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{{Use Nigerian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|{{more footnotes|date=March 2017}}
{{more footnotes|date=March 2017}}
{{tone|date=March 2023}}}}
{{tone|date=March 2023}}
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info ---------------->
<!-- Basic info ---------------->
|official_name = Aguleri
<!-- Basic info ---------------->| official_name = Aguleri
|other_name =
| other_name = Agulụ Enyi
|native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
| native_name = Aguleri Ike Okpa, Ike Onu
|nickname =
| nickname = Aguleri bụ Enyi
|settlement_type = Town
| settlement_type = City
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|motto =
<!-- images and maps ----------->
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|image_skyline =
|image_skyline =
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|dot_map_caption =
|dot_map_caption =
|dot_x = |dot_y =
|dot_x = |dot_y =

|pushpin_map = Nigeria<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map -->
|pushpin_label_position = bottom
|pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nigeria
<!-- Location ------------------>
<!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = [[Image:Flag of Nigeria.svg|25px]] [[Nigeria]]
|subdivision_name = [[File:Flag of Nigeria.svg|25px]] [[Nigeria]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[States of Nigeria|State]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[States of Nigeria|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Anambra State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Anambra State]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[National language]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[Local Government Areas in Nigeria|LGA]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Igbo language|Igbo]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Anambra East]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[National language]]
⚫
<!-- Area --------------------->
|subdivision_name3 = [[Igbo language|Igbo]]
|area_magnitude =
|subdivision_type4 =
|unit_pref = Imperial <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired-->
|area_footnotes =
|subdivision_name4 =
<!-- Politics ----------------->
|area_total_km2 = <!-- ALL fields dealing with a measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion-->
|government_footnotes =
|area_land_km2 = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion-->
|area_water_km2 =
|government_type = Traditional
⚫
|leader_title = [[Igwe]]
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<!-- General information --------------->
|timezone =
|leader_name = HRH Engr. Chukwuka Idigo

⚫
|utc_offset =
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<!-- Population ----------------------->
|timezone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|population_as_of = 2006
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|population_note =
|coordinates = {{coord|6|20|N|6|53|E|region:NG|display=inline}}
|population_total = 900,897
|elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
|population_density_metro_km2 =
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|elevation_m =
|population_density_metro_sq_mi =
|elevation_ft =<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
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|population_urban =
|postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Postcode, Postal code... -->
|population_density_urban_km2 =
|postal_code =
|population_density_urban_sq_mi =
|population_blank1_title
=Ethnicity

|population_blank1 = [[Igbo people|Igbo]] 98%>, Others
|population_blank2_title = [[Demonym]]
|population_blank2 = Onye Aguleri (singular) <br />Ndi Aguleri (plural) <small>([[Igbo language|Igbo]])</small>
|population_density_blank1_km2 =
|population_density_blank1_sq_mi =

}}
}}


'''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 Senatorial District|Anambra East
'''Aguleri''' is a medium-sized town situated in the Anambra Valley in southeastern [[Nigeria]], a country on the west coast of Africa. It is the largest town in the Anambra East local government area of [[Anambra State]]. It is the town of the newly established [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Aguleri]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/aguleri-becomes-catholic-diocese/|title=Guardian News, Sports and Business, Politics &#124; The Guardian|date=17 March 2023 |access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>
⚫
]] 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|Kogi state]]. Census figures put the population of Aguleri at close to 900,000 people. Aguleri has a [[landmass]] of about 380 square kilometers.<ref>2006 official Nigeria census</ref>


