Nri is an ancient Igbo city-state in Anambra State Nigeria. The
Kingdom of Nri was a center of learning, religion, and commerce in
pre-colonial West Africa. Historians have compared the significance of
Nri, at its peak, to the religious cities of Rome or Mecca: it was the
seat of a powerful and imperial state that influenced much of the
territories inhabited by the Igbo of Awka and Onitsha to the east; the
Efik, the Ibibio, and the Ijaw to the South; Nsukka and southernIgala
to the north; and Asaba, and the Anioma to the west. The rulers of Nri
did not use military conquest, but used religious authority and
control of commercial routes as tactics in the spread of their
city-state. Politically, Nri is known to be the most ancient origins
of the Eze kingship in Igbo societies. But Nri and its rulers were
also known for their occult religious Juju, an institution that
instilled both awe and fear in those who made pilgrimages to the
shrine.
Commercially, Nri was against slave holding. "Osu" was the name of
outcasts of other communities who migrated and were accepted in Nri.
Some Osu became eunuchs. During the colonial period, Nri and the
regions under its political, religious, or commercial control became
international markets for palm oil. In the heart of Nri influence was
the Igbo Ukwu bronze castings.
ORIGIN
NRI KINGDOM is the oldest Kingdom in Nigeria. It was founded around
900AD by the progenitor, Eri, the son of Gad. According to
biblicalaccounts, Jacob had Leah as his wife who begot four sons for
him. When Leah noticed she had passed child-bearing age, she gave her
maid – servant, Zilpah to Jacob to wife, and through Zilpah he had a
son named Gad. Gad then bigot Eri, who later formed a clan known as
Erites vide Genesis Chapter 30 verse 9; 46 verse 16 and Numbers
chapter 26 verses 15-19. Eri was therefore amongst the twelve tribes
of Israel via Gad.
During their stay in Egypt Eri became the high priest and spiritual
adviser to Pharaoh Teti, the fifth dynastic king of Egypt around 2400
BC.
During the Exodus, which marked the beginning of the mass movement of
the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Eri was amongst the tribe that left
Egypt following the injunction from God to the Israelites (see
Deuteronomy chapter 28 verses 58 – 68). Some of these tribes founded
settlements in the southern part of Sudan, where they established the
"Nok" culture, which is similar to that of other (sun Cult) culture,
like Nri, Fiji, Samoa, and Jukun in the Northern part of Nigeria and
elsewhere. But others who could not remain in the Southern Sudan
traveled further South, some branched off to Jukun, in Northern part
of Nigeria, others continued and arrived at the confluence of Rivers
Niger and Anambara known as "Ezu-na-Ọmambala" and settled there while
some veered off to the Island of Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean. An
intelligence report notes that the Fijians have the same sun culture
with the people of Nri.
When Eri arrived at the confluence of "Ezu-na-Ọmambala" he had two
wives, namely Nneamakụ and Oboli, Nneamakụ begot five children, namely
(a) Nrifikwuanịm-Menri being the first son (b) Agụlụ (c) Ogbodudu (d)
Onogu and (e) Iguedo the only daughter. Oboli begot Ọnọja, the only
son who founded the Ịgala Kingdom in Kogi State. Meanwhile,
Nri-Ifikwuanịm begot Agụkwu Nri, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi, Nọfịa, and
Amọbia, while his brother Ogbodudu who later became Nrinaoke
N'Ogbodudu had founded the Diodo Dynasty, while his brother Ezikannebo
founded Akamkpịsị and Amanuke. Onogu Begot Ịgbariam, while Iguedo, the
only daughter, begot Ogbunike, Ọkuzu, Nando, Ụmụleri, and Nteje, Known
today as Ụmụ-Iguedo clan, while the former are better known as Ụmụ-Nri
clan. According to Nri Oral tradition recently substantiated by
archaeological findings of Ọraeri/Igbo-Ukwu objects, the unification
of Agukwu, Diodo, and Akamkpịsị was enacted constitutionally during
the beginning of reign of Nribụife (AD 1159 – 1252) who was the first
Eze Nri to observe the Ịgụ-Arọ Festival as a pan – Igbo affair in
1160AD (Prof. M.A. Ọnwụejeọgwu 2003).
