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

 
Urum is a town with deep cultural roots and a proud ancestral legacy. However, like many African communities, much of its early history has faded with time due to the absence of systematic documentation and written records.

According to the town’s royal monarch, His Royal Highness Igwe B.O. Nweke (Eze-Ugbonyimba II), the name Urum signifies strength and indestructibility—an entity firm in both nature and form. He points to communities in the Arochukwu and Ohafia regions, where the ancestors of Urum—namely Mgbenu and Upata—originated, noting that "Urum" is a name commonly found among those people, further reinforcing its deep cultural resonance.

The towns of Urum and Mgbakwu (Abogu) both trace their ancestry to these two forebears, Mgbenu and Upata, forming a shared genealogical heritage.

##Meaning And Historical Origins Of Urum
The name Urum is believed to have originally belonged to a founding figure of the present-day community. Its interpretation varies among scholars and oral traditions, drawing upon phonetic, historical, and migratory clues.

1. Ancestral Connection to Eri
One theory, as detailed by Ekwoanya Matthew A. in History of Urum, links Urum’s name to Eri, the ancestral patriarch of the Igbo people. In this context, “Urum” may be a linguistic variation of “Erim.” It is believed that Upata, a descendant of Eri, named his son Erim to maintain his lineage’s connection to the Eri dynasty. This symbolic naming might have influenced the identity of the emerging settlement, today known as Urum. In honor of their heritage, they also named settlements like Umueri to signify their roots.

2. Urum as “My Reward” or “My Profit”
Another interpretation drawn from oral narratives suggests that Urum means "my benefit" or "my reward." It is said that during a period of widespread famine, while others abandoned their land, the family of Urum remained. Their perseverance paid off—they not only survived but also prospered. They viewed their good fortune, especially the birth of a long-awaited son, as divine favor. Hence, the child was named Urum, symbolizing the family's gain or blessing.

3. Urum from “Eluom Ana Dike” – A Brave Land
This explanation attributes the name to a corruption of the Igbo phrase “Eluom Ana Dike”, meaning “I have arrived at a land of the brave.” During the era of migration prompted by the Arochukwu slave oligarchy, displaced groups settled in Urum where they found refuge and safety. Over time, Eluom Ana Dike evolved into Urum Anike, highlighting Urum’s identity as a place of courage and protection. Folklore even recounts that Urum’s main deity, Ori, would transform into warriors to defend the land during conflict.

4. Urum as “My Offspring” or “My Seed”
A fourth perspective views Urum as meaning “my sperm” or “my true lineage.” This stems from an old legend where Upata and Mgbenu, the founding ancestors, though initially childless, eventually had a male child. In joy and gratitude, they named him Urum—a declaration of continuity and generational hope.

Each of these theories reflects both historical experiences and cultural values, showcasing Urum as a community shaped by migration, resilience, fertility, and ancestral pride.

##Geographical Location And Landscape Of Urum
Urum is strategically nestled near the central axis of the Awka region in southeastern Nigeria. It lies only a few kilometers from Awka city and is part of the Awka Capital Territory within Anambra State. Though modest in population size, Urum holds a unique spot within Awka North Local Government Area, located approximately two kilometers southeast of its administrative center, Achalla.

The town rests on a gently rolling terrain that features a low-lying landscape with modest elevations found in Akaeze and Ugwu-Ofia-Ituku in Ifiteora village. From these high points, the land slopes gradually toward areas such as Umuife and Isuaniocha. The terrain is shaped by shallow valleys and a network of streams, including Ori, Iyi-Ofia, and Mgboji, forming a widespread and agriculturally productive plain. These fertile lands not only support Urum’s agricultural economy but also benefit neighboring communities.

Despite being interlaced with watercourses, Urum’s most revered water body is the Ori stream—named after the town's principal deity. According to Nebolise Christians O., the soil in Urum, even during peak rainy seasons, remains remarkably dry and firm. Its cracked, reddish earth absorbs water quickly, preventing long-standing puddles or mud, with only Umuife village being an exception due to its proximity to multiple streams.

