ABSTRACT
This research focuses on the history of Agbogugu from the earliest times
to 2000. It examines the unique history of the town and its customs and
traditions through the centuries. The work examines the town's traditions of
origin and analyses its position as a member of the Ntuegbe-Nese clan. The
study traces its history through pre colonial, colonial and post- colonial
times. The research reveals in detail the socio-political and economic
development that has taken place in Agbogugu. The people have evolved a
complex, stable social, political and religious organization, which was in
balance with their character and morals. They had their cultural beliefs and
activities which made up their unique identity. This work also highlights the
colonial experience of Agbogugu and their reaction to the British
'pacification' of Igboland, the impact of British rule and its work as an agent
of change in the people's lives and the developments that occurred due to this
forceful impression of culture. In the end, the study maintains that regardless
of the changes that have taken place in Agbogugu during the colonial time. The
town has developed into a mega socio- economic and political force to be
reckoned with in Awgu local government area.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the
Study
Agbogugu is one of the twenty five
autonomous communities that form Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. It
is located on latitude 6.15N and on latitude 7.28E[i],
on the Nigerian map. The town of Agbogugu was once a part of Udi Division. The Awgu Division was created in 1922 due,
probably to the cantankerous nature of the towns of Nenwe, Mgbowo, Mmaku and
Awgu which were giving difficulties to the district officer who administered
them from Okigwe[ii]. Agbogugu, with Ituku, Isuawaa, Ihe, Agbudu
and Ogbaku belongs to the Mbanabo Local Government which was a local government
created by Shehu Shaghari administration[iii].
Abgogugu is bounded to the south by Ihe, to the east by Amuri, to the north by
Ozalla and to the west by Isuawaa. Agbogugu has a wooded, level and arable
land, stretching from north to south and east to west which is suitable for
agricultural purposes. The famed Nvuna River serves as the boundary between
Ozalla and Agbogugu. The Enugu-Awgu road runs through the middle of the town
connecting it to the Enugu metropolis. The 1991 census put Abgogugu’s
population at 12,767[iv].
Agbogugu
town has nine villages, which are sub- divided into two wards namely. Amakpu ward comprising of Amofia,Umuoye, Obinagu,Umuobom
and Shikaghom. The Eziama ward comprised of Umueveh, Umuonwo, Ohumagu and Akwu[v].
The
people of this area constitute a homogenous cultural entity in the native ‘Wawa
land’ (Enugu). They also occupy one of the most fertile area of the state lying
deep in the center of the former east central state between Udi hills and
Okigwe . There is no doubt it is the fertility of the area that made most
indigenes agrarian in occupation. The period of time covered by this study will
trace through the pre colonial, colonial and post colonial history of Agbogugu.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The
history of Agbogugu has not found its deserved place in Igbo historiography
among historian. This is partly because most works on Igbo history tend to
focus on the most prominent Igbo towns like the Aro and their neighbours without
due diligence to the people beyond the coastlines. As a result of this neglect,
not much work has been done to reconstruct the history of smaller Igbo groups
like Agbogugu. The study of the history of Igboland from earliest to 1960 has
suffered from a number of problems part of which includes but not limited to
the following; firstly, not much was documented on the prehistory of Igboland.
Secondly, much of what we have on precolonial and colonial history of Igboland
deals on a few towns like the Ezza, Afikpo, Aro etc. The final challenge is
that Agbogugu is largely reflected in terms of proper documentation of the
developments it has witnessed during and after colonization. It is therefore
these loopholes that necessitated an enquiry into the historical past of
Agbogugu.
1.3 Purpose of Study
This
work is primarily researched upon to determine and bring to light the pre
colonial, colonial, post colonial history and culture and traditions of
Agbogugu. It also aims at highlighting the socio- cultural and historical
developments that have taken place in Agbogugu from time immemorial to 2000. It
is hoped that the present work will unfold the untold happenings in Agbogugu
from earliest times to 2000 and finally to arouse the interest of future
researchers in this area. Furthermore this work seeks to show the unique
culture of the Agbogugu people.
1.4 Significance of Study
The
paucity of written materials in this area of local history challenges the
attempt to reconstruct the history of Agbogugu from earliest times to 2000.
Albeit, the significance of this work will be found in the fact that the present effort will be a readily available
tool in the hands of future researchers who may desire to reconstruct the history
of Agbogugu or any of her neighboring towns. It is also hoped that the present
effort will protect a better image of the people and culture of Agbogugu.
1.5
Scope of Study
This work covers the earliest history of Agbogugu to 2000.
This study involves all the component villages of Agbogugu. The choice of its
earliest history involves the reconstruction of the foundation and origin of
Agbogugu. It will also cover the history of Agbogugu from pre-colonial to post
colonial times, the year 2000 was chosen as the termination of its scope
because it was the start of the twenty first century gained. This work covers
the earliest known history of Agbogugu dating back to prehistory up to the post
colonial era..
1.6 Literature Review
As it appears, not much has been written
directly about the history of Agbogugu, however, there are a few works that
captured either part of the general history about the area of the present study
or its neighbors, or the historical developments in the area. Below are some of
the literatures reviewed.
