Everything You Need to Know About Oraukwu!
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!
Oraukwu Town Overview
Oraukwu is an Igbo town located in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. It shares its borders with Abacha, Adazi-Nnukwu, Adazi-Ani, Alor, Eziowelle, Ideani and Nimo.
Main Villages in Oraukwu
Oraukwu is made up of nine main villages:
Otta
Amada
Nkwelle
Umudim
Irukweleko
Amaeze
Dimubana
Ebenabo
Ezennaja
Major Deities
Nwa-ocha
Ojukwu-Otta
Oye-Oraukwu
Nvovo
Udo-Nkwelle
Udomkpo Otta
Idemobi
Rivers and Streams
Mmili Nwaocha
Mmili Nvovo
Mmili Idemobi
Mmili Oye
Mmili Iyi-Ukwu
Mmili Mmaba
Mmili Otokoro
Mmili Ogwugwu Eneke
Mmili Ohofia
Masquerades
Ojionu Ogbamgbada
Atumma Oyiridiya
Ejenjeya
Oyabuluaja
Akwakanti
Ajohia
Main Market Day
The main market day in Oraukwu is Eke, and the market itself is locally known as Eke-Oraukwu. Marriage ceremonies, burials and any other activities that could interrupt the trading process on Eke market day are prohibited.
Major Festivals
Odunke Festival: This festival is a veneration of Oraukwu’s main deities for the community's protection and progress.
Ilo Mmuo Festival: The annual New Yam Festival celebrated in September. Four weeks prior, the Ikpoputa Ji ceremony takes place to mark the official harvesting of the new yams.
Communal Taboos
Stealing food crops (especially yams) from a person’s house or farm
Murder
Abortion
Killing or eating pythons (Eke)
Intercourse with a married woman
Women climbing any trees
Founder and History
The people of Oraukwu descend from Ohoku, a hunter who migrated from Nri.
Major Occupations
Trading of indigenous clothing and motor parts.
Local Government Area
Oraukwu is a part of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Did we miss any key details or get something mixed up?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
What else do you know about Oraukwu that isn’t covered here? Let us know below. Daalu!
Sources:
Mr. John Akaonyewatalu
Research Credit:
Chinualumogu
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