The kingship institution as described by Richard Henderson in his seminal
work on Onitsha:
The King in Every Man, is a fusion of Onitsha values. In this regard, the Obi of Onitsha, is considered the father of the clans, a servant to spirits, and a spirit himself, a god, and a warrior. All of these values find expression in the various names of the monarch. He is thus greeted as follows:
| Names | Description |
|---|---|
| Agbogidi | The voice of thunder and one without anger |
| Agu | The greatest of all ‘’killers’’ hence his identification with the leopard (Agu) which is the animal most dangerous to man and called king (Eze) of the forest |
| Aka M’elu Igbo: | The commander of the victorious Onitsha army or warriors |
| Igwe | The sky, arising from the emergent notion of the king as god (chi) of Onitsha people |
| ‘Muo: | The ever- knowing spirit with mystical powers and who, by initiation, symbolizes life and death |
| Ogbuefi | The one who initiates ceremony by the killing of a cow |
| Ogbu Onye Mbosi Ndu Na guya: | The one who can take life when it is most desired |
| Ogbondu Na Eji Ntu: | The cannon containing powder |
| Okwusie Obee: | The one with the final decision; the ultimate judge. |
| Onye Nwe Obodo: | The supreme and maximum ruler of Onitsha |
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Revered Traditional ruler
Welldone Ben.
Not just the seventh-name that makes the jaw go down; almost all.
Well, the Obi of Ontisha radiates awe and significance in many ways. He’s admired by all in Anambra State.
Keep your perspectives coming. We’re small boys, we no get pen, but mouth. We fire