Oyi

Last updated

Oyi
LGA and city
Coordinates: 6°10′36″N6°51′43″E / 6.17667°N 6.86194°E / 6.17667; 6.86194
CountryFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
State Anambra State
Area
 • Total53.9 sq mi (139.7 km2)
Population
 (2022) [1]
 • Total239,700
 • Density4,400/sq mi (1,700/km2)
Time zone UTC+1 (WAT)
Oyi
A sign board at the entrance into Oyi in Anambra state Oyi Local Government Area in Anambra State Nigeria.jpg
A sign board at the entrance into Oyi in Anambra state

Oyi is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. [2] It is home to the Oyi people. The towns that make up the local government are Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umuneba, Umunya and Nteje.

Contents

Oyi/Ayamelum is a Federal Constituency represented by Hon Chinedu Eluemuno at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja. Oyi have had many Council Chairmen including Chief Okonkwo Onuigbo (from Omor), Barr Solomon Ekwenze, Barr. Ifeyinwa Morah and Hon. Edwin Aghadiuno. [3] [4]

See also

Oyi Local Government Area is located in Anambra State in Nigeria's South-East Geopolitical Zone. Its administrative center is located in the town of Nteje. Numerous towns and villages, including Ogbunike, Umuneba, Umunya, Nteje, Nkwelle, and Awkuzu, are part of the LGA. Oyi LGA is now expected to have 249,448 residents, with Igbo people making up the majority of the local population. In the LGA, the Igbo language is widely spoken, and Christianity is a very popular religion there. Oyi LGA has a number of vibrant festivals, such as the Ofala and Isigwu festivals, and the area is home to the well-known Ogbunike Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [5]

Economy

The Modern Aluminium market in Ogbunike is one of the several markets in the Oyi LGA, which serves as a major trading center. With products including rice, yams, cassava, and breadfruit cultivated nearby, agriculture plays a significant economic role in Oyi LGA. The LGA is also well-known for its commercial fishing, farming, and hunting operations. [6]

History

Oral history

The origin of Oyi people is the same for all the "OLU" sub group of the Eri-Awka Igbo.[ citation needed ] The Olus are the distinct river-side Igbo people of the lower Anambra plain (Anambra River Basin), encompassing the entire old Anambra Division of the 1920s to the 80s, parts of today's Awka North LGA of Anambra State and the excision of the former Uzo-Uwani LGA of now Enugu State. A number of Olu people also speak Igala language. [7] In fact, Igala kingdom is considered to have been founded by an Olu 'refugee' prince. Olu trace their origin to Eri (Eru, Nri, Nru). Onitsha and Ogbaru areas by character and dialect, are sometimes considered as Olu (though with specific associations). It is said that the more ancient forms of Igbo Tradition and Cultural practices like music, marriage ceremony and religious worships are those still practiced by the Olu.

Lifestyle

Oyi people, like other Olu people, are usually tall, care-free and socially progressive people (Read the 'burial of Oramalidike' and discourse of the Head of the Nze-Na-Ozo with Ozo initiates (Ndi-Nze) in 'Ozo Title: An Ancestral Club In The Igbo Culture by C.N.C Igboegbuna, published by Snaap Press, Enugu 1984). Olu life used to be nature-centered (agrarian of 'water' and land) until the white man upset all that with his "civilisation". [8] Olu or riverine Igbo have very elaborate ceremonies, festivities and roles. They are quite egalitarian in belief and republican in their political pursuits. Oyi practice a Jewish-like Kabbalah (Cabbala) system of self-actualisation which is embedded in the apical Nze-na-Ozo tradition of "Onye chizue; o bulu Mmoo, bulukwa Mmadu". Translated, this simply says that the Ozo initiation is a threshold vista of self-distinction that transforms the initiates into both man and spirit or "spirit-man". This ancient Ozo system called Ozo-Atulukpa-Okala was instituted in Umunya as far back as the late 16th century by a war chieftain named Igboegbunammadu Onenulu (Ozo-Odezulu-Igbo l).[ citation needed ] He equally bequeathed the title to his friends within the Olu sub-clans, from Ogbunike to Awkuzu and it is severally called and known as 'Ozo-Ndi-Ichie,' 'Nnekwu Ozo,' etc.

Council history

Oyi is a Local Government Area of Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. The towns that make up the local government are Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umunya and Nteje. Oyi is in the epicenter of the present Anambra State and was first created by the Civilian Administration of Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo in the 1980s with Umunya as its Headquarters, with Ogbefi Jasper Nwobi as its first chairman. It took its name from the pacific and famous Oyi River that flows northwards into Omambala (Anambra River).

