Thread by @kemifalodun

I interviewed a native doctor today for a story. Apparently, they have an association of healers that comprises of herbalists, Muslims, Christians, native doctors etc. They're registered with CAC. Their primary aim is that the patient gets well, so they collaborate sometimes.

He's an alfa (grew up Muslim). His father was a native doctor and after he died, he took over the healing work. He's also a member of Ogboni confraternity. Thought it was fascinating, how he's existing in all these spaces, each idealogy influencing the other.

Stories have taken me to some interesting/unusual? places. This wasn't even my first time in a traditional healer's home. I was in Iseyin in 2017 for a residency, and got curious about the life of renowned magician Professor Peller.

You couldn't just enter the compound, although no one lived there. But I was introduced to his distant relative, a native doctor. He told me in his work, he took instructions from God. Then he told me stories about Peller's childhood, magical acts etc.

This is about my visit to the native doctor's home, Professor Peller's home, and general wanderings. It's more creative than journalistic. Good thing: I inhabit both worlds well.

catapult.co/stories/kemi-f…