IN MEMORY OF OMU MGBOUSHE OF ASABA: THE CIVIL WAR HEROINE, BETRAYED BY HER PEOPLE AND KILLED BY SOLDIERS
IN MEMORY OF OMU MGBOUSHE OF ASABA: THE CIVIL WAR HEROINE, BETRAYED BY HER PEOPLE AND KILLED BY SOLDIERS By Emeka Esogbue Although the Omu Mgboushe of Asaba statue stands reverently erect in front of Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, most visitors and natives alike do not know the history behind the statue. Nevertheless, the statue stands to historically testify to the wartime atrocities and deaths that the people of Asaba suffered during the Nigerian Civil War. Omuship is a 500- year female traditional institution that exists among the Anioma people. The institution also once existed in Onicha Ado (Onitsha) and Ossomarri, two other Anioma communities that are now outside the geographical Delta State. Omuship, charged with the spiritual, economic, and political responsibilities to their respective Anioma communities is the pride of the people. It is also the traditional vehicle for the movent of women in this region. Take for instance, in Ibusa, a community of about 6 miles...