It is “alien” to refer to me as a “Nigerian”. It is even more alien to refer to me as an indigene of Imo state. It is rather ideologically correct to say that I’m Igbo. And I’m from the old Anambra State in what is presently known as Nnewi-South. And I give this short story to posterity so that they will bear witness to my origin – my true and God-given identity which transcends any colonial or political pronouncement and declaration…
“There is no story that is not true…the world has no end and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.” – Chinua Achebe.
The story of Kunta Kinte in Alex Haley’s novel titled: “Roots” referenced in detail the descendants of the protagonist. In my own story, I choose to play host to my forefathers and/or my ancestors who preceded my birth.
My origin dates back to the Old Anambra State, precisely in the ancient Kingdom of Ebe nasa Amaruru in Orsu, which at that time was part of Ezinifite in Nnewi-South Local Government Area. We had not been partitioned into Orlu and Imo state by Yakubu Gowon prior to the genocidal Nigeria-Biafra war of 1966-1970. Our “blood affiliation” with Nnewi-South had not been corrupted by any political pronouncement or any presidential declaration.
My history in this story is somewhat an autobiographical account to brighten the awareness and facts about my origin and ultimately, my roots.
As a writer, I owe this as a duty to present before the eyes of humanity and posterity, my beginning – the foundation of my existence. For it is in this medium, all ambiguities are dismantled and freed from the cave of propaganda and lies.
History is an honest judge, especially when born out of the womb of truth. I mean, the sort of truth that commands the witness of God and His divinity.
My great grandfather was born in the early 1890’s. His name was Osuohamara. He had five sons from a single wife. The names of the five sons according to their positions are: Umeagugoesi, Ebuo, Abanigbo, Ezeugo and Onyejaka.
It must be referenced that my grand father – Onyejaka was the fifth son and the youngest in line to the throne of kingship. His name – Onyejaka meant: ” Who can be greater than me.” As for now, it must be noted that my surname found its roots from my grandfather’s honorary or Nze title – EzikeAkuekwe, which meant: “Wealth has accepted me.”
Osuohamara (my great grandfather) was the younger brother of Osunuanoruo whose first son was Eze (King) Oginnaka. This became the foundation of my royal lineage. It was from this King that every descendant in my family was raised to be a Prince and Princess.
Onyejaka (My grandfather) who was a prince, married two wives who had three sons. My late father (Ferdinand) and his late younger brother (Hyginus) were seeds gotten from the womb of the second wife.
My great grandfather and his sons grew up not as “Nigerians” but rather as Igbos. They existed as Igbos prior to any colonial pronouncement which blurred out their origin and true identity.
My ancestors identified themselves as Igbos. They had been conditioned by the knowledge of that truth that stood in defiance and in opposition to any kind of imposition such as – Nigeria.
Above all, they (my ancestors) never refused or rejected their true identity. And it was their expectation that their descendants would inherit that sense of nationhood and the pride that forbids any alien culture.
It is “alien” to refer to me as a “Nigerian”. It is even more alien to refer to me as an indigene of Imo state. It is rather ideologically correct to say that I’m Igbo. And I’m from the old Anambra State in what is presently known as Nnewi-South. And I give this short story to posterity so that they will bear witness to my origin – my true and God-given identity which transcends any colonial or political pronouncement and declaration…