⚫
Aguleri is bordered by [[Umuleri|Umueri]], Anam, and Nando to the west; [[Anaku Town|Anaku]], [[Omor]], Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, and Umueje to the east; Iggah, Ojjor, [[Asaba]], and Ogwurugwu communities of Uzo Uwani LGA in [[Enugu State]] to the south; and Obele, Odeke, and Eshonwa communities of Ibaji LGA in Kogi State to the north. Census figures estimate the population of Aguleri to be close to 900,000 people. The town covers an area of approximately 380 square kilometers.<ref>2006 official Nigeria census</ref>
⚫
The ruling [[family]] of Aguleri is Idigo. Their [[dynasty]] has lasted over 10 decades. The name of their current [[king]] is Engr. Chuka Idigo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/royal-iumble-in-obianos-community-over-aguleri-ofala-festival/|title=Guardian News, Sports and Business, Politics &#124; The Guardian}}</ref>

⚫
The ruling family of Aguleri is the Idigo family, whose dynasty has lasted for over ten decades. The current king is Engr. Chuka Idigo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/royal-iumble-in-obianos-community-over-aguleri-ofala-festival/|title=Royal iumble in Obiano's community over Aguleri Ofana Festival |work=The Guardian|date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2024-01-02|archive-date=2024-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102051834/https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/royal-iumble-in-obianos-community-over-aguleri-ofala-festival/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Oral tradition history traces the origin of Aguleri to a man named Eri. Eri settled at the bank of the river where he made an altar of onyx at the confluence of Ezu na Omabala rivers. {{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=VINCENT UJUMADU |date=August 10, 2014 |title=Where did Igbo originate from? |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/igbo-originate/amp/ |url-status=live |work=VANGUARD NEWS}}</ref>Due to annual flooding of the place Eri moved upland to Eri-aka near odanduli stream and finally to where he erected Obu Uga (Obu-Gad). Eri had the following children 1. Agulu (Aguleri) 2. Attah 3. Oba 4. Menri 5. Adamgbo (Iguedo the only daughter of Eri). All the children of Eri lived together with their father in Aguleri until after the death of Eri when his sons scattered in different places where they are founder of different kingdoms. Attah the second son of Eri left and founded Igala kingdom while Oba moved to found Benin kingdom. Menri later left Aguleri where he founded Nri kingdom. Eri first son Agulu-eri (Aguleri) remained behind and inherited his father's land and expanded the kingdom. Aguleri married three wives namely Ada, Omali and Eke and had four sons namely 1. Ivite 2. Igboezunu 3. Enugwu. 4. Eziagulu.
According to oral tradition, the origin of Aguleri is traced to a man named Eri. Eri is said to have settled at the bank of the river, where he established an altar of onyx at the confluence of the Ezu and Omabala rivers. {{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}<ref>{{Cite news |first=Vincent |last=Ujumadu |date=August 10, 2014 |title=Where did Igbo originate from? |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/igbo-originate/amp/ |url-status=live |work=Vanguard News |access-date=June 23, 2024 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420033748/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/igbo-originate/amp/ }}</ref>Due to annual flooding, Eri relocated inland to Eri-aka near the Odanduli stream, and eventually to the site where he established Obu Uga (Obu-Gad).


Eri had several children: Agulu (Aguleri), Attah, Oba, Menri, and Adamgbo (Iguedo, his only daughter). All of Eri's children lived together with him in Aguleri until his death, after which they dispersed to found different kingdoms. Attah, the second son, left to establish the Igala kingdom, while Oba moved on to found the Benin kingdom. Menri later departed Aguleri to establish the Nri kingdom. Eri's eldest son, Agulu-eri (Aguleri), remained behind and inherited his father's land, expanding the kingdom. Aguleri had three wives: Ada, Omali, and Eke, and fathered four sons: Ivite, Igboezunu, Enugwu, and Eziagulu.
⚫
Note: Ada the first wife did not conceived on time, Agulu (Aguleri) had to marry Omali (second wife) who conceived and bore him a son called Ivite (first son). God remember Ada the first wife of Agulu (Aguleri) and she conceived and bore a son called Igboezunu (second son). Agulu (Aguleri) had to marry the third wife Eke who God blessed with two sons namely Enugwu (third son) and Eziagulu (fourth son). This three wives of Aguleri formed Akwukwonato.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AGULERI WORLD FORUM {{!}} Official Website |url=https://www.aguleriworldforum.com/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.aguleriworldforum.com}}</ref>

