The quiet Idu-Koro community, host to the bustling Idu Industrial Area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), came alive on Sunday with colour, drums, and fanfare as Ndigbo gathered to witness the installation of a new Onowu. It was more than a chieftaincy title, it was a cultural homecoming, a statement of identity, and a reaffirmation of Igbo tradition far from home, writes Nwamulu Namma.
In the ancient community, where Ndigbo are under the leadership of Onyendu Ndigbo, Chief Jude Davison Igwe, the Mmaejigbuagu of Idu-Koro, the traditional ruler performed the traditional installation of Chief Peter Nnaji, the Afunwaelotenna 1st of Akpugo Nkanu in Enugu State, as Onowu.
An Onowu is the second-in-command to the Eze, now addressed as Onyendu in the diaspora, following a new law passed by Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide at its headquarters in Enugu, in conjunction with Ndi Eze Ndigbo in Igboland. The law stipulates that no Igbo traditional ruler in the diaspora should be called Eze, but Onyendu, meaning “leader”.
By 2pm, the venue was already filled. From market women in akwete wrappers to young professionals in isiagu, people trooped in from all walks of life to “do Christmas for their eyes”.
After the rites of installation, the atmosphere shifted to celebration. Cultural troupes took center stage with Igbo dances, highlife music, and the thunderous entrance of masquerades that drew loud cheers from the crowd.
Traditional rulers from within and outside the FCT were also in attendance, resplendent in their regalia. The display of cultural garments, red caps, coral beads, and George wrappers, turned the event into a living museum of Igbo heritage.
Speaking at the event, Onyendu Igwe hailed Ndigbo in Idu-Koro for upholding tradition despite being far from Igboland. He noted that such ceremonies help younger generations born in Abuja to connect with their roots.
The new Onowu, Chief Nnaji, in his acceptance, promised to support the Onyendu in promoting unity, peace and Igbo culture in Idu-Koro and the FCT at large. He called on Ndigbo to remain law-abiding and good ambassadors wherever they reside.
As drums rolled into the evening, elders said the installation was not just about giving a title. It was about planting Igbo identity firmly in the heart of the nation’s capital, one tradition at a time.
