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There is this village in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State known as Amaekpu.
Amaekpu is located in the former Eastern region of Nigeria which has a large population density. People or inhabitants of this village are disciplined, tolerant, cooperative and united. This conduct has, for decades, been in existence and been sustained because of their local system of governance. It is no respecter of a person or persons when it comes to the disciplining of anyone who goes contrary to the stipulated constitution and culture that governs them.
Amaekpu, as it is known, has a central power that, although local, is still very powerful. It is the government of the people popularly known as the Umuakha. It consists of the sons of the founder of Amaekpu village. This is the governing body, made up of old men of high repute, credibility, trust and truthfulness. They are old men over the age of 70 years. They are never seen nor met.
They have a particular way of moving, and it is always when there is a special event or when there is problem in the village. When they come out, there is usually panic and fear in the village, with everybody wondering what must have happened in the village. Most times, their outing signifies that a prominent aged man of the village has died.
On their event days, they walk in a single file in their special costume. They wear their native cap and a bull shirt, and tie a wrapper and loincloth around their waist. They also hold a big long walking-stick in their right hands. The last man in the file blows a horn, an ancient horn taken from a killed buffalo. This horn is blown to notify people of their presence and it makes the villagers clear the way, even before they arrive.
There is always tranquility as they walk along. The only sound heard is that of the horn and the drop of those big ancient walking sticks; it’s a horrifying sound. As they go, nobody is expected to utter a word or make a movement, as these would attract their anger and result in punishment. If, perchance, one runs into them as they are passing, as a mark of respect he or she stops automatically and stands at attention as a soldier until they have passed.
The Umuakha government is so powerful that the inhabitants of Amaekpu village try their best to avoid behavior, actions and offenses that will attract their visits. The Umuakha government has a peculiar way of enforcing discipline upon every defaulter. If they visit a defaulter, his or her family remits their demand (fine) first before they make open their reason for visit. When they visit as a result of crime or default, they don’t sit down, they stand until they are done with the case, and then they return to their meeting hall.
In cases of fights, quarrels, adultery, poisoning and disputes, stealing etc they always have the final say. Any person invited by this government for anything must appear in cultural attire, but if it is an emergency, he or she must at least look for a wrapper to tie over whatever he or she was originally wearing. This helps to sustain the Igbo culture in attire.
When this government handles any case, the case can no longer go to court, because the Amaekpu villagers take them as their highest court. They believe so much in the wisdom of these old men in handling issues. It may be a native court, but it is highly respected by and recommended to the inhabitants as a selfless, straightforward, wise and credible setting. It settles issues without fear or favor and even faster than urban courts. The Umuakha government still exists and is as strong as ever.
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KENNIECEE
I am a change agent from the city of Aba in Abia State, Nigeria. Email:
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Comments
Norma | Apr 18th, 2008
I like this article. It reminds me of the good old days in my village, when the council of elders still had some authority....
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