…Threatens to Expose Impostors

By Ikenna Orioha

Individuals who allegedly obtained the revered Nze n’Ozo title in Orlu Autonomous Community, Orlu LGA of Imo State through illegitimate means have been warned to desist and retrace their steps or risk public exposure.

The warning was issued by the Nze n’Ozo title holders in a statement signed by their leader, Nze Benji Ofoegbu Kamadike and made available to the media on Saturday.

Ofoegbu emphasized that the stages of the Nze n’Ozo title are attained at intervals of at least two years to preserve credibility, integrity, and valor and to avoid what is known as “Ozo Onyeishi”,
He explained:

“Nze n’Ozo is ihe ulo; it is first localized at the village level. Like oral history, Ozo has strict rules and regulations that must be followed to the letter. It has a head known as the Onye Isi Nze n’Ozo, whose recognition is mandatory for membership. He directs all procedures.”

He stressed that there is no faction of Ozo in Umu Mkpu and no ongoing litigation, affirming that the title is not transferable. According to him, every member must begin from scratch; there is no regency, no representation by proxy, and no sit-ins during title rites.

Ofoegbu further clarified that Ogu Uzo title holders are not automatically members of Nze n’Ozo in Mkpu n’Akika but may become members through due process. He maintained that the Nze n’Ozo title is open to every Igbo man of integrity and sound moral standing, urging non-members to respect the tradition and refrain from illegally wearing the symbolic cap.

He also noted that Ebelano Nze n’Ozo has little or no relationship with Ebelano Ngwaraobis due to an alleged offence committed against a past member, which reportedly resulted in a traditional sanction known as Mgbara-abosi.

Detailing the five mandatory stages of the title in Eluama, Ofoegbu listed them as:
Igwu Obi – Involves the killing of a cow and presentation of eight kola nuts, eight alligator peppers, palm wine, beer, and ₦80,000 (ishi nne ego) per member.
Ike Ego Ahu – Paying homage to each member according to the rank or stage attained.

Igba Onumonu Public declaration of surplus in the presence of members, while completing any previously unfinished obligations.

Igba Eghu Ogu Meeting the Onyeishi Ozo with drinks and money for authorization. The Ogu members are then taken to inspect the goat to be used, alongside yam and wine, before it is slaughtered and shared. No Ogu member has the right to demand entitlement before fulfilling this stage.

Iga Aha (or Iza Aha Ozo) Consultation with external, rugged Ozo-titled elders for a naming ceremony held at night with elaborate traditional rites.

He concluded by calling on those allegedly bypassing due process “out of pride, ego, and misguided judgment” to regularize their status and uphold the dignity of the institution.

“Failure to regularize within a specified timeframe will result in public exposure, regardless of personal status. Tradition recognizes no individual above its laws,” he cautioned.