IGBU CULT OR SOCIETY IN OGBA LAND.
By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
19th August, 2022.

Igbu is one of the cult groups or secret societies in Ogba land. Igbu cult featured prominently in Ogba traditional society. The advent of Christianity severely decimated the power of the once famous cult group. Although Igbu is scarcely known today, few traditionalists still belong to the cult.

Igbu cult signifies power and strength. It was a cult of warriors and brave men. Igbu was not for weaklings - only people who have distinguished themselves as brave and fearless men are admitted into the cult. These warriors are reputed to have taken battles into enemy territory and returned unscathed. In Ogba language, these caliber of men are known as "Okparionyohia". Ogba history is replete with brave men who have singlehandedly fought battles with men and dangerous animals and emerged victorious.

In short, Igbu is a cult of warriors. It is only in Igbu that members lift up their drinks with the left hand to indicate strength and resilience. As a society of warriors, the group is often symbolized with okia (spear) and omerenyi (cutlass or sword).

One of the most significant or striking thing about Igbu cult is its refusal to bow or yield to defeat. A member of Igbu cult is expected to show uncanny bravery and resilience in all matters of life including death: when he is confronted with death, he is expected not be chicken hearted. It is against this background that a dead member of Igbu cult is, rather than lieing down in state during his burial ceremony is kept in a sitting position. What this means is bravery before death - refusal to lie down or bow even in death. In the present age, such bizarre sights or practices are no longer common, what is done is placing the picture of the deceased member against the wall.

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They have the Igbu cult in Ukwuani too. Even some Isoko people have it, and they copied from Ukwuani.

RedboneSmith:
They have the Igbu cult in Ukwuani too. Even some Isoko people have it, and they copied from Ukwuani.

igbo would always be related, no matter how hard some tries to deny it