Ofo in Igboland

The Ofo (or Ofor) is a particular type of staff (as well as the wood or bronze from which it is made) that is carried by selected Igbo leaders - notably patrilineage priests, kings, onyishi and some masqueraders that signifies authority, the right to command, legal administrative powers, and/or the conferment of leadership and power bestowed by the gods.[1]

Sacred symbol

The Ofo is a symbolic object. It is the sacred symbol of truth, authority, justice, law and administrative power. It primarily bestows upon the holder or bearer the right to offer sacrifices - as well as perform rituals, make prayers, swear to oaths, pronounce judgement, deliberate policy within the family, clan or community, and invoke blessings or curses. The Ofo may be made from bronze, brass or wood. It symbolizes a family, clan or community's authority and can only be handled by those who are authorized (or otherwise entitled) to wield it. It is revered by the group it represents, and is treated as an heirloom - passing from generation to generation.[2][3]

Symbols of power

In the words of Nancy Neaher, the Ofo also serves as a symbol of power and authority for office holders and titled men, or as a sacred family icon. The Ofo represents the collective power of the gods and ancestors, as well as the truths given by Chineke (or God Almighty) to a person. The Ofo also symbolizes the link between the living holder of family or ruling authority and their ancestors.[4]

The Ofo is believed to symbolize the link that exists between its owner's people and Chineke. It is a channel between the living, the dead, and those yet to be born [5]. The Ofo therefore plays a role in prayer, ritual sacrifice, contact of spirit patrons, magic, naming ceremonies, determining schedules of events, affirming moral uprightness, sealing covenants, legitimizing states or offices, making decisions, settling disputes, taking oaths of administration, and promulgating and enforcing laws [6].

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References
  1. "Ofo as a Global Cultural Resource and Its Significance in Igbo Culture Area". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  2. Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | Nigeria: The Igwe of Nnewi-Chi; links to the Ofo shrine in Nkwo-Nnewi; the name of the ruler, rituals practised, and the tradition for selecting a chief". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  3. "Religion and the Civilizational Process: The Civilizing Role of Religion in the Socio-Political Decision Making Process in Pre-colonial Ibo Community of Nigeria". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  4. Onwutalobi, Anthony-Claret. "Nnewi Monarchy - The Official Nnewi City Portal". www.nnewi.info. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  5. Njaka.
  6. Ejizu 1999.
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