, or technology.
He argued that if certain traditional practitioners demonstrate medical success, for example in bone-setting or healing, universities and teaching hospitals should study their methods to improve modern healthcare systems.
Mixed reactions across Africa
The remarks have triggered divided reactions online. Supporters say the message encourages scientific thinking, innovation, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems through research rather than superstition.
Critics, however, argue that the framing dismisses deeply rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs, warning that equating traditional religion with “technology” may be seen as disrespectful or overly reductive.
A broader debate on belief and scienceBeyond the controversy, the statement has reignited a broader continental conversation about how Africa balances tradition, spirituality, and modern science.
While some see it as a bold call to intellectual liberation and technological curiosity, others view it as a provocative challenge to cultural identity and belief systems that remain central in many communities.
As the debate continues, one question appears to be at its core: where does tradition end and science begin?
