History, Origin, Culture, and Traditions of Inoma Akator Town in Anambra state

 
Inoma is an ancient town located in Anambra West Local Government Area (L.G.A) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The distance from Inoma to Nzam is 6.5 km, from Inoma to Aguleri junction is 27.2 km, and from Inoma to Onitsha (Holy Trinity) is 40.4 km.

Inoma shares its northern border with Ikah/Iregu in Kogi State, offering a route to the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) via Lokoja Road. To the northwest, Inoma borders Edo State, with a crossing over the River Niger through Odekpe to Ozingono Market in Edo. To the south, Inoma is bordered by Nzam, the headquarters of Anambra West L.G.A, while to the east, it shares a boundary with Mmiata Anam, and to the west, it borders Odekpe/Igbedor.

##Directions to Inoma
River Transport:
To travel by river from Onitsha to Inoma, start at Ose Main Market in Onitsha (John Holt Company), board a boat, and travel along the River Niger. Pass through Onono Umuikwu Anam, Oroma Etiti Anam, Umuenwelu/Nkwoji, Nzam, and finally arrive at Inoma Water Side.

Land Transport:
For land transport, go to Ose Main Market Garage in Onitsha and board a bus to Inoma. The route passes through 3-3 Onitsha, Nkwele Ezunaka, Nsugbe to Aguleri Junction in Otuocha, bypassing Umueri, and crossing the Omambala Bridge. At this Y-junction, take the Ifite Anam road through Umueze Anam to Mmiata Anam, then proceed to the Nzam-Inoma road to reach Inoma.

##The Last Migration of Inoma People
The people of Inoma are descendants of Akpali, the son of Agulu from the Unana village in Igala Mela, Idah, Kogi State, an ancient Igala kingdom. Inoma is one of the seven Olumbanasa communities. "Olumbanasa" refers to seven distinct communities (Olu = dialect, Mba = community, Asa = seven). These communities, united by common goals and interests, include Inoma Akator, Igbedor, Odekpe, Odeh, Odomagwu, Igbokaenyi, and Allah/Onugwa.

Note: Inoma is also known as Aka-ator, which means "three hands" in Igbo (Aka = hand, Ato = three). This name came from the fact that Owelle and Ukwalla were historically part of Inoma Akator but later separated to form autonomous communities.

The migration story of Inoma traces back to Akpali’s journey from Idah. After the Igala-Benin war in 1516, Akpali and his brothers migrated eastwards. Among his brothers were Aya, Akuro, Iregu, Ite, Iyano, Ujeh, Ineme, Ikaka, Ishi (all now in present-day Ibaji L.G.A, Kogi State), and others including Inoma, Igbedor, Osomalla, and Odekpe (now in Anambra West L.G.A and Ogbaru L.G.A). They were 14 siblings in total, all descendants of Idah.

##The Migration Journey and Genealogy of Inoma People
Akpali's migration took him first to Aligonu River (presently in Iregu), where he settled with his two wives and had three children: Okolo-Odu, Ekpeja (from his first wife), and Ajoale (from his second wife). Akpali brought with him three idols: Okilo, Akulakuwa, and Ojiagama. Today, Okilo is located in Inoma, while Akulakuwa’s shrine exists in both Inoma and Igbedor.

Okolo-Odu, the first son of Akpali, married two wives, and his first wife, Afor, gave birth to Uja, the father of Inoma. Uja’s story is central to the naming of Inoma.

##The Reason for the Name "Inoma"
Uja, after being childless for many years, settled at Odo Moma with his first wife, where they found fertile land suitable for farming, fishing, and hunting. After years of struggle, God blessed Uja with a child. However, due to frequent flooding in Odo Moma, Uja’s brothers decided to migrate across the River Niger to upland areas, but Uja chose to stay in Odo Moma. He named the area “Uneoma,” meaning “nursing a child” in Igala (Une = nurse, Oma = child), as he believed the land was blessed by the gods. Over time, the name "Uneoma" evolved into "Inoma," as neighboring communities (such as Anam, Aguleri, and Umueri) had difficulty pronouncing the name correctly.
This is how Inoma became widely known.

##Agriculture in Inoma Today
Inoma remains a fertile region, thanks to its proximity to the River Niger, surrounded by lakes, streams, and the Omambala River. The annual flooding helps enrich the soil, making it ideal for farming.

Inoma is known for producing high-quality rice, yam, and pepper, which are in great demand in the market. The town practices two types of yam cultivation: “Uda” (lowland cultivation) and “Enu” (upland cultivation), producing the largest, sweetest yams in West Africa. Inoma’s agricultural products are highly sought after in Olumbanasa and surrounding areas.

Inoma is also renowned for its fishing, with access to rivers, lakes, and streams. The best fishing season is from February to April, when large catches are abundant.

Hunting is another important tradition in Inoma, as Uja, the town’s ancestor, was known for his hunting prowess. Inoma hunters capture a variety of bush meat, including antelopes and grass cutters.

##Inoma's Social and Political Structures
Inoma's villages are divided into 13 smaller villages: Edepu, Imeme, Egbatah, Omadelu, Ategbadu, Otoko, Ukojeina, Egwumichi, Onadi, Ugbajah, Ugbajenkwo, Egwekwo, and Okota. Each village is made up of two to four kindreds or clans.

Inoma people engage with government through the Inoma Development Union (IDU), led by a president and executive members with a three-year renewable tenure. Additionally, the Igwe of Inoma, His Royal Majesty Igwe Emmanuel Chukwuka Ollotah, Onoja I of Inoma, plays a significant role in representing the people.

##Conclusion
Inoma is a land rich in natural resources, agriculture, and history. Its fertile lands, abundant water resources, and vibrant culture have contributed to its growth and resilience. The people of Inoma have maintained their identity and unity, while continuing to thrive in their ancestral home. Inoma is a symbol of divine protection and prosperity, with a deep connection to both the land and its people.