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

 
 The documentation of Nnobi's origins has long been a complex task, hindered by the lack of reliable written records or oral traditions. Many have attempted to uncover its history, but these efforts have often led to divergent or conflicting conclusions. Nevertheless, for Nnobi to establish a strong foundation for its future, it must connect with its historical roots. Therefore, it is crucial to revisit the past and make new attempts to explore its origins. This study synthesizes all known oral and written stories, examining their common threads to produce a plausible and accepted narrative. By approaching the origins from a mythical perspective, a coherent and believable story emerges.

##Potential Conflict Between Gods
Historical and mythological accounts generally agree that, thousands of years ago, a divine clan known as the Ana Ide lived near Ezu Lake. This clan revered their goddess, Idemili, who resided in the river. Idemili was a powerful and benevolent deity, characterized by peace and strictness. She demanded total obedience from her followers, yet abhorred violence and the oppression of others. As a priestess-like figure, she instructed her high priests to spread her teachings peacefully across nearby communities, heal the sick, and resolve conflicts through spiritual means.

The Ana Ide clan, a matriarchal society, thrived in peace and prosperity. However, tensions began to arise when a new deity, Eri, emerged, claiming divine kingship and promoting a patriarchal system. Eri, who established the Nri Dynasty, sought alliances with the Ana Ide clan and began to expand his influence, installing kings and demanding loyalty from other communities.

As time went on, it became clear that the matriarchal system of Idemili and the patriarchal rule of Eri could not coexist peacefully. Both sides refused to yield dominance, and the threat of conflict loomed. Idemili, abhorring violence, commanded her high priests—Obi, the eldest and chief priest, along with his brothers Ogidi and Uke—to dismantle many of their shrines and relocate their headquarters away from the contested area. They moved to a sacred land called Ana Nso Ide (the holy land of Ide), a site that would remain shielded from disruption, thereby preventing the potential clash between the deities.

##The Establishment Of Ana Nso Ide
As the Ana Ide clan prepared to leave their ancestral grounds, Idemili sent Obi a python to guide them. The goddess instructed that when they reached their new sacred land, the python would stop and strike the ground once at the designated site and three times at the central obi (village square), where the clan's OFO (sacred staff) would be placed. Idemili also commanded that once Obi and his family settled, they should construct a palace for her on the land to consolidate her power and allow her to take a spouse.

Obi, guided by the python, traveled with his brothers and their kin along the Idemili River to the present-day location of Nnobi. The python struck the ground thrice at the central obi, where the OFO was placed. The sacred land palace, now the Idemili Shrine, was built and consecrated. The people rejoiced, offering sacrifices for peace, health, and prosperity. At the direction of Idemili, Obi and his brothers led their people to establish other villages, including Ogidi and Uke. The clan worked diligently to expand the shrines dedicated to Idemili, with Obi overseeing their commissioning.

Obi's four sons—Ebenesi, Ngo, Awuda, and Oka—each founded settlements in various locations, with Oka later moving to Awka Etiti due to conflicts with his brothers.

THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO ANA NSO IDE AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE NAME "NNOBI"

Obi and his brothers decided that the clan should embark on a regular pilgrimage to the Idemili shrine, led by Obi himself. During the pilgrimage, they would gather at the obi and proceed in a grand procession to the shrine. The elders would lead the way, carrying sacrificial animals and gifts, while Obi, holding the grand OFO, followed at the rear. The procession was accompanied by chants of "puta nu na uzo, ime nne (umu nne) obi na eje na ide" ("Clear the path, the mother’s children are on their way to the shrine"). The event lasted for three days, concluding with festivities and spiritual rejuvenation. Over time, this pilgrimage became known as Ime Nne Obi or Umu Nne Obi, which eventually evolved into the term Nnobi.

The sacred land of Ana Nso Ide became synonymous with the name Nnobi.

##Idemili's Union With Aho And The Birth Of Edo
Meanwhile, Idemili, after consolidating her power, took a spouse, a semi-deity named Aho. Together, they had a daughter, Edo, who was blessed with entrepreneurial skills and later married Ezenewi.

##The Demise Of Obi
As the chief high priest, Obi traveled far and wide to commission shrines and expand the influence of the Ana Ide clan. He was constantly called upon to mediate disputes, settle conflicts, and protect the clan from hostile forces. During one of his journeys, Obi received a message from Uke, urging him to come quickly to help fend off a potential invasion. After successfully completing the task, Obi stayed behind to handle other matters. It was during this time that Idemili invited Obi to join her in the spirit world.

Upon his death, pythons appeared throughout Nnobi, and a solemn procession was organized by the elders and priestly sons of Obi. The procession traveled to Uke to retrieve Obi's body. The ritual took place over four days, with each of Obi's sons overseeing the rites for one day. On the fifth day, Obi’s body was returned to Idemili, marking the end of his earthly journey.