History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Mmaku Town in Enugu state

Tonpregha undutimi Richard Thursday, July 3, 2025 Basis

Mmaku is a settlement situated within the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The name "Mmaku" translates to "Welcomer" or "Embracer" in the native tongue. Alternatively, some interpretations link the name to the English phrase "beauty of wealth."

The town consists of several communities, including Enugwu Agu, Affam, Ifite, Amagu, Otokwu, Okwulofia, and Ezioha. Its central route is the Oji-Awgu Road, which serves as the major access point. Neighboring towns include Ugbo, Obeagu, Mgbidi, Awgu, and Mgbowo.

##Origins and Historical Background
Multiple folkloric accounts and oral traditions exist regarding the early history of Mmaku.

The Legend of Ezianu: One prominent tale speaks of a hunter named Anekemmadu who discovered a fertile and promising land where he chose to settle with his wife, Dumeogwee. There, she gave birth to a son named Ezianu. While the couple's other children moved away, Ezianu remained and laid the foundation of a new community.

Legend holds that Ezianu possessed a charitable spirit and welcomed a divine being disguised as a person, earning him the title "Mmaku." This name was added to his identity, making him Mmaku-Ezianu. He married and had two sons: Mmaku-Ukwu and Mmaku-Nta.

From Mmaku-Nta came five lineages: Enugu-Afam, Eziama, Mkpurumkpu, Awo, and Agboneri. Meanwhile, Mmaku-Ukwu had seven sons: Amanato, Ezioha, Amegu, Enugu-Agu, Okwulofia, Otokwu, and Ifite.

##Ancestral Ties to Eri
A deeper historical connection ties Mmaku to Eri, an ancestral patriarch believed to have migrated to Ezunaoamambala (in present-day Anambra State). Eri's first wife, Nneamaku, bore him five children, including Nri-Ifikwuan?m-Menri, who became a significant spiritual figure and spread Eri's traditions across the region.

Nri-Ifikwuan?m had several descendants, including Ezianu, who settled in a fertile zone beyond Awka (around today's Oji/Awgu region). He prospered greatly and attributed his success to his great-grandmother's name, Nneamaku ("Mother of wealth"). As a tribute, he named his first son Mma-Aku ("beauty of wealth").

Ezianu fathered several children, including Mmaku, his firstborn, along with Achi, Mgbowo, Nkwe, Ezere, Mgbidi, Awgu, and Awgu-nta. Some oral historians claim Ezianu migrated from Amoli, though this ancestral link remains under investigation.

Upon Ezianu’s death, Mmaku remained the spiritual and cultural anchor of the Ezi-anu Clan. Meanwhile, Achi moved northward and mingled with other Eri descendants near the Oji River, leading to a blending of cultures.

##Lineage of Mmaku
Mmaku had twelve sons through two wives. Children of the first wife included:

Afam (Enugu-Afam) – spiritual custodian of Ezi-anu traditions

Eziama

Ibite

Mkpulukpu

Awo

From the second wife came:

Amanato

Ezioha

Otokwu

Okwulofia

Amegu

Ezi Ajanu (Enugwu-Mmaku)

Ifite-Ohanta

Some descendants later migrated to Arochukwu, forming what is now known as Mmaku-Aro. Others relocated to Mgbowo, becoming part of Amanato Mgbowo and Ezioha Mgbowo. Similarly, people from Okwulofia moved to Ogwugwu, now called Okwulofia Ogwugwu.

##Religious and Cultural Heritage
The central ancestral shrine of Mmaku, known as the Ezi-anu Shrine, is located in Enugwu Affam. This sacred site remains the coronation ground for traditional kings and serves as the spiritual heart of Mmaku.

Mmaku's dialect has remained largely unchanged across generations and regions, even among relatives in Nofia, Amobia, Enugwu-Agidi, Enugu-Ukwu, and Agukwu-Nri, in keeping with Eri's principle that firstborns must preserve traditional language and customs.

##Traditional Governance
Mmaku is organized into three autonomous communities:

Agunese Mmaku

Mmaku Ugwu

Mmaku Agbo

Each is headed by an Igwe (king), assisted by a council of chiefs, with the Onowu serving as the head of kingmakers.

##Spiritual Beliefs
The people revere a local deity known as the Mmamu goddess, associated with the Mmamu River, a central feature in the town’s spiritual history. The river is symbolically known to have "touched every part of Mmaku." The clan of Umu Mmamu still upholds the ancient Ikolo/Okwa ritual drums in the worship of the goddess.

Despite their traditional spirituality, the town is a hub of Christian revival, having produced notable clergy and evangelists such as:

Rev. Patty Obasi (renowned gospel artist)

Rev. Ayobanna Ikeanumba (South Africa-based preacher)

Rev. Fr. James Ani (a controversial Catholic priest)

##Cultural Practices
Mmaku people are widely known for their hospitality. A typical gesture of welcome begins with the presentation of the kola nut (Oji). Visitors are traditionally offered Asaja, a native bean dish, as a symbol of generosity.

##Economy
Farming is the cornerstone of Mmaku’s economy, with abundant streams allowing year-round cultivation of vegetables and root crops. The Afor market, held weekly in Affam, serves as the economic hub.

Geologically, coal deposits exist in the Mamu Formation beneath Mmaku, although no mining activity has been established. Ironstone (Siderite) is widespread, appearing as large outcrops across the area. While the iron content is too low for commercial mining, the rock is used for:

Embankment reinforcement

Erosion control

Road and construction aggregates

Artisanal quarrying of ironstone and laterite remains a key source of livelihood, though many quarry sites are now abandoned.

##Education
Secondary Schools:

Mmaku High School (formerly Boys' High School)

Girls' Secondary School Mmaku (now Community Secondary School, Afam)

Community Secondary School, Mmaku

St. Theresa Secondary School (at the Catholic Centre)

Mmaku Girls Secondary School (now Community Secondary School, Afam)

Primary Schools:

Central School, Mmaku