⚫
Ada, the first wife, did not conceive initially. Agulu (Aguleri) subsequently married Omali, his second wife, who bore him a son named Ivite (first son). Later, Ada gave birth to a son named Igboezunu (second son). Agulu (Aguleri) then married his third wife, Eke, with whom he had two sons: Enugwu (third son) and Eziagulu (fourth son). These three wives of Aguleri formed Akwukwonato.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aguleri World Forum {{!}} Official Website |url=https://www.aguleriworldforum.com/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.aguleriworldforum.com |archive-date=2024-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616025132/http://aguleriworldforum.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Villages ==
== Villages ==
Aguleri is currently subdivided into three main quarters: Igboezunu, Ivite, and Enugwu na Eziagulu (Ugwu na adegbe) with component families replicated both in Aguleri Uno and Aguleri Otu.
Aguleri is currently divided into three main quarters: Igboezunu, Ivite, and Enugwu na Eziagulu (Ugwu na Adegbe), with component families present in both Aguleri Uno and Aguleri Otu.


In the [[Igbo culture]], inheritance of property is based on the order of birth—the first child is always first to choose property.{{Citation needed|date=June 2017|}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu, Chidi Nkwopara, Ugochukwu Alaribe, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Chinenye Ozor, Chinedu Adonu, Chinonso Alozie, Ikechukwu Odu & Steve Oko |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Why first son is accorded high respect in Igboland — Monarchs, Igbo leaders |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/why-first-son-is-accorded-high-respect-in-igboland-monarchs/amp/ |url-status=live |work=VANGUARD NEWS}}</ref> Hence, the villages in Aguleri are: Homeland (Enuobodo), Igboezunu-otu, Ivite-otu, Eziagulu-otu, and Enugu-otu, riverine or Aguleri-otu, located on the lower part of the Omambala.{{clarify|date=November 2017}}<!-- The context of inheritance law is not adequately situated in this statement -->
In [[Igbo culture]], property inheritance follows the birth order, with the first child having the first choice of property.{{Citation needed|date=June 2017|}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu, Chidi Nkwopara, Ugochukwu Alaribe, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Chinenye Ozor, Chinedu Adonu, Chinonso Alozie, Ikechukwu Odu & Steve Oko |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Why first son is accorded high respect in Igboland — Monarchs, Igbo leaders |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/why-first-son-is-accorded-high-respect-in-igboland-monarchs/amp/ |work=VANGUARD NEWS}}</ref> Therefore, the villages in Aguleri include: Homeland (Enuobodo), Igboezunu-otu, Ivite-otu, Eziagulu-otu, Enugu-otu, and Aguleri-otu, which is situated in the lower part of the Omambala River.{{clarify|date=November 2017}}<!-- The context of inheritance law is not adequately situated in this statement -->


New settlements called Ndi-Uka (Mbito) which belongs to Egbeagu village in Eziagulu Aguleri, where the early Roman Catholic missionaries first settled before spreading the gospel to hinterland. Today Amaeze ([[Otuocha]]), now exists as the urban area of Aguleri.
New settlements known as Ndi-Uka (Mbito) belong to Egbeagu village in Eziagulu Aguleri, where early Roman Catholic missionaries initially settled before spreading the gospel to the hinterland. Today, Amaeze ([[Otuocha]]) serves as the urban area of Aguleri.


