History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Adazi-Ani town in Anambra state

 
Adazi Ani is one of the ten towns that make up the Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. As a community, the people of Adazi Ani are hardworking, much like other Igbo communities. The town is located along the Nnewi-Agulu Road, within the Anambra Central Senatorial District.

Adazi Ani Borders:
Adazi Ani shares borders with several towns and communities, including Nnokwa, Alor, and Oraukwu in the Idemili South Local Government Area. It also shares borders with Neni and Adazi-Enu, both located within the Anaocha Local Government Area.

Adazi Ani Zones and Villages:
Adazi Ani town is divided into three main zones: Asanu, Ede, and Unuru, commonly referred to as the zones. These three zones share the same postal code, "422103".

Zones  and Villages of Adazi Ani:

Asanu Zone includes the villages
of Eziora, Ikenga, and Umuogu.

Umuru Zone contains the villages of Amaeku, Dimnam, and Osioka.

Ede Zone consists of the villages of Ezi-Etiti, Uhuezeama, Uhuotulu, and Urunkwo.


Together, these three zones and their villages make up the town of Adazi Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area.

Land Area and Mapping:

The estimated land area of Adazi Ani is about 16 square kilometers, based on Google Maps analysis.

Historical Background: The Okotu Clan
As an autonomous community, Adazi Ani shares a rich historical background with neighboring towns in the Okotu clan. It is one of the sons of Okotu, an ancient warrior from Umuona.

The Okotu Migration:
According to tradition, after a series of conquests, Okotu migrated southward and settled in Okonobi, which is now part of Adazi-Enu. He married two wives and had both sons and numerous daughters, though the names of his daughters were not recorded.
Okotu’s first wife had three sons: Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, and Adazi-Nnukwu. Okotu’s second wife had five sons: 
Ichida, Amichi, Osumenyi, Ogbodi, and Ikenga.

Although some sources report that Obeledu was another son of Okotu, there is some debate. Some say that Obeledu was actually Okotu’s grandson, born to Adazi-Nnukwu. It is said that Obeledu fell ill and was sent away to the forest to protect the other children of Adazi-Nnukwu. Later, Obeledu recovered and became successful in the calabash trade, naming his settlement "Obeledu," which is now a town of its own.

Migration and Settlement:
During the migration period, Okotu’s sons moved to find suitable land for settlement. As the second son of Okotu, Adazi Ani moved southward and settled in what is now known as Adazi Ani town. His older brother, Adazi-Enu, remained in Obi Okotu and settled in what is now Adazi-Enu town.

The other sons of Okotu, including Adazi-Nnukwu, Ichida, Amichi, Osumenyi, Ogbodi, Ikenga, and Obeledu, all established their respective settlements, which are now individual towns.

For clarity on Obeledu’s story, some sources indicate that Obeledu was a sickly son of Adazi Nnukwu who was sent into the forest for safety. After his recovery, he became successful in the calabash business, eventually naming his settlement "Obeledu," which has since grown into the town of Obeledu.

This rich history has shaped the town of Adazi Ani and its surrounding communities, contributing to its unique identity within Anaocha Local Government Area.