By Fidel Ozugha
It was a festival highly valued considering the prevailing economic odds in the country as Chief Emmanuel Odinaka Nweke took the revered and rare Ozo Dunukofia title as Ozo Nwaeze Ego of Dunukofia.
For two days plus, every mouth in Obieze village, Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, was very busy biting, chewing, swallowing and drinking to mock and deride cancerous poverty, hunger and starvation that have devalued and ravaged life and living in the country, courtesy of our political leaders.
The August event occurred because of young and youthful handsome Emmanuel Odinakachukwu Nweke who followed the Igbo tradition and culture by taking a title that influences the communities under Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Behold the Ozo Nwaeze Ego of Dunukofia, Chief Emmanuel Odinaka Nweke
Before the main day, in the evening till midnight, people were busy harassing various plates of food, steaming plates of pepper soup, wrapped suya, etc brought before them, and every loaded plate went back empty. Sweating but cold green bottles were beheaded. Countless cartons of beer, malt and assorted wine found their way to the venue of the event. Suya night was held, and as they say, music and drinking have been in marriage for years and decades and centuries. So highlife musicians and other bands laid ambush to keep sad mood on check. Nobody paid to keep off hypertension, melancholy, depression and sorrow. All was freely given and happily received.
Performing the ritual in the glaring view of members and all able to watch, the head of Ozo title in the clan, Chief Benedict Akwuba Nweke alias Ezeafojuru, explained to the celebrant that the rare title he was about to take is a highly respected one that should not be messed up, especially as he would wear the red cap to attend occasions, appear in public, etc.
”The title you are taking today is called Ozo Dunukofia, and is highly respected and honourred especially in public. You dare not wear this type of dress in our gathering because you will be heavily penalized. We are giving you this title so that you continue to add more values to humanity and development to our society.
Ozo Nwaeze Ego, 4th l-r poses in a group photograph with members of Ozo title holders of Obieze Ifitedunu town led by Chief Akwuba Nweke, Ezeafojulu,3rd r-l.
”It shall continue to be well with you both during rainy and dry seasons. Your going out and coming shall always favour and yours. Your source of livelihood will not run dry no matter how harsh the government policies and their implementation be on the economy and on people.
”Anyi na-anabata gi taa iji wee kwanite omenala Igbo. Ozo a gi na-echi taa bu Ozo Dunukofia. Ubochi anyi ga-edu gi gaa Dunukofia, igaghi eyikwa udi efe a wee bata. Ozo anyi na-echi gi taa bu ka o dili gi na mma. Iga na-eje eje, na-abata abata.”
He presented symbols of the new position to Ozo Nwaeze which included a red cap, a hand fan with his title inscribed on it, bids to be worn on his left hand wrist. The red cap has a white feather of an eagle pinned on it to signify his high social status for an eagle is the highest flying bird.
Ijere masquerade entering the arena for entertainment to the audience
Speaking later to The NationGuardNews.com, Chief Akwuba Nweke explained that they did not originate it but was handed over to them by their ancestors who handed it over to their fathers who are no more alive. ”Our fathers handed it over to us for continuity, and we have kept the legacy on since that time,” the retired civil servant said.
On how to be a member, Ezeafojulu explained that an intending member would approach the body with a tuber of yam,a bottle of hot drink especially St. Remy or 501, one cock and a cash of N4,000 to collect their list of items required of one. After studying it and feel satisfied and ready to be a member, the person would then come back and then the day of taking the title in a public view to see that it is an open society and not a secret one.
On the laws governing members, Chief Akwuba Nweke disclosed that a member must not pursue another person’s wife, must not wear the red cap while eating a hotel or such a place like beer parlour. He will not fight while the red cap is on his head but must avoid any despicable act like stealing, by all means. A red cap chief is a respect member of the society who lives as a role model. He must not tell lies or be partial in executing justice in society.
Ozo Nwaeze Ego adds value to the live of a singer that featured at the event
What does a member benefit from belonging to the group, he said, ”Number one is that the person is ever accorded high regard and respect in any public gathering he wears. He must be recognized properly before others, even in a law court, he will be offered a seat as a red cap chief. We make peace in the community for we are always called in hour of crisis. We proffer solutions to problems confronting human existence.”
Expressing his joy for the success of the event, head of the Nnebo clan elder brother to the celebrant, Ichie Nnebo thanked all those we attended the occasion, and prayed God to lead them back to their various homes and destination.
”Obi bu m so anuli maka mmemme a. Taata bu ubochi anuli. Gi nepu anya, gi ga-afu na ihe akwadolu mmemme a di egwu maka na Ozo Nwaeze Ego echiri echi taa zuru ihe o na-eme. Nyaa na ogu na-aga n’iru na Ogoja. Mmemme ebidobeghi! Nwee ndidi ka chi gbadata ka gi wee ghota ihe mu na-ekwu. Ichi ozo abughi ihe mmuaka nke mere ndi gboo jiri si na oka mma ije ebe a na-echi ozo karia ebe a na-aru agwu. Ozo Nwaeze Ego kariri ihe o na-eme taa. O karir okwu o kotara.
The celebrant, Ozo Nwaeze Ego appreciates Ikeng Dunukofia Masquerade at the occasion
Ichie Nnebo thanked his Ifitedunu his community, Dunukofia his Local Government Area and Anambra his State for attending the occasion. He also appreciated the presence of friends, colleagues and well wishers for honouring their invitation.
Apart from various dancing troupes, musicians and bands available to entertain guests, masquerades like Ikenga, the imposing ijere, among others were there to colour the occasion. Foods, drinks, of assorted types were also adequately provided for guests to eat and drink to their fill.
