Reminiscences Of Arondizuogu Cultural Festival
ANDREW
IRO OKUNGBOWA who witnessed the just celebrated 2012 Ikeji Festival in
Arondizuogu, writes on the tourist attractions of the community, the
ancestral home of Arochukwu people in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
THE people of Arochukwu were in joyous mood on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Ikeji Festival with Arondizuogu, their ancestral home, radiating all colors of the rainbow.
The yearly festival has over the years grown to be a huge socio-cultural and religious celebration of the people, which is about thanksgiving, propitiation and feasting.
The masquerades gyrate to fascinating and enchanting rhythms and pulsating beats. They are accompanied by a retinue of performers ranging from drummers (ekwe - wooden slit drums), ogene (metal gong), bells, maracas and oja (wooden flutes).
It is celebrated within four traditional days known as Eke, Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo and the days they are packed full with different traditional activities holding at the various communities which foster unity among the people.
Historically, Arondizuogu is believed to have been founded around the 18th century by Mazi Izuogu, a slave merchant from Arochukwu and Chief Iheme who was his chief servant . Izuogu came from a place known as Isi-Akpu Nise in Akwa, Anambra State. Over time, Izuogu and his people (Ndizuogu) united with Iheme and his people (Ndiheme) to form the Aro kingdom of Arondizuogu.
Arondizuogu people are referred to as “Izuogu na Iheme,” and occupy about 20 villages and 12 autonomous communities. Each autonomous community has its own ‘Eze’ (traditional ruler recognized by the state government). The communities are - Ndiuche Autonomous Community, Awa Izuogu Autonomous Community, Ndiheme Autonomous Community, Aro-Umuduru Autonomous Community, Aro-Amuro Autonomous Community, Ejezie Izuogu Autonomous Community, Akeme Autonomous Community, And Ndiogbunoyema Autonomous Community.
THE people of Arochukwu were in joyous mood on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Ikeji Festival with Arondizuogu, their ancestral home, radiating all colors of the rainbow.
The yearly festival has over the years grown to be a huge socio-cultural and religious celebration of the people, which is about thanksgiving, propitiation and feasting.
The masquerades gyrate to fascinating and enchanting rhythms and pulsating beats. They are accompanied by a retinue of performers ranging from drummers (ekwe - wooden slit drums), ogene (metal gong), bells, maracas and oja (wooden flutes).
It is celebrated within four traditional days known as Eke, Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo and the days they are packed full with different traditional activities holding at the various communities which foster unity among the people.
Historically, Arondizuogu is believed to have been founded around the 18th century by Mazi Izuogu, a slave merchant from Arochukwu and Chief Iheme who was his chief servant . Izuogu came from a place known as Isi-Akpu Nise in Akwa, Anambra State. Over time, Izuogu and his people (Ndizuogu) united with Iheme and his people (Ndiheme) to form the Aro kingdom of Arondizuogu.
Arondizuogu people are referred to as “Izuogu na Iheme,” and occupy about 20 villages and 12 autonomous communities. Each autonomous community has its own ‘Eze’ (traditional ruler recognized by the state government). The communities are - Ndiuche Autonomous Community, Awa Izuogu Autonomous Community, Ndiheme Autonomous Community, Aro-Umuduru Autonomous Community, Aro-Amuro Autonomous Community, Ejezie Izuogu Autonomous Community, Akeme Autonomous Community, And Ndiogbunoyema Autonomous Community.
Arondizuogu Patriotic Union (APU),
founded in 1932 in Aba, is an umbrella organisation for all Arondizuogu
people and those in the diaspora. The body is devoted to the development
of the people and the various communities. It is presently headed by
Barrister Uche Ohia from Ndiakeme Ohiauchu. He was elected on October
25, 2008.
Tourist Attractions
Besides the Ikeji Festival which has become a major tourist event, Arondizuogu harbours a number of attractions, especially of historical, religious and cultural inclinations. The list is endless but here are samples of what to feast on when in the ancient enclave.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike Cottage: The country home of Mazi Mbonu Ojike, who was popular for his political sagacity and widely known within his community and beyond as ‘The boycott king.’ He is from Ndiakeme Uno.
Uno Ogologo: A Safe House built in 1887 for hiding children during the slave trade era by one of the slave merchants.
Stone Palace: A one-storey architectural masterpiece cast in stone constructed by the late Chief Green Mbadiwe. Built for his father, Mbadiwe Odum, at Ndianiche Uno, the ancient building is amazing to behold considering the technology of the era it was built.
Ngeze: A legendary stream at Ndiakeme Uno.
Ogbuti Ezumezu (Obi Pericomo): Houses the musical instruments of Pericomme Okoye who was highly regarded then as Ikeji music maestro, Ndiogbuonyeoma Ofe Imo.
National High School, Arondizuogu: A model school built through communal effort and commissioned in 1951 at Ndiakeme uno.
Iheme Memorial Secondary School: Another model school built in 1951 at Ndianiche through communal effort.
Palace Of The People: Another and awe- inspiring structure built by Dr. Kingsley.O. Mbadiwe (Agadagbachiriuzo) at Ndianiche. The late Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, commissioned it in 1965.
Upiti: An expansive rice field at Akeme Ohiauchu.
Obi Omenuko: Country home of Igwegbe Odum, the hero of Omenuko, the first Igbo novel by Pita Nwana.
Ngene Okwe: A natural spring at Ndiawa.
Obi Ezerioha: Located in Obiokwara, Obinihu (Agbualla) Umualaoma, it holds historical significance for the people, as it was the place where the peace agreement that fostered the unity and peaceful co-existence of the people was signed by their forebears.
Tourist Attractions
Besides the Ikeji Festival which has become a major tourist event, Arondizuogu harbours a number of attractions, especially of historical, religious and cultural inclinations. The list is endless but here are samples of what to feast on when in the ancient enclave.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike Cottage: The country home of Mazi Mbonu Ojike, who was popular for his political sagacity and widely known within his community and beyond as ‘The boycott king.’ He is from Ndiakeme Uno.
Uno Ogologo: A Safe House built in 1887 for hiding children during the slave trade era by one of the slave merchants.
Stone Palace: A one-storey architectural masterpiece cast in stone constructed by the late Chief Green Mbadiwe. Built for his father, Mbadiwe Odum, at Ndianiche Uno, the ancient building is amazing to behold considering the technology of the era it was built.
Ngeze: A legendary stream at Ndiakeme Uno.
Ogbuti Ezumezu (Obi Pericomo): Houses the musical instruments of Pericomme Okoye who was highly regarded then as Ikeji music maestro, Ndiogbuonyeoma Ofe Imo.
National High School, Arondizuogu: A model school built through communal effort and commissioned in 1951 at Ndiakeme uno.
Iheme Memorial Secondary School: Another model school built in 1951 at Ndianiche through communal effort.
Palace Of The People: Another and awe- inspiring structure built by Dr. Kingsley.O. Mbadiwe (Agadagbachiriuzo) at Ndianiche. The late Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, commissioned it in 1965.
Upiti: An expansive rice field at Akeme Ohiauchu.
Obi Omenuko: Country home of Igwegbe Odum, the hero of Omenuko, the first Igbo novel by Pita Nwana.
Ngene Okwe: A natural spring at Ndiawa.
Obi Ezerioha: Located in Obiokwara, Obinihu (Agbualla) Umualaoma, it holds historical significance for the people, as it was the place where the peace agreement that fostered the unity and peaceful co-existence of the people was signed by their forebears.
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