The Powerful Igbo Slave Trader That Worshipped Women.

Dim Ohachi was a popular slave trader. He was feared, respected and equally avoided. He was so feared that you do not casually walk past his house. You run pass it to avoid ikpa gi. Yes, he was a renowned slave trader. He lived during the period of, might is right.

Anazodo Nwizu widely known with his Ozo name, Dim Ohachi is amongst the greatest name Nnewi produced. He was the one that advised Ndi Nnewi not to fight the White men once they enter Nnewi. Nnewi should kindly surrender to them and do whatever they require of the town.

As a slave trader, the job demands traveling. This exposure helped him to witness first hand what the White Men did to villages that resisted their new government, religion and trade.

Well, Dim Ohachi in his time was known to hang men that lure any of his wives to bed. He is not known to do anything to do the women. But he does not spare the unfortunate man once he gets wind of what’s at play.

As normal in his time, he had many wives. It’s no news that most men with numerous wives found it hard to sexually satisfy the harem. As a result of this, some philandering men target such women.

According to Dim Ohachi, what annoys him is not that you slept with his wife, but what exactly did you tell her that made the wife of a dike like him to soften up. He believed the men must have convinced the person that he Dim Ohachi is not as great, tough and feared as believed.

This is what led to the saying, Dim Ohachi siri na iwe ya abụrọ na ala nwunye ya, ma nọ , kedu ife akpagidolu, nwunye ya ewe ekweta. Kedu ife ya bu nwoke gwalu nwunye ya?

The process that led to the sleeping is what irks Dim Ohachi, nothing else. So, he hangs any man that sleeps with his wife, because he believes such man must have convinced his wife that he can do nothing.

When you examine what Dim Ohachi did on the day of his isi nni Ozo, you may agree that Dim Ohachi reveres women despite his tough exterior.

On the final occasion of Ozo initiation, you are expected to hail the new initiate with his new Ozo names. And the new minted Onye Nze will in turn drop money or entertain you. However, Dim Ohachi on this special occasion was not impressed with all the names and adulation heaped on him till an old woman came by and hailed him, Dike ana atụ egwu na ezi mana nwanyi na emeri ya na uno!

Immediately, Dim Ohachi, jumped up and gave the woman the highest entertainment. He gave her bags of money.

Whenever I read that our ancestors maltreated their women, I smile, knowing such people know nothing of their Igbo ancestors.

Igbo ancestors knew their greatness stops in front of their compound gate. Once you enter your homestead, the women take over. I believe this is true in most stable and successful homes across cultures. Think of Awolowo calling his wife, His jewel of inestimable value. Awolowo went as far as allowing HID to always sit at the head of the dining table.

The real rulers or man of the house is the woman, Alusi agba oto efe. Your success or failure as a man depends on how you worship and handle her.

If Dim Ohachi as feared and tough as he was knows this, how come a coward like you do not know a woman, no matter how small or young she is, once married, is fire and the lord of the Manor?

Written Nze Tobe Osigwe (Ezeikolomuo)