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

 
Azia is a town located in Anambra State, Nigeria, within the Ihiala Local Government Area. Ihiala comprises several towns, including Amorka, Azia, Okija, Mbosi, Isseke, Orsumoghu, Ubuluisuzor, and Uli. Situated in the agricultural heartland of the state, Ihiala is known for its tranquility, making it an attractive destination for those seeking respite from the chaos of other Nigerian cities. The inhabitants of Azia are part of the Igbo ethnic group, one of the major communities in Eastern Nigeria. During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafra International Airport, which was used for humanitarian aid, was located in Amorka, and Amorka also housed one of the bunkers built by Biafran leaders.

##History
Azia derives its name from its founder and the patriarch of the town's residents, Azia Alamatugiugele, who, according to oral tradition, lived approximately 1,400 years ago (470-585 A.D.). Azia, along with Orsumoghu, Mbosi, and Isseke, were the children of Osunano, whose first wife owned the land stretching through Azia and Orsumoghu, known as Ama-Lolo (Lolo’s farmland). Osunano, in turn, was the son of Igbonano. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, there existed a region in Igbo land known as Igbonano, which comprised a group of clans located in areas that are now part of Anambra and Imo states. These communities along the Anambra-Imo border share several common cultural traits, including similar names for deities, a particular form of ancestral masquerade called 'mmanwu ozaebile', and a red cap title ceremony accompanied by traditional music. Additionally, the region shares a set of ozo title prefixes such as Ezike, Dara, Duru, Dim, Ume, Ezeani, Ezeahia, Ezeloma, and Okpara.

Azia had four sons: Dara-Nsu, Ezebo, Ihite, and Ukwakwa. These sons are credited with founding the five villages of Azia: Umudansu, Umudiokpara, Ihite, Ukwakwa, and Abam. The descendants of Ezebo, the second son of Azia, established the villages of Umudiokpara and Abam. Ezebo had two prominent sons: Ezike Okwe (Diokpara) and Abamliwu (Abam). Their descendants formed two separate villages, though they remained united under the Ezebo household in Azia. Over time, the descendants of Abamliwu sought autonomy and were granted it.

##Geography and Land Families
Azia is bordered by Ukpor to the north, separated by the Urasi River; Ihiala and Okija lie to the west; while Mbosi and Orsumoghu are located to the south and east, respectively. The landscape of Azia features valleys, hills, and rivers, which local mythology attributes to the goddess of land (Ala), Alamatugiugele. In ancient times, these natural features acted as formidable defenses during times of war.

According to local tradition, the families of Umu-Orie in Ukwakwa, Umu-Nnama in Umudiokpara, Aworoba in Abam, Ekwuru in Abam, and Umu-Duru-Ulim were wealthy and populous. These families were believed to have owned much of the land that now constitutes Azia. However, due to internal strife, these families lost both land and population. Azia mythology holds that their population became so large and powerful that it caused internal divisions, leading to a revolution.

Throughout Azia's history, various individuals have assumed leadership, either due to their wealth, bravery, or seniority. Notable figures include Nsu, the first son of Azia, who ruled after taking the high title of Dara, the great Ezike Okwe (the first son of Ezebo and father of the Umudiokpara people), Eze-Ala of Ukwakwa, DuruEze of Ihite, and Ezike-Oha, a son of Abamliwu, who was said to have once raised an elephant as a domestic animal. Around 1845, Ezike-Osuagwu, the father of the Ogbuamuma people, became a notable ruler, as did Chief Eze-Chukwu of the Dim-Ocha family in Abam. The reign of Ezike-Osuagwu was particularly significant for his military leadership, as more wars were fought during his time to defend the town. The warriors of Ukwakwa were known for their agility, earning them the title "Ezioha na obi di ike," while the warriors of Abam were called "Idima na egbu agu."

After 1885, leadership passed to figures such as Chief Nwaenyi, Chief Ezeanochie, Dara-Anyaeji, Chief Eze-emelahi, Chief Ezike-Okolie, Chief Ezike-Onyekwere, and the warrant chief Ezeanochie-Ohanu. Ezeanochie-Ohanu was appointed a warrant chief by the colonial administration due to his intelligence and wealth.