The Mpkisi Age Grade (which can also be called Otu Mpkisi or Mgbe Mpkisi) is a big deal in the Anioma community in Delta State, Nigeria. It is not like an ordinary age grade found in most African communities. It is a mixture of Community work and spiritual vibes that makes it unique in the whole of Ukwuani and Ndokwa.
This system does many things:
It runs the community like a government.
Pushes project development.
Controls behaviors with cultural rules.
Marks the manhood of growing boys.
How It Started And Changes
Way Back Roots
Mpkisi originated from:
Old Igbo age grade ways(Otu Ogbo)Colonial Changes
The whites, through their indirect rule, used age grades for local work
It changed from just a fighting group to a community builder
Today’s Style
Educated and famous people are now members
Most places allow women to join
Mobile phones and the internet help them plan well
How is it Being Arranged
Age Groups
Umu mpkisi (Young Warriors):18-35 years
Ndi Mpkisi (prime Adults):36-55 years
Ndi Isi mpkisi (Elders):56 years and above
Leadership Lineup
Onyeisi mpkisi (Big Boss)
Odu mpkisi (Spokesperson)
Onye Nche (Welfare Guy)
Onye Ego (Money Keeper)
Activities
Community work
Building and fixing roads
Keeping the market square clean
Building of schools
Watching over security
Holds culture
Planning of festivals (New Yam and masquerades)
Taking care of ancestral shrines
Passing down folktales
Settles fights
Handling of land issues
Fixing marital issues
Gives oath (Igbu Ichi)
How To Be A Member And Initiation
What You Need
Must be a free-born boy(old rule)
At least 18 years old
Payment of a small fine to join
Joining Ceremony
Igo Ofo (Kola nut prayer)
Iba Aka (Swearing of oath)
Iwa Mpkisi (Cross sacred staff)
Oriko (Nzu Chalk Blessing)
Signs and Clothes
Special Things
Ofo Sticks: Sign of power
Ogene Bell: Call people together
Uvie Leaves: means clean heart
Special Dressings
Red caps for leaders
White wrappers for ceremonies
Traditional staff big men
It Presents Problems
Modernity issues
Youths don’t really like old ways
It clashes with government jobs
Village folks are not joining as before
Financial issues
It depends on membership dues
NGO’s are competing with them in projects
Things are more expensive now
Examples Of What They Do
Utagba-Uno mpkisi: Building of secondary schools
Emu-Uno Age Grade: Fixing of solar street lights
Ibusa Otu Mpkisi: Originated the vigilante group
Mpkisi Age Grade is still strong in Anioma, mixing old forms of leadership with community growth. Even with modern issues, it can change and still be useful if merged with modernity.
Preserving this culture and adding new ideas will ensure its longevity for upcoming generations.
Refrences
- Okafor, F.U. (1981). Igbo Kinship and Social Structure.
- Nwauwa, Apollos O. (1995). The Evolution of the Anioma Identity.
- Isichei, Elizabeth (1976). A History of the Igbo People.
- Uchendu, Victor C. (1965). The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria.
- Onwuejeogwu, M.A. (1981). An Igbo Civilization: Nri Kingdom & Hegemony.
- Ekeh, Peter P. (1975). Social and Historical Origins of the Igbo Age Grade System.
- Obi-Ani, N.A. (2009). Anioma Culture and the Challenges of Modernity.
