Chidiume Idigo

Don't Miss it

Anambra State associationa of town Unions (youth wing) ASATU YOUTH Ichie Izuchukwu NwabuezeI Chidiume Idigo

Anambra State associationa of town Unions (youth wing) ASATU YOUTH with Ojazzy Igbonile & Igwe Credo MbemI Chidiume Idigo

Anambra State associationa of town Unions (youth wing) ASATU YOITHY with His youthfulness come Ken okori, president general ASATU YOITHY and Ken Adinchezor

Anambra State associationa of town Unions ( youth wing) - ASATU YOITHY- To Represent ( ASA ) @ AWKA

ASA Christmas Carnival 2023

Celebrating my 2nd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

ONYEKOMELI JOSEPH

ONYEKOMELI JOSEPH IDIG0 The Progenitor of Idigo Royal Family June 23 marks the anniversary of the death on June 23, 1900 of Ogbuanyinya IDIGO, the progenitor and ancestral father of the entire Idigo family.

Popularly known as King Idigo of Aguleri (though wasn’t really officially crowned) but his exploits as warlord made him the natural ruler and leader that Aguleri and beyond looked up to in the last quarters of 19th century.

He conquered all territories around and extended his influence and prowess in the entire Omabala\Oyi\Ezu regions, especially in the present Ayamelum areas where he was believed to have saved them from the rampaging jihadists who had taken hold of the Idah\Igala lands and were pushing downwards.

Besides being a warlord, the greatest in his time, Idigo was a juju priest, including that of the Aro deity.

He was also gifted with magical powers. He could travel by disappearing into wind waves to arrive at meetings far ahead of all those who set out going before him.

He had pots of snakes, sets of human and animal skulls as part of his paraphernalia.

ONYEKOMELI Idigo often called Ogbuanyinya Idigo was the son of Igwebuonu of Iruokechi Royal Family of Eziagulu Aguleri.

Idigo was born in the early part of the nineteenth century.

He received the first set of white men that came to Aguleri who arrived from Onitsha \Asaba to the bank of Omabala river in 1884.

When news filtered the town that a set of white ghosts and spirits had landed on the river shores to invade the land and all nearby farmers and fishermen had fled, Idigo in his rare bravery went to confront them only to discover they were human beings of a different breed and colour.

Those were officers of the Royal Niger Company who later established a trading base in Aguleri.

In 1888, he invited the white catholic missionaries to establish a base in Aguleri.

In an epic anti-climax, he abandoned and destroyed all his juju and embraced Christianity.

He was baptized along with some of his children and grandchildren in 1890.

He separated from all his wives but one, Akuem (the youngest) whom he wedded in the church.

Akuem was the mother of Idigo’s last two sons: Paul Wellington Idigo and Robert-Joseph Idigo.

Today’s Okpala Idigo, Omabala FC Idigo and Prof Victor Idigo are among the numerous other grandsons of Akuem.

His most beloved and intriguing wife was Iveagwa, a beautiful damsel.

He taught Iveagwa how to beat the Ikolo drum, an instrument of local mass communication.

Idigo’s Ikolo then, when beaten, could be heard up to the Ayamelum areas.

The Ikolo, when beaten with particular lyrics, was used by Iveagwa to invite Idigo back home whenever he sojourned far away and his attention was required back home or in the event of visitors to his home.

Idigo had five wives, the names of two already mentioned while the other 3 were , Umebe, Ada and Ochokwu.

He had in all 10 surviving male children: Nchezo; Nwarienne (who later became Eze Idigo 1); Ikem; Aghanti; Meze, Olisa; Igwekwoba; John Chukujindu; Paul-Wellington; and Robert-Joseph. All todays male generation of Idigo descended from the above children.

Idigo has been a subject matter of anthropological, political, religious\theological research.

Elizabeth Isichei (foremost Igbo History professor) described Idigo as one of the greatest Igbo heroes of 19th Century, alongside two others: Jaja of Opobo and Oluadah Equiano.

The conversion of Onyekomeli Idigo and his subsequent baptism has always remained a reference point and a case study for students of theology and religious history.

