14 Jun UMUNZE TOWN

Umunze town in Anambra State Nigeria is one of the most amazing places …If I may say so myself, maybe it’s because this is where I am from. Umunze is the headquarters of Orumba south local government area in Anambra state of Nigeria. Its geographic coordinates are 5° 58′ 0″ north, 7° 13′ 0″ east.

Umunze indigenes are descendants of Nze Uzo Ezema whom my Grand Mother (Nne) told me came to settle on the arable land now known as Umunze. According to Nne, Ezema came from Aro a very long time ago (probably around 1476) to live and farm with his two wives Lolo and Ijendu. He also brought along his father’s Shrine known as Izo Mmiri and settled at Akpu Mgbatiriokpa, just by the place called Umuizo today.

Nne told me that  Ezema had seven sons from whom the 7 villages in Umunze were formed. The only daughter of Ezema was married to an immigrant from Isunjaba who settled in the present day Isulo. This explains why Umunze indigenes treat girls from Isulo as Ada (daughter).  Adas are often given preferential treatment and called upon to settle family disputes.

There are lots of interesting fetishes and beliefs in Umunze but particularly in Ubaha Ishingwu (descendants of Ezema’s third son) where I am from.  It is believed that we have the power to lay charms and cleanse farmlands of charms as well. This can be likened to the roles of the biblical Levites.  Ubaha people are also forbidden to kill pythons because of the belief that pythons protected us in the battle a long time ago.

Umunze is well known for their Nkpokiti  Atilogwu cultural dance. Our popular symbols include a double branched palm tree (which is rare, yet unique to our region) and a statue of our first King, Igwe Abilikete 1 of Umunze.

What are my favourite things about Umunze? Our peculiar Igbo dialect, the pride with which the indigenes announce that they are from Umunze when given the  chance, our Igba Eze (Drum for Kings) and Ji ahuru ahu la ogiri akworo akwo (roasted yam with bean sauce).

Some prominent sons and daughters of Umunze include Emeka Sibeudu – former Anambra State Deputy Governor, Chief Jonah Eze – Chairman DeeJones oil and gas, Chinedu Okoli (Flavour N’abania) – Famous Musician, Princess Chinwe Nnabuife – Philanthropist and Business woman, Ms Nikky Ugochukwu – Politician, Igwe Promise Eze – The Village King and Business man, Sir Felix Mbogu – retired educationist and author of the book The Coming of Christianity in Umunze ,  to mention a few and yours faithfully Chidimma Ijeoma Okoli (humour me please J).

Pass through Umunze for our fresh and heavenly palmwine, Anu Nchi (Bush Meat) and “Ighu” (African Salad) when next you are in Anambra.

Also see: SAGAMU TOWN

Credit: Ijeoma Okoli, emc3Nigeria.