Aboh, is a crucial town in the elective kingship system of Anioma Igbo, many Igbo communities had their seat of leadership by age or merit.
However, after the demise of the king of Aboh, Obi Ossai, the mantle did not automatically go to his heir. Rather, two factions emerged politically, they were the “king’s people,” that stood behind the second son of late Obi, Ajé.
The other faction backed an influential indigene of Aboh named Orisa, this faction was called the Oshiodapara party.
Ajé, a fearless leader with important resources in his position, he lead many war canoes and slaves.
Prince Chukwuma his brother ,was not aggressive like Aje but he still controlled significant affairs and could hold it down for Aje as assistant.
The struggle of leadership for these brothers portrays the complex structure of Anioma’s elective systems
Where by power in politics is being shared by alliances and support from factions, rather than just inheriting power.
The style of choosing kings enabled the people to balance power, however it still created separations like we saw in the elongated space in the throne after the passing away of Obi Ossai.
Even though these happenings was a challenge to the Aboh community, the people maintained its voice , showing the adaptability and perseverance of the traditional structures of Anioma politics.
Baikie, W. B. (1856). Narrative of an exploring voyage up the rivers Kiwora and Binnue in 1854.