The Aguleri soil is very fertile.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Adesemuyi |first=Emmanuel Adeboye |title=Soil Fertility and Productivity Test Analysis of Selected Soils of Evite Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State |url=https://www.academia.edu/114325127/Soil_Fertility_and_Productivity_Test_Analysis_of_Selected_Soils_of_Evite_Otu_Aguleri_Anambra_East_LGA_Anambra_State}}</ref> Farmers cultivate different kinds of food crops, both for commercial and subsistence purposes. Aguleri is known as the food basket of Anambra State.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iri Ji Festival : Anambra Described As The Food Basket Of The Nation |url=https://www.absradiotv.com/2016/09/05/iri-ji-festival-anambra-described-as-the-food-basket-of-the-nation/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Heartbeat Of The East |language=en-US}}</ref>
The soil in Aguleri is highly fertile,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Adesemuyi |first=Emmanuel Adeboye |title=Soil Fertility and Productivity Test Analysis of Selected Soils of Evite Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State |url=https://www.academia.edu/114325127}}</ref> supporting the cultivation of various food crops for both commercial purposes and subsistence farming. Aguleri is recognized as a significant agricultural hub within [[Anambra State]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iri Ji Festival : Anambra Described As The Food Basket Of The Nation |url=https://www.absradiotv.com/2016/09/05/iri-ji-festival-anambra-described-as-the-food-basket-of-the-nation/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Heartbeat Of The East |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623113358/https://www.absradiotv.com/2016/09/05/iri-ji-festival-anambra-described-as-the-food-basket-of-the-nation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Culture and Festivals ==
== Culture and Festivals ==
Aguleri, as a historical city, has many cultural events and places adorned with festivities and cultural monuments, including Agbanabo Ezu na Omabala, Ajana Ukwu, Ugwu Ogodo, Ovilivo sacred spring water, and many other historical sites dotted across all sections of ancient city of Aguleri. Aguleri hosts many [[festival]]s, notably amongst them is the Alo Mmuo (New Yam Festival, also known as Ivejioku festival), Igba Ada festival which all parts of the town participates and various masquerades entertain every body. The Ovalla festival attracts all sorts of activities and celebrations which Aguleri residents hold in the highest esteem. Olili Obibia Eri, is a festival that holds in seventh native month, in celebration of Eri, the father of Aguleri and Igbo race, other festivals includes Uta Oba which is celebrated only by title men, Akwali festival, Oluta Festival and Nzideana festival which is used to mark the end of seasonal flood and user in the new [[farming]] season.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
Aguleri, as a historically significant city, hosts numerous cultural events and features several cultural monuments, including Agbanabo Ezu na Omabala, Ajana Ukwu, Ugwu Ogodo, Ovilivo sacred spring water, and many other historical sites spread across the ancient city of Aguleri. The city celebrates various festivals, prominently including the Alo Mmuo (New Yam Festival, also known as Ivejioku festival) and Igba Ada festival, which involve participation from all parts of the town and feature performances by various masquerades. The Ovalla festival is particularly revered, drawing a range of activities and celebrations that are highly esteemed by Aguleri residents. Olili Obibia Eri is another significant festival held in the seventh native month to honor Eri, considered the father of Aguleri and the Igbo race. Additional festivals include Uta Oba, celebrated exclusively by titled men, as well as the Akwali festival, Oluta Festival, and Nzideana festival marking the end of the seasonal flood and the beginning of the new farming season.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Aguleri Community Celebrates Olili Obibia Eri |url=https://www.absradiotv.com/2020/11/09/aguleri-community-celebrates-olili-obibia-eri/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Heartbeat Of The East |language=en-US}}</ref>


In the average home of any Aguleri citizen, they usually keep kola nuts, garden egg and peanut butter in their house in case any stranger or visitor should visit their home. Every visitation to their home begins with the offering of the kola nuts to the visitor. The kola nut is indicating that the visitor is very much welcomed. The ritual of the offering of kola nut is inspired with the giving in prayers and blessing or lobby to the supreme God (Chukwu) and other deities, for the protection of the visitor and the host. It seems to be a custom to the people of Aguleri in any of their traditional ceremonies.
In the average home of an Aguleri citizen, it is customary to keep kola nuts, garden eggs, and peanut butter on hand in case of visits from strangers or guests. The offering of kola nuts to visitors marks the beginning of any visitation, symbolizing a warm welcome. This ritual is rooted in prayers and blessings offered to the supreme God (Chukwu) and other deities for the protection of both the visitor and the host. It is a customary practice observed during traditional ceremonies among the people of Aguleri.

