Ofo in Igboland

Ofo/Ofor refers to a particular type of staff (as well as the wood/bronze from which it is made from) carried by selected Igbo elder men - notably patrilineage priests, kings, Onyishi and some masqueraders typifying authority, right to command, legal administrative powers, leadership conferment or power bestowed by the gods.[1]

Ofo/Ofor as sacred symbol

Ofo/Ofor are also symbolic objects. The Ofo/Ofor is the sacred symbol of truth, royal authority, justice, law and administrative power. It primarily bestows upon the holder/bearer (person or person in possession) the right to offer sacrifice - rituals, prayer, oath taking, pronouncing of judgement, deliberating policy/policies within the family, clan or community and also for invoking blessings or curses. Ofo/Ofor may be made from bronze, brass or stick and symbolizes a family/clan or community's authority and can only be handled by those who are authorized/entitled to touch/wield it. It is revered by the family/clan and treated as heirlooms - passing from generation to generation.[2][3]

Symbols of power for traditional leaders/local chiefs and kings

Ofo/Ofor also serves as a symbol of power and authority for office holders and titled men, or a sacred family icon. Ofo/Ofor represents the collective power of the ancestors, gods and the truths given by Chukwuabiama/Chineke (The High God or Creator) to a person. The Ofo/Ofor, also symbolizes the link between the living holder of family or ruling authority and their ancestors (Nancy Neaher).[4]

Ofo/Ofor as link between Chukwuabiama or Chineke - the High God and Humanity

Ofo/Ofor also symbolize the link they make between Chukwuabiama or Chineke - the High God and Humanity, and between the living, the dead, and those yet to be born (Njaka). Ofo/Ofor plays a role in prayer, ritual sacrifice, contact of spirit patrons, magical uses, naming ceremonies, determining calendars of events, affirming moral uprightness, sealing covenants, legitimizing states or office, decision making, settling disputes, taking oaths of administration, and promulgating and enforcing laws (Christopher Ejizu) (Aug. 1999).

References

  1. ↑ "Ofo as a Global Cultural Resource and Its Significance in Igbo Culture Area". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  2. ↑ Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | Nigeria: The Igwe of Nnewi-Chi; links to the Ofo shrine in Nkwo-Nnewi; the name of the ruler, rituals practised, and the tradition for selecting a chief". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  3. ↑ "Religion and the Civilizational Process: The Civilizing Role of Religion in the Socio-Political Decision Making Process in Pre-colonial Ibo Community of Nigeria". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  4. ↑ Onwutalobi, Anthony-Claret. "Nnewi Monarchy - The Official Nnewi City Portal". www.nnewi.info. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
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