Guardians of the Forest: How Ukwuani Traditions Preserve What Oshimili Loses

 Guardians of the Forest: How Ukwuani Traditions Preserve What Oshimili Loses

Emeka Esogbue

Have you ever wondered why the Ukwuani area remains so rich in forest life?

The answer lies in the strength of its traditional institutions. In several communities within Ukwuani Local Government Area, deeply rooted customs regulate both forestation and deforestation, shaping the economic and environmental practices of the people.

Among the Ukwuani, the felling of trees is largely forbidden. Take Ezhionum and Umutu as case studies. In Ezhionum, a designated committee oversees access to forest resources, and permission is granted only when trees have fallen naturally—whether due to storms, age, or fire. Anyone caught cutting down a tree is reported to the Ezhie of Ezhionum and duly sanctioned, as such acts are strictly prohibited.

Similarly, in Umutu, clear penalties are enforced. No one may fell a tree without the consent of the Okpala-Uku. Offenders are required to make restitution, including the provision of a goat, tubers of yam, and other provisions for cooking it, a jar of palm wine, and a monetary fine. In Ukwuani, violations carry real consequences.

By contrast, among the Oshimili people, there appears to be little or no effective regulation or perhaps enforcement is simply lacking. In communities such as Asaba, Ibusa, and Okpanam, forests and lands are increasingly left vulnerable to unchecked exploitation. 

In many of these areas, land is frequently and indiscriminately sold, often illegally, while rivers have gradually come under private control. A notable example is the Ibusa people's Oduche stream, whose ownership is now shrouded in uncertainty.

Worryingly, despite reports that the stream is being polluted by waste from nearby private poultry operations, there has been little to no response from community leadership.