Nri-Ifikwuanịm took after his progenitor Eri, and became a high
priest among his people. He left Agụleri in search of a better living
place, according to Mr. M.D.W. Jeffreys report, and settled at present
Nri site. He started performing what Eri did at Egypt, cleansing of
abominations, giving titles such as prestigious Ọzọ title, to his
people, proclaiming the New Year (Ịgụ-Arọ) etc.
ỊGỤ-ARỌ: Ịgụ-Arọ is an annual festival of the Nri people. It is during
this festival that Eze Nri proclaims the New Year to all the Igbo
communities under his jurisdiction, and he then announces the Nri
calendar to the people. The Nri calendar is made up of thirteen (13)
Lunar months namely:
(1) Ọnwa Mbụ (1st moon) starts from 3rd week in February each year.
(2) Ọnwa Abụa (2nd moon) March to April, (clearing and farming).
(3) Ọnwa Ife Eke (3rd moon) April to May (Ụganị or hunger period)
(4) Ọnwa Ana (4th moon) May to June (planting seed yams).
(5) Ọnwa Agwụ (5th moon) Ịgọchi and mmanwụ (Adult Masquerades) June-July.
(6) Ọnwa Ifejiọkụ (6th moon) Yam Ritual (Ifejiọkụ) July –August.
(7) Ọnwa Alọm Chi (7th moon) Yam Harvest (For Alụsị only) comes up
August to early September.
(8 Ọnwa Ilo Mmụọ (8th moon) Ọnwa Asatọ festival (September ending).
(9) Ọnwa Ana (9th moon) Ana Ritual comes up in October.
(10) Ọnwa Okike (10th moon) Okike ritual takes place in early November.
(11) Ọnwa Ajana (11th moon) Okike ritual takes place in November ending.
(12) Ọnwa Ede Ajana (12th moon) comes up in ending of November to
early December.
(13) Ọnwa Ụzọ Alụsị (13th moon) offering to Alụsị (early January to
early February).
The Nri were great innovators in rituals, diplomacy, economy,
administration, and management of a segmented and decentralized
people. The Lunar system of calculating the year with a system of
adjustment was known to the Nri priests of Alụsị Arọ and the knowledge
of the movement of the heavenly bodies were employed in calculation
the lunar year, according to Northcote Thomas (M.A. Frai) a British
Government Anthropologist who served in Ọka District in the early 20th
century, in 1910 he reported he got names from the following heavenly
bodies at Nri-Pleiades, Orion and Great Bear. Therefore Nri elders had
clear knowledge of these stars and others which helped them in
calculating the intervals between each Lunar period and finding their
directions during their sojourn from one Igbo Village to another in
both the semi – forest and the forest zones.
During the Ịgụ-Arọ Festival, Eze Nri proclaims the New Year; he also
distributes seed yams to the Igbo People and asked them to go home and
farm. He tells the people that after his Ịgụ-Arọ, approximately within
four days but certainly not more than three native weeks (Izu Anọ)
"you will have the first rainfall, so after this rainfall you can go
ahead to cultivate your crop".
Eze – Nri introduced the cowrie currency (Ego ayo), and a
sophisticated system of using cowrie as a medium of exchange and
valuation was developed in the Igbo cultural area. The system of
calculation and the table of conversion used in the Nri area in the
late Nineteenth century were as follows:
1 Mkpụlụ Ego = 1 Cowrie
6 Mkpụlụ Ego = 6 Cowries = 1 isi ego
10 Isi Ego = 60 Cowries = 1 Ukwu
20 Ukwu = 1,200 Cowries = 1 Afịa
20 Afịa = 2,400 cowries = 1 Akpa ego
or ili Afịa
10 Akpa (bags) = 240,000 cowries = Nnu Afịa.
Fowls and bags were valued in Ukwu, goats and sheep in Afịa, cows,
slaves and land in ili Afịa. Bride wealth was negotiated in nnu, never
to exceed four Nnu Afịa. Iron bars and rods, copper bars and rods and
manilas were valued in terms of cowries. In order to facilitate
carrying them around for transaction, cowries were strung together in
rows of sixes and sewn permanently on mats in bundles of 6, 1,200,
24,000, and 240, 000. The mats were rolled, loose ones were tied in
bags of 24,000 called akpa.
