Anioma Women Eze Title System: The Roles of women Nri Representatives in Coronations of Anioma

The Eze title system of Anioma is primarily connected with male hierarchy, but also features women in crucial positions, this is particularly in Nri communities.

The written record

Historical context

Although males mostly dominated the Eze title hierarchy but females weren’t excluded totally in this major cultural practice. It’s important to note that women Eze’s of Nri are important in the coronation of Eze-titled males.

In towns like Igbuzor, Anioma where the influence of Nri was powerful, a male or female of Nri descent can represent as the main Eze in coronation. Binding the traditional ankle cords on the corornated Eze to signify his induction into the Eze title system. 

The reason for this is to keep upholding the belief that only Nri sacred authority can bless an Eze Nri title holder.

Women’s role in this traditional practice of Anioma shows that women are well recognized and influential in leaderships.

The females involved in the practices of these traditions do not just represent figures that are symbolic but their involvement in the system confirmed the female strength in keeping the legitimaization of political and religious title of Ezeship.

Ohadike, D. C. (1994). Anioma: A social history of the western igbo people. Ohio University Press.

Onwuejeogwu, M. A. (1981). An igbo civilization: Nri kingdom & hegemony. Ethnographica ; Ethiope.