[1] Egbesu has both a philosophical and spiritual dimension, the latter of which has been more prominent during recent times due to conflicts in regions where the Ijaw reside.
This minimized the prominence of Egbesu for some time and most Ijaws only knew of the deity and its philosophy through folklore and traditional war songs.
In order to receive said protection, groups are supported by mothers of the community, male elders, and priests.
Youth militants also use white chalk to paint their faces and place medicated plant leaves on their foreheads for protection.
[7] The group took up arms to fight against authorities in the Conflict in the Niger Delta in response to environmental and other problems caused by the petroleum industry in Nigeria, including the lack of investment of oil revenue in the local economy.
[8] Many young men have joined the cult, undergoing secret initiations by priests who impart the spiritual powers of Egbesu.
The initiation involves the subject being etched with cicatrices on some hidden part of the body, and some members also wear amulets.