Nnamdi S. Onuigbo, in his work entitled,
The History of Ntugbe- Nese : A five town
clan. In this work the author
detail part of the history of Agbogugu, including culture and tradition. He
also analyzed the history of Agbogugu highlighting its similarities with the
south Ntegbe towns. He shows the relationship between Agbogugu and the rest of
the south Ntegbe towns. It is well defined and most commendable for its
thematic approach to the history of the Ntegbe-nese. Indeed his work is on the
Ntegbe- Nese clan, it is therefore not surprising the author didn’t elaborate
on more aspects of Agbogugu’s history. However the present effort will do well
to do so[vi].
S.O Okolo in his
book entitled, History of Agbogugu
discusses important aspects of Agbogugu history. Mr Okolo in this
work describes the main themes of Agbogugu history, pointing out the pre
colonial, colonial and post colonial history. As a work about the history of
Agbogugu, its merit lies in the detailed way the author chronicled the history
of Agbogugu, starting from its origins to modern times. This work didn`t
include some important aspects of Agbogugu history such as its social
organization[vii].
Sebastian
.M. Obi in his work entitled, A century
in search of identity discusses the theme of Osu in Igboland , The work is
a general work on Osu in igboland. The author analyzes the social,
psychological, spiritual problem that is the osu caste system. The author
writes that the church can function as a change agent and effect changes in the
osu problem in Igboland[viii].As
a general work on Osu in Igboland it is not surprising that the author didn`t
write on the Osu history of Agbogugu.
Igwebuike Romeo,
Okeke in his work entitled. The osu
concept in Igboland, discusses the nature and manifestation of the osu
problem in Igboland. The author writes
in detail about the problem of osu and Ohu in igboland. The author illuminates
the origin of osu in Igboland. As a general work on the theme of slavery in
Igboland it is not suprising the author didn't write on Osu in Agbogugu[ix].
Jude.
Achu in his work entitled: Igbo culture
in disarray focuses on theme of the Igbo culture being displaced by western
culture. It is a general work on Igbo culture and the partial displacement of
Igbo culture and traditions throughout Igboland. It highlights the ill and
wrongs that have risen due to the merging of the two cultures[x].
It highlights the general culture of igboland.
GT
Stride and C. Ifeka in their work entitled People
and Empires of West Africa: West Africa in History 1000-1800. As a general
work on the history of west Africa, it discusses the general history of
Igboland. It concentrates on the Aro history, culture and Aro dominance in
Igboland. However although the authors provide illuminating insights into
Igboland, the work failed to give an account to other communities that makes up
Igboland. The author concentrated on the Aros as though they are the only
community in Igboland worthy of note[xi].
Fabian
Nkeonye, Ukaegbu in his work titled: The
Igbo’s, the Afrikaans root of nations. This work is focused exclusively on
Igboland, as a general work on the Igbos and thus encompassing the whole of
Igboland, it illuminates the culture, origins, and customs of the Igbos. It
highlights in commendable writing the Igbos position in Nigeria and the world[xii].
F.
C. Idigo in his work entitled Igbo
History: Hebrew exiles of Eri kingdom. This work highlights the theme of
Igbo descent and origin through the Hebrews. As a general work on Igboland and
Igbo origin history, it also enumerates the common customs and traditions that
unite the entire Igboland. Though his work highlights Igboland in general but
with particular emphasis on Eri history, he did not however discuss any
particular theme with regard to Agbogugu and its historical developments. The
present work will fill this gap.[xiii]
Emefina, Ezeani
in his work entitled: In Biafra Africa
died: The diplomatic plot. This work discusses the general theme of
Nigerian-Biafra war in Igboland, as a general work on the civil war in
Igboland, it highlights the aspects of the war like Genocide and the Northern
agenda of Igbo extermination[xiv].
It does not Agbogugu experience in the war.
J.O.J. Asiegbu
in his work entitled Nigeria and its
British invaders. This work focuses on the theme of British invasion of
Nigeria, it illuminates the experience of the Igbo people during the British
military pacification of Igboland, but how Agbogugu came under British
domination was not highlighted[xv].
A.E. Afigbo in
his work entitled Ropes of Sand: Studies
in Igbo History and Culture. The theme of this work is on common Igbo
history, as a general work on Igbo origin, culture and migration. It explores
the pre colonial and colonial history of Igboland, it discusses the theme of
Igbo origins in Nigeria[xvi].
It does not show the historical development in Agbogugu, this present work
seeks to fill that gap.
G.T. Basden in his work entitled: Among the Igbos of Nigeria. This work highlights in details the
Igbo culture, traditions and life. it is concentrated on the life of the
pre-colonial and colonial Igbos as a general work on Igboland it is not
surprising the author glossed over other communities in Igboland[xvii].
Uwakwe Basil
Ekwe in his work entitled: Ikoro 24: A
short History of Oduma Town. The book focuses on the history of Oduma town of
Aniri local government area. It examines its origins, culture and traditions.
it highlights Oduma from pre-colonial times to modern times. The author’s
thematic approach to this work is commendable[xviii].
