As unique people endowed with rich human, natural and cultural resources, Enugwu-ukwu people have come a long way, having lived with a unique form of leadership many decades ago. Historical facts available showed that Enugwu-ukwu people have lived for at least 4,000 years and have been referred to as one of the greatest peoples in Africa.
Prior to colonial rule, most Igbo communities, including Enugwu-ukwu, had a kind of leadership where the council of elders and warrant chiefs held sway. During this period, there were established ranks and positions of honour. Power was exercised by individuals and groups, pedigree and non-pedigree.
Leadership structure in form of Eze, Igwe, Ichie, Nze na Ozo, and the elders are well respected as leaders and rallying point for development in Enugwu-ukwu. Along with the cabinet, all titled men and free born ensure the security and defense of the people, peace and development.
Enugwu-ukwu traditional leadership system is development–oriented, which is demonstrated by cases whereby the community is mobilized by the leader to provide infrastructural facilities and other social amenities like roads, pipe-borne water, electricity, markets, health centers, schools and churches.
Enugwu-ukwu, an ancient Igbo kingdom with one of the richest cultures and traditions in Nigeria, has a well organized traditional institution and sophisticated political leadership system.
Enugwu-ukwu is surrounded by Nawfia, Nise, Agukwu, Nimo, Abagana, and Enugwu-Agidi. Enugwu-ukwu comprises two large quarters, known as Ifite and Akaezi further divided into four quarters each.
Historically, Nri, being a traditionalist and farmer, travelled through Amanuke and berthed in the region of Mkpume Onyilienyi and Mkpume Ogokwu in Enugwu-ukwu. This area, containing the two progenitor’s rock, was where he lived and later found his way to where is now known as Obu Okpalanakana (housing the Isi Nri museum). He had five sons, namely: Okpalanakana (Enugwu-ukwu); Okpalariam (Nawfia); Aguiyi (Enugwu-Agidi); Ifikwuanim (Agukwu) and Nwora, who was completely extinct due to tribal wars.
As a farmer and spiritualist, Nri later left Enugwu-ukwu with his last son Ifikwuanim to a forest where they both settled (now known as Agukwu-Nri).
The growing tourism industry regard all forms of cultural heritage as assets that can be marketed and sold, meaning that they can be cultural tourism resources in Enugwu-ukwu which includes: Ịgụ Arọ, Ịkpọ Ji, Ịma mmịya; Isu Evo; Olili Ọnwasatọ and Ilu Ọgbọ . These festivals remain the most popular and hold great promise for tourism in Enugwu-ukwu and in Igbo land.
The popular Ịgụ Arọ in Enugwu-ukwu is unique example of a festival that brings people and organizations in large numbers to Enugwu-ukwu annually. It promotes tourism greatly in the community by patronizing various hospitality and transport sectors, businesses and heritage sites.
The festival is held on the first Saturday of the New Year. It is usually a one week event that culminates with the penultimate day of a carnival, pomp and pageantry with the display of the best in tradition and royalty. The Ịgụ Arọ is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year and to recognize and honour some deserving Nigerians and foreigners. The festival is celebrated in funfair with traditional and cultural events, including the organization of Umunri colloquium.
At the apex of this institution is Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh, Okpalanakana Ukabia Nri the fourth, Igwe Ononamkpume Agụ Arọ , Onye Nnedo Anya Mkpume Onyilienyi, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu Na Igwe Umunri.
The Eze Enugwu-ukwu na Igwe Umunri is using his position to link the present and future with the past. His Royal Majesty is a man of many parts. Therefore, you are invited to be part of his thirteenth Ịgụ Arọ and sixty-sixth Ịgụ Arọ Enugwu-Ukwu tomorrow, Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at Obu Ọfọ Nri Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. The ceremony begins at 6am with the second announcement of Ịgụ Arọ, heralded by twenty-one gun salutes. The main event commences at 11am with the arrival of the Royal Cabinet.
Written by CHIEF FRANK NWOKIKE
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