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

 
Ubakala is a prominent town in the southern region of Umuahia, within the Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. It is recognized as one of the historical clans of Umuahia. A well-known market in the area is the Apumiri Market, and the headquarters for Umuahia South Local Government Area is also located in Apumiri. Ubakala lies to the south of Umuahia’s main town and is geographically positioned to the north of Ntigha, a community within the Isiala-Ngwa Local Government Area.

##History 
It is commonly believed that Ubakala did not migrate from another place in ancient times. However, legend has it that a prosperous merchant named Uba (or Ubaka, according to some sources) established what is now known as Ubakala. The story goes that during a large migration of the Igbo people through the Awka-Okigwe route, Uba traveled with his family, goods, and servants across rolling hills and valleys towards the Imo River. Upon discovering a lush rainforest inhabited only by wild animals and towering trees, he surveyed the untouched land and exclaimed "Uba ikala!" meaning "Uba, you have increased!" Thus, he named the region Ubakala.

According to the legend, Uba then settled his sons in three key areas of the land: Mba-iyi, Ala-ocha, and Nsuda-Imo. His sons managed his wealth in these areas, and over time, they married and had children, giving rise to various villages within Ubakala.

##Traditional food in Ubakala 
It primarily consists of Akpu (fufu) or Pounded yam (Asurasu Ji) served with Okazi soup, which is prepared with achara and akp?r?akp? elile. Other soups commonly enjoyed in the region include the ?gb?gh?r? soup, bitter-leaf soup, Oha soup, elile soup, and Ugu soup.

In addition, dishes typical of other Igbo and Ibibio-Efik communities are also consumed in Ubakala.

##Religion In Ancient Times
the people of Ubakala practiced animism, with religious customs bearing similarities to Judaism, a trait shared by many Igbo communities. They once worshipped a deity known as 'Nkpata,' which was invoked by the long juju (Ibini Ukpabi) priests from Arochukwu. Other lesser deities such as Njoku Ji were also revered. The Ekpe secret society (Okonko) played a significant role in the cultural and religious practices of the time. A masquerade festival called "Abu Nkwu" was occasionally held, and the people believed in reincarnation and honored their ancestors as part of their worldview.

Today, the majority of Ubakala's population practices Protestant Christianity, with denominations such as Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, Adventism, Qua Iboe Churches, and Assemblies of God being prominent. Catholicism also has a notable presence in the area.

##Social Structure 
The people of Ubakala are generally modest, industrious, and deeply religious. Their traditional dance-plays are well-documented in modern anthropology and the Oxford International Encyclopedia of Dance. Socially, Ubakala is a patrilineal society that values egalitarian principles and achievement. In the past, Ubakala was led by constitutional monarchs who held the title of 'Uba of Ubakala,' but the title is now defunct. The community has since evolved into a network of thirteen independent villages, each governed by an appointed Eze (traditional ruler) and a council of elders or chiefs. Before the arrival of British colonial rule, Ubakala was one of the few Igbo clans that did not practice the Osu caste system, which, although present in some ancient Igbo societies, was never part of Ubakala’s social structure.

The thirteen villages of Ubakala, now recognized as Autonomous Communities, include:

Nsukwe

Amibo

Umuogo

Amuzu

Eziama

Mgbarakuma

Umuosu

Avodim

Laguru

Abam

Nsirimo

Ipupe

Umuako