As human rights activists and organisations intensify efforts to abolish Osu, Ohu, Ume and Diala caste systems in the South-East, two Imo State communities, Amurie Omanze and Oboro Amurie in Isu local government area have set January 4, 2024 as date to abrogate systems that marginalise a section of the people and regard them as outcasts.
A statement by the executive director of Pillars of Hope Africa Initiative (POHAI) Mrs. Chinyere Oge-Kalu said the abolishing the systems was a result of years of advocacy by the National Human Rights Commission, POHAI, G’naira Family Foundation (GFF) and Kemdi Chino Opera Foundation (KCOF).
She expressed confidence that more communities, the entire Imo State and Igboland will soon abolish these systems which dehumanise fellow compatriots.
Oge-Kalu commended traditional rulers and the people of Amurie Kingdom comprising of Amurie Omanze and Oboro Amurie in Isu local government of Imo State for setting the pace in Igboland.
She said Eze C.O Nnajiemere, (Eze Udo ii of Amurie Omanze and Eze V.O Ahamefule(Durugwoegebu iv, Duruoha 1 of Oboro Amurie)while addressing their subjects at the palace of peace of Eze Udo II said January 4, 2024 had been slated for abolishing Osu, ume, Ohu and diala caste systems in the community.