Elizabeth Isichei in her work entitled, A History of the Igbo People. In this
work Prof Isichei discusses the theme of Igbo history. She highlights Igboland’s
growth through the impact of modernity. As a general collective work on
Igboland, it traces Igbo origins, Christianity, education and how colonialism
affected the Igbos[xix].
It does not show the history of Agbogugu.
J.B Webster and
A.A. Boahen in their work entitled, The
Revolutionary Years: West Africa since 1800. As a general work on West
Africa, the authors address West African history through the different tribes that
makes up West Africa. The authors addressed Igbo history through the mutual and
common traditions and customs that unite Igbo people. As a general work, it is
not surprising the authors paid scant attention to the different communities
that make up Igboland[xx].
Robin Hallet in his work entitled: Africa to 1875 and Africa since 1875.As a general work on Africa. This
work is most commendable for its thematic exposition on most aspects of African
history. The author addressed Igboland through the theme of common culture that
unites various Igbo village groups. It is not unexpected as a general work that
the author didn’t mention other village groups apart from the Aros[xxi].
Cajetan Eze in
his work entitled, History of Greater
Awgu, As a general work on greater Awgu, the author focuses on the theme of
Igbo history. He discusses the cultural, political, economic and religious
institution of Awgu land. He writes on the origins, education aspects of
Agogugu history as they relate with Awgu[xxii].
Ikime,
Obaro in his work titled: Ground work of
Nigeria History. This thesis is a general work on Nigerian history focusing
on the theme of origins. it addresses the history of Igboland before the 1800’s
as a general work on Nigerian history, the different history of autonomous
communities like the Agbogugu people are
not present in this work but the present work seeks to fill this gap[xxiii].
1.7 Methodology and Sources
The
methodology of this work is qualitative which uses narrative descriptions. The
material used in this work consists of the primary sources of which the oral
interviews with the indigenes of the area and archival materials played an
important role. The secondary sources consist of the published books, articles
and unpublished projects with relation to the history of the area.
[i]`
Agbogugu
map` Maplandia, 13, august,2018, www,maplandia.com/Agbogugugeography.
[iii] S.N. Onuigbo,
The history of the Ntuegbe-Nese: A five town clan. Nsukka. Afro-Oribis
publishers. 2001. P. 9.
[iv] C. Eze, History
of Greater Awgu. Enugu. Madonna university press, 2013. P.IV.
[v] Interview with
Mr Okoye, S.O, 66 years, Retired Banker,
Akwu village , Agbogugu, Aug.5. 2018.
[vi] S.N. Onuigbo, The history of the Ntuegbe- Nese:
A five town clan. Nsukka. Afro-Oribis publishers. 2001. P.211.
[vii] S.O. Okolo, History
of Agbogugu. Enugu, Paso Screen Associates.1999. p. 9.
[viii] M.S. Obi, A
century in search of identity. Enugu. Linco press. 1994.
[ix] , I.R Okeke.
The Osu Concept in Igboland. Enugu, Access Publishers. 1986.p.11.
[x] J. Achu, Igbo
Culture in disarray. Enugu. Idgina Global books.2013.p.2-28.
[xi] G.T Stride,
& C. Ifeka People and Empires of west Africa: West Africa in history
1000-1800. United States of America. Boston University. 1971.
[xii] F.N. Ukaegbu, The
Igbos: The Afrikan Root of Nations. Ibadan. Heinmann.2002.p.49.
[xiii] F.C. Idigo,
Hebrew exiles of Eri kingdom. Enugu. Topecea print. 2006.
[xiv] E. Ezeani, In
Biafra Africa died: The Diplomatic plot. London, Vertis publishers, 2013.p.
15-39.
[xv] J.U.J. Asiegbu,
Nigeria and its British Invaders. Nigeria. Nok publishers.1984.p. 235-285.
[xvi]A. E. Afigbo, Ropes
of Sand: Studies in Igbo history and culture. Nsukka.1981.p.1-31.
[xvii] G.T. Basden, Amonng
the Ibos of Nigeria. London. Frank Cass.1966.p.45.
[xviii] U.B. Ekwe, Ikoro
twenty four: A short history of Oduma Town. Enugu. Chirol Ventures, 2006.p.101.
[xix] E. Isichei, A
history of the Igbo people. London. Faber & Faber. 1973.
[xx] J.B Webster,
& A.E. Boahen, The Growth of African civilization: The Revolutionary years
of West Africa since 1800.London. Longman.1965.
[xxi] R. Hallet, Africa to 1875.London. Heinmann.1970.p.310. Africa
since 1875. London. Heinemann.1974.p.286
[xxii]. C. Eze, History
of Greater Awgu. Enugu. Madonna university press.2013. p.21.
[xxiii] A. E. Afigbo
‘Igboland before 1800’ In O. Ikime, Groundwork of Nigerian History. Nigeria. Ed.
Heinmann. 1980.p.89.
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