Prof. M. Angulu Onwuejeogwu equally reported the conversion of cowries
to British currencies this way. At the beginning of the 19th century,
the British introduced the pound, shillings and pence #, s. d.
currency system. This new system was resisted in various ways. First a
dual currency system was developed, traditional goods were sold in
cowries and European goods in British currency. Later cowries could
buy British currency and British currency could buy cowries. By a
system of haggling, the exchange rate varied and was determined by
several factors. As more European goods began to penetrate without
replacement, the British currency backed by law, became dominant. In
1925, the following rate of exchange was still operating in many rural
markets.
10 cowries = 1/2d (Half Penny)
20 cowries = 1d (One Penny)
60 cowries = 3d (Three Pence)
120 cowries = 6d (Six Pence)
240 cowries = 1/- (one shilling)
1200 cowries = 5/-(Five Shillings)
1400 cowries = ₤1 (one pound)
24,000 cowries = ₤5 (Five Pounds)
120,000 cowries = ₤25 (Twenty five pounds)
Having introduced trading and currency which was the cowrie system,
and having worked out the rate of exchange to accommodate the British
traders and their currency system, Eze Nri introduced a sort of local
system for people with extra money to keep on this Prof. M. Angulu
Onwuejeogwu 1981 writes:
In Nri, a rudimentary local banking system developed, during the slave
trade period, men with strong buildings began to keep the cowries of
other people in return for commission. Such men became very rich and
were able to give a capital loan to persons who wished to begin a
trading venture. No fixed rate of interest was paid, one had to haggle
over the interest called Ọmụlụnwa on the principal, isi ego.
Stock Exchange was introduced for the first time in Nri, for instance
stock exchange was associated with Ọzọ title. In this system, a person
who had belonged to one of the alliance groups called Ogwe Mmuo. The
candidate for the title will purchase a total of Nine (9) shares known
as "Ọfọ Itenanị". The shares are known as "Ọfọ" the stall of
immortality. The Ọzọ titled man will get his entitlements depending on
the number of Ọfọ Ọzọ he has. An Ọzọ man with nine Ọfọ Ọzọ will be
entitled to nine shares whenever a new person took the title and made
payment. One could sell his Ọfọ, except three, within his Ọzọ group at
a loss or profit, whenever he is in need of money. He could use his
Ọfọ as security for a loan, the person giving the loan will take the
shares allocated to the Ọfọ whenever payments of share were made until
the capital and interest were paid back by the owner of the Ọfọ. If a
man dies his male children will inherit the total Ọfọ Ọzọ and the
allocated shares. Shares of Ọfọ Ọzọ lapses two years after the man's
death, it is known as ovunisi. The family of the dead Ọzọ man will
continue to take all shares accruing from the Ọfọ Ọzọ left. The son
could use one of the Ọfọ Ọzọ in taking his own Ọzọ title. If he did
this he would continue to take shares accruing from his own Ọfọ and
those inherited. If he has brothers, the Ọfọ Ọzọ of their father would
be shared according to the law of inheritance in Nri. (Northcote W.
Thomas, M.A, F.R.A.I) 1913.
The Ọfọ, the staff of immortality, ritual and political authority was
converted into a type of security certificate. Nri used the ritual
system to achieve economic enhancement via Stock Exchange. This
cultural civilization was introduced to Igbo – land before the coming
of the British Colonial Administration. Therefore, Nri bequeathed this
highly civilized pattern of exchange to Igbo – land.
Eze – Nri introduced the four market days to the Igbo Land, namely
Eke, Oye (Orie), Afọ and Nkwọ. In each of the communities where the
Eze – Nri establishes these markets, he will keep one of his Alụsị
(Deity at that market square, and leave one of his agents to take care
of that Alụsị. The inhabitants of that community will pay allegiance
to the Eze – Nri through that agent, especially during the Ịgụ – Arọ
ceremony of Eze – Nri.
It is on record in Igbo land that Eze – Nri introduced agriculture in
Igboland. He introduced yam, cocoyam, and other cash crops in Igbo –
land. That is why at every Ịgụ – Arọ ceremony, His Majesty the Eze –
Nri will share out seed – yams to the people present, to go and plant.
This symbolizes the introduction of yam to the Igbo race.
