User:Uduogu/Orsu

Orsu is a local government area in Imo State, Nigeria. It derives its name from the acient Orsu nmano land, which comprises various indigenous communities including Ihioma, Ebenator, Awo Idemili, Umuhu Okabia, and Eziawa.

The Orsu Nmano people are linked together by the Nmawu Nwezelogu maskurade, which binds them to a common ancestory. The Nmawu, which is an incarnate of ancestrol gods of th people, is revered by the society. This revence is used by the Orsu society to enforce laws of the land, including community services and collection of village contributions. It is often used to enforce community taboos, and/or to enforce participation in community activities such as diking of streams to mitigate flood, and building of community centers.

Part of the present day Orsu was carved out from the Orlu Local Government Area to further devolve the federal structure of the Nigerian Government. What is left of the old Orlu is the Isu people. The maskurade of the Isu people is derogated by the Orsu as mere human in mask, which is has no reverence anywhere near that of Nmawu Nwezenogu of the Orsu people.

Although the Orsu Nmano people claim a common ancestory, they share the Nmawu deity and maskurade with other Igbo neighbors, including the Nnnewi, Iseke, Amaruru, LiLi, and Okija people.

Geography.