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

 
Nsugbe is a town located in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It lies on the eastern side of the Niger River and is a suburb of Onitsha.

##Location
Nsugbe is positioned about 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Onitsha by land route. It is bordered by several towns and villages. To the west is Onitsha, while to the southwest, the towns of Nkwelle-Ezunaka and Umunya are situated. Anam is to the north, and to the east, Nsugbe is surrounded by towns such as Umuleri, Aguleri, Enugwu Aguleri, Nando, Nteje, Awkuzu, Igbariam, and Achalla. The town consists of ten villages, namely Agbalagbo, Enugwu, Nnadi, Amumu, Akpalagu, Ogwuari, Amagu, Offianta, Abah, and Amaofu.

##Origin
According to local tradition, the first settlers in Nsugbe were descendants of Omini, the son of Enugwu Aguleri Eri, who moved from Enugwu Aguleri after their father’s death. They settled at Okpuno Enugwu Nsugbe, an area on the outskirts of the present-day town. However, after the death of their leader, Omini, some of his descendants, along with his brother Nta, stayed in Nsugbe while others returned to Aguleri. Over time, Nsugbe grew through the arrival of more immigrants, including those from Ivite Agulu-eri, which led to the formation of present-day Enugwu Nsugbe, Offianta Nsugbe, and Abah Nsugbe.

Nnadi village's founders initially lived in a separate town but sought refuge in surrounding communities like Nteje and Awkuzu during the Ada War. After the war, they returned to Nnadi Nsugbe in 1903. Other settlers from the Awka-Achalla-Nri axis contributed to the growth of Amagu village. Moreover, significant migration from the Igbo-speaking regions of Delta State occurred, with settlers from areas like Ogwuashi-Ukwu founding villages such as Agbalagbo, Akpalagu, and Ogwuari.

These groups, drawn to Nsugbe by the fertile land and the town's reputation as warriors and hunters, contributed to the formation of Nsugbe over 500 years ago. Nsugbe’s history can be categorized into two periods: the predynastic and dynastic periods.

During the predynastic period, Nsugbe was a federation of villages governed by three primary groups: the Okala Okwule (village elders), the Umuotu (able-bodied men), and the Otuogene (elderly women). The dynastic period began with the introduction of kingship by the Ogwuari people, who established the monarchy. The title of king was held by the Obi, and notable rulers included Obi Ezepue, Obi Ezenwigbo, Obi Nwaobi, Obi Eke, Obi Uzoka, Obi Itava, Obi Somukwu, and Obi Ovili (Ofili), who was overthrown in 1875. Following Obi Ovili's overthrow, leadership crises ensued until the British colonial government introduced warrant chiefs. The first warrant chief, Maka, was succeeded by Obi Meze, who reigned until his death in 1935. The leadership issues continued until 1946 when J. N. Anyansi became the first chief of Nsugbe. He was later recognized as a second-class chief in 1962 and ruled until his death in 1967. Presently, Igwe Victor Ntorukah holds the title of Igwe of Nsugbe, though his recognition is not universally accepted by all villagers.

##Modern Status
In recent years, Nsugbe has made significant strides in development. The town is the proposed administrative center for Orient Petroleum in Anambra State. It is also home to Nwafor Orizu College of Education. Nsugbe has produced notable figures, such as Associate Professor Christian Onyebuchi Ifediora, a family physician and academic at Griffith University in Australia, and Rev. Sr. Uju Dibua, a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Professors Chikwudi Menkiti and Fidelis Emoh, both of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, are also from Nsugbe.

The town has also produced influential politicians, including Senator Alphonsus Igbeke (Ubanese) and Senator Tony Okechukwu Nwoye, both representing Anambra North. Additionally, figures such as Honorable Barrister Hycinth Aniegboka Nweke and Honorable Nweke Menkiti have served as commissioners in Anambra State, while Honorable Barrister Tochukwu Nweke currently serves as the legal adviser to the executive Governor of Anambra State.

Nsugbe has also made a significant impact in sports, with individuals like the late Okechukwu Isima and Obinna Nsofor contributing to the national football team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Furthermore, Nsugbe is home to the monastic presence of Our Lady of Angels, a Cistercian community that adds to the town's spiritual and religious life.