Avhianwu Traditional Titles

Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan By Evangelist Godwin Eshiekhai Asekomhe  PART ONE Avianwu Clan is made up of four communities namely: Ivhiarua, Ivhinone, Iraokhor and Ogbona. These four male children are the direct biological children of the same parents (i.e. Anwu the father and Aleokoko the mother). The four communities uphold and practice the same cultures/traditions that binds them together as one indivisible entity. An entity with One Clan – One destiny. One of the cultures that binds them together is Okhei Traditional Title. Okhei Tradition is one of the most exclusive enduring social institution in Avianwu culture. Initiation into Okhei Title is the exclusive preserve of male (male children, youths and adults) only. Initiation into Okhei Traditional Title is a traditional priestly ordination into priestly cult in traditional society, hence every Okhei Title holder is called and addressed as OBOH. Okhei Traditional Title is so important to the culture of Avianwu Clan such that initiation into the cult is the most necessary and important qualification to the conferment of any of the traditional titles in the Clan that culminate in being enthroned an Okphe – Ukpi ( Ukpi Drummer i.e. Community Head), which is the apex chieftaincy title in Avianwu Clan culture. This connotes that no one can be a traditional ruler if one is not an OBOH – that is Chief Priest. A male member of the traditional society who is not initiated into Okhei Title is considered as a mere and mean man and of no value in the Land. Hence such man is called OGBARI. Any OGBARI cannot aspire to attain any social status and position such as Oghiebo, Utokho – Ukpi, Ogbor – Okpise, Priest nor Chief Priest to offer sacrifice to the gods, nor any other traditional political position in the Clan. PART TWO Is Okhei traditional Title in Avianwu Clan our inheritance bequeathed to us by our forefathers? What is the origin of Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan? ORIGIN OF OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN. Okhei traditional Title in Avianwu Clan is not originally Avianwu Clan Cultural heritage bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of the Clan. From Avianwu Clan historical antiquity Okhei Title tradition was borrowed from “Ebu” which means “IGBO”. It is a (cross – culture) borrowed from Igbo land by some of our elders in the past. (Descent of Anwu by Ekpeshie). In Igbo Land, it is called “Ozoh traditional Title” without which no man can wear the traditional Red Cap, nor conferment of traditional chieftaincy title, nor be elected into traditional political offices nor regarded or respected in the committee of elders just as it is done in Avianwu Clan. THE PRACTICES AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN INITIATION INTO OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE. I will like to begin this section of our discourse by saying: (1). I am an Okhei Traditional Title Holder. (2). I have studied extensively on the subject of Okhei traditional culture in Avianwu clan. (3). As a deliverance minister, I have travelled far and wide in Igbo Land uprooting and destroying evil idols, deities altars etc. So I have knowledge of these issues. From historical and demonological and deliverance studies, practical life experiences and testimonies of one delivered from the demon of Okhei, it is observed initiation into Okhei traditional title involves a high level of paganism and occultism rituals and sacrifices to gods and spirits.   PART THREE OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN: RITUALS AND PRACTICISES Okhei Traditional Title in Avianwu Clan is the official traditional initiation and ordination into traditional Priesthood without which no male member of the traditional society can aspire to any social status, position or perform rituals and sacrifices to the gods of the land. Okhei traditional title is the most controversial cultural heritage in that it involves a very high level of pagan rituals and sacrifices. Initiates from between early 30s and 90s will affirm to these assertions. Some of such rituals and practices are: Iluobo-Okhei (Initial Okhei planning sacrifice). Decoration of traditional Olibo Stick. Decoration of initiate with traditional white chalk in preparation to going to Ogwa- Nikeke and Ogwa – Nokhua (small & big forest). Leading the initiate to both forests for rituals, sacrifices, dedication and taking oath of initiation accompanied with heavy drumming. On the way to the forests the initiate make sacrifices with “Asa” yam flour mixed with palm oil with roasted house rat and a fish on top of a small earth ware clay pot placed in the left hand of the initiate. Planting of a hen feather and pouring of palm wine on the way to both forest for rituals and sacrifices. Carrying of a long square basket called “Itsakpa” covered with a piece of white cloth and decorated with palm front and two hens by a boy considered and called servant of the new Oboh (To be continued). PART FOUR OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLE IN AVIANWU CLAN: RITUALS AND PRACTICISES  (Continuation) Bowing down and worship any Iroko and Olibo trees on their way to and in the big forest. At the forest the chief priest order the initiate to run round an Iroko tree seven times. The chief priest strangles a life chicken to death and uses it to hit the chest of the initiate and also wave it around his head seven times. The initiate places his right leg on the stem of Iroko tree with citation of incantations by the chief priest (Ogiebo). Invocation of an evil spirit on the initiate which makes him stagger like a drunkard. Oath taking and vow of dedication at the big forest (Ogwa Nokhua). The oath and vow of dedication goes thus: ULOKO NA OGWA EEE, IREGBEMHE NE MHO- meaning “IROKO TREE OF THE FOREST I DEDICATE MY SELF TO YOU. After certain pronouncements by the chief priest (Ogiebo), the initiate makes a final pledge to the shrine in the forest and promise to keep the oath of secrecy of the testimony. PART FIVE OKHEI TRADITIONAL TITLI IN AVIANWU CLAN. TABOOS,