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

 
Okija is the largest town in the Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, located in southeastern Nigeria. It is the oldest town in Ihiala LGA and one of the largest towns in the Igbo region. The majority of Okija’s residents are Christians. The town is home to two notable universities: Madonna University and Legacy University. Okija is bordered to the east by Ihembosi and Ukpor, to the west by Olu (or Ogbakubara), to the north by Ozubulu, and to the south by Ihiala. The Ulasi River, on its journey toward the Atlantic, merges with the Okposi River, one of its tributaries, within the town.

History:
Okija – Achala – Ogidi
According to local legend, Okija, Ihiala, Ihembosi, and Uli all had a common father named Achala Ogidi, which is why Okija is sometimes referred to as "Okija – Achala – Ogidi." The legend holds that Okija was the first son, followed by Ihembosi, Ihiala, and Uli, who were the second, third, and fourth sons, respectively. This hierarchy is reflected in the tradition of Okija breaking the kola nut for all the towns in Ihiala LGA. The court system of Ihiala and its surrounding areas is still referred to as the Achala city court.

Culture:
Okija Shrine:
The Okija Shrine, also known as Ogwuwu Akpu, is a prominent local shrine in the town. Historically, it was a place for resolving disputes, where people with personal, land, or business conflicts would seek judgment from the gods.

Vegetation and Economy:
The vegetation in Okija is primarily forested, with palm trees being the most significant economic tree. The land is highly fertile, making agriculture the primary occupation of the people. Okija is the largest producer of food in Ihiala LGA and Anambra State, cultivating a variety of crops such as yams, cassava, coco yams, maize, plantains, and palm products (including oil and kernels). In addition to farming, other key occupations in Okija include fishing, hunting, and animal husbandry, with goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry being the most common livestock. The town is also a leading supplier of meat and fish in Ihiala LGA.

The Thirty-One Villages of Okija:
Okija is made up of thirty-one villages, which are known as “Ohu Ebo na Iri.” These villages are as follows:

1. Umuezedam

2. Umuakporom

3. Ugwucheleku

4. Umuapani

5. Ubahuagbugba

6. Umudalaegwu (Uhuosu)

7. Umudioka

8. Ezieke

9. Umuokpala Ezike

10. Umuawa

11. Umuchiuwa

12. Umu-Uzu

13. Umunakwa

14. Ubahu-Ezike

15. Umuezeobi

16. Umunzele

17. Uhudim

18. Ohukabia

19. Umuofo

20. Umu-Ezewulum

21. Uhungwu

22. Isieke / Ubahudara

23. Ubahueze

24. Isifulu

25. Etiti Umuhu or Umuhu

26. Umuigwe

27. Umuodogwu

28. Ohuogwugwu

29. Umuezim / Ezimbala

30. Umuanumoge

31. Umunnafojolo


These villages are generally grouped into three regions:

1. Ubahu Abu Ubahu: Includes Ubahu, Umuohi (Umunhi), Ubahuezike, and Umuhu.

2. Uhuobo and Uhuowere: Includes Uhudim, Umuofo, Ohukabia, Umuatuegwu, and Uhuowere.

3. Ihite abu Ihite: Includes Ubahummonu, Ubahudara, Isieke, and Ihite.

Traditional Leadership:
Historically, Okija did not have a centralized leadership or king. Instead, strong individuals led various villages and quarters. However, in recent years, Okija has established a city council. Currently, the governance of Okija rests with the Igwe (traditional ruler) and the local councilors. The governance is supported by the age group cohort and the Igwe in council.

Representation in Government:
Okija is represented in the Federal House of Representatives by Ifeanyi Chudy Momah.

Notable Nigerians from Okija:
Okija is home to many notable individuals, including:

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a well-known television and media personality

Nze Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo, former special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan

Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics