Abuja: Traditional leaders in Oguta, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo, have abolished the age-long outcaste (Ohu) system, which had been a source of social stigma and marginalisation among survivors. This followed many years of controversial deliberations and unspoken war between those dubbed outcastes and those who claimed to be freeborns.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Nduka Oduenyi, the Ogana (traditional spokesperson) of the traditional ruler of Oguta, Eze Nnani Eze-Eyiche, proclaimed the abolition on behalf of the traditional ruler in Oguta on Sunday. Oduenyi stated that the abolition was achieved through concerted efforts by the Oguta Ohu Eradication Dialogue Group (OOEDG) – a coalition of distinguished sons and daughters of the ancient Oguta Town. This group included respected community leaders, scholars, professionals, clergy, and traditional title holders who engaged in sustained dialogue, advocacy, and community engagements, paving the way for consensus on the abolition.
The long-standing Ohu caste system, widely regarded as discriminatory and inconsistent with human dignity, no longer exists in Oguta. Oduenyi emphasized that the abolition marks a historic moment of renewal and unity for the Oguta community. For generations, the Ohu caste system perpetuated social division, stigma, and injustice, marginalising individuals and families, and restricting social interaction, marriage, and participation in community affairs. Many had long viewed its continuation as a stain on Oguta’s collective conscience, contradicting modern values and human equality principles.
Sons and daughters of Oguta can now freely inter-marry without being referred to as outcastes. Oduenyi thanked members of the OOEDG for their efforts and patience in ending the backward practice. The chairman of OOEDG, Chief Mike Ogbonna, expressed joy at achieving their dream of abolishing the controversial system that brought discrimination and pain. Ogbonna noted the efforts of many, both in the diaspora and in Nigeria, in achieving this milestone, acknowledging the challenges and heartaches caused by the system.
Prof. Lawrence Okwuosa, a Catholic Priest and member of OOEDG, declared that with the public proclamation, all forms of caste distinction have been abolished. Every Oguta indigene is now officially recognized as free, equal, and fully integrated into community life. This bold step is expected to foster unity, restore human dignity, and create social harmony necessary for Oguta’s progress and development. Okwuosa called for the abolition of all forms of discrimination and marginalisation in Igbo land.
He explained that the outcaste system survivors were merely offsprings of those whose parents gave them out to families in exchange for money. When these families could not repay loans, the child was seen as sold and became the owners’ slave, along with their generations. The priest urged other kings in Igbo land to take similar steps in eradicating caste systems that have bound their people for decades.
The proclamation was witnessed by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, represented by Rev. Fr. Basil Nze, and the Anglican Bishop of Oguta diocese, Bishop Chijoke Otti, represented by Rev. Venerable Charles Okwareze, Dean of the St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Cathedral Diocese on the Lake. Also present were traditional title holders, representatives of kindreds in Oguta, churches, and prominent sons and daughters of the town from across the world.