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

 
Umunze serves as the administrative center for the Orumba South Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria.

##Origins and Ancestry
The name “Umunze” is rooted in the ancestral figure “Nze,” signifying the descendants of this early patriarch. Around the year 1476, during a period of severe drought, a man named Nze Izo Ezema—originally a farmer and hunter from Ohafia near Arochukwu in today’s Abia State—set out on one of his usual exploration trips. During his journey, he discovered a fertile and welcoming landscape. Pleased by the area’s favorable weather and rich soil, he chose to make it his home.

He returned to inform his father and requested wives to help establish his new settlement. Seeing his son's vision, his father provided spiritual tools, including a sacred shrine associated with a stream called Izo mmiri (still known as Izo, located at the present-day Eke Izo square), two wives, and a servant. Nze settled initially in a place called Akpu Mgbatiri Okpa, now within Umuizo. His two wives, Lolo and Ijendu, bore him children. Lolo gave birth to seven sons and one daughter, while Ijendu had a son named Dara. The name "Izo" was that of Nze's father in Ohafia, and "Ezema" was their village name.

Lolo’s sons became the ancestors of Umunze’s seven major communities:

Nso: progenitor of the Nsogwu kindred

Ugwu (Ojimgba): founded the Ugwunano lineage

Carpodacu: founded the Lomu group

Ishingwu: forefather of the Ubaha people

Cheke: ancestor of the Ururo community

Okpontu: founder of the Ozara group

Diala: the root of the Amuda family

Their only daughter married a settler from Isunjaba (now in Imo State), giving rise to the neighboring town of Isulo. As a result, Umunze still honors girls from Isulo as "Ada" during traditional rites.

Ijendu’s son, Dara—the eldest of Nze’s children—later left Umunze due to internal disputes. After Nze's death, Dara sought to claim leadership over all his father’s territories. His half-brothers resisted, leading to conflict that forced Dara to relocate to an area now called Ikpa (a forest region in the Umunze dialect). Dara's descendants became the founders of nearby Eziagu.

##Historical Conflicts and Migration
During the British colonial era and the disruption caused by the slave trade, people from Isieke and Obinohia (in Umuallaoma) fled to Umunze to escape persecution. Ihite Umuenze (now known simply as Ihite) became home to many of these refugees. A key historical figure, Ezerioha Udensi of Umudim (Obiokwara), originally from Isuokpu, played a major role in defending the area from the Aro slave raiders advancing from the Okigwe region.

He formed a coalition of warriors from Umunze, Isuokpu, and Ihite, organizing them into a strong resistance force that successfully held back the Aros. His diplomatic strategy also led to peace talks that saw some land being allocated to the Aros in other regions, preventing further bloodshed. His efforts helped preserve the independence of several local communities and prevented the Aros from reaching Umunze.

Umunze continues to maintain a close cultural bond with the Obiokwara Obinihu people. This is symbolized through the exchange of traditional greetings during masquerade festivals at Obi Ezerioha in Isuokpu, as well as during events held at Nkwo Umunze and the Abalikete’s palace, notably during the reign of Ugochukwu.

##Geography and Neighboring Towns
Umunze shares boundaries with several communities including Umualaoma and Aro Ndizuogu (both in Imo State), as well as Eziagu, Isulo, Ezira, Ihite, Ogbunka, Umuchu, Nneato (in Abia State), Umuomaku, and Nawfija. The people are largely engaged in agriculture and trade. The town's traditional leader holds the title of Abalikete, and its residents trace their heritage to Nze, hence the name “Umunze,” meaning “Children of Nze.”

##Villages in Umunze
Umunze is made up of the following seven villages:

1. Nsogwu

2. Ugwunano

3. Lomu

4. Ubaha

5. Ururo

6. Ozara

7. Amuda

##Traditional Leadership
The current traditional head is Chief Promise Eze, known as Abalikete II of Umunze. He succeeded Chief M.N. Ugochukwu, the first Abalikete. Before their reigns, Chief S.I. Onyido (Agutagburuibeya) served as Native Authority and led Umunze for many years. The royal title rotates among the villages, and any qualified male can contest for it.

##Culture and Education
Umunze is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. The town is home to the Nkpokiti International Cultural Dance Group, celebrated for its mastery in Atilogwu dance and Egwugwu masquerade performances. Nkwo Umunze serves as a cultural hub. The Federal College of Education (Technical), located in Umunze, has been upgraded and now awards degrees.

##Prominent Individuals

Chief Mathias Ugochukwu (late): A leading businessman, industrialist, and former traditional ruler.

Emeka Sibeudu: Former Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

Sir Onyekwere Uzochukwu (Omereora I of Umunze): A seasoned politician who held various positions in government.

Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu: Former Chairperson for the World Health Organization in Nigeria.


...and many other distinguished men and women from the different villages of Umunze.