Lazi Writa
In the heart of Nnewi (North), a town rich in history and tradition, lies the enchanting story of an Igbo woman from Ndoni. Adorned with the elegant Odu anklets, symbols of prestige and honor worn exclusively by titled Igbo women of the revered Otu Odu society, she embodies a lineage deeply intertwined with the essence of her heritage.
Beyond the realms of Onitsha and Asaba, these anklets bear the distinct Iyom title, a mark of distinction that she wears with pride. As a direct descendant of Mmaku, the father of Ikenga and the grandfather of Nnewi, the founding ancestor of her hometown, her connection to Ndoni is more than geographical; it’s a sentiment, a special love that resonates within her soul.
The threads of her ancestry lead to an age-old dialect, echoing the rhythms of Ndoni Igbo, a language that once shaped her roots. In the 15th century, her forebears embarked on a journey from the Ndoni region, ultimately finding solace and a new home in Anambra. This migration bore testament to the resilience and adaptability of her people, as they embraced a new land while preserving fragments of their past.
Central to her community’s existence are the divine figures that etch the tapestry of Ndoni’s spiritual landscape. Among them, Ezemewi stands tall, the husband of the central goddess Edo Agbaja. Their sacred bond is enshrined not only in the hearts of the people but also in the very roads that connect their domains. The Edo-Ezemewi road, a physical testament to their legacy, carries the weight of history and devotion.
Ezemewi, known as Ugili nwa onye olu, or “Ugili child of Olu people,” is a reflection of the riverine Igbo heritage that Ndoni proudly embraces. Nestled in the Niger Delta, Ndoni’s identity is deeply intertwined with its geographical context, a tribute to the riverine spirit that has shaped its essence.
Delving into the heart of the matter, Ndoni’s religious sanctuaries unveil not only the spiritual but also the historical chronicles of its worshippers. These sacred spaces hold stories, tales of migrations, and echoes of the past. The chalk (Nzu) retrieved from the central deity’s shrine during ancestral journeys was more than a simple artifact; it was the seed of a new beginning. In uncharted lands, these sacred tokens were sown, sprouting new shrines named in honor of the originals, a continuation of a sacred lineage.
Yet, this tapestry of history and spirituality is fragile. The call to preserve is a call to honor, to protect what is sacred. Just as European Christians safeguard their ancestral sanctuaries like Stonehenge, these echoes of heritage deserve similar reverence. Preserving doesn’t necessitate a clash of beliefs; it’s a harmonious act of acknowledging the past, while embracing the present.
In the quiet embrace of Ndoni’s shrines lies a profound truth: to erase the holy places of our ancestors is to erase our own history. Ancestral heritage is a bridge to understanding, a gateway to the enigmatic stories that paved the way for today. Let us heed the call to protect, to preserve, and to celebrate the intricate mosaic of cultures that define who we are. As the Igbo saying goes, “O di mkpa!” – it is indeed good.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings