Everything You Need to Know About Oraifite!
We share posts like this to help Igbo people around the world reconnect with their roots. A tree stands strong when its roots run deep, how deep are yours?
May this inspire you to explore, remember, and pass on the stories that shape who you are. Enjoy!
Name of Villages
Main Villages in Oraifite include: Ezumeri, Unodu, Irefi, Ifite.
Names of Kindreds
Kindreds within each village include the following below.
Under Ezumeri
Umuonyeagolu
Umuonuura
Ogbe Umuafa
Umuezeikem
Under Unodu
Ibolo
Umuezopi
Isingwu
Under Irefi
Nkalafia
Umumkpike
Umudisi
Umueshi
Under Ifite
Awo
Urudunu
Uruezenakwa
Amakomu
Names of Dieties
Major deities in Oraifite include the following: Nkwukwula, Ulasi, Edo, Mkpulu Oba, Ogwugwu Urudunu, Anumanu, Ngene, Ogwugwu Ezikanyatu, Nnenkisi, Ogwugwu Uzolu.
Names of Rivers
Rivers and Streams in Oraifite include: Mmili Eze, Mmili Ulasi, Mmili Elulo, Mmili Omelunwaogbuagu, Mmili Ose.
Main Market Day
In Oraifite, clans have specific days dedicated to resting, spirituality and trade. However, Nkwo is a significant market day in all of Oraifite, it is the day for their general market at Nkwo Ozuluogu, and a day for important spiritual rites.
Major Festivals
Major festivals that take place in Oraifite include:
Igu Aro
Afia Olu
Asala
Ili Ji
Ika Agwu
Ime Ana
Ime Agwu
Alulo Mmuo
Communal Taboos
Incest
Harming, killing or eating of Eke (Pythons)
Harming, killing or eating of a specific kind of lizards
Rape
Murder
Theft
Adultery
Founder of Oraifite Town & History
Oraifite is a member of the “Anaedo” cultural group, alongside Nnewi and Ichi, all believed to be sons of a man known as Ikenga. Oraifite is said to be the junior brother of Nnewi. In Oraifite, Ezumeri is the most senior clan. However, there are several migrant communities in the town.
Masquerades
These are the main masquerades in Oraifite:
Okpoka
Odogwu
Ozoebuna
Occupation They Are Known For
The major occupation of Oraifite indigenes and residents is Farming and Trading (especially trade of musical instruments).
Local Government Area
Oraifite is a part of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, in present day Anambra State.
Did we miss any key details or get something mixed up? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What else do you know about Oraifite that isn’t covered here? And which Igbo town would you like us to feature next? Let us know below. Daalu!
Sources:
Ogbuefi Ezeana Ugo Chi Tubelu (Chairman Nze na Ozo Oraifite)
Research Credit:
Chinualumogu
