Everything You Need to Know About Abatete!
Statue at Abatete honoring Mazi Okoli Otie, regarded as the founding father of the town.
Our goal with this series is to help Igbo descents worldwide reconnect with their roots and gain a clearer understanding of who they are.
Do you know the name of your town and village? What kindred your family belongs to, both maternally and paternally? How did your surname come to be, and what stories shape your cultural identity?
We hope this series inspires you to explore, document, and preserve your history for generations to come. Enjoy!
Abatete Town Overview
Abatete is an Igbo community located in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. It is centrally positioned and shares borders with Ogidi, Oraukwu, Eziowelle, Uke, Umuoji, Nimo, and other towns.
Main Villages in Abatete
Abatete is divided into four major villages:
Nsukwu
Agbaja
Ogbu
Odida
Major Deities
Omaliko Ezeigwe
Amiagba
Iyi-Ogbu
Rivers and Streams
Mmili Amiagba
Mmili Ezu
Mmili Aguiyi
Mmili Mgbuwa
Masquerades
Mmonwu Omaliko
Aguiyi Odida
Odum Agbaja
Agbohommuo Nsukwu
Oyilioga Ogbu
Main Market Day
The main market day in Abatete is Eke. There are two major markets that are very active on Eke day: Eke Abatete and Eke Agu. Burial ceremonies are not permitted on Eke day in Abatete.
Major Festivals
Omaliko Abatete Festival: This festival is held to venerate Omaliko, the most revered deity in Abatete. It is usually celebrated in June every year.
Awaji Abatete: This is the New Yam Festival of Abatete. It is usually held in September. The Igwe first performs the symbolic cutting of the yam, followed by the Obis of the four major villages, before the rest of the community can eat the new yam.
Communal Taboos
Incest
Murder
Harming, killing, or eating Eke (python)
Founder and History
The people of Abatete share a common ancestor called Okoli Otie. He is said to have migrated from Arochukwu in present-day Abia State.
Major Occupations
Farming is the main occupation of Abatete indigenes.
Local Government Area
Abatete is part of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Did we miss any key details or get something mixed up?
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What else do you know about Abatete that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!
Source:
Ichie Okaka Gbajie of Abatete.
Research Credit:
Chinualumogu
