Nnewi has thrived as an autonomous kingdom for ages, ranging from British colonial administration to all significant developmental processes the country has experienced. Nnewi comprises of four large villages namely Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi.
The family unit system defines Nnewi, Umunna is an important factor in the nitty-gritty of the highly prosperous town, but Medieval Nnewi also thrived meticulously on one near extinct system known as the ‘Otu-Ogbo’ or age grade system.
In the olden days, it was a herculean task to keep accurate record of people’s ages, and in Igbo land age is a very important factor as we consider seniority in a lot of actions taken. For example, when Umunna shares meat, they share it according to age, this in general helps factor in orderliness into any activity done.
Since time immemorial, age grade system otherwise known as Otu Ogbo served as a means of record keeping of ages of people in the community, in fact it used to be a non-negotiable rite of passage that tells a person’s standing in his or her sub-community. In those days, there was no official record keeping method apart from physical drawings of symbols that signified a person’s date of birth on mud walls with charcoal or word of mouth.
This Otu is a socio-cultural group or sub-society that comprises of persons considered to be of the same age brackets, people born within a specific period. This period can sometimes be grouped into twos, threes or fours of years depending on how each community sees fit.
The age grade system played a huge role in the socio developmental process of Nnewi as paramount values, rites, cultural know-how and the bedrocks of Nnewi traditions and customs were handed down through this system. They were charged with the herculean task of maintaining law and order in society, ample socialization and serving as an agent of change through meting out disciplinary measures to erring members.
Not only did this Otu serve as the community police, but they were also known as a merry and jolly group. They hold timely meetings where they self-assess each other, throw deadly jabs that they loudly laugh to, sing and play melodious instruments. They would make merry and play instruments like Igba, ekwe, udu and even oja if they see fit. Most of these songs are now nearly extinct.
Sadly, the advent of modernity facilitated the near extinction of this wonderful system that served our community in uncountable ways. We can agree that most developments and positive innovations in Nnewi were spearheaded by various Otu Ogbos, this system also ensured that they assisted each other in different ways so the community can prosper.
How then can this ancient system be preserved? What can Nnewi do to preserve this ancient society?
The Otu Ogbo system can be metamorphosed into a modern society, the advent of modernity can help add a new twist to the system instead of total extinction of such an important entity. There has been a paradigm shift in recent cultural standards, why can’t the age grade system take the same shape?
Communication gap which is the biggest barrier to the near annihilation Otu Ogbo can be breached seamlessly through meaningful use of existing communication channels. The end point is for unity in diversity, preservation of cultural gems and togetherness to be fostered.
I call on our people to foster the sustenance and integration of the age grade system as it is one of the pillars of Nnewi and Igbo revered institutions that should not be allowed to be blown away by the deadly wind of oblivion.
ADAEZE ILOKA.
INDEPTH ARTICLE.
