A delegation led by Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Onowu Abagana, recently attended the Festival of the Maroons in Jamaica. The group, organized by the Council of Igbo States in America (CISA) and the Igbo World Assembly (IWA), aimed to reconnect Igbo descendants in Jamaica with their ancestral heritage.
The delegation performed ancient Igbo rituals, including the Igo Ofo purification rite and kolanut and libation ceremonies. These ceremonies sought to symbolically free Igbo descendants in Jamaica from historical slavery’s lingering bonds.
Prominent delegates included Chief Amadiebube Mbama, CISA Vice Chairman, and Dr. Sydney Davies, representing the CISA President.
Mazi Gerald Eze Maduabuchi’s Oja music performance kicked off the festival, appeasing Igbo ancestors while HM Eze Dr. Chukwuemeka Eri (Aka Ji Ofor Igbo, Ezeora 34th) King of Enugwu Aguleri Eri Kingdom performed breaking of kolanut via online to invoke the presence of the ancestors.
Dr. Anakwenze addressed the gathering, reaffirming their identity as God’s chosen people. He emphasized the Igbo people’s ancient existence, predating Adam.
Anakwenze explained the significance of kolanut prayers, highlighting its natural, holy communion-like significance. He stressed the importance of continuing ancestral traditions.
“When the world began, our ancestors were instructed to pray with three sacred items, which we have continued to do since the dawn of time. Your forefathers practiced this tradition before arriving here. These items are kolanut, ose-oji (alligator pepper), and nzu (white clay).
“Kolanut, which is grown here in Jamaica, represents Africa’s own holy communion. Ose-oji, a natural pepper growing on trees in seed form, was gifted by God to purify and protect us from evil. Nzu, or white clay, is a natural cleansing agent, devoid of any voodoo connotations.
“The Igbo people were the first to observe holy communion, long before others adopted similar practices in churches. Our holy communion is the original and authentic one,” he emphasized.
“Our forefathers entrusted us with these traditions since the beginning of time, recognizing us as the original inhabitants of the earth. As the earliest human creations, Black people hold a unique place in history.
“He who brings kola brings life. May its significance never fade from your grasp! As you receive guidance from your parents, ensure you pass on this heritage to the next generation,” Anakwenze urged.
He blessed the kola in the name of Chukwu Abiama (God of Abraham) and poured libation in honor of the traditional Igbo market days: Orie, Afor, and Nkwo Eke.
“I have come to Jamaica for a purpose: to share with you the traditions of our forefathers,” he said. “A research team from a Nigerian university is investigating the history of our ancestors in Jamaica. This is why we are here. I am on official duty, as part of our ongoing efforts to reconnect the Igbo diaspora.
“We recently visited Costa Rica six weeks ago and will soon travel to Brazil.
“I urge you to join us on this journey! Let us preserve our rich African culture and heritage. Let us strive for unity and peace among ourselves.”
This visit is part of a broader initiative to reconnect Igbo people in Igboland with their descendants in the diaspora.
The delegation leader noted the Igbo people’s global presence and encouraged peaceful coexistence with other tribes. He assured the audience of God’s protection, prosperity and fulfillment of their heart desires
I had the distinct honor of attending this event on October 30, 2024 on behalf of and as a representative of the President of the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), in my esteemed capacity as the CISA Deputy Secretary General of Special Affairs. My appointment to this prestigious position within CISA is a testament to the recognition and honor bestowed upon me by the Igbo people, under the authority of His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri (Ezeora 34th / Aka Ji Ovọ Igbo), the current occupant of the revered throne of Eri. His Majesty is regarded as the direct descendent of Eri who is the progenitor of the Igbo people and serves as the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu Aguleri in Anambra (Omambala) State, Nigeria.
In recognition of my unique role and contributions, I am styled by the honorific Chief Prince Eluemuno I of Iduu Eri Kingdom. The name “Eluemuno,” an Igbo name meaning “I have reached/arrived home,” was bestowed upon me by His Majesty in acknowledgment of my historic return on July 4, 2012 as the first descendant of captive Igbos taken to the Americas to make the sacred journey back to the ancient Kingdom and throne of Eri, where I underwent the ritual cleansing from the stigma of slavery. In this capacity, I hold the honor of serving as the de facto leader of African Americans of Igbo descent, symbolizing the enduring connection between the diaspora and the ancestral Igbo homeland.