The Ovala festival is a royal festival celebrated on the first Eke market day of the year. It attracts dignitaries from all walks of life. Neighboring village heads also visit to pay homage to the Igwe of Aguleri on this day.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}
The Ovala festival is a royal celebration held on the first Eke market day of the year. It attracts dignitaries from various backgrounds, and neighboring village leaders also visit to pay respects to the Igwe (traditional ruler) of Aguleri on this occasion.<ref name="auto"/>


== Infrastructure ==
== Infrastructure ==


The community constructs majority of the town's public basic infrastructure. Ivite Aguleri Primary Health Care, Aguleri Town Hall, St Joseph Memorial High School Aguleri, Justice Chinwuba Memorial Secondary School Aguleri, Willie Obiano Secondary School Enugwu Aguleri, Col. Mike Attah Secondary School Aguleri, Postal Agency, Aguleri Community Bank, Nkwo Igboezunu Market, Eke UgwunaAdagbe Market, Good Evening
The community is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the majority of public infrastructure in Aguleri. This includes facilities such as Ivite Aguleri Primary Health Care, Aguleri Town Hall, St. Joseph Memorial High School Aguleri, Justice Chinwuba Memorial Secondary School Aguleri, Willie Obiano Secondary School Enugwu Aguleri, Col. Mike Attah Secondary School Aguleri, Postal Agency, Aguleri Community Bank, Nkwo Igboezunu Market, Eke UgwunaAdagbe Market, Access Bank, Odene Aguleri Head Bridge, Aguleri High Court and Judges quarters, 54 Squadron Mobile Police Force Aguleri barracks, Aguleri Civic Center, Aguleri Regional Water Scheme, Orient Staff Residential Quarters, and other similar facilities are community-owned and maintained.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

⚫
[[Michael Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri]], is administered by the Onitsha Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Mission.


== Notable people ==
Access Bank, Odene Aguleri Head Bridge, Aguleri High Court and Judges quarters, 54 Squadron Mobile Police Force, Aguleri barracks, Aguleri Civic Center, Aguleri Regional Water Scheme, Orient Staff Residential Quarters, and other facilities are owned by the adjacent community.


Notable people from Aguleri include:
⚫
[[Michael Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri]] is owned by the Onitsha Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Mission.
* [[Willie Obiano]], former Governor of Anambra State
* [[Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi]], was a Nigerian priest of the Catholic Church who worked in the Archdiocese of Onitsha and later became a Trappist monk at Mount Saint Bernard Monastery in England.
* Eze Chukwuemeka Ezeora Eri, The Ezeora dynasty has remained powerful been the sacred holder of the Ovo Eri and as well occupying the throne of Eri at Obu-Ga
* Benjamin Chinedu Obidigwe The former [[House of Representatives (Nigeria)|House of Representatives of Nigeria]]


==References==
==References==
Line 95: Line 110:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://archive.today/20130204233333/http://www.trailbehind.com/Aguleri/]
* [https://archive.today/20130204233333/http://www.trailbehind.com/Aguleri/ Aguleri Map]
* [http://agulerifoundation.org/about_aguleri.htm Aguleri Foundation North America]
* [http://agulerifoundation.org/about_aguleri.htm Aguleri Foundation North America]


Revision as of 22:34, 5 November 2024

Aguleri
Aguleri Ike Okpa, Ike Onu
Agulụ Enyi
City
Nickname: 
Aguleri bụ Enyi
Map
Country Nigeria
StateAnambra State
LGAAnambra East
National languageIgbo
Government
 • TypeTraditional
 • IgweHRH Engr. Chukwuka Idigo
Population
 (2006)
 • Total
900,897
 • Ethnicity
Igbo 98%> Others
 • Demonym
Onye Aguleri (singular)
Ndi Aguleri (plural) (Igbo)