When the military sacked the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari under which Chief Jim Nwobodo was governor in 1983, Oyi and its constituent towns were drawn back into the old Anambra Local Government Area with Otuocha as headquarters.[ citation needed ] Later, under the administration of Col Robert Nnameka Akonobi as Governor under Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Enugu became a State and the former Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area towns of Omor, Omasi, Umueje, Umelum, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Anaku and Ifite Ogwari were merged with their more "Olu" brothers in Oyi.[ citation needed ] Nteje became the headquarters and has remained so even after the excision of the towns into now Ayamelum Local Government Area.

Ogbunike Caves
The most popular place to visit in Oyi is the Ogbunike Caves , listed by UNESCO as a world Heritage Site. The cave is situated in the Ogba hills, across the Ugwu-Aga Escarpment, Umunya by the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway. It lies in the coordinates of N06 11 11 and E06 54 21.
Umunya Aparition Site
Umunya Aparition Site during the "Messages" in the 90s, is considered the highest human traffic to the Eastern Nigeria, since the visits of Pope John Paul II to Onitsha. The Site is esconced within the Mmili Nwaonye Artificial Spring of Iyi-Ogwe Farm by the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, Umunya. It hosts a moderate Catholic Chapel, used by tourists to conduct prayers and adoration.
Urunda Crescendo
This scenic depression is a wonderful expression of a 'natural stadium'. It lies depressed to the Ugwu-Aga table, close to the Ogba. It has a cool spring and a youth center. There are meandering brooks and streams across the area and one of them enters a hole to 'the unknown'.

Notable residents

Schools

Schools in Oyi Local Government Area:

climate

The climate in Oyi is tropical monsoon. Throughout the year the temperatures are high and have a lot of rainfall. [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anambra State</span> State of Nigeria

Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on 27 August 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The State Capital is Awka, while the State’s Largest City is Onitsha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enugu State</span> State of Nigeria

Enugu State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by the states of Benue and Kogi, Ebonyi State to the east and southeast, Abia State to the south, and Anambra State to the west. The state takes its name from its capital and largest city, Enugu. The city acquired township status in 1917 and was called Enugwu-Ngwo. Due to the rapid expansion towards areas owned by other indigenous communities, it was renamed Enugu in 1928.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Awka</span> Capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria

Awka is the capital city of Anambra State, Nigeria. The city was declared capital on 21 August 1991, after the creation of Anambra and Enugu state, which moved the capital from Enugu to Awka. The city has an estimated population of 301,657 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. The both LGAs of Awka South and North had a estimated population of 430,200 in 2022. The city is located at 199.1 kilometres (123.7 mi), by road, directly north of Port Harcourt in the centre of the densely-populated Igbo heartland in South-East Nigeria.

Ogidi is an Igbo speaking town and the headquarters of Idemili North Local Government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. It has an estimated population of 70,000 people and share boundaries with neighbouring towns like Abatete, Ṅkpọr, Ụmụnnachị, Ụmụoji, Ogbụnike and Ụmụdiọka.

Nkpor is a town in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state. The town of Nkpor had an estimated population of 109,377 in 2007. It is attached to the much larger city of Onitsha to the west, Oze to the north, Ogidi and Umuoji to the east, and Obosi to the south. The name 'Nkpor' is derived from the adulteration of the Igbo word nkpogha meaning 'repositioning'.Nkpor is known for its farming prowess. There is a maize known as ‘akpu aka Nkpor’ because of its robust yield and is reminiscent of Nkpor men who are often muscular. In ancient times, a rich man is known in Nkpor for his rich yam barn and the number of animals in his pen. An average Nkpor indigene does not buy foodstuff in the market and does not deny his visitors food. Nkpor is a traditional Community that worshiped the God of their ancestors before the advent of Christianity.

Ayamelum is a local government area (LGA) in Anambra state, in the southeastern part of Nigeria with headquarters in Anaku. The towns that make up the local government are Anaku, Umueje, Omasi, Igbakwu, Umumbo, Omor, Umuerum, and Ifite Ogwari. Ayamelum’s area is situated at the border between Enugu state and Anambra state. The communities in the area are notable for food production.

Onitsha North is a Local Government Area in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. The headquarters is in GRA, Onitsha. Onitsha is the only town in Onitsha North and Onitsha South LGA. Onitsha North has a boundary by Idemili North and Oyi local government areas to the East, Anambra East local government area to the North, Onitsha South local government area by the South and Delta State by the West. But then, it has various localities that are residential areas for the population living in the local government area. These include Omagba Layout Phases 1 & 2, Inland Town, GRA, Federal Housing Estate Trans Nkisi GRA, Akpaka, Odoakpu, Ose, Omagba, etc. Onitsha North also has various primary and secondary schools owned by the government, individuals, and missions. It is also known as the city where the biggest market in West Africa is situated. However, Onitsha North has experienced several degrees of conflicts and riots. It was also affected by floods.

