18/09/2025
How Did Igbo ANCESTORS Handle An OFO After The Death Of Its Bearer?
At this point, every Igbo descendant should be aware of the symbolic meaning of the Ofo and the need to fear it has been dispelled, but for those who do not know the meaning of the Ofo, please pay close attention to this definition.
Ofo, within the Igbo traditional context, symbolically means "Staff of Authority". The staff that gives a Dibia the authority to act as an intercessor or as a bridge between human beings and cosmological forces. The Ofo also gives authority to an individual and issues them the mandate to handle communal or family Issues.
Traditionally, the Igbo Ofo is characterized with truth and honesty; this shows that only those with integrity can handle a consecrated Ofo, while those who lack moral integrity often perish at the hands of Ofo, as dictated by βNSO-OFOβ.
Therefore, the question "What Happens To Ofo Upon The Death Of Its Bearer?, is currently the greatest fear of the modern Igbo man. Nonetheless, our ancestors had a system through which Ofo was handled.
First, personal Ofo, also known as βOFO CHIβ, is buried with its owner, as this type of Ofo is regarded as an individualβs personal property, and since it's not communally owned by a community or a kindred, it belongs with its owner. Secondly, an Ofo that is communally owned is reserved or safeguarded till its rightful successor comes to claim it and assume the responsibility placed on the Ofo.
In context, it means, if the Ofo belongs to a community shrine, then the next chief priest will take over the Ofo, and if it's through the lineage lines, then the oldest man would inherit the Ofo and its attached responsibility.
Β© Odinaala Igbo.