The Origin of Agbogugu (Agbogwu Oshie Aneke)

The Origin of

Agbogugu

(Agbogwu Oshie Aneke) 

SIR CLETUS C. NWAFOR

Copyright © 2013 by Sir Cletus C. Nwafor.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 09/24/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

0-800-056-3182

www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk

Orders@xlibrispublishing.co.uk

307291

Contents

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Preface

Foreword

Introduction

Definitions

Chapter One: Origin of Agbogwu

1.1 Brief origin of Ntegbe Nese

1.2 Origin of Ntegbe, according to Rev. Fr Onuigbo

1.3 Communication gap

1.4 Ntegbe Nese common interest

1.5 Awaa in Owelli Native Court Area

1.6 The origin of Agbogwu

1.7 Geography of Agbogwu/ Ntegbe Nese

1.8 Economy of Agbogwu

1.9 The coming of the white man in Agbogwu

Chapter Two: Culture

2.1 The common custom in Ntegbe Nese

2.2 Feasts in Agbogwu

2.3 Ọnwa Isii, the feast of Ani Agbogwu

2.4 Other cultural practices

2.5 Some ceremonies in Agbogwu

Chapter Three: Abomination and the Punishment

3.1 Abomination for Ntegbe Nese

3.2 Twin babies

3.3 Babies born with leg out first

3.4 Babies with upper teeth first

3.5 Albino babies, girls climbing palm trees or cultivating yams or tying cloth as man

3.6 Boy with only one testis

3.7 Taboo in doemstic animals

Chapter Four: Social Organisation

4.1 Extended family administration

4.2 The kindred

4.3 The quarter

4.4 The extended family and kindred

4.5 Administration

Chapter Five: Judicial System

5.2 Legislation

Chapter Six: Religion

6.2 Ani Agbogwu

6.3 Udene Ani Agbogwu

6.4 Ọfo

6.5 Oracles’ agents in Agbogwu

6.6 The cult of ancestors

Chapter Seven: Age Grade and Title-Taking

7.1 Age grade

7.2 Title-Taking

Chapter Eight: Chieftaincy

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Chief Onovo Ngene

8.3 Chief A. O. Ngoke

8.4 Chiatu Oke

8.5

8.6 HRH Igwe D. N. Akputa

8.7

8.8

Chapter Nine: Education

9.1 Building of school

Chapter Ten: Nigeria-Biafra War

Chapter Eleven: Development in Agbogwu

Chapter Twelve: Conclusion

Reflection

Notes

Bibliography

Acknowledgement

T he production of this book would not have been easy, if help had not come willingly from people dear to me.

My sincere gratitude goes to Chief Emma Eze and late Simon Okolo whose book induced and encouraged me to attempt this work. Late Simon Okolo wrote a book The History of Agbogugu, but it was precisely that which gave me the apetite to do something more detailed and to fulfil the promise I made during the launching of the book.

I specially mention here these benevolent philanthropists for their invaluable contributions on this project; Chike Obute, Innocent Udeh, Chief A Nnaji, Peter Ezeh, Emma Ezeh. Dr. Prof. C.J Akubuilo, my thanks and kudos for writing a powerful foreword.

May I thank my bosom brothers late Okafor Emezie and Linus Igwesi, who were behind me throughout their life time in my education.

I thank my children Ndubuisi J. Nwafor, Chinyere Mercy Nweke (ACA), Dr. Ngozi G. Ajoku, and Ndidi P. Onyirimba, who are worthy children, good ambassadors of Nwafor Igwesi household, who made it possible for me to produce this book. Had they not been peaceful wherever they are, I would not have been comfortable enough to concentrate and conduct my research on the origin and culture of my town, Agbogwu, at this my biblical age of seventy-plus. They will live long and be blessed.

My special thanks go to the goose that laid the golden eggs. She is my wife, Lady Grace Mary Maduka Nwafor, my choice.

