Igbo Cultural Practices That Must be Upheld Regardless of Religious Differences.

I do not expect every Igbo person to become Onye Odinani. That will never happen! Such expectation is a bit insensitive and also goes against the Igbo philosophical teaching of Egbe belu, Ugo belu. Please kindly read the Igbo adage in Hank Anuku’s voice.

However, I believe there are some Igbo cultural practices that have been demonised, no matter your religious divide, we should all normalise.

For example, it is shameful for any Onye Igbo to see Nzu as bad!

It is unforgivable for Onye Igbo to demonise Kolanut as ife eji ekpelu Alusi!

Nzu is the most sacred item in Igbo culture. Thus, a core component of our Igboness.

Even if you do not know how to throw Nzu, do not reject it when offered. Rather, just touch it. Or accept it, and draw four lines with it. By touching and accepting Nzu, you stated your spirit is pure. And most importantly, you’ve shown you have profound respect for your host. It is an insult to reject Nzu once offered.

Learning how to pray with Kolanut is the sacred duty of every Onye Igbo. As Onye Igbo, no matter your religious divide, an occasion will definitely come out for you to pray with Kolanut. And it is shameful as an Onye Igbo for you not to deliver your unit while praying with Kolanut.

Nothing shows the glory of a true Onye Igbo than when he is vibrating with Kolanut, lacing it with a lot of Igbo idioms.

Written by: Nze Tobe Osigwe

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