Enugwu-Ukwu, the town that perches on the hills in Njikoka council area of Anambra State has a rich history and cultural heritage. It is acclaimed as the paternal head of Umunri clan, Nri being the ancestral home of Ndigbo.

The cultural dynamism in the town is reflected in the attire of titled men in the community. The traditional attire and costume of Ndi Nze na Ọzọ, and members of Igwe’s cabinet also exemplify this dynamism.

It would appear that members of Igwe’s cabinet during the reign of Igwe Osita Agwuna were not bound to a distinct cabinet outfit during the Igu-Arọ festival and other outings.

The traditional akwete cloth, which cabinet members adorn, but tied in a distinct way sufficed. The akwete clothes came in different colours lacking uniformity.

The ‘nkata ukwu’ head gear however was mandatory.

In the modern Igwe Ralph Ekpeh era, cabinet members now wear unique red ‘akwa george’ tied in the same distinct way. They also wear ‘nkata ukwu’ head gear, but this is now bigger and rounder, a confirmation that culture is dynamic.

In one of the old Enugwu-Ukwu Igu-Arọ pictures attached with this write-up, the late Chief R.O. Nkwocha (Ide Enugwu -Ukwu na Umunri) could be seen taking part in the Igu-Arọ cabinet procession. In the same picture, Chief R.N Okeke (Ezue Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, father of Chief Dr. Nkem Okeke (Ezue 11 of Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, and Deputy Governor of Anambra State), and Chief Joseph Okonkwo (Ofiadulu Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) could be seen taking part in the procession.

In other attached pictures, Chief Innocent Okoye (Ọsụọfia Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) and Chief R.N Okonkwo (Ọnwa Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) could also be seen participating in the procession.

Oral history has it that these pictures were taken during the 1980 or 1981 Enugwu -Ukwu Ịgụ-Arọ, which from accounts was the last Ịgụ-Arọ Chief Nkwocha attended. Disagreements with Igwe Agwuna allegedly kept him away from subsequent Igu-Aro festivals before he died.

Ndi Otu Ọdụ Eze, comprising the wife of Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, and wives of members of Igwe’s cabinet also take part in the procession during Ịgụ-Arọ festival. As shown in the modern era pictures, the women also wear distinct uniforms.

In the accompanying picture, the women in pink blouses are wives of soon-to-be inducted male cabinet members, also about to be inducted into Otu Ọdụ Eze on Ịgụ-Arọ day, the same day their husbands are being inducted into the cabinet. Igwe’s wife and older members of Otu Ọdụ Eze wear white costumes just like other titled women did many years ago thereby continuing in the tradition.

Many commentators consider the distinct attires of members of the cabinet and those of their wives as unique additions to the already rich Enugwu-Ukwu Ịgụ-Arọ festival. This delights Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu and visitors alike and adds colour, pomp and pageantry to the festival.

Chief Uche Nworah holds the traditional title of Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri.

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