It has been debated over the years whether his invitation to the church was as a result of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit or a quest for more power?

Idigo was a powerful Dibia and a native spiritualist.

Unconfirmed reports have it that he consulted his oracles which confirmed the superiority of the ”new God” over his.

It was also reported that he had challenged the missionary Holy Ghost Fathers that came to dare his gods and if they escape his wrath he will follow their God.

They did and he was surprised at the power of this “new” God.

A celebrated incident was the contest he had with Rev. Fr. Bubendorf.

Idigo had brought a pot of juju filled with snakes and scorpions and challenged him to put his hands into the pot and get harmed as a test of the superiority of his god.

Fr Bubendorf prayed severally, blessed the pot and dipped his hands into the pot and brought it out unharmed.

Idigo thereafter brought out all his gods (alusi) and burnt them.

Since his baptism, the family has remained committed Catholics.

In his review of Dr F Ekechi’s book, Missionary Enterprise and Rivalry in Igboland 1857 – 1914 (London, Frank Cass 1972), which he developed into a lengthy article titled The Collapse of Pagandom in Igboland, Professor E Ayandele observed that in Igboland only one king was converted to Christianity in the 19th century.

To use his own words, ” Among the indigenous Igbo, only one chief, Idigo of Aguleri embraced Christianity and he was penalized for it “. (Ayandele, 1973; 129). This penalty above has become a blessing.

Today, Idigo and the entire royal family have remained committed Catholics.

The excellent relation the Idigos have with the Catholic Church continues till today and the Royal family has a number of Priests and Religious even prophet and prophetess to show for it. •

Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Meze Idigo (now in requiem) •

Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Idigo •

Rev. Sr. Maria Dolores Idigo •

Rev. Sr. Mary Lelia Idigo (now in requiem) •

Rev. Sr. Mary Placida Idigo •

Rev. Sr. John-Cecile Idigo •

Rev. Sr. Felicity Idigo •

Rev. Sr. Mary Sophie Idigo — Prophet Alex Idigo (now in requiem) – Prophetess Mrs .
Obiageli Idigo The possibility of commencing the processes for his canonization into sainthood is being mooted.

The Idigo dynasty which Aguleri instituted upon his death in 1900 (once described by Xrydz Eyiutche as pride of Igbo Royalty) has lasted over 122 years and still counting: Eze Nwanne Idigo I, Ezedioramma (1900 – 1910) Eze Raphael Anakwuba Idigo Il, Ogalagidi (1910 – 1960) Eze Alphonsus Ezeudu Idigo Ill Ezennia (1960 – 1995) Eze Christopher Nwabunwanne Idigo IV Ogalagidi II (1995 – 2019)...............(2019- Till Present 2023 )

CHIDIUME IDIGO.
Chidiume Idigo

THE HERITAGE OF EZE IDIGO KING

THE HERITAGE OF EZE IDIGO KINGSHIP OF AGULERI BY CHIEF (SIR) TONY IDIGO JP, IKOLO AGULERI & CHIDIUME IDIGO dynasty came into existence before Christ was born.

Dynasties, family or group that maintains, for several generations, political power over a state or geographic entity.

began in the Bronze Age. The word dynasty simply means a succession of rulers from the same family.

The first pre-history dynasty was said to be that of Xia, (Hsia).

The Hsia dynasty existed from about the 21″ to the 16″ century BC.

The union of culture and civilization started the dynastic period in Africa.

The history of dynasty has been challenging for researchers in the field of African Studies because of the dearth of information consequent upon the scarcity of written materials.

However the earliest known inhabitants of the geographic entity, now known as Nigeria, were members of the ancient Nok Culture.

For centuries Hausa dynasties ruled what was to become Northern Nigeria until the Fulani Jihad of Uthman Dan Fodio in 1804.

The Jihad was a revolt by the Hausa commons against the old Hausa dynasties.

The Zaria dynasty fled to Abuja and that of Kebbi retreated to Argungu.

The Fulani dynasty ushered in by Uthman Dan Fodio existed in the Northern part of Nigeria until the British took control in 1903.

