Okonko

Okonko is a tradition in Igbo (Eastern part of Nigeria) that is believed to originate back in the days as early as 14th century and emanate from the great shrine of Arochukwu. It is predominately around the old Bende area in Abia state Nigeria. The tradition is believed to stand against injustice and bind communities together. It is also well known to be a law maker and decides on how communities are organised. Okonko is the tradition that are being called upon during communal clash and land dispute to settle clashes between communities. This tradition cut across communities in Abia state.

Okonko is being passed from generation to generation by initiating every male child born into the communities at the age of seven. This initiation is to teach them from young the real culture of the land and how things are being done. This include how to stand for justice, fearless, dance traditionally, response to masquerade etc. The initiation ceremony involves taking the male children into the shrine for four days where they will be trained and initiated. They will tie them with white cloth, shave them and feed them with mix item or concussion, the children are prepared by their fathers or uncle for those that loss their fathers. This occur prior to the new yam festival which occurs between July and August every year.

It is believed that any child born within the community that has reach the age and did not participate in the initiation ceremony brings about calamity to the family as the anger of the deity will visit the family with sudden death, mental illness, bad luck, sickness etc.

New yam festival is a well celebrated festival in Igbo land where people travel from far and near, the date for the festival is not fix as this is determine by the rainfall break and decision of the hierarchy of the Okonko. The head of the Okonko in every community is usually the traditional ruler (Eze) of the communities. It is a well-respected tradition that has it advantage by upholding the ancient tradition while it also has it disadvantages because most of the act are outdated and barbaric due modern Christian worship. The most dangerous act is the involvement of blood oat that tend to keep them secretive and seen as means of bonding together, this act can transmit disease from one to another because their blood is neither medically screen nor tested.

Okonko tradition does not recognise women or girl child as they are not part of the decision maker in the community. Women does not have a say in the traditional issue and cannot publicly speak about the tradition as they will be caused and banish from the community. During the initiation ceremony, a curfew is place on the communities in which women are not supposed to walk around the communities at certain time of the night.

Okonko has a special tradition for burial, in which a special traditional right is done to every man that lived up 70 years old. A cow blood and three masquerade dances are used to send them to their ancestors, this burial right take weeks to conclude.