- As World Center for Igbo Repository berths at UNIZIK
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Traditional Ruler and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has called for a deeper understanding and research into Igbo history and culture, including clarifying the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo linkages.
Speaking while delivering a lecture at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka during the maiden edition of HRM Obi Nnaemeka Achebe annual public lecture on Igbo Repository , titled, “Onitsha traditional society – Origin, spread, culture”, Obi Achebe highlighted the need for urgent attention to four critical areas in Igbo history and culture.
According to His Majesty, a definitive determination of the origins and ancestral linkages between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo language groups is necessary for positioning in contemporary Nigeria.
He observed that the search of Igbo history as a necessary pedestal to anchor the history of Onitsha presented three alternative versions for Igbo origin.
He named the versions as Autochthony, the Internal Migration, and the External Migration hypotheses, adding that the two migration hypotheses mentioned the possibility that the Igbo, Yoruba and Edo language groups, and others, shared a common ancestral root prior to separating in different directions and developing different languages and dialects.
The Royal Father said there is need for building a closer relationship among descendants of Eze Chima, the central figure in the founding of Onitsha Ado N’Idu and a host of sister communities on both sides of the lower course of the River Niger and authenticating the folk histories of Umu Eze Chima.
“All of these communities affirm their descent from Eze Chima, but present degrees of variation in their legends of the great founder. Broadly, Eze Chima’s ancestors were either part of the Igbo migration out of lle-Ife that sojourned in Benin, or he was a direct descendant of Oba Eweka I and Oramiyan or he did not have any ancestral connection with Benin or Yoruba, but rather descended from the Nri civilization”, Igwe Achebe said.
Exploring Onitsha culture and governance, including the traditional justice system, and the journey of transformation which he initiated in 2002, focusing on modern management and leadership principles, the Monarch emphasized the vital importance for the government to stop the continuing deterioration and decline of Onitsha and neighbouring areas.
“While the Onitsha indigenous community continues on its journey of transformation, it is urgent for the government to take urgent measures to address the decays in the greater Onitsha metropolis to restore its past glory as a leading industrial, commercial, educational, and cultural city in Nigeria”, Igwe Achebe said.
Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu in an address expressed concern over the 2012 UNESCO adverted attention to the Igbo language which they predicted would become extinct by the year 2025 if nothing was done to arrest the creeping decline in the use of the language.
Prof. Ikechebelu said the UNESCO prediction should not be a surprise to the Igbo upper class because in most cases , English language has surprisingly becoming the mother tongue , the first language spoken to children from birth as such people grudgingly learn Igbo language as a second language.
He regretted that most Igbo values are being eroded today by the onslaught of globalization, modernization and digital technology and said there is an urgent and strong need to put up concerted efforts to save the Igbo history and culture from going into perdition.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the establishment of the World Centre for Igbo Repository in the University would help to rescue the extinction of the Igbo language and other aspects of Igbo culture, values, beliefs, arts, literature, customs, and traditions.
Chairman of the Occasion, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu called on stakeholders from the Southeast to appreciate and preserve Igbo culture and history.
The foundation stone for the establishment of World Center for Igbo Repository was also laid during the event.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Godwin Onu said the launching marks the beginning of a new era in the promotion of Igbo culture, traditions, and values.
Onu said: “The foundation of the Obi Achebe World Center for Igbo Repository is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the Igbo people. This center will serve as a vital resource, safeguarding and promoting the unique cultural heritage and traditions of the Igbo for future generations.
“The initiative is also dedicated to reviving our forgotten history, exploring folk tales and examining the origins of the Igbo nation. It intends to highlight the traits distinguishing us as Igbo in various domains such as industry, education, governance, religion and culture.
He said the annual lecture will be rotated among the targeted historical communities even as he described the Obi of Onitsha as a man of remarkable achievements both in corporate and traditional spheres.
The lecture was attended by various dignitaries including political leaders, traditional rulers and other Igbo personalities.