PATRICK AHANOR writes on the fears of eroding Igbo culture/language and the move to revive it.
The coulourful atmosphere at Umueje community in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State was symbolic; and reminds everyone in attendant of the need to revive the eroding African culture viz-a-viz; the Igbo’s heritage.
The gathering was the conferment of Ezeofo Ndi Igbo Gburugburu (‘the holder of the staff of Justice and Truth in all Igbo land) on Prophet (Dr.) Ramas Asuzu last December- and it brought to fore; the beauty and glee of some of these traditional heritage which dates to back to 30th century BC.
Music, art, mythology, yam ceremonies, traditional attires, chieftaincy titleship, apprenticeship, the caste system, calendar (Iguafo Igbo), masquerade ceremonies, kola nut are some of the unique features which depicts the customs and tradition of Igbo people in South eastern Nigeria.
The conferment nonetheless adds to the ever increasing traditional titles of the Nri- born priest who boost of others which included: Akajiofo, Odenigbo, Ezeoba, OzoIgbondu amongst others, and is presently a grand patron of the “abandoned Biafran war veterans”.
Asuzu, a high priest of Igbo religion hails from Nri, the ancient Igbo community in Anambra State. The Kingdom was the center of Igbo culture, religion, and commerce in pre-colonial West Africa.
Moreso, the community was the seat of a powerful and imperial state that influenced the culture of some neigbouring territories inhabited by the Igbo of Awka and Onitsha to the east; the Efik, the Ibibio, and the Ijaw to the South; Nsukka and southern Igala to the north; Asaba, and the Anioma to the west.
Besides the esthetic display of the traditional features during the conferment of the high priest with a chieftaincy title by the traditional ruler of Umueje community, Igwe Elias Nneli, the ceremony will no doubt; also serve as a constant reminder to the old and young generation from the Igbo stock to preserve their ancestral patrimony irrespective of religion.
To this end, the recipient (Asuzu) who is the cultural ambassador and defender of Igbo custom took time out to reiterate what he stood for; as he called on all Igbos to unite and save the customs of Igbos.
Asuzu who expressed gratitude that despite the numerous titles he received in the past, the Umueje people found him worthy of such an exalted title and described the customs and traditions as the “valued identity and ways from our ancestors to the modern age which has given the Igbo people their enviable and spectacular cultural heritage that stands them out among the cultures of the world.
“Permit me to say here that there are many unique customs and traditions of the Igbo people, including the seasonal New Yam Festival, performance of Ofala by Igbo kings, masquerades, the efficacy of prayers to ancestors through the use of kolanuts, white chalks and libations.
“Regrettably, with the advent of whites who came to Igbo land with their Christendom, western education and fashions, they relegated our valued customs and traditions to the background for no apparent reason. This to me; is barbaric, timid and uncivilized.
“Our people therefore abandoned our ways for those of the whitens, which are inherent in their religions, education and dress code”, he stated.
Continuing, the recipient said “we are not of the opinion that their ways are inherently bad, but their attitude towards our own are manifestly evil, barbaric and crooked. With every sense of responsibility, we are alarmed that the Igbo customs and traditions- including the language is going into extinction.
“…I am worried that because in no distant time, the Igbo language will no longer be entertained in our higher institutions and government parastatals.
“It is therefore the responsibility of every right-thinking Igbo to uphold and defend the classical ways of the Igbo people, which at this point, needs redemption. That is the reason why I have stood firm, even in the face of mockery, in the face of oppositions, and upheld our ways”.