LIFESTYLE

Never a myth, they existed and live on

Maureen Ikpeama6 months ago6 months ago49218 mins

THE ANCIENT TOWN ,ABATETE:

Abatete is a town in Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, in West Africa. It is not just a story telling , it is never a myth, the town Abatete existed and still exist.This write- up today , December,6Th ,2025, was put together to let the generation yet unborn to know that really, the town Abatete and the people mentioned here existed, loved and live on. Yes, some have passed away while some are living.They lived with us, some lived before we were born, some lived with us and life continues, for those who are yet unborn, who will live hundreds of years to come, know that it was never a myth, it existedJust like the stories in the bible, the story of the Israelites,the birthday ,passion and death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was never a myth.He lived on this earth, died, buried and resurrected. The sites are there in Isael, where millions of people go for pilgrimage.This is a short story of an Ancient town ,Abatete and it's great sons and daughters.Abatete . Abatete is located within the Idemili North Local Government Area. It shares borders with Uke, Ogidi, Abacha, Oraukwu, Alor, Ideani, Eziowelle, and Umuoji. Abatete is made up of four villages: Nsukwu, Agbaja, Ogbu, and Odida. The people of Abatete are part of the Igbo-speaking population in Eastern Nigeria, and like most Igbo communities, possess a rich cultural heritage.

The ancestral origin of Abatete is linked to Okolie Otie, who is considered the founding father of Abatete, Umuoji, and Nkpor. The history as told by our father, High Chief Simon Ibeto Okpala( Ugochukwu) of blessed memory.Ololie Otie had relations in Nri, Nikola Local Government Area of Anambra state. NRI is the custodian of Igbo culture, it's one of the descendants of Gad, don of Jacob, who migrated with his family from the middle East to Aguleri in Anambra Local Government Area of Anambra state Ololie Otie lived in Anichukwu and used to come to Nri to visit his relations, especially,during the new yam festival. As time went bye, in one of his visits,he decided to stay closer to his relations in Nri, hence his coming to settle in the present location of Abatete. He continued relating with his relations in Nri, that's why today, we have a ward in Nsukwu Abatete called UmuNri. Abatete has many things, cultural practices they did in line with how it was done at that time in Nri. Some are still being practiced.brief history of Okolo OtieBrief history of Okolo OtieOkolie Otie had three sons: Edeogu, Ora, and Ideke. His eldest son, Edeogu, married Mgboko Eke, and together they had nine sons: Nsukwu, Agbaja, Isiuzo, Akwa, Azuogwa, Mputu, Odida, Ogbu, and Umuogu.

Ora, the second son, had a son named Oji, who later named his own son after his grandfather. The descendants of Oji became known as the Umuoji people. The first village in Umuoji is called Eziora, reflecting their grandfather’s name. Ideke’s descendants are known as Nkpor. Edeogu, the father of Abatete, proudly referred to his nine sons as “Igwulube-Otie,” meaning the children of Otie.

Over time, the name “Mbateghete” was gradually corrupted into "Abateghete" and finally became “Abatete” during British colonial rule. Of Edeogu’s nine sons, only four survived to form the four main quarters of Abatete: Nsukwu, Agbaja, Odida, and Ogbu. Isiuzo, a clan within Abatete, had a quarter, but due to constant conflicts, they were eventually expelled from the town.The British rule and Abatete

In 1904, the British administration, under the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria based in Onitsha, launched a Gun-Breaking Expedition (Otiji Egbe) to Abatete as part of establishing imperial rule. British surrogates posing as peacemakers were deployed throughout Abatete, initially requesting the natives' assistance in subduing a neighboring community. They asked every gun owner to gather at the market square with their firearms. Many people complied, but what followed shocked the town. The soldiers, equipped with superior weaponry, opened fire and burned down market stalls and shrines. The Abatete people were forced to surrender, and their guns were confiscated and destroyed. The destruction marked the loss of Abatete’s military pride and power.TheWarrant Chiefs

In 1905, the District Officer in charge of Onitsha instructed the four quarters of Abatete to select their Warrant Chiefs. Agbaja chose Eze Omaliko-Atulee Ekusa of Ezimuku, but Ogbuefi Omenyi Anaekwe objected, stating that the Omaliko deity would be displeased by the position. His argument prevailed, and Ogbuefi Anaekwe was chosen as Warrant Chief. Chief Onwadiebo Nebuwa Ezekwe, the grandson of Ebube Ogu, the progenitor of the Nri lineage in Nsukwu, was appointed as Warrant Chief of Nsukwu. Chief Eze-Elisiaku Anyaegbu was selected as the Warrant Chief of Odida, while the people of Ogbu, traumatized by the Otiji Egbe expedition, resisted and declined to appoint a chief. Instead, Chief Uduezue Omaliko was appointed as the Warrant Chief by default.

In 1908, the first church and school in Abatete was built at Agbaja by Catholic Priest Rev. Father Ward. Chief Anaekwe facilitated the project’s approval from the other Warrant Chiefs, instituting a system that allowed 50 boys from each of Abatete’s four quarters to attend the school. Penalties for tardiness were harsh, with a fine of one fowl for each absence. However, other Warrant Chiefs from Nsukwu, Odida, and Ogbu were displeased by the fines, especially since they were coming from their districts due to the distance to the school. In retaliation, the Warrant Chiefs invited the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.) to build churches and schools in their quarters. Chief Onwadiebo Ezekwe funded the construction of Christ Church in Olile-Nsukwu in 1914, and the Warrant Chiefs from Odida and Ogbu built St. John’s Church in Ogbu-Ikwele. The two churches later merged in 1930 to form the Holy Trinity Church at Afor-Agu.In the early 20th century, Abatete saw further expansion in education and religion. In 1937, Holy Trinity School was established at Afor-Agu, and St. Dominic’s Church and School were built in Agbaja in 1929, branching out to Ekeagu. Sir P. E. Chukwura, a prominent philanthropist, built New Africa School (later renamed Chukwura Primary School), which was commissioned in 1945. The Holy Rosary Convent School, established in 1948, focused on promoting female education, and Notre Dame High School, founded as Lugard Memorial High School, was built by Chiefs T. O. Morah and S. Mbakwe of Abacha in 1958.

