Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for preservation of kola nut traditional rites

By Our Reporter

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Igbos to explore the various practices associated with traditional presentation and breaking of kola nut (Iwa Oji) and preserve them for upcoming generations.

The call was contained in a communique issued in Nsukka on Friday signed by Prof Damian Opata, Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nsukka Local Government chapter after its one-day seminar, tagged; 'Iwa Oji' held at Adada Hall of Nsukka LG council headquarters, Enugu State, on 21st September 2022.

The communique noted that the reason for the seminar was anchored on the need to explore the practices associated with the traditional practices of presentation and breaking of kola nut in Nsukka LGA and the need to maintain them as well as pass them over to the younger generation.

Opata added that the kola nut remains a symbol of hospitality in Igbo cosmology which plays an important role in the celebration of Igbo culture and tradition, stressing that, that was why it is the first thing given to guests as a sign of welcome by the host.

The communique partly read; "Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nsukka chapter had a seminar on 'Traditional Practices Associated with Presentation and Breaking of kola Nut' in Nsukka LGA, our Target is to explore the various practices associated with the Iwa Oji in the local government and profer ways to preserve them for posterity, especially in an age of modernity where many young persons have become alienated from their culture.

"Kola nut is a symbol of hospitality in Igbo tradition and that is why it's the first thing given to a guest by the host.

"There is a need to uphold and preserve the traditional practices of presenting and breaking of the kola nut, as well as educate the young ones of its sacred important in Igbo culture," he said.

Opata said that the major reason Nsukka peoples break the nut before associated ritual prayer was to ascertain that it was not infected with bacteria which would be seen from the lobes. 

"It's believed any kola nut presented must be wholesome, as infected one will be thrown away since it will be rejected by Ezechitoke (God) and ancestors.

"Any person designated to break kola nut among the Nsukka people does it and gives the lobes to the oldest person in the gathering from the area for prayer.

"Kola nut and Ofo (Traditional symbol of authority) constitute the two most important ritual symbols in Igboland.

"In this age of modernity were many young persons have become alienated from their culture, youths should be taught how to present, break and pray with kola nut in Igboland using their mother tongues.

"They also know that the sacred fruit is an object of ritual and communication with God, deities, and ancestors," he said.

The communique expressed appreciation to Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Chief Walter Ozioko, chairman of Nsukka LG for their continued support for Ohaneze Ndigbo as well as their passion for promoting Igbo cultures and traditions.

According to the communique, Ozioko Chairman of Nsukka LGA was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sylvanus Asogwa, Hon Paully Eze, representatives of Town Union Presidents in the Local government, Professors, scholars, and lovers of Nsukka/Igbo culture were present during the seminar, while HRM Igwe Patrick Okoro, and HRM Igwe Christian Asogwa among others were the speakers at the seminar.