The glory of this book and my tertiary education goes to my father Ogbuzulu Nwafor Igwesi (Nwata n’uzo) of Agbogwu (who gave me basic education) and HRH Igwe D. N. Akputa Okaa Omee 1 of Agbogwu (who contributed to my tertiary education).

To God be the overall glory, the Alpha and Omega, the Know All and Do All, the Infinity. My sincere love and thanks go to God forever and ever.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary my intercessor, and my wife Ezinne, Nne Okwukwe, Agbala Nwanyi, Lady Grace Mary Maduka Nwafor.

Preface

I am inspired to write this book for our youths and for posterity. This book has been written to give values to life of the youths who, otherwise, would not have known what happened far back before their great-grandfathers up to fourth to fifth generation. This will help them to give values to life and to know what was noble and what was traditionally an abomination so that it will guide them to fashion their lives, achieve what is noble, and die peaceful deaths. This book also aims at showing that there is very little difference between a worthy Christian life and an ideal traditional life. What is good for the gander is good for the geese. Good and evil exist whether one is a Christian or a traditionalist. God exists, and the belief is nearly the same to both religions. What is different is the mode of worship.

Igbo man, having originated from the Jews, borrowed their religion¹ from them and also from the manipulation of the Aros² from Aro-Chukwu, and the Nshis³ from Awka through their oracles.

Therefore, readers of this book, after reading it carefully, you will notice that God is supreme. Jesus Christ is the saviour against the cults (which encourage sacrificing human beings) of the past and present generations, symbolised by different ‘shrines’ for example, Ani, Ogbuikwe, Nneche, Nwangene, Ofo, Umu etc.

In Agbogwu and Ntegbe Nese in general, the existence of the age grades and the noble roles they played in the cultural activities like wrestling, dancing, masquerading, marriage, war, farming, etc are carefully highlighted.

The roles of the pioneer Christian missionaries (Catholic Mission) as regards Agbogwu in conjunction with colonial administrators in the suppression of the people’s cultural lives are equally discussed.

Mention is made of the steps taken by the white man, especially the Irish priests, to blackmail or/ and wipe out the evil practices in our culture, such as Aros, Agbala, Nshi, Igwekala-Umunoha, etc.

Life in the rural communities before the coming of the white man is looked into as well as the events that followed his arrival. The aura⁴ of the white man to the rural communities and his use of military powers⁵ to subdue the rural people to his foreign authority are X-rayed.

The Nigeria Biafra War and its after-effects are discussed with the war strategies of Agbogwu people and Ntuegbe Nese in general as adopted during their inter-town or -village wars in the olden days.

The decline of the people’s cultural activities and the major causes are looked into and the way forward applied, why it was not quite successful.

Chieftaincy institution in Agbogwu was messed up and was difficult to reactivate. The cause is discussed.

The tradition of Agbogwu portrays the town as a home of decent people and the holiest among other neighbouring towns in Owelli Native Court Area and Ntegbe Nese clan. The life of elders should continue to be emulated; their government⁶ and judicial system were almost the best in Owelli Court Area. Find out why after going through this book. The government of Agbogwu is gerontocratic;⁷ ‘The whole organisation of this town is pure gerontocracy. There are no senior Ofo holders and no senior extended family.’

Ani Agbogwu and Ofo were specially feared and venerated in the olden days before Christianity. Even now, Ani Agbogwu is still in vogue and respected in relation to ‘land’.

Foreword

I am highly elated to have been called upon to write the foreword to the book, Agbogwu Oshie Aneke ( Origin and Culture ). I started my working career as a teacher at St Vincent’s Secondary School, Agbogwu. As a teacher-cum-social scientist, it was not difficult for me to acquaint myself with the tradition, value systems, and hopes and aspirations of the people. The author, Sir Cletus Nwafor, though a Roman Catholic Knight, has shown love for culture and tradition. According to Winston Churchill, ‘A love for tradition has never weakened a nation; indeed it has strenghtened nations in their hour of peril.’In his book, Sir Nwafor has displayed that mastery which used to be the exclusive reserve of well-trained teachers. He has been able to communicate with ardour; fervent zeal; and intense desire, feeling, or emotion and has been able to link knowledge or purpose to give knowledge of the great town of Agbogwu a driving force.