Girls’ Secondary School was built in 1979 by the Abatete Social Club of Nigeria. Despite the positive impact of these schools, religious intolerance and zealotry caused tension in the community, particularly between the Anglican and Catholic factions. This division was evident in several matters, such as Igwe selection and the commissioning of local projects.

Political Struggles and Igwe Selection

In 1959, the Eastern Region Government asked towns to nominate their community heads. Chief Peter Aroh Eze-Onyeka was selected as the Igwe designate, but because he was of Anglican faith, many Catholic supporters backed Chief Onunkwo Ezenwayo for the position. This led to a division within the town, with two rival Igwe factions and fierce political rivalry. The conflict continued until 1963, when a resolution was reached at Ekeagu.

In 1976, the Anambra State government required every town to nominate a recognized chief. Nsukwu, Odida, and Ogbu nominated Chief P. U. Mkpume, while other candidates also submitted their nominations. After an inquiry by Justice Agbakoba’s Commission, Chief Mkpume was recognized as the Igwe of Abatete. On June 9, 1990, Chief Patrick Ugochukwu Mkpume was formally installed as Igwe Edeogu I of Abatete.

After he passed, another Igwe was installed. Igwe Engr Emeka Efobi, Igwe Edeogu11 of Abatete..Abatete have many illustrious sons and daughters who have contributed greatly to the development of the town. Some of them are High Chief Engr Ekesi, his wife Iyom Katia Ekesi, High Chief Goddy Oranika( Ochendo Abatete) High Chief Simon Ibeto Okpala( Ugochukwu) High Chief Goddy Chianumba,High Chief Nathan Ogbatue ( Owelle Abatete and his wife Iyom Ogbatue, Otie Abatete,High Chief Clementine Analikwu, Obi of Agbaja,High Chief Pius Ezigwe, High Chief Gab Okoye( Ichie ObutaObie Abatete) Ide Onyilo, High Chief Lawrence Okoye, Engr Fred Uzo, Mrs Oyibo Odinammadu, football legends, Emeka Oneydika, Ifeanyi Oneydika, Fred Okpala,( all played for the prestigious Eastern Nigerian football club, Rangers International club and won laurels for Nigeria , We had Eugene Ibekwe from Umuebo, Agbaja Abatete, who lived with Bishop Shanaham and joined him in the spread of the gospel and planted the Catholic church in the South East Nigeria ( Igbo land) One of his daughters, Monica Nwude Okpala was a chorister and majored in Music in school. She wrote Christian songs sang today in Catholic churches. The most popular song is " Kwadolu o nwe gi aku n'elu Igwe"( Prepare for yourself riches in heaven) Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwokolo, Mrs Virginia Obianyo, served as Chairpersons , Catholic women Organization ( CWO) St Martins and they performed well. Mrs Ifeyinwa is was the first National Chairperson, Nsukwu National Union Women's wing, from 2018 to 2024. She was succeeded by the current National Chairperson,Dr. Maureen Ikpeama ,who assumed office onn30 December,2024 and so many others not mentioned.

They served Abatete at different capacities, at doreent places and brought development, peace and unity.

History of Umu Eze Ezigwe family at a glance

THE UMU EZE EZÎGWE family of Enugwu-Agu, ward 2B, Nsukwu Abatete is a large family. One of the largest in Abatete .

Our father, High Chief Okpala( Ugochukwu) a known historian and a Community leader ,former 2 Vice National President ,Abatete Development Organisation ( ADO) former chairman Umu Eze- Ezigwe family, gave us a written history of Umu Eze Ezigwe family in the late 80s tracing our origin and migration from the present Enugwu ward2 to the present settlement at Ugwuolile.

Taking the history down to our generation.,I knew it was not a mere story telling because I knew some of the people mentioned. They included High Chief John Anisiobi( we called him Nna Anyi John) Chief Reuben Nnakweugo Chianumba, High Chief Goddy Chianumba( Ichie ife) High Chief Goddy Arokesi ,Rev Fr Oguama, Rev Fr Nwokolo, Rev Felt Ezejiofor, Rev Sr Chika Maria Okpala,Chief EzeChindu Fred Okpala,( Secretary ,UmuEze Ezigwe family)Chief EzeChinedu Nwokolo,( National chairman,Nsukwu National Union) , Chief Omeazu Okpala( Okpala) Chief Albert Okpala, Chief Mike Okpala( Nnabuenyi),, High Chief Emma Nwokolo( Ezeanochie), Chief Gab Nwadiobu, High Chief Garuba Nnalugha, (Ichie Ezu 1) , High Chief Nathan Ogbatue( Owelle Abatete)Chief Nkwocha Ezejiofor, Chief Samuel Okpala,, Izundu Chianumba( Chairman Umu Ezigwe family), Chief Engr Laz Okpala, Mrs Nwuto Gini, Mrs Onyiora, Mrs Monica Okpala(Dibugwu)Mrs Victoria Mbakorsim, Dr. Maureen Ikpeama ( National Chairperson,Nsukwu National Union Women's wing, , CWO Ambassador Ikenna Okpala, Barrister Chuks Nnalugha, Retired Principal Chief Nnajiofor and host others too numerous to mention.They were known all known..They contributed in one way or the other to the development of the UmuEze Ezigwe family and Abatete It was never a myth