30/08/2024
IJIJA THE GRANDFATHER OF AKU!
The town's full name is Aku Diewa Mgboko Odobo. In Igbo tradition, one might assume that Odobo was the father of Mgboko, who was the father of Diewa, who was the father of Aku. However, tradition tells a different story. Diewa is not believed to be the father of all the people of Aku, nor the son of Mgboko.
Before delving further into this topic, it is important to note that Aku is comprised of thirteen villages: Use, Amabokwu, Mgboko, Umu-Ezike, Ohemje, Ofienyi, Nua, Ugwunani, Obie, Amogwu, Oshigo, Oda, and Ugwuegede. The first six villages are known as Akibite, the next four as Akutala, and the last three as Ejuona.
There are numerous traditions and conflicting versions regarding the origin of Aku. When faced with such a situation, it is tempting to accept the version that best explains the current state of affairs. One popular tradition suggests that a man named Ijija, while on a hunting trip, stumbled upon the area that is now known as Aku and was captivated by its beauty. At that time, the area was mostly uninhabited, with only a few people living in nearby places like Use and Umudikwu in Nua. Ijija was so taken with the area that he returned to his home (location unknown) and brought his entire family to settle in what is now known as Mgboko.
One of the wives of Ijija, named Odobo, bore a son named Mgboko. In Aku polygamous families, it is common for children to take their mother's name, which is why Mgboko was known as Mgboko Odobo. This tradition continues to this day.
Mgboko Odobo's first son, Aku, seemed to overshadow his siblings, as little is known about the other children of Ijija. Aku went on to have three sons: Akibite, Akutala, and Ejuona. The lineage continued with Mgboko, the son of Akibite, who had sons named Ugwuocha, Dimotue, Dimaloke Ocha, and Owerre. These descendants formed the basis of the families that bear their names today.
The remaining six families within the Mgboko lineage - Amani, Amegu-Uwani, Amegu-Uwelu, Agumoha, Umuodeke, and Ezani - are believed to have originated from another Aku village called Amabokwu.
Gotten from the noble documentary of PROF. L.O OCHO.
To be continued next time!
The question is who knows the name of Aku's mother and wife ?