LIST OF PAST EZE – NRI AND ORDER OF REIGN:
(1) Nri – Ifikuanịm 1043 – 1158
(2) Nri – Namoke (from Diodo) 1090 – 1158
(3) Nri – Buife (From Obeagụ Unified Ọfọ N'alọ Agukwu and Diodo) 1159 – 1259
(4) Nri – Ọmalọ (Uruọji) 1260 – 1299
(5) Nri – Jiọfọ 1 (Agbadana) 1300 – 1390
(6) Nri – Ọmalonyeso (Obeagu) 1391 –1464
(7) Nri – Anyamata (Uruọji) 1465 – 1511
(8) Nri – Fenenu (Agbadana) 1512 – 1582
(9) Nri – Agụ (Obeagu) 1583 – 1676
(10) Nri – Apia and Nri – Alike (both from Uruọji died the same day)
1677 – 1700
(11) Nri – Ezimilo (Agbadana) 1701 – 1723
(12) Nri – Enwenetem (Agbadana) 1724 – 1794
(13) Nri – Enwelana 1 (Obeagu) 1795 – 1886
(14) Nri – Ọbalike (Uruọji) 1889 – 1936
(15) Nri – Jiofọ II Taabansi Udene (Agbadana) 1937 – 1987
(16) Nri – Enwelana II Obidiegwu Onyeso (MFR) (Obeagu) 1988 - Present
NRI AGE GRADES:
(1) Oliokuku between 1846 – 1854
(2) Irunatọ between 1855 – 1863
(3) Umezọba between 1864 – 1866
(4) Ijele between 1867 – 1872
(5) Atụ between 1873 – 1875
(6) Ugo between 1876 – 1878
(7) Ọchokwu between 1879 – 1881
(8) Olimgba between 1882 – 1887
(9) Ekwueme between 1888 – 1890
(10) Mmanenyi between 1891 – 1896
(11) Irugo between 1897 – 1902
(12) Iruagụ between 1903 – 1905
(13) Iruatọ between 1906 – 1908
(14) Nri buenyi between 1909 – 1911
(15) Iruenyi between 1912 – 1914
(16) Ọkpatụ between 1915 – 1917
(17) Ifediọra between 1918 – 1920
(18) Amakaekwu between 1921 – 1923
(19) Abakarị between 1924 – 1929
(20) Atigwe between 1927 – 1929
(21) Akpalị between 1930 – 1932
(22) Akụm between 1933 – 1935
(23) Amuoku between 1936 – 1938
(24) Ọkuanị (Omenyi) between 1939 – 1941
(25) Udokafulukwu between 1942 – 1944
(26) Ndụkakụ between 1945 – 1947
(27) Chikwado between 1948 – 1950
(28) Ofuobi between 1951 – 1953
(29) Nri Jiọfọ between 1957 – 1956
(30) Nri Bụ isi Igbo between 1957 – 1959
(31) Ọdinanị between 1960 – 1963
(32) Nri bu Ofu between1964 – 1966
(33) Nri Ezuo between 1967 – 1969
(34) ? between 1970 – 1972
(35) between 1973 – 1975
STABILITY:
Since the present monarch ascended the throne there has been peace,
however after the initial wrangling in the community. The community is
well-protected security – wise. The town union, Nri progress Union
(NPU) has introduced a very reliable security outfit, that patrols
through the community both day and night.
WATER PROJECT:
The community has benefited from the Federal Government two
unserviceable water boreholes. However, since the ascension to the
throne by HRM. Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso (MFR) Eze – Nrienwelana 11,
Anambra state Government has awarded ADB assisted water project while
the federal Government has through the federal ministry of water
Resources awarded three borehole projects which have been ostensibly
completed but they are not functional yet. We are still begging the
Federal and State Government to assist us to get these boreholes
become operational, so that our water problem would be solved.
ELECTRICITY:
We are gradually improving on our electricity supply in order to
ensure that Nri has steady electricity supply. The Federal Government
through NEPA is currently executing an enhanced electricity supply
project through the installation of a 2.5kva electricity step down
from Nibo sub – station to Nri. To this end the Eze – Nri in Council
and the N.P.U. Executive would like to thank the Federal Government
for this kind gesture to the people of Nri. With the enhanced
electricity supply to Nri, our sons and daughters and other
entrepreneurs can now site small-scale industries in the community so
as to improve the unemployment syndrome of our youths, as well as help
reduce the worsening urban drift to the metropolitan cities.