The book is critical in tone, comprehensive in scope, and conscientious in its attention to detail. The mystery and hidden secrets that have made Agbogwu a respected and formidable town can all be found in this book. I commend the author for a job well done and recommend that the book be read and kept as a handy companion not only by the good people of Agbogwu but by all who value documented history, societal values, education, and tradition.

C. J. C. Akubuilo, PhD, MNAE, FCAJ

Professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension

Enugu State University of Science and Technology,

Enugu/Vice-President South-East

Children and Youth-In Agriculture

Programme (CYIAP) of Nigeria

2 May 2013

Introduction

T he desire to write a book was never my ambition, so I never dreamt of it but when late Simon Okolo, a pioneer educationist, launched his book The History of Agbogugu, I admired the idea of giving something for posterity. Again it was clear that he only gave a precis of the topic, opening the gate for other enthusiasts to excavate and research on the topic.

I woke up one morning, and it occurred to me that I can get into the archive and research and, at the same time, consult our elders, title holders, and historians from the town and neighbouring towns. The result is this book.

While I was researching, I noticed that facts about Agbogwu, its origin, tradition, custom, culture, and social and economic life were very interesting and worth reserving. I also noticed that among the people of Owelli Court Area, the Agbogwu lived a life worthy of emulation. Their judicial system was very amiable relative to other brother towns in the court area and in Ntegbe Nese. Their feeling of brotherhood and love was lofty and enviable compared with other neighbouring towns. They had better human feelings than the people of other towns. This spurred me to double my pace.

Of course, one of my children asked me who and who are going to patronise me in the sales of the book. I laughed because at the age of seventy, the biblical age, I was no more looking for plenty of money but wanted to leave a mark on the sand of time and stimulate the youths to reactivate the goodies of our forefathers inbuilt within our culture and tradition.

Look at what used to happen during Onwa Isii feasts, Onwa Mmanwu, burial feasts, and ‘footballing’. See the marvellous performances, heroic and acrobatic jamborees, and the modern jingoisms of these jet-age youths. Imagine if they are properly channelled to mere entertainment, feasting, and healthy competitive spirits. These activities will develop among us useful artists and will empower so many youths. It will give them gainful employment, keep them busy, and divert their attentions from idleness, criminality, and drug abuse.

Go to a mission and private school these days; you will see that they are resorting back to those cultural activities during their graduation and parents’ day celebrations. You will see how dexterous, creative, acrobatic, gymnastic, and lively they are. You will see their faces shinning and their bodies vibrating and full of joy throughout that period. I watched particularly St Mary’s Parish Trans Ekulu when they displayed their dance; the parishioners went crazy watching these youths, both boys and girls, dancing like nymphs, gyrating, jumping, twisting, rolling, and doing everything unimaginable in the premises. In short, it was all-round celebrations.

This is why I took to writing this book—to bring joy, peace, love, and unity among the youths in Agbogwu. I imagined what playing football alone is doing now in Agbogwu. Come to St Vincent’s, Agbogwu, the day these youths play football; you will see their faces beaming with joy and cheerfulness, both the players and the spectators.

Our cultural activities will integrate both the Christians and the traditionalist together irrespective of religion. We are brothers, but religion is a stranger unrelated to our culture. Anyone or anything that disturbs our good culture, we overlook it and avoid it so that there is no misunderstanding between the Christians and the traditionalists.

During my research, I found out that men and women then recognised the natural functions God assigned to each one of them. None of them ever tampered with the other in carrying out these functions. The claim for equality between men and women did not exist. Men and women had great regard for each other.

Men kept the traditional secrets among themselves; hence, some of them have been able to preserve some of those secrets to date. The cultural glories of our forefathers are fast fading, being substituted