By normatively ethnography Ogbaru people are a congregation of clans that reside on the east and west lower banks of the Great River Niger in Nigeria. The localities fall within Anambra and Delta States of Nigeria. Also, contiguous parts of what was once Ogbaru are now within Rivers and Bayelsa States. Ogbaruans belong to the greater Igbo tribe, but are distinctively called the olu tribe.  Ogbaruans are one of the 250 ethnic groups that make up the present day Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ogbaruans speak a variant of the Igbo language quite different from central Igbo. Ogbaruans inhabit the geographical area known as Ogbaru, (or variously called and spelled as Ogbahu or Ogbasu, due to phonetics and dialectical differences). However, Ogbaru is now the preferred and modernized form of either Ogbahu or Ogbasu. Ogbaru people were among the first to embrace the Western education because of their strategic locations along the banks of the River Niger. However, the demands of farming meant that many Ogbaru people did not take up formal education very early.

What are the historical antecedents of the Ogbaru People?

Being a conglomeration of people with diverse roots who migrated over centuries from different empires to the highly arable and productive Niger Delta Basin, contemporary history of the origins of the Ogbaru people tend to vary from town to town. However, majority of Ogbaru people have their roots in the Great ancient Igala, Benin, Nupe and Kingdoms.  The inhabitants of Ogbaru towns such as the Akilis and Aboh migrated from Benin Empire. Those of Oko, Odekpe and Ossomala were descendants of Igala people from Nupe and Jukun empires of Northern Nigeria. Most inhabitants of many other Ogbaru towns like Amiyi, Umuzu, Umuodu, Atani, Umunankwo, Ogwu-Aniocha originated either from Aro and other parts of Igbo hinterland or parts contiguous to the ancient Benin Kingdom. It is noteworthy, that some of the towns that whose inhabitants were predominantly from Benin or the Igbo heartland also have some families that have Igala ancestry or bloodline in them---Ohita, Obeagwe Umueze Igala, and Atani. Oko. The towns of Ossomala and Odekpe continue to uniquely maintain their Igala cultural heritage and  lineage.

What is the Ogbaru geographical entity?

The geo-political entity known as Ogabru Local Government area exist in Anambra State, Nigeria and was created on August 27, 1991. The localities run from Odekpe and Oko Ogbele on the north to Olu Ozizo and Ogwu-Ikpelle into the estuaries that now comprise the Niger Delta Basin. Ogbaru LGA is one of the 21 local government areas in Anambra state. 

What is Ogbaru’s Cultural identity?

Ogbaru is very rich in culture. The Ogbaru culture mandates kindness to strangers, good behavior, respect to elders and older siblings. It is a taboo in Ogbaru for one to disrespect his/her parents, or even lay hands on them (beat them up). Several cultural activities and procedures, which are shared by all the Igbos, have been adopted and uniquely adapted by the Ogbaruans to their own style and form. They include, but are not limited to the following: Ulo festival that celebrates the planting season; Ufejioku, celebrates the sanctification of the farmland, Iwa Ji (yam festival) celebrates harvest and thanksgiving. The form and style of Omeli mmuo, the honoring of ancestors and memorial day varies from town to town  and are held at different time. 

What are the main Ogbaru towns?

The major Ogbaru towns are: Abala (Abala Oshimili, Abala-Uno, and Abala Ugada), Abalagada, Aboh, Adiawai, Akili Etiti, Akili Ogidi, Akili Ozizor, Amiyi, Ase, Atani, Isala Aboh, Isukwe, Mputu, Ndoni, Obeagwe, Odekpe, Odugili, Ogbakuba, Ogbe-Ogene, Ogwu-Aniocha, Ogwu-Ikpelle, Ohita, Oko (Amakom, Anala, Ogbelle, and Odifulu), Okpai (Oluchi and Obeze), Onuikwu, Onya, Ossomala, Umunankwo, Ochuche Umuodu, Umuolu, Umuzu and Utchi (Oboma, Okwumedo, Owelle, and Umuochi).

What is the form of Civil Leadership?

Kings known as Igwe or Okakwu as the case may be rules Ogbaru towns. The Kings from Oko, Odekpe, and Ossomala towns are greeted as Okakwu. They are called the Atamanyas—Igala "word", while other towns’ kings are greeted as Igwe. These position are in some cases hereditary and in others rotate. The oldest man in a town is the Okpala and enjoys a revered position and acclaim.

Is there an Ogbaru Religion?