ROAD PROJECTS:
In less than three years into the reign of HRM. Eze – Nrienwelana11,
he has attracted the Anambra State Government to look into the road
leading into the ancient Kingdom of Nri, The road leading to Nri to
wit Enugwu – Ukwu/Nri/Agulu road as well as Nri/Agbanabo/Neni (Anaocha
L.G.A Headquarters) have been award to indigenous contractors.
Unfortunately road construction work stopped soon after mobilization
thereby making these roads unpassable. HRM. Eze Nrienwelana 11, the
Eze – Nri in – council and the N.P.U. Executive would like to use this
opportunity to request Anambra State Government to see to it that
these important link roads which naturally form part of the inner road
through the Ọka capital territory are rehabilitated for obvious
reasons. Meanwhile we must thank the Anambra state Government for
completing the Nise/Eke Nri road last year in 2003. we are indeed
very grateful for that gesture a singular dividend of democracy. The
village and other well-meaning individuals are helping to renovate the
other roads leading into the hinterland.
NATIONAL HONOUR:
His Majesty, Eze – Obidiegwu Onyesoh (MFR) Nrienwelana II, was
invested with the National Honour of the Member of the Order of
Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) by the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, on the 16th of
December, 2003 at Abuja. This is the first time any indigene of Nri is
bestowed with this kind of high profile honour. We must thank God of
Nri, our ancestors and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
for this good gesture unto Nri Community, the Ancestral Homeland of
Ndi Igbo.
EDUCATION:
Last year the members of Nri Progressive Union (N.P.U) USA branch,
renovated the Lake City Girls Secondary School Nri, and the Ebede
primary school, Nri. They also supplied the two secondary schools with
educational equipment, materials and books. They also refurbished the
famous ỌDỊNANỊ MUSEUM, Nri, a joint project with University of Ibadan
Institute of African studies, which has been neglected by the U.I.
They have also promised to do more in the coming years of which we are
very grateful.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS:
Nri people living in the Ancestral Homeland of Ndigbo are trying to
re-establish positive and effective relationship with our brothers in
Diaspora here in Nigeria and even outside the country. Our brothers in
Diaspora outside Nigeria are Fijians, Haitians, Samoans, Some Black
Communities in the USA, Eritreans, Jamaicans. Records available to us
reveal that about 30% of Jamaicans today are from Nri, their
progenitor being one slave boy called Aneaso as Archibald John
Monteith. The most recent research work on the subject carried out by
Dr. Maureen Warner Lewis of the University of west Indies Kingston
Jamaica was presented in 1994, when she, the researcher visited Nri
Kingdom and had stayed for several months.
The authorities in Nri are working concertedly to re-establish
effective relationship with our brothers and sisters in Diaspora in
some 113 and ever growing list of identified communities in Nigeria
including:
(1) Abala Ụnọ (Delta State) (2) Abala (Delta State)
(2) Abavo (Delta State) (4) Akabọ Mbaukwu (Anambra State)
(5) Akwaeze (Anambra State) (6) Akwukwu – Igbo (Delta State)
(7) Alọ (Part of it) Anambra State
(8) Amaegu Nrobo Ọkpara Ụzọ – Ụwanị (Enugu State)
(9) Amaezike Nkpọlọgwụ Nsụka (Enugu State)
(10) Amọbia (Anambra State)
(11) Amụleri Ichida (Anambra State) (12) Bebe Abbi Nsụka (Enugu State)