The first dynasty in Benin kingdom, the Ogosi dynasty, existed between 40 BC and 16 AD.

According to oral history of the Binis, the first Ogosi of the Benin kingdom was known as Ogodo, and he was said to have descended from the sky.

Ogodo’s wisdom was said to be equivalent to that of the biblical King Solomon.

The Idigo dynasty of the Iruokechi Royal family of Aguleri, Anambra State dates back to the 19 Century.

With the collapse and disintegration following succession disputes, of the Aguve dynasty in Umuezeora, Enugu-Aguleri the town reverted to governance by the Ndichie or Council of Elders (Gerontocracy).

This form of rulership lasted for several centuries until the rise to power of Onyekomeli Idigo (later known as Ogbuayinya Idigo) in the middle of the 19″ Century.

The European encroachment on the Niger, the military aggression that resulted from the bid of the then Royal Niger Company to expand its operations, and the activities of the Christian Missionaries not only helped to consolidate the reign of Ogbuanyinya Idigo as the natural ruler and leader of Aguleri, but extended his power and influence to far and beyond.

De Facto Ruler of Aguleri Progenitor of the Idigo family Founder of the Idigo Dynasty (1900-date) Brought Western Civilisation to Aguleri Brought Christianity to Aguleri Father of Modern Aguleri Possesses Outstanding Courage and Wisdom *Extended Aguleri Territory to far and beyond PROFILE OF OGBUANYINYA ONYEKOMELI IDIGO As a result of his outstanding courage and personality, was a successful warlord. On account of his exploits Ogbuayinya Onyekomeli Idigo assumed power and authority over Aguleri Territory and consequently, the people of Aguleri recognized him as their defacto leader and ruler. Onyekomeli Idigo led Aguleri to many successful exploits and expanded Aguleri territory to far and beyond.

He was a priest and minister of the great “Aro” deity.

He invented a large wooden drum, “Ikolo”, which was used to call his attention back home whenever he sojourned far from Aguleri.

Today, a miniature Ikolo is used by an incumbent traditional ruler to herald day break in Aguleri, and to summon people for extra ordinary events.

In 1884, when officers of then British National African Company (later Royal Niger Company) arrived at the bank of Anambra River at Odene (wharf) Eziagulu in search of trade and commerce, the whole town fled believing that white ghosts and spirits had invaded the town.

Onyekomeli Idigo, in his usual display of bravery and tenacity, was the only person who had the courage to confront the “white spirits”.

He later discovered that they were humans and not white spirits.

After series of negotiations with the “White Spirits”, who happened to be officers of the Royal Niger Company, a trading base was established at Odene Eziagulu.

The presence of the ite men resulted in a tremendous growth of the influence of Onyekomeli Idigo, and his authority waxed stronger.

In 1888, he learnt of the presence of Christian missionaries in Onitsha and bet invited the Missionaries to visit Aguleri.

In 1890, he embraced Roman Catholicism and was thereafter baptized, along with most members of his family, in a colourful mass celebration.

After his baptism, he renounced his deity (alusi) and all but one of his wives.

He took the name Joseph and dropped the worship of Aro deity and the Igu-Aro Festival.

He later sent some of his children to be educated at Onitsha.

Onyekomeli had an enormous vision, tremendous influence and wealth and was described alongside the King Jaja of Opobo, by Elizabeth Isiche, a world-renowned sociologist, as a great Hero of the people in the 19 Century.

PROFILE OF EZE NWANNE IDIGO I On the death of Onyekomeli Idigo, the elders of Aguleri resolved, in view of his enormous contributions to the upliftment of the welfare of Aguleri people, to crown one of his sons as the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Nwanne, the eldest surviving son of Onyekomeli Idigo was presented with the Royal Sceptre (Ofo) and was crowned as Eze of Aguleri.

Nwanne, therefore, became Eze Idigo I of Aguleri in 1900.

When the British government withdrew the Charter of Administration from the Royal Niger Company and took administrative control of the Niger territory in 1900, Eze Nwanne Idigo I was requested by the colonial government to summon to Aguleri, the elders of Umuleri, Anam, Nando. Awkuzu, Achalla, Nteje, Aghamelum and other surrounding towns, to acknowledge the authority of the colonial government by swearing to an Oath of Allegiance.

