Onueke

Onueke is the ancestral headquarters of the Ezza, one of the most populous clans in the Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Ezza people live in virtually all three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State and beyond, but are concentrated in the Ezza North, Ezza South, Onicha, Ishielu and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas. The traditional Ezaas in these areas still return to Onueke to offer sacrifices to the graves of their progenitors: Ezekuna and his wife, Anyigo Ezekuna. Coincidentally, Sacred Heart Parish, Onueke, also serves as the headquarters of Christianity for Ezaa Catholics.

Onueke has been quite important politically speaking. It used to be the headquarters of the old Ezzikwo Division. It was also the headquarters of the old Ezza Local Government Area. Right now, it doubles as the headquarters of the Ezza South Local Government Area and Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone comprising the Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu and Ikwo Local Government Areas.

Etymology

Onueke derives its name from the famous Eke Imoha, one of the oldest and biggest markets in Ebonyi State. The Eke Imoha market is central to the economic life of Ezaa people. This is where the people sell their rich agricultural produce. Mainly farmers, the Ezaas produce yams, cassava, rice, cocoyams, and many other crops in abundance. These food crops, along with many other modern wares, are bought and sold in the Eke market which is held every four days. The other markets in the Ezaa area include Awho, Nkwo, and Oryie. Eke is considered the first and biggest of these markets.