How Sunday Became Known as ‘Ụ́kà’ in Igbo Language

Christianity was introduced to Igboland in two key stages. The first attempt came in 1841 in Abọ, now in Delta State, when three missionaries met with Obi Ọsaị to share the Christian message and explore the possibility of setting up a mission station. However, this effort did not yield lasting results. The true beginning of … Read more

Omu Nwagboka: The Last Female Leader of Onicha and Her Legacy in Women’s Authority

Unidentified women photographed by Henry Crosse with the Royal Niger Company, c. 1886–1895. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge. It is plausible to identify the woman on the left as Omu Nwagboka, the last Omu of Onicha (Onitsha). Omu Nwagboka was a prominent and wealthy trader, appointed as Omu in 1884 by Obi Anazonwu, the … Read more

The Umu Eze Chima Lineage and the Historical Evolution of Onicha Settlements

The story of Onicha settlements, deeply rooted in the heritage of the Umu Eze Chima lineage, is a significant part of Igbo history. These settlements trace their origins to Eze Chima, a patriarch whose migration from the western region of present-day Nigeria catalyzed the formation of numerous communities. Among these, Onicha Ugbo (now in Delta … Read more

Ezechima: Was He Really a Benin Man?

The historical figure of Ezechima, often referenced as the progenitor of the Anioma Igbo-speaking communities, has sparked widespread debate concerning his origins. While some accounts suggest that Ezechima was a Benin man who migrated eastward, others argue that he was fundamentally Igbo, with his migration being a result of interactions with the expanding Benin Kingdom. … Read more

Egwu Ota : The Sacred Musical Heritage of Onicha

  At the center of the cultural way of life amoung ndi Igbo, Egwu-Ota is a revered practice that is cherished amoung Ndi ichie, Obi, and red cap chiefs. This tradition of melody holds an important role in the festivity of various Igbo communities , mostly the elaborate Ite Omatu Eze Onicha and Ofala festival. … Read more

Igbo Women: The Force of Society’s Economy in the 1900s

  Before European invaders came to change how buying and selling worked in Igbo land, women, particularly Ndi-Ahia in places like Aboh, Ahaba, Onicha has prepared well for both far and near business. They know more about trade, and they are much in the market, they sell crop harvests, hand-made clothes, and many more things … Read more

The Otu Odu Society: Matriarchal Influence and Social Prestige among Onitsha Women

In Onitsha (Onicha), women who belong to the Otu Odu society hold significant social and spiritual influence. The Otu Odu is an exclusive and prestigious group traditionally composed of high-status women, often those who are married to wealthy men or have demonstrated considerable wealth and contribution to their community. Membership into the Otu Odu society … Read more

Igboland (Alaigbo): A Regional Breakdown of Ethnic Divisions, Tribes, and Sub-Tribes

  “Alaigbo” A breakdown of Igboland cultural regions, ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. 1. Cross River Igbo (Aro) – Location: Found primarily in the eastern part of Igboland, close to the Cross River area. – Key areas: Arochukwu, Afikpo, Ahaba, Nguzu-Edda, Ihechiowa, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Abiriba, Bende, and Isiama – Tribes: – Aro – Edda – … Read more

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