Popular Nigerian media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), recently performed a controversial ancestral ritual atop a mountain in Abuja, capturing both support and criticism from his massive online following.
The social media influencer, who has built his reputation on provocative commentary and fearless confrontations, took an unexpected spiritual turn by embarking on a journey to connect with his ancestral spirits. Accompanied by a companion, VDM ascended a mountain carrying a bottle of dry gin, a traditional offering widely recognized in African spiritual practices as a medium for communicating with ancestors.
During the ceremony, which was filmed and shared across social media platforms, Verydarkman poured libations of dry gin over rocks while delivering a passionate monologue about spiritual protection and blessings. His words reflected a deep-seated belief in the reciprocal nature of spiritual justice, asserting that those who cause no harm should expect no harm in return.
You cannot plant yam and expect a different harvest,” VDM declared during the ritual, employing agricultural metaphor to emphasize his belief in karmic justice. The social media star proceeded to invoke blessings not only for himself but extended his spiritual petitions to encompass his children, family members, and his substantial base of supporters.
The ritual, performed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s capital city, showcased a fascinating blend of traditional spiritual practices in a modern urban setting. As he poured the gin and spoke his intentions into the air, VDM expressed confidence in his ancestors’ protection, prophesying success and longevity for himself while declaring his role as a blessing to his generation.
The public reaction to VDM’s spiritual exercise has been notably divided, reflecting broader societal tensions between traditional African spiritual practices and contemporary religious beliefs. While some viewers praised his connection to cultural roots, others questioned the authenticity and appropriateness of performing such rituals in an urban setting.
Social media user @officialbomaigah offered support, lamenting that “this generation knows nothing about connecting with the earth,” suggesting a generational disconnect from traditional spiritual practices. However, critics like @kidneynursemerit staunchly opposed the ritual, asserting “Jesus is the only way truth and life,” highlighting the ongoing tension between traditional African spirituality and Christianity in modern Nigeria.
The location choice for the ritual particularly sparked debate, with some questioning why ancestral spirits would be found in Abuja’s hills rather than in VDM’s native Edo State. User @1st_class_ken pointedly remarked, “Your Edo ancestors is now living in Abuja hills right? You’re now playing ooh,” challenging the geographical authenticity of the spiritual exercise.
Others approached the discussion with more nuance, like @isaacnwaeze, who advocated for spiritual autonomy: “Believe whatever works for you. Spirituality is more important than Religion.” This perspective reflects a growing trend among young Africans who seek to reconcile traditional spiritual practices with contemporary belief systems.
The timing of VDM’s ritual, performed as 2024 approached, aligns with traditional practices of seeking spiritual protection and blessings for the new year. However, some followers, such as @iamyucee10, suggested that VDM should “focus on the issues” rather than engaging in spiritual demonstrations, indicating a preference for his usual social commentary over spiritual expressions.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between traditional African spirituality and modern social media culture. As public figures like Verydarkman navigate these spaces, their actions often become catalysts for broader discussions about cultural preservation, religious identity, and the role of traditional practices in contemporary African society.
Whether viewed as a genuine spiritual exercise or a controversial social media moment, VDM’s mountain ritual has successfully sparked important conversations about spiritual authenticity, cultural preservation, and the evolution of traditional practices in modern Nigeria. As social media continues to provide a platform for such displays, the intersection of traditional spirituality and digital culture remains a fascinating space for cultural discourse and debate.
