Umuoji is a town located in idemili north area of anambra state in south east region, which has about twenty five villages in it, there is one of cultures which made umuoji to be popular in the whole south eastern region especially in anambra state which is known as (UZO IYI) translated in English as way of an oath, this event normally takes place in march in every afor (Third day of the week in Igbo) first Sunday of every year. This event always drew multitudes of people from different states and Umuojians, at large together, both people from abroad and also. It is an event that makes it possible to see many people especially those you haven’t seen for a long time, it could be your relations, friend, classmate, age mate etc.
On that wonderful day all roads lead to where we called umuoji stadium, well decorated, organized and playing one of our native musics like (umuoji obodo dike) i. e. umuoji the town of warriors and so on. See group of peoples with there different attires, then igwe) i. e. king and his cabinets i. e. (nze na ozo’s) titled men and women, eminent personalities, wealthy, honored, respected, lions and lioness, actors and warriors of umuojians, there all presence to Grace and witness the occasion as it goes.
Then there is one masquerade will called (EZE MMUO) i. e. kings of masquerade, l mearnt to understand is first to come out and welcome people before any other ones. Each village has its and it is a mandatory for the whole villages in the community to come and show theirs, normally it does one after another, each village with their banners which identified village that wanted to parade.
This is how it will continue until the whole twenty five villages appears, then after entertainment follows, interviews, word of encouragement from the king or any of his cabinet as a conclusion and that will draw the Curtin.
Frankly speaking it is always an occasion that is not good to miss as far as I am concerned, please I am not advertising but it is real.
ARTICULATION
The motive is just for pleasure only, nothing beyond that.
SUGGESTION
To continue be in existence, I mean it is a continuity because it is what our forefathers have left for us as a memorial to be celebrated from generation to generation even an unborn child now will grow and witness. But not withstanding it is one culture that made umuoji to be popular if i am not mistaken, Because there is one Igbo adage that says (OKU AGUNYELU NWATA NA AKA ADIGHI EREGBU YA) i. e. That a fire given to a child on his hand cannot harm him
May 21, 2010, 05:18:21 AM