NNEWI HISTORIES: WHY NNEWI PEOPLE DO NOT EAT EWI (BUSH MEAT).

According to Nnewi tradition, the avoidance of bush meat (ewi) is attributed to oral story that says; Long ago, the Nnewi people were faced with a severe famine. Their king, Igwe Eze Ugbonyamba, sought the help of a powerful deity, Edo Ogwugu.

The deity granted the king’s request for food abundance but imposed a condition: the Nnewi people must abstain from eating bush meat (ewi). In gratitude, the king and his people accepted this condition, and since then, bush meat has been considered taboo (nsọ) in Nnewi culture.

The story goes that Igwe Eze Ugbonyamba, the king of Nnewi, was directed by the deity Edo Ogwugu to sacrifice his most precious possession, a golden sword, to ensure the famine’s end. The king complied, and shortly after, the famine ceased, and food became abundant in the land.

As a reminder of this pact, the Nnewi people instituted a taboo (nsọ) against consuming bush meat (ewi), which was believed to be a favorite food of the deity Edo Ogwugu. This taboo has been passed down through generations, and Nnewi people still avoid eating bush meat to honor their ancestors’ agreement with the deity.

The taboo (nsọ) against bush meat (ewi) serves as a reminder of the Nnewi people’s covenant with Edo Ogwugu, a symbol of their gratitude for the deity’s intervention during the famine. By avoiding bush meat, the Nnewi people demonstrate their respect for their ancestors, their heritage, and the natural world. This legend also highlights the importance of balance and harmony with nature.

The Nnewi people believe that respecting this taboo maintains the equilibrium between humans and the environment, ensuring the continued prosperity and well-being of their community. The story has been passed down through generations, and its significance extends beyond food choices, serving as a cultural touchstone that reinforces Nnewi values, traditions, and identity.