Igba Ota-omu of Nigeria’s Ohafia People: A Celebration of Unity and Resilience
- Peace Nwoha
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Editor’s Note:
In this article, Nigerian writer Peace Nwoha takes us inside Igba Ota-omu, the traditional age-grade retirement ceremony of the Ohafia people in Abia State, Nigeria. This cultural festival is a rite of passage—it strengthens community bonds, honors elders, and reflects the resilience of one of Nigeria’s most distinctive ethnic groups. Through food, music, dance, and shared responsibility, the Igba Ota-omu shows how cultural heritage continues to shape health, identity, and collective belonging.
The air in Elu, the heart of Ohafia in Abia State, glistened with morning cold as the steady pounding of the Ikoro drum could be heard in the distance, summoning Ohafia’s sons and daughters to the village square. The sleepy village was now stirring with excitement, and thick logs of wood were placed across the junctions as barricades to keep the fleet of cars from flooding the streets.
Large umbrellas stuck through the crowd, shielding men or women dressed in white lace blouses and double wrappers from the dust. Their steps matched the rhythm of the drummers beside them, and their voices echoed with the songs of the men, women and children who surrounded them.
Elderly people gazed with longing from their windows as they remembered a time when three days were set apart to honour them during their Ota-omu ceremony, and they were the centre of attention in the community.
Mrs Chika, who had her Ota-omu Ceremony three years ago, described it as
“The happiest day of my life because I am being celebrated while I’m living. I have spent years attending others’ ota-omu ceremony and celebrating my children’s birthdays; this one is for me before the next one, which is my funeral.”
This is not just any ceremony but one that the Ohafia people hold with reverence and look forward to throughout their lives. People come in from around the world to capture the sights and sounds of the event and also reconnect with family and friends.
The Origin of Igba Ota-Omu
Igba Ota-omu, or the traditional age grade retirement ceremony, is as old as the Ohafia community. Children within three years age difference are grouped into an Age-grade and given responsibility under an older Patron. As they come of age, they are given a name for the age grade (Izara Afa) and are officially recognised.
Wherever members of an Age grade may travel in the world, they would always be united under a common identity. A member of Aka ji Aku (The hand that wields wealth) age grade in Los Angeles can meet another member based in Turkey and instantly feel that kindred spirit as they hail each other ‘Aka ji aku kwenu!'
The active members of the age grade are tasked with the administration of the affairs of the community and are given projects to undertake. These projects could include repairing roads, construction of drainage systems and boreholes, repair and construction of schools, etc.
Only when these projects have been completed can the age grade be permitted to do their Ota-omu. It fosters a sense of responsibility within the community without over-reliance on external sources to develop the land.
The Walk of Resilience
As the day brightens, the village square transforms. Wrappers of Gold and crimson shimmer in the heat, and the ground vibrates with each bang of the traditional gun. Ohafia war dancers mark their presence, wildly erupting into the crowd and remerging, jerking their bare chests to the beating of the drums. The hall is packed with the celebrants as the paramount ruler addresses them and marks the ceremony open.
After the address, they troop outside and form single files to begin the walk through the villages. This walk is a testament to the strength and agility of the Ohafia people who troop through the dusty and tarred roads, hilly and lush terrain of the neighbouring villages while chanting songs of victory and praise.
On rare occasions, a young man dressed in the traditional white shirt and double wrapper can be seen on the line with the older celebrants. In instances like this, the father who is celebrating the Ota-omu may be too incapacitated to take the walk, and his son represents him instead. Well-wishers follow their mother or father closely, offering bottles of water, hand fans or handkerchiefs as they request.
Mr Ukoha, a celebrant who participated in the walk, remarked that
“I made sure that I walked through the villages to display that I am retiring in one piece and still very agile.”
They end the walk by reassembling in the town hall, where they are addressed by the ruler and then handed their certificates of retirement. The incoming age-grade also officially bids them farewell as they disperse to their various homes to prepare for the next phase of the ceremony.
Gifts, Giving, and Feasting
The next day is for exchanging gifts and welcoming well-wishers. A large chair is placed within a small tent at the entrance of the house and decorated with native wrappers. The celebrant in a lavish George wrapper and matching blouse sits on the chair, swinging her woven fan across her glistening face while welcoming well-wishers.
The smell of jollof rice and peppered goat meat fills the air as seated guests salivate at the metallic trays holding an assortment of fried chicken, goat meat, Soups and mounds of garri while waiting to be served.
High-life music boomed through the speakers and new guests strolled towards the corridor, clenching white envelopes and cash which would be exchanged for soap, salt, ankara cloth and other gift items.
The celebrant shows appreciation for the gifts given to them by handing out household items and ensuring that guests are well fed. The celebration continues into the dead of the night as glasses of milky palm-wine get refilled amidst outbursts of jokes and laughter.
As the ceremony drew to a close, I stared at my relatives who were still seated under the tents and engaged in heated arguments. My grandfather’s favourite quote, “Osisi olu anaghi eme ofia”, came to my mind. It means that one tree cannot make a forest.
Ohafia people recognise that trauma must be released, and to foster both individual and societal wellbeing, it is achieved through celebrating life within a shared heritage.
About the author: Peace Nwoha is a dentist who enjoys writing lifestyle, travel and health-related content.
