Ekwensu

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Ekwnesu is Igbo language word for the "Devil." Ekwensu is believed to be an opposite or countervailing force to Chukwu (God). In parallel to Chukwu, Ekwensu is believed to have, and to exercise power over, a hierarchical structure of minor deities and spirits. However, unlike Chukwu's forces, Ekwensu is said to be interested only in accomplishing evil deeds in the world. Although deities and spirits may be said to be under the influence of Ekwensu, the moral responsibility for evils that actually occur in the world are always attributed to individuals. This is because Igbo religion, like many African Traditional Religion, conceives of "evil" as essentially moral (e.g., what humans do) rather than natural (e.g., earthquake). Ekwensu's forces can tempt persons to evil deeds, but it is assumed that a person with virtuously educated conscience can successfully resist the temptation.