Skip to main content

The Ibusa Age Grade System (Otu Ogbo): A Question for the Ibusa Traditional Institutio

 The Ibusa Age Grade System (Otu Ogbo): A Question for the Ibusa Traditional Institution


By Emeka Esogbue


The Otu Ogbo or Age Grade System in Ibusa is not only one of the oldest social organizations in the community but also a vital binding force among people within the same generational bracket. This indigenous system predates the colonial era and has served, for centuries, as a foundation of communal life and identity.


Evolving from a deeply rooted traditional institution that once faced near abandonment, the Ibusa age grade system has transformed into a versatile organization that continues to serve social, economic, and moral purposes. Each ogbo fosters cooperation, unity, and mutual support among its members while contributing to the development of the larger community.


In recent times, several age grades have distinguished themselves through remarkable initiatives. Ogbo Midwest, for instance, is recognized for its embrace of technology and for projecting Ibusa history and affairs into the public domain. Ogbo Mbido Aya Biafra stands out for its consistent celebration of the Iwaji (new yam festival) and its charitable outreach to members. Meanwhile, Ogbo Ahor Aya Bi (formerly known as Ogbo Osor Aya) is organizing a thanksgiving and award ceremony slated for December this year to honour Ibusa achievers and celebrate cultural excellence. Other otu ogbo in the community are equally active in various spheres of development and solidarity.


However, like many traditional institutions facing decline, the age grade system in Ibusa appears to be losing momentum. Since Ogbo Umunna (1923–1925) which formed over a century ago down to Ogbo Minister Olisemeka (1998–2000), the community has not witnessed the formal establishment of a new ogbo. For reasons yet unclear, age grouping seems to have halted entirely, leaving a cultural gap for those born within the last 25 years who now lack traditional age classification.


This situation raises important questions for the Ibusa traditional institution. The ogbo system has long served as a vehicle for unity, socialization, and communal discipline, and it plays a crucial role in determining the diokpa (oldest male) lineage succession through accurate age categorization. Reviving and updating the system would not only preserve an essential aspect of Ibusa’s heritage but also strengthen intergenerational bonds and ensure continuity in the town’s cultural life.


The time has come for the Ibusa traditional authorities to reexamine, reform, and revitalize the Otu Ogbo system, bringing it in tune with the realities of the present while maintaining its timeless values.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA By Emeka Esogbue Introduction Not many historical literatures on the Obollo people exist for the usual reasons associated with our people who prefer to write the history of mighty and populous peoples already enriched with volumes of historical accounts and records. Thus while there are historical documents on other peoples of Igbo, for Obollo, it is the story of dearth of documents. However, it is within my historical concern that the rich history of this part of Igboland be adequately researched into, documented and preserved for the future generation. I do not hail from this part of Igboland but my historical background, interest and curiosity propelled me towards the acquisition of both oral and written information to put this material together. Geography The various Obollo communities comprising of Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, Obollo Eke, Obollo Orie and Obollo Nkwo are strategically situated at the regional bou...
11 comments
Read more

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA On January 21 2020, Pen Master paid Chief Fred Ajudua a scheduled visit at his Lagos-VGC Marble Dome Home, a large and imposing house sitting on a hill from where it vigorously engages public views and attention. On entering the house, Pen Master freely walked in and around, in the spirit of the love that always binds the people of Igbuzo. The man, Chief Fred Ajudua often described as the “Architect of Modern Ibusa” is unarguably one of the biggest fish in history to have come out of Ibusa even as it is said that nearly every Ibusa family has benefited from him one way or the other. Beyond what you know about him, there seems many sides you do not know. As the Igbuzo Chief celebrates his 60 th Year birthday, your Pen Master brings you the things you do not know about the highly influential Igbuzo Chief. Pen Master also dug into the Ajudua family photo depository all for your knowledge. Happy reading! ...
2 comments
Read more

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE Today is Saturday, conventionally set aside for marriage ceremonies. Awareness on how our Anioma brides and grooms attire themselves during their traditional marriage has fast spread and entrenched. We no longer promote other group's cultural attires because we want them to promote our own instead. I say many thanks to our Anioma cultural advocates on this day because our labours to preserve as well as promote the good cultures of our Anioma society have never been in vain. Noticeable now is that in   time of our traditional marriages, we costume ourselves in Akwa-Ocha which brings out our god-given beauty. A few moments after her traditional marriage in Umuodafe, Ibusa on December 28, inside the Agokei palatial home, I visited former Miss Amaka Thelma Agokei, the bride. I was rather late; but I met this beautiful bride t...
3 comments
Read more