Eze Nwanne successfully carried out the task, and in reward, the colonial authorities made Aguleri the centre of administration for the surrounding towns.

During his reign, the Deed of Conveyance of the present location of the Catholic Mission Aguleri was drawn between the church authorities and Eze Nwanne Idigo, acting on behalf of Aguleri people.

Nwanne Idigo I ruled Aguleri for only ten years as he passed away in 1910.

PROFILE OF EZE RAPHAEL ANAKWUBA IDIGO II, OGALAGIDI (Igwe of Aguleri 1910-1960) After the demise of Eze Nwanne Idigo 1, Raphael Anakwuba Idigo ascended the throne as Eze Idigo II in 1910 at the age of 24.

The young Igwe of Aguleri was then reputed to be one of the most educated and most travelled traditional ruler in Igboland.

He was the first indigenous Headmaster of Aguleri Mission School (now Premier Primary School) and thereafter, he worked briefly with the British Nigeria Company, before leaving for Northern Nigeria to work at the British Cotton Growing Association in 1907.

He thereafter worked with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, at that time, one of the commanding heights of the Nigerian Economy.

In November 1908, Raphael became an Interpreter in the Cross River Expedition and in 1909, he relocated to Onitsha to take up appointment as the Chief Clerk of the Court.

In February 1910 he was recalled by Aguleri people to succeed the late Eze Nwanne Idigo 1, as traditional ruler of Aguleri.

Although, he became Igwe of Aguleri at the young age of 24. Eze Raphael wasted no time to assert his authority over Aguleri and neighbouring towns.

In 1912, he permitted the people of Umuoba Anam to settle in their present location at Amaeze, and nine years later, he allowed the Hausas and Nupes to reside at the Aguleri waterside.

This settlement of Hausas and Nupes led to an area known as Ogbe Hausa in Amaeze. In 1923, Eze Raphael established the Otuocha market and gave approval for the establishment of a factory by the Royal Niger Company. In 1926, he okayed the setting up of a branch of John Holt Company in Amaeze Aguleri and in 1927, he intervened in the demarcation and settlement of the Onitsha/Idah districts boundary involving Aguleri Otu and Anam on the one hand, and Olu/lbaji on the other hand.

The gains of that exercise remain one of the enduring legacies of Eze Raphael Idigo. In 1931, he invited the French Company (CFAO) to establish a base at Otuocha, and in 1935, he effected the grid design urban master plan layout of Amaeze, which today remains a masterpiece. In 1950, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome and was decorated by His Holiness with a Gold Medal and Certificate of Merit. From Rome he visited England before returning to Nigeria. Eze Raphael Idigo II was an accomplished statesman, respected and majestic. He was a great politician, tactful, charismatic and cool headed.

His outstanding qualities earned him the respect of other notable traditional rulers of his time. Little wonder, the effervescent musician, Ezigbo Obiligbo referred to him as ‘Idigo Eze, Enyi Kwo Nwa’ literally which means (Idigo the King- an Elephant that carries a baby), Eze Raphael Idigo II died on April 14, 1960 after 50 years on the throne.

At the time of his demise, he was reputed to be the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Igboland.

PROFILE OF EZE ALPHONSUS EZEUDU IDIGO III, EZENNIA (IGWE OF AGULERI) 1960-1995) On the death of Eze R.A Idigo III in 1960, his son Alphonsus Ezeudu Idigo succeeded him as the traditional ruler of Aguleri.

Born in 1914, Alphonsus attended St. Joseph’s Mission School Aguleri and taught for a while before gaining admission in 1931 to the then prestigious St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.

After his secondary education in 1935, Eze Alphonsus worked at the Federal Health Department. At the Health Department, his career took him to various parts of western and northern Nigeria.

After attending several courses and training programmes, he rose to the rank of Principal Health Inspector before being recalled by Aguleri people in 1960 to succeed his father as the traditional ruler of Aguleri.

