We Have Decided to Shut Down Dibia Directory and Dibia Insights Faculty

When I first made the decision to create Dibia Directory, built from the documentation and fieldwork conducted through the Dibia Database project by myself and my team, it was driven by a simple goal; to help Odinani practitioners around the world connect more easily with reliable traditional experts on the ground whom they would otherwise have no way of reaching.

We undertook this project in good faith. Our intention was not only to help traditional experts become more accessible to the diaspora, but also to help those in the diaspora find trusted guidance and services when needed.

After much reflection, however, I have come to the conclusion that the challenges and risks associated with maintaining such a platform now outweigh the benefits it provides. As a result, we have decided to permanently shut down both the Dibia Directory website and the Dibia Database, which has been hosted simultaneously on and by OMS.

From the beginning, we provided clear disclaimers on both the Directory and Database stating that practitioners were fully responsible for their decisions regarding whom they chose to engage with. We also invested significant effort into verification. Every Dibia listed on our platform underwent a vetting process, and in many cases, these verifications included direct, in-person visits conducted by either myself or members of my team.

Despite these efforts, I have come to realize that verification alone is not enough.

It is in my nature to feel deeply responsible for whatever I lead people toward. Over time, it has become increasingly clear to me that while we can verify identities, backgrounds, and reputations, I cannot honestly claim to be able to guarantee the ethics, professionalism, or conduct of every individual listed on the platform. Consequently, I cannot in good conscience accept responsibility for every outcome or experience that may result from interactions initiated through OMS.

This realization has been one of the primary reasons behind this decision.

I refuse to expose members of OMS community to something that I cannot fully justify, account for, or stand behind with complete confidence. After years of observing the outcomes and reflecting on the broader implications of the project, I have reached the conclusion that this is one of those areas where technology may create as many problems as it solves, if not more.

I take the responsibility of building OMS into a sound, trustworthy, and principled digital platform very seriously. That responsibility requires making difficult decisions when necessary, even when those decisions involve projects we once believed strongly in.

Regarding Dibia Insights Faculty

As part of this decision, I have also chosen to discontinue Dibia Insights Faculty, which has served as our free-tier faculty up to this point.

However, there is no cause for concern regarding access to educational materials. All available Dibia teachings will remain freely accessible through our Digital Library and on the OMS Seminars & Lectures page. The knowledge itself is not going away.

What will cease to exist is the Faculty as a distinct initiative, and our vision statement will be updated accordingly to reflect this change.

Looking Ahead

My commitment to OMS and its mission remains unchanged.

I remain fully dedicated to building a healthy, reliable, and intellectually serious community for those committed to lifelong learning and deeper engagement with Igbo consciousness.

I also want to encourage anyone who feels called to continue the work we began with Dibia Directory to do so. If someone believes they can build a platform that successfully addresses the challenges we encountered, I genuinely wish them success.

As for OMS Labs, our focus will remain on developing, improving, and expanding tools, resources, and educational initiatives that serve our subscribers and community members in meaningful and sustainable ways.

By the time you read this announcement, or shortly thereafter, you will notice that the Dibia Directory, Dibia Database, and Dibia Insights Faculty have been taken offline.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your continued trust in our work.