THE RELIGIO-CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OKWUKWU IN ONICHA EZINIHITTE, IMO STATE

Abstract

In Onicha tradition, Okwukwu is regarded as Onicha second burial. Though it begins with what the Onicha people often refer to  as pre-okwukwu rites, to which every body, regardless of status, is entitled. But the real okwukwu is associated with rites such as itu-aka ese (a particular kind of traditional music), igbu-ewu isi na-ama (dog killing ritual), mgba (wrestling), ipu nama aga ahia (taking a life cow to the market),  egoakpara akpa (locally woven money), etc., which are formally observed in honour of the deceased  who lived an exemplary life of emulation; died a “good death” that must occur at a ripe old age. Each of these rites is performed with utmost care and a sense of respect, and they are intended not only to secure a permanent abode for the deceased in the ancestral world of the good departed, but also to enhance his status therein. Data for this study were collected through primary and secondary sources, observations, and the use of oral interviews. On interpretation of the data, the study adopted a phenomenological approach to interpret the ritual practices associated with Okwukwu. Findings show that the Onicha people strongly believe in the reality of life in the hereafter. The paper recommends that Onicha people should see Okwukwu as one important avenue to sustain the equilibrium between the deceased and his living descendants.