Ogbaruans were predominantly animists and many still remain so. However many converted to  Christianity. The churches remain a dominant force in Ogbaru. The people of Ogbaru who are animist believe in mono deity, which they call "Chukwu" or  Olisa-na-Obuluwa-"Osebuluwa". They also believe in alusi (juju). However, a majority of the Ogbaru people are now either Catholics or Protestants or atheists.

Before the advent of the colonial masters, the Ogbaru people had highly ordered society that prided itself on an equally highly enforceable code of ethics that are still dominant. The societal norms and mores have been sustained. Social misdemeanors were highly discouraged and often met with agonizing reprisals. Lying for instance was and remains a big offense. A liar is always snubbed. Stealing is one of the worst crimes. Family members, in some extreme cases, disown a thief and  the culprit is banished for life. Stealing from a farm was seen, as desecration of the land and an offense against the "God" of Food. Incest and rape are taboos, and therefore, rare in the Olu tribe. Laziness has never been condoned. Adjudication of law falls on the elders of the town and on appeal may go before the eldest, Okpala and eventually before the Igwe (King), whose ruling is final.

Each town decides how to bestow honor on those who merit it. However personal achievement and accomplishment is respected. This customarily comes through the taking of the Ozo title like Igbu, Agana, Amanwulu, etc.  This is also referred to as Chieftaincy.   It is  very important to the Ogbaru people as it is used not just for acknowledging accomplishments, but also to classify the haves and have nots---the rich and the poor. Those who are rich take the Ozo-title, however: some rich individuals, especially Christians, may elect not to take the Ozo title. Ozo title holders are identified in the mist of others by their eagle or parrot plumes, their staff of office-"Asusu, Ogbachi, or Otulaka".

What are the major Ogbaru occupations?

The Ogbaruans are mainly farmers, fisherman, river merchants, traders, educators and distillers. Ogbaru is well know as the home of some of the best local gin known as (kaikai, akemelu, or obodoanyi).

What is the Ogbaru major socio-cultural Organization?

Ogbaru Development Association (ODA) founded in 1983 is the umbrella socio-cultural Ogbaru organization. O.D.A. is the apex body for the 15 autonomous communities in the Ogbaru LGA.  Each community. is represented by Five (5) delegates at the O.D.A. National Assembly. ODA’s address is:

   President General O.D.A.

  P.O. Box 138, Atani,

 Anambra State; Nigeria Email: ourmotherland2002@yahoo.com

Are there Ogbaruans or Ogbaru Associations in the Diaspora?

Ogbaruans exhibit the entrepreneurial gregariousness of the Igbo tribe and therefore can be found in different parts of the world. Because they have a keen sense of communal affinity, they tend to form associations in order to retain and highlight their culture. Such associations, which are often characterized as Ogbaru Development Association, exist in almost every one of the thirty-six States of Nigeria. Overseas, they can be found in Britain, Italy, Germany, France, South African and the United States. There are five such associations in the United States of America; four of these chapters -- Georgia, California, Maryland and Texas -- are under the umbrella of the Ogbaru National Association (ONA). The fifth, Ogbaru USA Association, Inc. is an autonomous, non-profit corporation registered in New Jersey, serving Ogbaruans resident in New Jersey and New York.  Ogbaru Assocaition in the USA have a policy that there should be not more that one Ogbaru Association in a given State.

Are there any websites where information on Ogbaru is available?

In the evolving information age, Ogbaruans anywhere can learn about Ogbaru issues by going to websites dedicated to Ogbaru.  There are only two such websites. The first websites ever dedicated to Ogbaru was launched in April 2000.  It is called the Ogbaru Home page and its URL is http://www.ogbaru.org/. The second Ogbaru website, lunched in April 2003 is the official website of the Ogbaru National Association (ONA).  The URL is: http://www.ogbaruassociationusa.org/

What Are Ogbaru pastimes and Hobbies?

Favorite Ogbaru pastimes are swimming, canoeing and masquerading. Being riverine, swimming is to an Ogbaruan, what skiing is to a Swiss or baseball to an American.  Ogbaru people start learning how to swim as early as six months of age. One of the customary acts after a child is born is to submerge the child in the river several times. Canoeing is a must to any Ogbaru child and usually colorful regattas are held on the great river Niger. Masquerading (Ipia mmanwu) is an all male affair, but is also watched by women. Each town has its own masquerade. Women dance group include egwu amala – the Mermaid dance. A contemporary men dance group, (Ugo) exist in a town like Umuodu.  Wrestling, mgba, although slowly dying out remains a key pastime. [OHP]