Ogbunka

Ogbunka is a town in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. It has five villages: Awuka, Umunobe, Akwuoba, Agbala and Isiokpu. History of Ogbunka Ogbunka began with a man called Nka who was believed to have migrated from Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Area of Enugu State in 14th century A.D. to place that is called Ogbunka today. He got married and begat a son called Ogbuzuru, acronymed Ogbu. His full name became Ogbunka - a concatenation of Ogbu and Nka, which translates as Ogbu, the son of Nka.

As time progressed, Ogbu married three wives and made five sons. The first wife gave birth to Isisekpunti and Oba, the second wife produced Onwuka and Okparanaku, while the last wife had only Nobem Echina. The immigrant settler called Nkazimuzo ‘Nka’ discovered the virgin land and settled therein. Though the actual year was not known, history and archaeology point towards 14th century A.D. Legend indicates that a team of four hunters left their abode in the ancient Iwollo settlement for hunting expedition outside their forests. In the ancient days, dangerous animals were prevalent in the forest; as a result, hunters moved in teams. This would offer them the opportunity for excellent defence if they were attacked by any of these animals. It is believed that these hunters were able to determine their position by reading the rising and the setting of the sun. While they hunted within the forest south of Udi River, one of thm ran into a woman in the forest. Though the origin of the woman was not recorded, the hunter was believed to have fallen for the woman and subsequently settled with her in the forest. The name of this hunter was not known. But it is believed that the six descendants of this couple formed the Achi people in the present Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State. However, the other three brothers continued their exercise and moved further south, crossing the Mmam River. Legend states that the names of these hunters were Nkazimuzo, Ochi and Ogbambu. The expedition finally took them to an entirely new location which became appealing to Nka for settlement. He made a tent for himself and settled there in. This place was called Ebelebenato. Instead of settling with him in the place, Ochi moved further away and settled. However, Ogbambu, as a result of his tender age decided to live with Nkazimuzo for protection. Nka made a tent for Ogbambu at a very close range to his abode, Ogbambu's place was later called Owerre-Nka which literally means Nka's exetended abode . Eventually, Nka saw a woman in the bush and got married to her. Legend has it that the civilization of man was a little above wild life and as a result both sexes of man could run into each other at any time in the forest. The marriage of Nka and this woman produced a son called Ogbu as indicated in the first paragraph. It was believed that it was in this Nka's exetended abode 'Owerre-Nka' that Ogbambu (Nka's younger brother) lived, married and subsequently established his own family. His descendants were known as Owerre-Ogbunka, which clearly showed the ancestoral relationship between the two communities ie Ogbunka and Owerre-Ogbunka. But, Owerre-Ogbunka subsequently changed its name to Owerre-Ezukalla.

Ogbunka comprises five villages - Isiokpu, Awuka, Agbala, Umunobe and Akwuoba.

Isiokpu Village

The people of this village are the descendant of Isisekpunti, Ogbu's first son. This village is at the centre of the community and it is bounded by the other villages. Hence, it does not share boundaries with any of the communities bordering Ogbunka. The people of this village play a significant role in deciding issues that affect the whole community. This village has two small clans called Umudiala and Umu-Echem kindreds; the population of this village contributes seven percentage of the overall population of the community. Sequel to the needs for protection and defence that permeated the ancient days, it was understood that the people of this village ceded their decision making rights otherwise called birth-right to Awuka village. In return, Awuka village undertook to defend and protect Isiokpu from all forms external aggression.

Awuka Village

These form the descendants of Onwuka, Ogbu's second son. It is located on the eastern side of the town and it shares boundaries with Owere-Ezukala and Awlaw communities. The village is thirty-five percentage of Ogbunka's population; this accords the village the status of the most populated village of the town. With their population advantage, the people of this village have produced virtually all the paramount rulers of the town since 19th century A.D. The village produced great warriors that led the town to an array of victorious wars where they just over-ran their enemies. The village is broken down into thirteen administrative wards. The people of this village are easy-going, jovial and pretty big talkers.

Agbala Village

These are the descendants of Okparanaku, the third son of Ogbu. Geographically, this village hovers on western side of the town and it bounds the town with Umunze. Agbala village constitute ten percentage of the entire population of the town. For the purpose of governance, Agbala is divided into six administrative wards.

Umunobe Village

These are the descendants of Nobe, Ogbu's fourth son. Simply put, Umunobe means children of Nobe. This village is located on the northern side of the community and borders the town with Awlaw, Eziagu, Nawfija, Ufuma and Umunze communities. It has the largest land mass amongst other communities and constitutes thirty percent of the population of the community. The people of this village are known for their gallant display of bravery and enviable spirit of oneness. This evident in the role that they played during the invasion of Awuka village by Owere Ezukala community, the people of this village led the defence that helped to repel the roaring Owere Ezukala people. Geographically, this village is kind of separate from the rest of the community, and has its own primary school, first-generations churches and the likes. Administratively, Umunobe has ten wards.

Akwuoba Village

The descendants of Oba, Ogbu's last son form this village. This village is located on the southern side of the community. This village borders the community with Eziama and Nkerefi communities. The village constitutes approximately eighteen percent of the whole population of the community. This village was known for their Agbara shrine(oracle) which was consulted by far and wide seeking explanations/solutions to mysterious circumstances/problems. Akwuoba has six administrative wards. The average Akwuoba man is easy going and does not keep malice.

                                                                               
                                                                  …NWAFOR BONIFACE (ONYE BF)   
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External links

• Ogbunka on the web