Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A Nigerian cleric, Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Prophet Odumeje, has provoked reactions with his recent comments of warning against Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing and its place in the Igbo society.
In his sermon, the prophet questioned the authenticity of medical results, saying, “Desist from DNA.
He said you can do a lab test abroad, they’ll tell you there’s nothing wrong with you but you are sick, you come to Nigerian lab, they will give you another name for your sickness.”
He went further to express disbelief in DNA outcomes entirely, adding, “So, you can’t trust a DNA test result.”
Odumeje also tied his stance to tradition, claiming that such practices go against Igbo values.
His words, “In Igbo culture DNA is forbidden, it’s not our culture.” hinging his belief in family unity over scientific validation.