During the dry season, a thin layer of reddish-brown dust settles over rooftops, trees, animals, and open spaces, persisting until the arrival of the first rains. This environmental condition reflects Urum’s location within the tropical rainforest zone of West Africa, where climate is defined by alternating wet and dry seasons and consistently high temperatures.

Traditional forest cover in Urum has significantly diminished due to agriculture, logging, and human settlement. Nonetheless, remnants of virgin rainforest still exist, particularly around sacred groves and shrines. As noted by Nnoruka Nneoke (Oral Interview, 2015), farming is the main occupation of Urum's people.

The land is enriched by a combination of red clay and loamy soil, ideal for cultivating crops such as yam, cassava, maize, plantain, banana, cocoyam, and various vegetables. This agricultural bounty supports both subsistence and commercial farming. Urum is also home to economically valuable trees like iroko, African pear, palm, raffia, and kola nut trees. Palm wine tapping and timber production contribute further to the local economy. However, traditional methods like bush fallowing and shifting cultivation have contributed to the decline in natural vegetation.

Geographically, Urum is bordered by Ukwulu and Nawgu to the west, Mgbakwu to the east, Achalla and Amanuke to the north, and Isuaniocha to the south. The town stands about 120 meters above sea level, with land that descends eastward into a valley where Ugbene, Ugbenu, and Awba-Ofemili are located. Covering approximately 52.8 square kilometers (roughly 40 square miles), Urum is rapidly developing and stands among the fastest-growing communities in the region.

##Demographic Growth And Population Trends
As of 2023, Urum’s exact population remains uncertain, but estimates place it at slightly over 30,000 inhabitants. Historically rural, Urum has seen steady transformation into a semi-urban locality, largely due to its inclusion in the Anambra State Capital Territory.

Given its rate of development, population projections estimate that Urum could surpass 100,000 residents by the year 2035. This growth is driven by increased migration, economic activities, and infrastructural development that continue to attract new settlers and investors.

##Intercommunal Relations And Neighbourly Ties

Urum shares strong social, cultural, and historical bonds with neighboring towns such as Mgbakwu, Isuaniocha, Nawgu, Ukwulu, Amanuke, and Achalla. These relationships have been largely peaceful and cooperative, fostering mutual respect and community-building efforts over generations.

Historically, Urum was part of the MBANESE alliance—a political and cultural union comprising Urum, Mgbakwu, Okpuno, Isuaniocha, and Amanuke. This coalition coordinated governance, development, and shared celebrations. The administrative seat was located in Mgbakwu, while Isuaniocha served as the economic hub. Together, they constructed the Eke-Amakom market, now known as Eke Isuaniocha.

In the 1940s, the MBANETEGHETE union emerged, expanding to include nine towns: Urum, Mgbakwu, Okpuno, Isuaniocha, Nawgu, Ukwulu, Amanuke, Achalla, and Ebenebe. The group's administrative base was situated at Okpala-Afifia in Urum. HRH Igwe Okafor Nweke (Eze-Ugbonyimba I), a monarch from Urum, led MBANESE following his coronation in 1935.

Among all its neighbors, Mgbakwu remains Urum’s closest ally due to shared ancestry and cultural practices. Both towns regard Ajana, the Earth Mother deity, as their spiritual authority and allow mutual access to her shrines for traditional cleansing and reconciliation rituals. Their ?z? title-taking ceremonies are nearly identical, especially the Ifu Afia ritual, which must occur on the Orie market day in both communities.

Urum and Mgbakwu have also harmonized their traditional marriage customs. Dowry and marriage rites in one community are fully accepted in the other, making inter-community unions seamless. Additionally, the lunar calendar is observed in both towns based on mutual consultations and agreements.

These cultural, religious, and social intersections reflect a deep-rooted alliance that continues to strengthen their bonds over time.