Eze Alphonsus Idigo III ruled Aguleri with unequivocal humility and sense of service.

He pulled Aguleri through the difficult period of the Nigerian Civil War and his reign ushered in the development of basic infrastructural facilities and social amenities in the town. Eze Alphonsus Idigo III was an acclaimed apostle of peace.

He was steadfast and left no stone unturned in the maintenance of peace, unity and progress.

Eze Alphonsus Ezeudu Idigo III.

Igwe Ezennia passed on to glory in 1995.

PROFILE OF EZE C.N. IDIGO IV EZE CHRISTOPHERNWABUNWANNE IDIGO IV (OGALAGIDI II) IGWE OF AGULERI (1995 to 2019) Eze Christopher Nwabunwanne Idigo IV Ogalagidi, kept awake most of the night, praying fervently to God not only to shower blessings on his subjects, but also for the Almighty to make peace reign supreme in his domain.

This traditional ruler always keeps awake 24/7 browsing the internet and staying in touch with friends and well wishers in different parts of the world. Eze C.N. Idigo IV, Ogalagidi, was known and fondly referred to as the Digital Igwe by his colleagues in the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and his peers in the Anambra State Elders’ Forum.

He was a patron of the Council and a member of the Board of Directors of Orient Petroleum.

The prayerful traditional ruler was born in Aguleri on November 25, 1944, to late Prince David Idigo and Mrs. Catherine Idigo of Umuala quarter, in Eziagulu. Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State.

His father, David Idigo, was the first son of late Eze Raphael Anakwuba Idigo II, Ogalagidi I, Igwe of Aguleri.

EDUCATION: Eze Christopher had his primary education at St. Joseph’s Primary School, Aguleri, between 1950 and 1956, after which he attended St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka, then one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Eastern Nigeria.

In 1964, he obtained the West African School Certificate and two years later he was admitted into one of the first generation universities in Nigeria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Mechanical Engineering.

The unfortunate upheaval in the country resulting in the Nigeria Civil War, disrupted his education.

At the expiration of the war in 1970, he resumed his studies at the University, and in 1974 he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. PUBLIC SERVICE In 1974, the young engineer was posted to the now defunct Bendel State for the National Youth Service Corps programme.

He was deployed as a Maintenance Engineer to the Bendel Textile Mills, Asaba (ASABATEX).

After his NYSC he was employed by the Nigerian Steel Development Authority (NSDA) Lagos, as a Mechanical Engineer. In March. 1978, he left NSDA for Shawmont Nigeria Ltd, Ikoyi, a Lagos-based international firm of consulting Electro-Mechanical and Power System Engineers.

At Shawmont he became one of the Engineers that handled the design.

er****on and commissioning of the 1020 MW thermal Power Plant at Ogorode, Sapele.

He thereafter joined the services of one of the leading multinational groups in Nigeria, A.G LEVENTIS. In 1987, he was promoted Divisional Manager in charge of Motors & Power Products Division and in March 1988.

he left the Leventis Group and formed HICOTECH ENGINEERING Nigeria Ltd with a group of other professionals.

He became the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company which provides consultancy and technical services in specialized areas of mechanical, electrical, power systems.

instrumentations and industrial engineering. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Eze C.N Idigo IV, Ogalagidi was a registered member of the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN).

He was a fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (FNSE) and an Associate Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

PRIVATE LIFE Eze C.N Idigo IV, was a devout Christian of the Catholic faith, and had been married to Ocheze Anne Idigo (Nee Ujah) since December, 1979.

They are blessed with three surviving children.

An avid lover of sports, his hobbies include swimming, soccer, tennis and farming.

On Friday May 19, 1995 following the demise of his uncle, Eze A.E. Idigo III, Igwe (Ezennia) of Aguleri, Engr. Christopher Nwabunwanne Idigo was crowned by the traditional Kingmakers of Aguleri as the Traditional Ruler of Aguleri.

He became the fourth traditional ruler of one of the most ancient and oldest surviving dynasties in Igboland.