Aguleri is a medium-sized town situated in the Anambra Valley in southeastern Nigeria, a country on the west coast of Africa. It is the largest town in the Anambra East local government area of Anambra State. It is the town of the newly established Roman Catholic Diocese of Aguleri.[1]

Aguleri is bordered by Umueri, Anam, and Nando to the west; Anaku, Omor, Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, and Umueje to the east; Iggah, Ojjor, Asaba, and Ogwurugwu communities of Uzo Uwani LGA in Enugu State to the south; and Obele, Odeke, and Eshonwa communities of Ibaji LGA in Kogi State to the north. Census figures estimate the population of Aguleri to be close to 900,000 people. The town covers an area of approximately 380 square kilometers.[2]

The ruling family of Aguleri is the Idigo family, whose dynasty has lasted for over ten decades. The current king is Engr. Chuka Idigo.[3]

History

According to oral tradition, the origin of Aguleri is traced to a man named Eri. Eri is said to have settled at the bank of the river, where he established an altar of onyx at the confluence of the Ezu and Omabala rivers. [citation needed][4]Due to annual flooding, Eri relocated inland to Eri-aka near the Odanduli stream, and eventually to the site where he established Obu Uga (Obu-Gad).

Eri had several children: Agulu (Aguleri), Attah, Oba, Menri, and Adamgbo (Iguedo, his only daughter). All of Eri's children lived together with him in Aguleri until his death, after which they dispersed to found different kingdoms. Attah, the second son, left to establish the Igala kingdom, while Oba moved on to found the Benin kingdom. Menri later departed Aguleri to establish the Nri kingdom. Eri's eldest son, Agulu-eri (Aguleri), remained behind and inherited his father's land, expanding the kingdom. Aguleri had three wives: Ada, Omali, and Eke, and fathered four sons: Ivite, Igboezunu, Enugwu, and Eziagulu.

Ada, the first wife, did not conceive initially. Agulu (Aguleri) subsequently married Omali, his second wife, who bore him a son named Ivite (first son). Later, Ada gave birth to a son named Igboezunu (second son). Agulu (Aguleri) then married his third wife, Eke, with whom he had two sons: Enugwu (third son) and Eziagulu (fourth son). These three wives of Aguleri formed Akwukwonato.[5]

Villages

Aguleri is currently divided into three main quarters: Igboezunu, Ivite, and Enugwu na Eziagulu (Ugwu na Adegbe), with component families present in both Aguleri Uno and Aguleri Otu.

In Igbo culture, property inheritance follows the birth order, with the first child having the first choice of property.[citation needed][6] Therefore, the villages in Aguleri include: Homeland (Enuobodo), Igboezunu-otu, Ivite-otu, Eziagulu-otu, Enugu-otu, and Aguleri-otu, which is situated in the lower part of the Omambala River.[clarification needed]

New settlements known as Ndi-Uka (Mbito) belong to Egbeagu village in Eziagulu Aguleri, where early Roman Catholic missionaries initially settled before spreading the gospel to the hinterland. Today, Amaeze (Otuocha) serves as the urban area of Aguleri.

The soil in Aguleri is highly fertile,[7] supporting the cultivation of various food crops for both commercial purposes and subsistence farming. Aguleri is recognized as a significant agricultural hub within Anambra State.[8]

Culture and Festivals

Aguleri, as a historically significant city, hosts numerous cultural events and features several cultural monuments, including Agbanabo Ezu na Omabala, Ajana Ukwu, Ugwu Ogodo, Ovilivo sacred spring water, and many other historical sites spread across the ancient city of Aguleri. The city celebrates various festivals, prominently including the Alo Mmuo (New Yam Festival, also known as Ivejioku festival) and Igba Ada festival, which involve participation from all parts of the town and feature performances by various masquerades. The Ovalla festival is particularly revered, drawing a range of activities and celebrations that are highly esteemed by Aguleri residents. Olili Obibia Eri is another significant festival held in the seventh native month to honor Eri, considered the father of Aguleri and the Igbo race. Additional festivals include Uta Oba, celebrated exclusively by titled men, as well as the Akwali festival, Oluta Festival, and Nzideana festival marking the end of the seasonal flood and the beginning of the new farming season.[9]