(13) Ebe Village Achina (Anambra State) (14) Ebenebe Nasa
(Anambra State)
(15) Rgbema Ozubulu (Anambra State) (16) Egumeri Ọrifite (Anambra State)
(17) Eha Alụmụna (Enugu State) (18) Ekpweri (Kwara State)
(18) Enugu Ujaji (Enugu State) (20) Enugwu Agidi (Anambra State)
(21) Enugwu – Ukwu (Anambra State) (22) Enugwu Abbi (Enugu State)
(23) Eziọnwa Oko (Delta State) (24) Ezira (Anambra State)
(25) Igberi (Kwara state) (26) Ikot Ichie (Cross River State)
(27) Ipọnri (Lagos State) (28) Ile – Efi Ossomari (Anambra State)
(29) Ishiagụ (Delta State) (30) Ishi Igala (Kogi State)
(31) Isuochu (Abia State) (32) Isu Iga (33) Isu Akabọ Ukwu
Nnewi (Anambra State)
(34) Isu Awa (Enugu State) (35) Isulọ (Anambra State) (36)
Ichi Nsụka (Enugu State)
(36) Ivolo Ọraifite (Anambra State) (38) Iyagba Ụmụdim Nnewi
(Anambra State)
(39) Mbanagụ Otolo Nnewi (Anambra State) (40) Mbọsi Ihiala
(Anambra State)
(41) Megeri (Kwara State) (42) Mgbudu Ichida (Anambra State)
(43) Ndiamazu Arọndizuọgụ (Imo State) (44) Ndianichi Arọndizuọgụ (Imo state)
(45) Nimbo (Enugu State) (46) Nimbo Ukpabi Uzo – Ụwanị (Enugu State)
(47) Nkwere Isu (Imo state) (48) Nnọkwa (Abnambra State) (49) Nsụka
town (Enugu State)
(50) Nọfia (Anambra State) (51) Obiọra Nnewichi Nnewi (Anambra State)
(52) Ofun Nrobo (Enugu State) (53) Ogbo Akpọ (Anambra State)
(54) Ogboli Isele Ukwu (Delta State). (55) Ogboli Atuma (Delta State)
(56) Ogboli Ibusa (Delta State). (57) Ọgwashị –Ukwu (Delta State)
(58) Okpolo Amichi Nnewi (Anambra State) (59) Ọkpọra Nrobo Uzo – Ụwanị
(Enugu State)
(60) Okpuneze Nnewi (Anambra State). (61) Ọmanenu Nkwelle Ezunaka
(Anambra State)
(62) Ọmanenu (River State) (63) Oraeri (Kwara State) (64) Oraeri (Anambra State)
(65) Ute – Okpu (Delta State) (66) Ọwa Oyibo (Delta State) (67) Owelle
Utehi (Delta State)
(68) Oya Affa Udi (Enugu State) (69) Part of Ọkija (Anambra State)
(70) Ụbụlụ–Ukwu (Delta State)
(71) Ugbene (Anambra State) (72) Ukpabi (Enugu State)
(73) Ụmụ Ejiofọ Obeledu (Anambra State) (74) Ụmụ kabia Achalla (Anambra State)
(75) Ụmụ Ilozumba Obeledu (Anambra State) (76) Ụmụodume (Anambra State)
(77) Ụmụ Okeakpukpo (78) Ụmụ Eme Asaba (Delta State)
(79) Ụmụachalaogu Nnobi (Anambra State) (80) Ụmụagụ Oguta (Imo State)
(81) Ụmụakpanshi Illah
(82) Ụmụchi Ossomari Ogbaru (Anambra State) (83) Ụmụchim Agulu
–ỤzọIgbo (Anambra State)
(84) Ụmụhu Ọkabia (Imo State) (85) Ụmụeri Ogbunike (Anambra State)
(86) Ụmụeri-Owerri (Imo State) (87) Ụmụezedi Ifite Nteje (Anambra State)
(88) Ụmụezedi Nteje (Anambra State) (89) Ụmụnri Neni (Anambra State)
(90) Ụmụeze Ọgba Nguru – Nsụka (Enugu State) (91) Ụmụisim Akpulu (Imo State)
(92) Ụmụkabi Ikeduru (Imo State) (93) Ụmụkabi Mbaise (Imo State)
(94) Ụmụkabi Ọkigwe (Abia State) (95) Ụmụnkwọ Uruagụ Nnewi (Anambra State)
(96) Ụmụnọgha Ọka Etiti (Anambra State) (97) Ụmụnri Ekwulu mmili (Anambra State)
(98) Ụmụnri Ọraukwu (Anambra State) (99) Ụmụnri Nsukwu Abatete (Anambra State)
(100) Ụmụnri Onitsha (Anambra State) (101) Ụmụnri Ama Okpala (Anambra State)
(102) Ụmụnri Ụmụọgaze Ukpo (Anambra State)
(103) Ụmụnri Ezidike Agulu – Uzoigbo (Anambra State) (104) Ụmụọrichi,
Isukwatọ (Abia State)
(105) Ụmụosineme Ọka (Anambra State) (106) Ụmụebere Dibia – Oguta (Imo State)
(107) Uwanyama Nsukka (Enugu State) (108) Ụmụọhaori Owere Village
Akokwa (Imo State)
(109) Ogboli Nkwerre (Imo State) (110) Ụmụkabi Community Ihiala (Anambra State)
(111) Ụmụ – Nri Community Ọkija (Anambra State) (112) Nkpologwu Agụata
(Anambra State)
(113) Nnewi (some Communities) see C.N. Ugochukwu's Isu factor in
Nnewi History 2000, Tabansi Publisher.
