History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Ozuitem Town in Abia State

 
With a population of approximately 15,000 based on the 1963 census, this community (Ozuitem) is located within Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Strategically positioned at the heart of the LGA, the town shares borders with many neighboring settlements. This central location earned it the notable distinction of serving as the former headquarters of the now-defunct Elu-Elu County Council.

To the north and northwest, the area is bordered by Igbere and Alayi respectively; Bende and Amaeke Abam lie to its south and southeast; Umuhu to the east; and Uzuakoli to the west. A six-kilometer road connects the town to the Umuahia–Arochukwu road at Uzuakoli.

Like many Igbo communities, the settlement derives its name from its founder. From an anthropological standpoint, as noted by Forde, it qualifies as a town due to its composition of clustered village groups—a hallmark of traditional Igbo societal structure—consisting of semi-autonomous units.

The town is primarily divided into three major village clusters with additional sub-villages. The first, Isiegbu, includes Obuofia, Ofiavu, Amaeke, and Amakwu. The second, Agbua, comprises Amankwu, Ndiagbo, Ebem, Amagbo, Umuabia, Ogboko, and Ndiambe. The third group, Mba, includes Mba, Eluguumba, Mgbele, and Ndiobu.

According to oral history, the community traces its roots to Ntu, a location near Ugwueke in the same local government area. Before settling in Ntu, there had been an earlier migration from Okpanku in Afikpo. Two brothers, Omaka and Item Okpi, journeyed from Ntu to what is now known as Item. Following the birth of twins—a cultural taboo at the time—Omaka was exiled from the town. He relocated with his wife Bolombi and their twin children, first to Agbugbo near Amiyi in Igbere, and later to Avu (present-day Ofiavu).

Eventually, Omaka chose to settle in the area now inhabited by the descendants of the community. This led to the place being called "OZUZU IKE ITEM" (meaning “the place where Item’s people rested”), which over time was shortened to its present form.

The validity of this historical narrative is supported by the close cultural and bloodline ties between this town and the people of Item, highlighting their shared heritage and traditions.