In the average home of an Aguleri citizen, it is customary to keep kola nuts, garden eggs, and peanut butter on hand in case of visits from strangers or guests. The offering of kola nuts to visitors marks the beginning of any visitation, symbolizing a warm welcome. This ritual is rooted in prayers and blessings offered to the supreme God (Chukwu) and other deities for the protection of both the visitor and the host. It is a customary practice observed during traditional ceremonies among the people of Aguleri.

The Ovala festival is a royal celebration held on the first Eke market day of the year. It attracts dignitaries from various backgrounds, and neighboring village leaders also visit to pay respects to the Igwe (traditional ruler) of Aguleri on this occasion.[9]

Infrastructure

The community is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the majority of public infrastructure in Aguleri. This includes facilities such as Ivite Aguleri Primary Health Care, Aguleri Town Hall, St. Joseph Memorial High School Aguleri, Justice Chinwuba Memorial Secondary School Aguleri, Willie Obiano Secondary School Enugwu Aguleri, Col. Mike Attah Secondary School Aguleri, Postal Agency, Aguleri Community Bank, Nkwo Igboezunu Market, Eke UgwunaAdagbe Market, Access Bank, Odene Aguleri Head Bridge, Aguleri High Court and Judges quarters, 54 Squadron Mobile Police Force Aguleri barracks, Aguleri Civic Center, Aguleri Regional Water Scheme, Orient Staff Residential Quarters, and other similar facilities are community-owned and maintained.[citation needed]

Michael Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri, is administered by the Onitsha Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Mission.

Notable people

Notable people from Aguleri include:

  • Willie Obiano, former Governor of Anambra State
  • Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, was a Nigerian priest of the Catholic Church who worked in the Archdiocese of Onitsha and later became a Trappist monk at Mount Saint Bernard Monastery in England.
  • Eze Chukwuemeka Ezeora Eri, The Ezeora dynasty has remained powerful been the sacred holder of the Ovo Eri and as well occupying the throne of Eri at Obu-Ga
  • Benjamin Chinedu Obidigwe The former House of Representatives of Nigeria

References

  1. ^ "Guardian News, Sports and Business, Politics | The Guardian". 17 March 2023. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  2. ^ 2006 official Nigeria census
  3. ^ "Royal iumble in Obiano's community over Aguleri Ofana Festival". The Guardian. 2 February 2020. Archived from the original on 2024-01-02. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  4. ^ Ujumadu, Vincent (August 10, 2014). "Where did Igbo originate from?". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  5. ^ "Aguleri World Forum | Official Website". www.aguleriworldforum.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-16. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  6. ^ Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu, Chidi Nkwopara, Ugochukwu Alaribe, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Chinenye Ozor, Chinedu Adonu, Chinonso Alozie, Ikechukwu Odu & Steve Oko (February 24, 2021). "Why first son is accorded high respect in Igboland — Monarchs, Igbo leaders". VANGUARD NEWS.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Adesemuyi, Emmanuel Adeboye. "Soil Fertility and Productivity Test Analysis of Selected Soils of Evite Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. ^ "Iri Ji Festival : Anambra Described As The Food Basket Of The Nation". Heartbeat Of The East. Archived from the original on 2024-06-23. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  9. ^ a b "Aguleri Community Celebrates Olili Obibia Eri". Heartbeat Of The East. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  • Isichei, Elizabeth Allo (1997). A History of African Societies to 1870 . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-45599-5 .
  • Prince R A Chikwenze. Aguleri the pivot of the Bani-Isa'al (the Igbo) in Nigeria. ISBN 978-36815-9-1
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