*Chief Uduma Ọlugu.*
*Culture Tradition* *Enthusiast.*
" *For this cause many* *are weak and sickly* *among you and many* *sleep". Paul (AD 56)*
Sexual relationship between biological siblings, parents, children, and 'ikwu' (extended maternal clan)is 'nso-ali ' (taboo)in Akanu -Ohafia. It is the desecration of the sacred land of Akanu -Ọhafia, and the female deity - 'Ali '. In *Akanu* - *Ọhafia* *cosmology,'ikperi nwa'ni* ' *(incest)* *corrupts* ' *ikwu' (maternal* *ancestry), genealogy,* *socio-economic* *progress,and blood* *line.* Maternal* blood line is the source of procreation, therefore revered. Nde Akanu -Ọhafia holds this truth : ' *Nne Ka '(mother is* *supreme* ). This ancient philosophy draws the line, and drives major socio - economic ,traditional and cultural decisions making in Akanu -Ohafia. Growing up, elder relatives will drum up one home lesson into my young mind - ' *Your maternal relative* *is* *more* *your relative,* *than your* *paternal relative '. '* Ikperi nwa'ni '(incest)is hanged on this philosophy by our progenitrix, ancestress, and matriach.The special classification of this demonic and heinous crime,and the attention attached to 'ikperi nwa'ni '(incest) in Akanu -Ohafia is to *protect the* *sacredness,purity,* *and spirituality that* *governs the various* ' *ikwu' blood line from* *corruption* . Every Akanu -Ọhafia citizen belongs to 'Ikwu'(maternal clan). For example, the name of my 'ikwu' (maternal clan),is 'Umu'a Nne Ụtugu Akụ. Some 'ikwu' (maternal clan) in Akanu -Ohafia are the following, Ụmụ Ọlugu, Ụmụ Akaka, Ụmụ Ọka, Ụmụ Ezie, Ụmụ Obie, Ụmụ Ofoka, Ụmụ Ezienta, Ụmụ Ututu Ezi kasị, Ụmụ Ime Orie, Ụmụ Uyom, Ụmụ Eyem, Ụmụ Anyim, Ụmụ Aja etc. Each one owns 'Ududu' (Reliquary), instituted and consecrated by the Progenitrix .The 'Ududu' (Reliquary) is represented between seven or eight clay pots ( each pot symbolising an ancestress and a generation), containing relics of the Progenitrix, matriach , legends,eminent, and prominent ancestress of the particular 'ikwu' (maternal clan).The relics are reverently preserved inside each Reliquary in a solemn ceremony. The matriach, in consultation with the elders will appoint a hostess curator and priestess for the 'Ududu' (Reliquary). The 'Ududu' (Reliquary)is instituted as the rallying point of the clan, and sustains the memory of our ancestress.Also, connecting the past and the present,spirituality, culture, tradition, celebrations, festivals ,and ceremonies. Before a marriage is contracted, families engage in deep investigative process. They trace the lineage of both the bride and groom to ensure they do not belong to the same 'Ududu' (Reliquary),or share common ancestry preventing inadvertent 'ikperi nwa'ni '(incest). Some community discussions notes that, rural urban migration has disconnected young people from their ancestral roots, making them unaware of their exact 'ikwu' (maternal clan), and increasing the accidental 'ikperi nwa'ni '(incestous relationships). Onye Akanu -Ọhafia is forbidden from entering into sexual or marriage relationships with person of the same 'Ududu' (Reliquary). Most 'ikwu' (maternal clan)'Ududu' (Reliquary)has depository archives between 7 and 8 generations .To ascertain your blood line before marriage,consult the matriach, curator, and the priestess of your 'ikwu - Ududu' (Reliquary).
It is pertinent to note that, this is not fetish, demonic or devilish, but scientific and clinical research.Our Ancestress in their wisdom will 'analyse' the reliquary, oral history, culture, tradition, trends, events, personal interviews, and will determine the 'ikwu' (maternal clan), and blood line of intended bride and groom. Today,many 'ikperi nwa'ni' (incest)cases are addressed using formal Nigeria constitutional laws rather than traditional rites. 'Ikperi nwa'ni' (incest) may trigger spiritual retributions ,may trigger ancestral curses, leading to severe consequences such as not getting married,late marriage , childlessness, mental diagnosis, physical deformities , terminal illness, and socioeconomic down - times. Many traditional schools of thought, and respected authorities on 'ikperi nwa'ni' (incest),highly recommend visiting your 'Ikwu Ududu' (Reliquary).
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