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

 
Ogbunike is a town located in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to various markets, including the Plastic Products Dealers Society International Market Ogbunike. The town serves as a suburb of Onitsha.

Location:
Situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Onitsha, Ogbunike is intersected by the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway along its northern edge. The town shares borders with Umudioka in the Dunukofia Local Government Area to the east, Umunya to the northeast, and Nkwelle-Ezunaka to the north (all within the Oyi Local Government Area). To the west and south, it is bordered by Ogidi, which is part of the Idemili North Local Government Area. Ogbunike features a varied landscape with fertile soil and ample rainfall, supporting a variety of biannual crops.

Origin:
Ogbunike traces its origins to the first son of Iguedo, the daughter of Eri. Eri, who arrived by canoe along the River Anambra, established a settlement known as Eri-Aka in Aguleri. Eri had two wives: the first bore four sons and one daughter—Agulu, the founder of Aguleri; Nri Ifiakuanim; Nri Onugu, the founder of Igbariam; and Ogbodudu, the founder of Amanuke. The female Iguedo gave birth to the founders of Ogbunike: Awkuzu, Nando, and Umueri, now recognized as part of the Umu-Iguedo clan. Eri’s second wife, Oboli, bore Onoja, who later left the Anambra region to become the founder of Igala. The people of Ogbunike regard tortoises as sacred beings and, in line with their alliance with Ogidi, do not harm pythons, owing to intermarriage between the towns.

Division:
Ogbunike, like many Eri-Aka towns in Igboland, is divided into three primary sections: Ezi, Ifite, and Ikenga, each containing several villages. The village of Amawa is part of Ezi, and Ifite is also named for its own village. Ikenga hosts Ukalor, Osile, Umueri, and Azu. Some of these villages have additional subdivisions, such as Ndi-agu Ifite and Ifite-Quarters in Ifite, as well as Ndi-agu Osile and Ndi-uno Osile in Osile.

Leadership:
In 1976, John Ositadimma Umenyiora, a businessman and son of a Protestant pastor, was chosen as the first Igwe (king) of Ogbunike, receiving the title Eze-di-ora-mma I. Umenyiora was instrumental in developing the market stalls in Oye Olisa, which later became Ogbunike’s primary market. Upon assuming the throne, he unified various competing markets in the region, including Eke-Olisa (Ukalor), Oye Ukalor, and others. Umenyiora also constructed a modern town hall.

As Igwe, Umenyiora governs with the assistance of Ndichie (elders), representing the town to the government. His position is for life but is not hereditary. The Igwe’s successor is selected by popular acclaim, and in his absence or during emergencies, Aka Eze Igwe, a chief, assumes his responsibilities.

Tourism:
The Ogbunike Caves, a natural landmark located at the edge of the town's historical territory, are a major tourist attraction. According to local legend, a god named Ogba resided inside a large rock in the cave, possessing an all-seeing spirit that could detect crimes, particularly theft. The cave, also referred to as Ogba, was once a place where people would go to prove their innocence in criminal matters; those who were guilty never returned. In ancient times, women menstruating were prohibited from entering the cave due to cultural beliefs about ritual purity.

Notable People:
Prominent individuals from Ogbunike include:

Chuba Okadigbo, former Senate President and vice-presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)

Osi Umenyiora, NFL player

Ngozi Ezeonu, Nollywood actress

Nkemakonam Nwolisa Osadebe, Professor of Structural Engineering