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= HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, DEMOGRAPHY AND THE PEOPLES OF ARONDIZUOGU =

During the conception of this book, the necessity of a historical overview of the peoples of Arondizuogu was considered, in order to appreciate their origins and perhaps decipher at what point their compass of vision was lost.

Ndizuogu (now Arondizuogu) was founded by Mazi Izuogu Obunukpo Akuma Nnachi (also Izuogu Mgbokpo) from Amankwu Arochukwu in present day Abia State and further expanded in conjunction with a close associate Mazi Ihemegheonye from Isi-akpu Nise (Anambra State) popularly known as Chief Iheme. The partitioning of the lands was followed a hostile and antagonistic reception from the host communities who resisted the occupation of their lands by the new settlers.

Chronological account of the events that took place opens up diverse perspectives that interest-holders have held over the years, each attempting to narrate the versions that best serve their interest, history and right of ownership. It was believed to be a bloody conquest. But most significantly was the role played by a particular visionary leader from Isu Okpu (Umu Alaoma) by name Ezerioha Udensi who foresaw a total extermination of the peoples of the occupied territories and called for cessation of hostilities. In his sagacity, having realized the needlessness of the war and that Mazi Izuogu and his people cannot return back, called for a peace accord. In this arrangement, lands were ceded and freely donated to the immigrants -heralding the beginning of renewed friendship. Neighbouring communities today live in amity with Arondizuogu (but not without a mental reservation of unspoken intentions). The laudable action of Ezerioha can only be likened to the Camp David peace accord of Isreal and Egypt signed in 1979, pioneered by Egyptian president Anwar al-Sadat when he realized that it would be almost impossible to defeat Israel and that they cannot go back to where they returned from or even willing to relinquish occupied territories. Following backlash from this action Sadat was assassinated two years after, but I cannot confirm if Ezerioha did suffer a similar fate.

Scramble for tenancy in the acquired territories continued with more newcomers arriving from far and near, who became settled after rendering contractual services to their new landlords. During this period which I christened ‘Izuogu Renaissance’ saw many settlers from Agulu, Nise, Owa, Obeledu, Adazi, Nanka (all in Anambra), and few others who migrated from Ohazara and Arochukwu. The descendants of these people constituted unit members of villages of Izuogu and Iheme oligarchies. As at today, Arondizuogu consists of 20 recognized distinct villages and is annexed into three different local government areas of Imo state owing to political delineation and administrative exigency. These are Ideato North, Okigwe and Onuimo with Ideato North hosting the largest of its population.

Original settlers in Arondizuogu spoke pure Aro dialect at a time until after the Renaissance which led to the corruption of the language version to originate what today sounded partially Anambra-like (Nri-Awka).

Ancient Arondizuogu was not identified with a particular craft that evidenced primordial civilization occurreing at any time in its history, rather its peoples were sojourners most of whom became dwellers and brought with them different brands of civilization experiences. But generally, the people were well reckoned for brevity, trading and cultural heritage. Because ancient Arondizuogu was an aggregation of people of diverse cultural manifestations who came together to establish the community, there was an absence of record of indigenous civilization other than a record of ethnic wars and bravery.

Ancient civilizations across Igbo land were remarkable in some ancient kingdoms like Nri, Igbo Ukwu, Awka and parts of Onucha (Onitsha) which had minimal access across the river Niger. These civilizations existed more than three centuries prior to the advent of white colonists. Evidently, much of Igbo civilization had its locus in present day Anambra which at that time attracted trade and commerce from all around Igbo land. Little wonder Mazi Izuogu Mgbokpo, the founder of Arondizuogu, had to travel from Amankwu Arochukwu to Awka (about 200km or 124miles) in search of trade opportunities. It was in one of these business occasions that the historic decision to settle at present day Arondizuogu was made. This was roughly around the middle of 18th century. Circumstantial interests that elicited this decision were rather obscure than were storied, but could be better ascertained by the knowledge that commercial proximity was paramount, especially at that time. Other events may be valid but not without the exigent demand for territorial acquisition and contiguity of clientele. History has it that he majored in slave trading.

Except the story of Nigeria’s history of struggle, independence and development was told by an adversary, the place of Arondizuogu cannot be missed for its contribution to eastern and entire Nigeria. Arondizuogu has played a very significant role towards the development of Eastern Nigeria. In various perspectives that included industrialization, missionary service, scholarly achievements, nationalism and others, they contributed immensly. Some notable patriots include Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Dr. K. O. Mbadiwe, Peter Nwana, Chief L. N. Obioha, Chief Green Mbadiwe and a host of others who have given so much.

Culled from the book; Arondizuogu in Search of Tomorrow

Author: Mazi Afamdi M. Okereke

Dikeamama Izuogu