The litany of achievements by Eze C.N. Idigo IV included the restoration of peace between Aguleri, Umuleri and Umuoba-Anam after nearly a century of internecine fratricidal communal crises.

He had promoted a new era of cultural revivalism with the re-introduction of such cherished Aguleri cultural practices as the Ada Masquerade and Oru Iyom.

Eze Idigo IV was in the forefront of the re-orientation of the Aguleri youths towards educational and public service career pursuits until his death in January 11th, 2019 after celebrating the 119th edition of Ovala Aguleri.

CHIDIUME IDIGO.

Happy birthday Sir, the Hon. Engr Julius M. Chukwuemeka Commission for power and water resources Anambra State. Sir I wish you more life in every thing you do..

A visitation at a ObuGad for IDUU ERI KINGDOM 2023 WORLD, ERI FESTIVAL ( Olili ERI).His Majesty Eze Dr Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Di Gboo! Ezeora 34th, Aka Ji Ivo Igbo ( the custodian of the sacred ovo Eri) to represent Aguleri students association,( ASA) on 3/11/2023

A visitation at a ObuGad for IDUU ERI KINGDOM 2023 WORLD, ERI FESTIVAL ( Olili ERI).His Majesty Eze Dr Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Di Gboo! Ezeora 34th, Aka Ji Ivo Igbo ( the custodian of the sacred ovo Eri) a present to Eze, from ..Aguleri students association,( ASA) on 3/11/2023

EZE IDIGO Of Aguleri ( palace )

*📢 Exciting Visit to Hon. Engr. Julius M. Chukwuemeka, The Hon. Commissioner For Power and Water Resources to the Executive Governor Of Anambra State at his Residence in Aguleri 🏡✨*

*On 29th October, 2023, ASA executives ably led by Prince Chidiume Philip Idigo had an incredible opportunity to visit the The Student, youths friendly Commissioner of power and water resources of Anambra state in the person of Hon. Engr. Julius M. Chukwuemeka at his residence in Aguleri.* *It was a memorable experience filled with knowledge-sharing and remarkable encounters.* *We also had the privilege of meeting the esteemed members of APU (Aguowulu Progressive Union Of Nigeria) ably led by Comr.* *Emma I. Mokwe (one time ASA National President) They graciously educated us on various aspects that we were previously unaware of, leaving us enlightened and inspired.*

*First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to *Mazi. Anayor Joseph* (One Time National Sec. Gen. ASA) for his unwavering support towards ASA.* *His guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in our journey towards success.* *We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate individual by our side, and we sincerely thank him for his invaluable contributions.*

*Furthermore, we extend our deepest appreciation to the Hon. Commissioner for his remarkable support and invaluable advice to ASA.* *His wisdom and expertise have consistently guided us towards making informed decisions and achieving our goals.* *We are sincerely grateful for his continuous belief in our organization and for being a pillar of strength for us.*

*We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all the executives ably led by Prince Chidiume Philip Idigo who took the time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this visit.* *Your presence and insights were immensely valuable, and we are grateful for your constant support and dedication to ASA's mission.*

*Last but not least, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the Members APU and other dignitaries who spoke to us, person's like;*
*1. Barr. Oluchukwu L. Udemezue Esq.*
*2. Comr. Emma Mokwe*
*3. Comr. Peter Maurice Nnekwe, VC NYCN, Anambra North.
4. Igwe Boniface Okagbue
5.Chief Okadigbo*
*6. Mr. Elias Ekweoba*
*7. Peter Ogugua*
*8. Arinze Nwakaku*
*9. Ejiofor Raphael.* and so many others.
*Your support and encouragement are incredibly motivating, and we are honored to have your backing as we strive to make a positive impact in our community.*

*This visit has been a significant milestone for us, filled with unforgettable moments and valuable lessons.* *We are truly grateful to everyone involved for their unwavering support and encouragement.* *Together, we will continue to work towards our vision, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youths.*

*SIGNED*

*PRINCE CHIDIUME IDIGO (PRESIDENT)*

*ADINCHEZOR KENECHUKWU (PRO)*

Graduating Certification and start-up Grant's Ceremony of 500 Anambra Youths, at ICC ANAMBRA STATE.