From the foregoing, Nri is one of the oldest established Kingdoms in
Nigeria, which dates back to 900AD. There are to date 113 Ụmụ – Nri
Communities in Diaspora within Nigeria about some score others outside
Nigeria. In these communities H.M. Eze – Nri has definable functions
and roles known among the Igbos as "the spiritual head and potentate".
Hence, Nri has been widely heralded as the heart of Igbo nationality
"and" a kind of holy city, the Rome or Mecca of the Igbos" (Isichei
1977,10). Professor Elizabeth Isichei goes further to capture the
evergreen picture of Nri in these elegant words.
The street of the Nri family is the street of the Gods, through which
all who die in other parts of Igboland pass to the land of the
spirits.
Some other notable references include Olaedo Equiano (1789), G.T.
Basden (1902, 1921), A.G. Leonard (1906), M.A. Talbot (1926),
Northcote Thomas (1930), C.D. Forde and G.I. Jones (1950), Professor
Kenneth Dike (1956), F.K. Elechi (1971), M.D. Jeffreys (1972), A.E.
Afigbo (1973), (1981), Prof. M. A. Onwuejeogwu (1981) B.I.O Odinanwa
(1987, 1993), D.C. Ohadike (1975), Cardinal Arinze Francis (1970),
P.J.O. Nwadirigwe (1999), Uche P. Keanyibe (1997).
PAST ỌFỌ NRI HONOREES
1. Rt. Hon.(Dr) Nnamdi Azikiwe, The Owelle of Onitsha.
Former Premier of Eastern Region and first President of Nigeria
Was bestowed with Ọfọ Nri in 1956.
2. Rt. Hon. (Dr) M.I. Okpara
Former Premier of Eastern Region
Was bestowed with Ọfọ Nri in 1958.
3. General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
As the Biafran head of State
Ọfọ Nri was bestowed on him on 1967.
4. Rt. Hon. (Dr) Jim. Nwobodo
Was bestowed with Ọfọ Nri in 1979.
5. Rt. Hon. Sen. Dr. Chuba Okadigbo
Was bestowed with Ọfọ Nri in 1979
6. H.E. Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani
Governor of Enugu State
Was bestowed with Ọfọ Nri in 2001.
RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS:
H.E. Dr. Sam Egwu
Executive Governor of Ebonyi State
Shall be conferred with a chieftaincy title of
DIKE ORA of Igbo land.
H.E. Senator Adolphus Wabara
Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Shall be presented with Ọfọ Nri
H.E. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige OON
Executive Governor of Anambra State
Host Governor.
Senator David Mark
Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs.
Shall be honoured with chieftaincy
Title of DIKE MBA of NRI
Engr. Emma Okonkwo,
Assistant General Manager, NEPA H/Q Abuja
Shall be honoured with CERTIFICATE MERIT
With its paraphernalia.
Conferment of Certificate of Honour as well as certificate of Merit to
deserving Nri Indigenes.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Otunba Mike Niyi Adenuga Jnr. OON.
Chairman, Global Com. Ltd
1004th Ịgụ Arọ Ndigbo 2003Ad
Recipient OF A Chieftaincy Title of Omefulu Ora Of Nri.
Chief Dr. Anieze Chinwuba PhD.
Former Chairman Nitel Plc Abuja
1004th Ịgụ Arọ Ndigbo 2003AD
Recipient Of A Chieftaincy Title
Of Ikeora Ndigbo
Chief Barr. (Dr.) Mrs. Josephine N. Anenih
Iyom Nri Nwachinemelu
National Woman Leader, People's Democratic Party.
Chief Mrs. Uche Ekwunife
Prof. Miriam Ikejani Clark
Iyom Ada Eji Eje Mba. Of Nri.
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