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

 
Osumenyi is a town located within the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to a hardworking and prosperous population, with many residents involved in various business activities across Nigeria. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and farmlands, and is inhabited by both nuclear and extended families.

The Igbo people residing in Osumenyi live in close-knit family units and are predominantly Christian, with a rich cultural heritage. Osumenyi is situated along the Nnewi-Utuh/Amichi Road and occupies a large area to the east of the “Eke-Osu Market,” sharing boundaries with Ekwulummili, Unubi, and the area now called Ogbodi. To the south, it borders Akwaihedi and Ezinifite, while to the west, it is bordered by Ebenator and Utuh. Amichi lies to the north of Osumenyi.

The town is easily accessible from all directions, located approximately 32 kilometers from Awka, the state capital, via Igboukwu, and around 8 kilometers from Uga in the Aguata Local Government Area. 
The villages that make up Osumenyi, apart from the newly created ones, include:

1. Akabu

2. Amakom

3. Amihie

4. Obiofia

5. Obiuno

6. Odikpi

7. Umeugo

8. Umuka

9. Umuomam

10. Okofia

11. Ebenator

The newly created villages in Osumenyi are:

1. Odima

2. Ezike Atta

3. Umeaka

4. Dimala

5. Uhu-Ume

6. Uhu-Agu

7. Omam

8. Enubio

9. Ocho

10. Elugwu Obiofia

11. Eleke

12. Achara Amakom

13. Ngele

14. Ochuru

This brings the total number of villages in Osumenyi to 25.

Osumenyi is blessed with several springs, including Ochi, Ngwuja, Nwota, Ahamammiri, and Iyinwoku, all of which flow into the Ugwa stream, linking to the Ulasi River and Ezinifite town. The town's market day is "Eke," and its renowned market, "Eke-Osu," is considered one of the most prominent in the region, standing out among the markets in the surrounding towns under Nnewi South Local Government Area.

The town is also known for its beautiful natural environment, with a variety of trees that provide shade and contribute to the peaceful village life. Common trees found in Osumenyi include palm trees, pear trees, kola nut trees, plantain and banana trees, rubber trees, pineapple orchards, iroko trees, coconut trees, and many other fruit-bearing trees.

Osumenyi is an autonomous community within the Okotu clan. It traces its ancestry to an ancient warrior named Okutu from Umuona. After a series of conquests, Okutu settled in Okonobi, Adazi-Enu, where he married two wives. His first wife bore him three sons: Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, and Adazi-Nnukwu. His second wife had five sons: Ichida, Amichi, Osumenyi, Ogbodi, and Ikenga. These sons eventually migrated to various parts to find land for settlement, and Osumenyi and his brothers moved south to the present-day location of Osumenyi.

Osumenyi had a traditional society where the people were governed by Ozo title holders, who followed strict codes of conduct, including telling the truth at all times and keeping secrets.

Taboos:
Taboos are an important part of Osumenyi's culture and tradition, serving to protect the community and maintain respect for the gods and leaders. Some of the notable taboos in Osumenyi include:

Women are forbidden from climbing palm trees.

Women are not allowed to pluck or pick kola nuts, even if they have fallen from the tree.

Stealing is considered an abomination.

Unmarried women are not permitted to bear or raise children in their father's home unless permitted by their parents.

Widows must undergo shaving and stay confined in their homes for six months.

Snakes (Eke) are never to be killed.

Freeborn individuals (Nwafor) are not allowed to marry outcasts (Osu), though Christian teachings have advocated for equality, referencing biblical injunctions that there is neither Jew nor Gentile before God.

Whistling at night is considered taboo as it is believed to attract snakes and evil spirits.

Unblessed marriages are forbidden; a woman must not live with a man unless the proper marriage rites have been completed and approved by both parties’ parents. A man is expected to pay the bride price to gain respect in the community. Failure to do so may result in social stigma and potential misfortune.

Incest is strictly prohibited, and it is considered taboo to have sexual relations with blood relatives or siblings.

Kolanut is sacred, and only men are allowed to break, bless, and share it. Women are not permitted to do so, as it is believed to be a life-giving nut of the gods.


These customs and taboos play a central role in maintaining the social order and cultural identity of Osumenyi.