Everything You Need to Know About Ifitedunu!
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!
Ifitedunu Town Overview
Ifitedunu is an Igbo community located in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State. The town shares borders with Abagana, Awkuzu, Abba, and Umunnachi.
Main Villages in Ifitedunu
Ifitedunu is divided into five major villages. In order of seniority, they are:
Obieze
Ukpomili
Akwa
Umuanugwo
Igbuala
Major Deities
Kesa Ifitedunu
Mkpume Akesa
Orikenu
Ogwugwu Akpu Ifitedunu
Rivers and Streams
Mmiri Nwaofufe
Mmiri Nwangene
Mmiri Oka
Mmiri Onyeekwena
Mmiri Agbagu
Masquerades
Adamma
Enyimmonwu
Atu Obalagidi
Ajibussu
Mmonwu Udó
Main Market Day
The main market day in Ifitedunu is Nkwo. It is popularly called Nkwo Ifitedunu. Burials are not allowed to take place on Nkwo market day.
Major Festivals
Iri-Ede Festival: The women of Ifitedunu, especially those who follow Igbo spirituality, cook large quantities of Ede (cocoyam) for this festival. There are also community performances, including masquerade displays. It is usually held in March and comes before the Akpu Okochi festival.
Akpu Okochi: This festival celebrates Ifitedunu culture through masquerade dances and superiority contests. It is held every year in April.
Awaji Ifitedunu: This is the New Yam Festival of Ifitedunu. It is celebrated every year in September.
Onwa Isaa Festival: This festival is held every year in November. It is another occasion used by the people of Ifitedunu to celebrate their culture.
Communal Taboos
Murder
Women climbing Nkwu (palm trees)
Adultery with a sibling’s spouse
Incest
Harming, killing, or eating Eke (python)
Rape
Founder and History
The people of Ifitedunu are descendants of a man called Dunukofia. Dunukofia had many sons from his wives, and these sons later founded their own towns. Ifitedunu was formerly known as Ifite Ukpo, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with the town of Ukpo. Ifite was the second son of Dunukofia. His brothers include Ukpo, Umunnachi, and Umudioka.
Major Occupations
Trading
Farming
Palm-wine/alcohol distillation.
Local Government Area
Ifitedunu is part of Dunukofia 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 Ifitedunu that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!
Source:
Mr. Kingsley Somtochukwu.
Research Credit:
Chinualumogu
