Oba Ji festival ©Owusi Obiora
Prior colonial invasion into Igbo society, spiritual beliefs guided every layer and way of life of the people, strong revered female deities and goddesses were big players in both social and political structures.
The worship of Ala, the (earth goddess) was important as it guided the values of Igbo culture ,offenses against…
Anioma Agwube dancers ©OFAAC
Ndi Anioma in the eastern region are mostly discussed within the historical context of migrations and external influence. However, these various historical narratives do not stand a chance in overshadowing the deep seated Igbo roots of ndi Anioma.
Migrants from defunct Benin empire settled in Anioma Igbo areas like Illah, Akwukwu, Ogwashi-Ukwu and…
An Òkòròshì Ọma mask from Mgbala-Agwa in today's Oguta LGA of Imo State
Òkòròshì masquerades perform religious and timekeeping functions. Except in Mbieri area where the festival occurs towards December, Òkòròshì masquerade features shortly before the harvest of the New-yam , between July and August.
There are two kinds of Okroshi. Òkòròshì Ọma and Òkòròshì Ọjọ, the…
A Monarch in Anioma
The Anioma people helped to keep Benin's territorial expansion in check by resisting their wars; this is an important and complex part of Nigeria's southeastern history.
The old Benin kingdom experienced one of their most fierce resistance from this Igbo area.
The long fights to capture Anioma also influenced Anioma’s political and societal structures,…
Obi of Owa
Ika people in Anioma as colonial officer J. Macrae Simpson documented in the 1930s are rooted deeply in heritage of Igbo, evident through their social structures, dialect, and cultural practices.
The political institutions of ndi ika evolved uniquely despite being one of the earliest Igbo autonomous aboringines influenced by interacting historically with cultures around…
Obi of Onicha Olona
During the Bristish expansion during the chaotic years in the early 19th century, they were faced with rebellion, fearlessness, and resistance from Onicha-Olona and Anioma society at large.
A fierce campaign was planned against the Bristish authority by The Ekumeku Chiefs of Onicha-Olona, including Dunkwu, Elumelu, Ebora, and Ikemefuna
To stop the efforts to…
©doziearts
In various Anioma communities, the Eze title has always been the prestigious pathway to elevated status, also, it embodies the core social and spiritual aspirations.
Men, via junior roles usually ascend to the alo and nkpisi positions. While they acquire skills and wealth, they are also given the honor in the eligibility of the Eze title.
Aside…
Embedded within the cultural fabric of Igboland are the Oru people, a unique and distinct group within the larger Igbo ethnic family. The adage "Oru na Igbo bu ofu," meaning "Oru and Igbo are one," underscores a shared heritage; however, the Oru have cultivated their own riverine way of life, rich with distinct customs, beliefs,…
An Elderly Man blowing the Ọjà / Igbo Monitor
The Ọjà is a highly regarded flute of a great tradition among the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria. Centuries back, it was a device that evoked so much more than music. This highly acclaimed Ọjà can be used for communication, storytelling, and ritual. Its versatility and portability…
Obi of Obomkpa, HRM Onyemaechi Kanyinaga
Obomkpa, an Igbo settlement in Anioma that is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural practices of Igbo.
Anagba or Kanagbana-Ogidi was the name of Obamkpa's founding father, the oral traditions of Obamkpa by Kunirum Osia, accounts that Kanagbana was given birth to while his mother was escaping to Ogidi as…