Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

The Isu people, often referred to as Isuama (translating to, “Isu Region or Land”), are an inland people that inhabit the central region of Igboland, which is situated between Southern Anambra and Northern Imo, inland of the Igbo territory. They are part of the larger Igbo Nation.

The written record

Historical context

Who are the Isu People and Where do they inhabit?

The Isu people are one of the largest tribes amongst the Igbo ethnic nation. They lived in a contiguous and close-knit settlement. The Isu people are also one of the oldest people to migrate and live within Igboland. This has been corroborated by historians such as G.I jones, Afigbo and Elizabeth Isichei.

The region’s thick forest areas served as a barrier against outside invasion in the pre-colonial era and protected the Isu people, from incessant invasion from hostile neighbors.

According to G.I. Jones, the Isu Njaba is regarded as the cradle and epicenter of Isu civilization’s, and from there it widened to the other regions. 

The Isu people can be further subdivided into three groups: Eastern Isuama (Mbano/Etiti), Western Isu (Orsu), and Isuama proper.

Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North and South, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Nnewi South, parts of Ihiala and parts of Aguata are Isu people.

Renowned Isu towns are Amaigbo, Nkwerre, and Orlu each have a distinct history. Amaigbo(Igbo Ngidi) has been the spiritual heart of the Isu people.

The Mmanwu Otiaba masquerade, also known as Mmanwu Chukwu, originated from the Isu people and extended to other Igbo areas such as Ndokwa, Ndoni, Isiokpo, etc. It is evident because the masquerade still communicates in its Isu dialect. The Isu people also play the Okoroshi masquerade which is one of their principal masquerade though borrowed from the Oru people (riverine Igbo people)