...As committee approves installation of only the eldest persons as Onyishi
... regulates identification numbers for masquerades
The Igboeze North Local Government Council is to ban any form of slavery in its area of jurisdiction.
Already, a committee set up by Local Government Chairman, Prince Ejike Itodo, on the issue, has submitted it's report to the chairman.
There had been endless crises in various communities and villages in the area, particularly, Enugu Ezike, where the people practice gerontocracy, following alleged denial of certain categories of elders the right to hold the "arua," which is their symbol of authority or staff of office.
However, according to the Committee's recommendation, "under no circumstance, shall any extended family or Umunna, village, clan or community in Enugu Ezike land install a man who is not the eldest in the extended family or Umunnna, village, clan or community as the Onyishi."
It further recommended that fortified cubicles be provided for the safety of the "arua" or Staff of Office of the Onyishi in the event of an incumbent Onyishi not hosting the Arua (due to his religious beliefs).
The committee recommended that "people all over the world, love the cultural way of life of its community, race or nation," adding that, "the level of the peace, security, and development of any people depends on their ability to grow love, truth and justice; even as ,"such culture should be seen to be guarding against attitudes and behaviours capable of promoting laziness, crime, violence, hatred, immorality and amorality in the society."
It further noted that "any story of creation is a story of change - from nothing to something, from one form to another, from one condition to another among others, adding that, "only change and advancement can survive and be part of the future."
The committee which was given four points of reference and headed by a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Innocent Enwe, had 18 others including two traditional rulers - Igwe Gabriel Agbedo and Igwe Ogbonnaya Ekere as members.
Others included Hon. Luke Apeh, Nze Dennis Eze, Him. Alex Urama, Festus Azegba, Cyril Onu, Apostle Mishak Ndubueze, Hillary Ogili, Felix Agboja, Hillary Onah and Joseph N. Itodo. They also, included Mr Michael Mba, Joseph Eya, John Idoko, Jonathan Mamah, John Ugwuanyi and Mr. Paul Odo.
According to the custom and tradition of Enugu Ezike people, an Onyishi is the eldest man in any extended family (umunna), village, clan or community and is treated as such.
The Onyishi hosts and directs meetings of his extended family (umunna), village, clan or community in his house or palace.
Also, all traditional matters including family land, confessions for adultery (ika oji) as well as desecration of the land are treated in his palace.
The Onyishi authecates and validates resolutions and agreements of his extended family, village, clan in Enugu Ezike land as applicable.
He also, determines and proclaims the traditional calendar of feasts and festivals as they relate to mafa or Igo Nna (yearly feasts to remember the forefathers) as well as Omabe and Akatakpa masquerade festivals.
"Matters of family land involving land allocated by a family to a member or members of the family are treated in the house of the Onyishi also, known as Okpara.
"Security matters are also treated in the house of the Onyishi in liaison with the traditional ruler (Igwe) and the town union.
"Market masters (Oga ashua) are superintended by the Onyishi who also superintends over matters that arise in the markets in his village or clan.
"The Onyishi is the holder and custodian of the "arua." However in the event of any crises, the nwadiana or okenwanwunye (son of a daughter of the soil) from another clan or village, keep the "arua" until the matter is resolved or settled.
"The Onyishi inherits the arua from his predecessor hence he also inherites all land, economic trees and other entitlements related to the office and authority of the Onyishi or Okpara Umunna.
