History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Akwaeze Town in Anambra state

 
Akwaeze and Neni are two neighboring towns located within the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Together, they are regarded as IBENNE, a term that signifies their brotherly relationship, forged by shared history and traditions such as Ebemisi and Ibu-Ihu.

Historically, Akwaeze and Neni natives consider themselves to be Ibenne, recognizing a deep-rooted connection between the towns that goes back to their origins. Nnebo, the founder and ancestor of Akwaeze, was also the elder sibling of Neni’s founder, making their bond inseparable. Despite Akwaeze and Neni being distinct towns today, they continue to honor each other as brothers with a mutual respect that transcends time.

For centuries, Akwaeze and Neni shared no clear land boundaries, reinforcing the notion of their unbreakable unity. The elder brotherly status of Nnebo over Neni is reflected in how the towns are traditionally referred to: Akwaeze na Neni instead of the reverse. Collectively, the 16 villages of Ebemisi comprise both Akwaeze and Neni, blending their distinct villages into a unified cultural and geographical entity.

Akwaeze includes villages like Mgbuwa, Uhuolu, Uhuonyili, Umuezeani, Umudieke, and Umutu. Neni, on the other hand, comprises villages such as Etitinabo, Eziaja, Ezineni, Okofia, Ugwudunu, Umuabani, Umudioka, Umueze, Umukabia, and Umunri.

In Igbo culture, respect for age and seniority is a cherished value, with younger members of the community expected to show reverence to their elders, regardless of social status. As a tradition, younger brothers pay homage to older brothers by sending Ehu (gifts) as a symbol of respect and affection. This custom became particularly significant for Neni after he moved from Obi to his ancestral home in what is now Neni, passing the Ibu-Ihu tradition to his only son, Anuba. Anuba then passed it on to his three sons: Akaoye, Ike, and Ezejukwa.

The Ibu-Ihu tradition has been preserved by the three kindreds—Akaoye, Obike, and Umuezuzo of Etitinabo. Each year, pilgrims from these kindreds gather for a pilgrimage to Akwaeze, which traditionally starts at Ana Isioha (the birthplace of Neni’s founder) and proceeds to the Obi in Ezegbe/Ezeajana quarters of Akwaeze’s Umuezeani village, where Nnebo and Neni were born.

One of the most memorable Ibu-Ihu visits occurred in 1991, when a large group of sons and daughters from Etitinabo, led by the Akakpuru and Eze-eyi-ibeya masquerades, arrived in Akwaeze. The visitors were received by Igwe G.O. Achufusi (the Ezennebo II of Akwaeze), his Chiefs in Council, and Akwaeze residents, especially those from the Ezegbe and Ezeajana families.

In 1992, a unique visit took place when descendants of Nnebo decided to travel to Neni to celebrate their fraternal bond. The visit was led by Igwe G.O. Achufusi and his Chiefs, and the Nenians warmly received them at Etitinabo village hall in Ana Isioha. The late Igwe Iwobi Enemuoh and other prominent members of Etitinabo were present for the event.

The Ibu-Ihu ceremony is generally held in August, with major visits taking place every five years. In the intervening years, select delegates represent the community. The practice of Ibu-Ihu serves as a constant reminder of the solidarity between the Ibenne towns, symbolizing unity, mutual affection, and a healthy sense of rivalry aimed at fostering prosperity and peaceful coexistence.

##Conclusion 
In summary, the Ebemisi villages, consisting of the 16 villages of Akwaeze and Neni, are bound by a shared heritage and the Ibenne tradition, a legacy that emphasizes family, respect, and cooperation for a common good.