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

 
Alor is one of the seven towns that make up the Idemili South Local Government Area in Anambra State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria. It is bordered by seven other towns: Oraukwu, Nnobi, Abatete, Ideani, Uke, Adazi Ani, and Nnokwa. The town is home to several rivers, most of which are named after the principal deity of the village, such as Mmili Ezigbo, Mmili Nwangene, Mmili ?h?sha, Mmili Ide?hw?l?, Mmili Iyiogwgwu, and Mmili ?b?aja.

##Geography
Alor is situated within the triangle formed by three major towns in Anambra State. If you draw lines connecting the towns, the northern boundary is the Onitsha-Awka road, including both the expressway and the old Enugu-Onitsha road. The eastern edge of the triangle runs from Awka through Agulu, Nimo, Neni, Oraukwu, Adazi Ani, Nnokwa, Nnobi, and ends at Nnewi. The final side connects Onitsha to Nnewi. Alor is fortunate to remain insulated from undesirable urbanization, with surrounding towns such as Umuoji, Ojoto, Uke, Ideani, and Abatete serving as a protective buffer.

##Infrastructure
Alor has a well-developed road network connecting it to nearby towns, along with an efficient water distribution system and streetlights that illuminate the town at night. The primary market day in Alor is NKWO, during which traders from the town and surrounding villages gather at the market square (Nkwo-Alor) to conduct business. The town is also home to the best hotel in the area.

##Governance
The traditional leadership of Alor is headed by the Igwe (King), followed by the Ndi-Ichie (Lords), Ndi-Idi, Ndi-Ozo (Elders), Ndi-Nze (Dukes), and other titled individuals such as Umu-Nna, Umu-Ada, Otu Ogbo (Age Group), Ndi-Ikom, and Ndi-Nne. Additionally, other groups, including the Igwe-in-Council, Alor Peoples Convention (APC), Alor Development Union (ADU), and local vigilante groups, help maintain order and governance.

In October 2020, there was a dispute over the throne when Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo was temporarily dethroned by Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano due to allegations of political misconduct. This led to the rise of a new king, Igwe Chukwumesili. The conflict was later resolved by the Anambra State government.

Alor is divided into two sections: Ezi and Ifite, named after the two sons of the town's first ancestor, Agbudugbu. Each division consists of three villages:

Ezi: Umuoshi, Etiti, Ebenesii (Okebunoye)

Ifite: Uruezeani, Umuokwu, Ide


Each of the six villages has several quarters. Based on factors like population, historical ties, or affinity, these quarters are grouped into "Ichie Domains," with each domain's name reflecting the geographic, historical, or social characteristics of the locality.

Alor has many educated individuals who work in various industries and professions both within Nigeria and internationally. The town also has several businesses, including animal husbandry, block manufacturing, printing, palm wine production, palm oil mills, and soap industries.

##Education
Alor has a history of entrepreneurship, particularly in textile trading, and today many residents are well-educated and employed in various professional fields. The town once carried the slogan "Alor London" due to its early adoption of modern practices. However, due to internal conflicts and a lack of basic amenities such as electricity, the town's status has shifted, and it is now referred to as "Alor Burundi," symbolizing underdevelopment.
Alor is home to numerous nursery schools, seven primary schools, two secondary schools, and other higher education institutions such as commercial colleges and evangelical seminaries.

##Culture
The culture of Alor is similar to that of its neighboring towns and aligns with the broader Igbo cultural traditions.

##Places of Worship
Alor is home to many churches representing different Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic (St. Mary's and St. Charles), Anglican (St. Paul's, Umuoshi; St. Andrews, Umuokwu), Save The Lost Mission, Deeper Life, Cherubim and Seraphim, Dominion City Church, Grace of God Assemblies, Odozi-Obodo, Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), and various Sabbath churches.

##Notable People
Some prominent figures from Alor include:

Chief P.N. Okeke-Ojiudu, a Nigerian First Republic politician and former Minister of Agriculture

Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State

Engr. Emeka Eze

Chinedu Akubueze