A visitation at a ObuGad for IDUU ERI KINGDOM 2023 WORLD, ERI FESTIVAL ( Olili ERI).

His Majesty Eze Dr Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Di Gboo! Ezeora 34th, Aka Ji Ivo Igbo ( the custodian of the sacred ovo Eri) in Aguleri to represent ASA, ( Aguleri student association) for the upcoming event,
idigo
joy
Nkiru

A visitation at a ObuGad for IDUU ERI KINGDOM 2023 WORLD, ERI FESTIVAL ( Olili ERI).

His Majesty Eze Dr Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Di Gboo! Ezeora 34th, Aka Ji Ivo Igbo ( the custodian of the sacred ovo Eri) in Aguleri to represent ASA, ( Aguleri student association) for the upcoming event.

A visitation at Igwe idigo palace Aguleri, with ASA, Aguleri student association executive. On 21/10/2023

ERI: THE FATHER OF THE IGBO PEOPLE

It is believed that the Igbo people descended from Eri, a divine figure who according to folklore, was sent from heaven to begin civilization. Eri was the son of Gad and Gad was one of the sons of Jacob from his concubine, as mentioned in the Bible. ( Genesis 46:16 )

Folklore has it that Eri lived in Egypt as a high priest during the reign of Joseph. When he foresaw the intending slavery of his people, he fled Egypt through the river Nile, crossed the river Benue, transversed across the river Niger, then settled near the confluence. With the people he was able to recruit, he established in that location. Eri had a son there, and he called him Nri.

Nri possessed the same priestly ordination, and thus his spiritual powers, and was appointed as his heir. Eri went on to have four other sons and one daughter. As Nri got older, he left his father to establish a place of his own. This place, named Nri, is currently in Anambra state in Nigeria.

Interestingly, there is an ongoing debate about the origin of the Igbos between the Nri and Aguleri people. A school of thought argues that Aguleri was the first son of Eri who migrated from Egypt with him. As such, Aguleri should be the original source of the Igbo race, but another school claims since he wasn’t born in the new settlement, but from Egypt, this shouldn’t be. This school insists that Nri was the one who possessed the priestly nature of his father, Eri.

Despite these arguments, the tradition holds that no one breaks a kolanut in a gathering but an Aguleri man if he is present. Also, before a king is coronated, he must visit Aguleri for a ritual and to receive blessings for seven days.

Now, after the death of Eri, his first son Agulu (now known as Agulu + Eri, “Aguleri”) took over the land and the people multiplied and spread to form more communities. Nri heard of his father’s death and he went back to Aguleri, and stayed for a long period so that one of his demands before his death was to be buried in Aguleri.
Prior to his death, he founded a kingdom which, some say, is a result of his father’s mystical abilities which were passed down to him.

The Nri Kingdom
Over the years, the kingdom of Nri grew large and has its capital at Igboukwu. Due to the fast-paced development that the people were a part of and witnessed, they soon owned a currency and developed banking systems. Their economy was primarily agriculture and traded hunting games as well.

Nri quickly became a haven for runaway slaves, and outcasts (osu) were welcomed. Although the Nri people did not control all Igbo lands, their influence was visible over all Igbo territories and beyond, thus all activities, both cultural and traditional, were held in Nri.

Their leadership was void of dictatorship. The king managed the trade routes, diplomacy and also possessed authority over religious matters. To become a king was not limited to the descendants of Nri but through a divine selection. However, the chosen one was mandated to go through rituals to prove himself worthy to Chineke (the creator of the universe), must be from Eri, his mother would die a few days or weeks after his birth, and must have no father alive. His ritual involves a celebration as though he is dead, symbolising death to himself as he now belongs to the spirits and the people. Then finally he must visit Aguleri before he is crowned.

Every year, a festival called the Ancient Iduu Cultural (Olili Obibia Eri) festival is organised to celebrate the arrival of Eri at the Agbanagbo-Ezu-na-Omambala (confluence of Ezu and Omabala rivers). This festival was initiated by Eri and is still celebrated.

Chidiume idigo