Nsugbe is a town in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Aguleri is a medium-sized town located within the Anambra Valley in the southeastern quadrant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is a country on the west coast of Africa. Aguleri is the largest town in the Anambra North local government area of Anambra State in Nigeria, bordered by Umueri, Anam, and Nando in the west; Anaku, Omor, Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, and Umueje in the east; Iggah, Ojjor, Asaba, and Ogwurugwu communities of Uzo Uwani lga in Enugu state in the south; and in the north, it borders Obele, Odeke, and Eshonwa communities of Ibaji lga in Kogi state. Census figures put the population of Aguleri at close to 900,000 people. Aguleri has a landmass of about 380 square kilometers.

Eri is said to be the original legendary cultural head of the Umu-eri groups of the Igbo people. Eri established a community in the middle of Anambra river valley in Aguleri where he married two wives. The first wife, Nneamakụ, bore him five children. The first was Agulu, the founder of Aguleri, the second was Menri, the founder of Umunri / Kingdom of Nri, followed by Onugu, the founder of Igbariam and Ogbodulu, the founder of Amanuke. The fifth one was a daughter called Iguedo, who is said to have borne the founders of Nteje, and Awkuzu, Ogbunike, Umuleri, Nando and Ogboli in Onitsha. As one of the children of Eri, Menri migrated from Aguleri, which was and still is, the ancestral temple of the entire Umu-Eri. His second wife Oboli begot Ọnọja, the only son who founded the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State.

Awkuzu is a town in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state of Nigeria.

Umunya is an Olu Town and one of the five communities that make up Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State Nigeria. It is bordered by six neighbors: Ifite-Dunu, Awkuzu, Nteje, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ogbunike, and Umudioka. In the south lies Umudioka and Ifite-Dunu, both in Dunukofia LGA. In the north, Nteje and Nkwelle-Ezunaka. In the east, Awkuzu and in the west, Ogbunike. The boundaries are naturally demarcated by streams except at the border with Nkwelle-Ezunaka where an expanse of Umunya heath namely, Oli-Omoto, Ogwugwu-Obo, Ugwueze, etc. crossed the Kpokili River. Nearly all ten villages of Umunya have their own fresh water springs. The town has fertile lands; hence, its economy is based on agriculture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaku Town</span> Place in Anambra State, Nigeria

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Awka-Etiti</span> Town in Anambra State, Nigeria

Awka-Etiti, historically known as Awka-Diedo ; later mentioned as Awka-Nkakwu (Okankaku) by colonial authors, is an affluent town comprising seven villages in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, Nigeria. The seven villages of Awka-Etiti in order of age established are: Nkolofia, Umunocha, Ejighinandu, Iruowelle, Umudunu, Nnaba and Ogunzele.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ogbunike</span>

Ogbunike is a town in the Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. There are markets in Ogbunike. These include Plastic Products Dealers Society International Market Ogbunike.

Nteje is the headquarters of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is situated about 25 kilometres (16 mi) north-east of Onitsha by land route. It is located on the map along the longitude 6.45°E and the latitude 6.14°N. The land is fairly low, about 500 feet (150 m) above sea level.

Nando is a town in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It is located at the Awkuzu junction boundary with Nteje, Aguleri and Igbariam.

Umulokpa is a town in Enugu State, Nigeria. It serves as the headquarters of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (L.G.A) in Enugu State, and has a population of over 150,000.

Anambra North senatorial district in Anambra State covers seven local government areas which include Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Oyi, Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West and Ayamelum. There are 1,392 Polling Units (Pus) and 99 Registration Areas (RAs). Onitsha North LGA INEC Office is the collation centre. A president of the 4th Senate between 1999 and 2000, Chuba Okadigbo is from this district. Stella Oduah of the people’s Democratic Party is the current representative of Anambra North Senatorial District.

Nkwelle-Ezunaka is one of the five towns in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria.

References

  1. ↑ "Anambra State: Subdivision". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  2. ↑ "Anambra State Government - Light Of The Nation". www.anambrastate.gov.ng. Retrieved 2020-05-30.
  3. ↑ Okogba, Emmanuel (2022-04-12). "Barr. Mrs ifeyinwa morah: Elegant stallion, ready to serve". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  4. ↑ Adio, Segun (2018-03-15). "Ojukwu varsity gets new VC". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  5. ↑ "Oyi Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  6. ↑ "Orumba South Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  7. ↑ Online, Tribune (2021-02-22). "Igala-speaking community protests marginalisation in Anambra". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  8. ↑ Read Things Fall Apart (1958); No Longer At Ease (1960) and Arrow of God (1964) all by Chinua Achebe, Heinemann African Writers Series. See also Political structures in the novel (Things Fall Apart#cite note-12)
  9. ↑ "CYPRIAN EKWENSI (1921 – 2007): Fare Thee Well - AfricanLoft". www.africanloft.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  10. ↑ "Oyi weather and climate ☀️ Best time to visit 🌡️ Temperature". www.besttimetovisit.com.ph. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
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