"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 actualy occur in the world are always attributed to individuals. This is because Igbo religion, like many other forms of African Traditional Religion conceives of "evil" as essentially moral (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. Igbo (also known, less commonly, as Ibo; Ndi Igbo in Igbo) is a language spoken in Nigeria by around 18 million speakers (the Igbo), especially in the southeastern region once identified as Biafra. ... The Devil is a title given to a supernatural entity, who, in most Abrahamic faiths, is the central embodiment of evil. ... Chukwu is the god of the Igbo in traditional Igbo mythology. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... This list of deities aims at giving information about deities in the different religions, cultures and mythologies of the world. ... Spirits redirects here. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Religion in Africa. ...

Further reading:

Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (New York: Doubleday, 1993).