Traditional leaders of Oguta, in the Oguta local government area of Imo State yesterday announced the abolition of the outcast (Ohu) system, which was a source of social stigma and marginalisation among survivors in Igbo land.
The age-long osu caste system had for decades restricted persons born into such families from holding traditional positions nor marrying those considered free born.
Chief Nduka Oduenyi, the Ogana (spokesman/assistant) of the traditional ruler of Oguta, Eze Nnani Eze-Eyiche, proclaimed the abolition on behalf of the traditional ruler in Oguta on Sunday in Oguta.
Oduenyi said the abolition was achieved through concerted and courageous efforts of the Oguta Ohu Eradication Dialogue Group (OOEDG) — a coalition of distinguished sons and daughters of the ancient town.
Ogana while addressing the people which included representatives of religious and traditional institutions said they had through dialogue, advocacy, and community engagements paved the way for consensus on the abolition.
He said, “The long-standing Ohu caste system — a practice widely regarded as discriminatory and inconsistent with human dignity no longer exists in Oguta going forward. Today marks a historic moment of renewal and unity for the Oguta community.
“For generations, the Ohu caste system perpetuated social division, stigma, and injustice. It marginalised individuals and families, restricting social interaction, marriage, and participation in community affairs.
“Many have long viewed its continuation as a stain on Oguta’s collective conscience — one that contradicts both modern values and the core principles of human equality”, he said.
According to him, sons and daughters of Oguta can now freely inter-marry with no one ever referring to anyone again as an outcast even as he warned against any further discriminations.
The Ogana expressed gratitude to members of the OOEDG for their efforts and patience in ensuring that the age-long backward practice was brought to end in the community.
On his part, the chairman of OOEDG, Chief Mike Ogbonna, expressed joy that their dream to abolish the controversial system that fostered discrimination and pain was achieved.
He said “it took efforts of so many of us, both in the diaspora and people in Nigeria and also in Oguta, to achieve this. This issue has transcended generations and it is not a small feat to see it happen.
“The outcaste system has seen several hearts broken, some committed suicide, because the caste system denied people of some rights like taking traditional titles, all because some people in the olden days tagged them outcastes.
“It is a system that as educated people, we consider abominable and therefore, came together to insist that it should not go on in this 21st century. I say a huge thank you to all Oguta sons and daughters. If this is all we achieved for our town in this generation, then we are fulfilled”, Ogbonna said.
A Catholic Priest, who is also a member of OOEDG, Prof. Lawrence Okwuosa, told the people that with the public proclamation, all forms of caste distinction have been abolished across Oguta, saying every Oguta indigene is equal before God and are now equal before man.
Prof Okwuosa said “Today, they are officially recognised as free, equal, and fully integrated into the life of the community. This bold step is expected to foster unity, restore human dignity, and create the social harmony necessary for greater Oguta progress and development”.
He stated that the discriminatory caste system was saddening, and called for the abolition of all forms of discrimination and marginalisation in Igbo land.
The cleric noted that Igbos travel to other climes and marry there but regretted that the practice was among relatives to discriminate against their people.
According to him, survivors of the outcaste system were merely offsprings of those whose parents were given out either for money or other reasons.
The cleric said “when these people can no longer repay the loans, that child is now seen as sold and automatically becomes the owners’ slave including their generations,” he explained.
Rev Fr Okwuosa appealed to all traditional rulers in Igbo land to take the bold step and join in eradicating all forms of caste systems that have held their people bondage for decades.
The proclamation was witnessed by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Basil Nze, and the Anglican Bishop of Oguta diocese, Bishop Chijoke Otti, represented by Mr Okwaraeze, and other religious denominations.
Also present at the abolishment ceremony were traditional title holders and representatives of various kindreds in Oguta, and prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town from across the world, among others.
With the abolishment of the caste system, everyone in Oguta is now free to hold traditional positions and inter-marry.
