Orodo

Orodo is an Igbo community in Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State, Nigeria - heartland of then Biafra. It is situated between Owerri city and Orlu town. Orodo has borders with Ogwa, Mbieri, Afara, Ifakala, Umuaka, Amurie Omanze and Amandugba. Also, the current Mbaitoli Local Government Headquarters is significantly located at a part of Orodo called Ofekata.

Traditionally, Orodo is made up of the following 9 (nine) villages namely:

• Ahaba
• Amaku
• Amaukwu
• Eziama
• Odummara
• Ofekata
• Okwu-Orodo
• Ubaha
• Umuonyahu

These villages are currently growing into communities in their own rights and are said to be the sons of Orodo according to oral tradition. Today, most of these villages have grown into what is commonly known as Autonomous Communities. In the late 1990s, the then Imo State Government split Orodo town into two autonomous communities namely, Isi-Orodo and Obi-Orodo. A few years later three new autonomous communities were also carved out of the former two, namely, Amaukwu, Ofekata and Ubaha, thus splitting Orodo into five (5) autonomous communities. Like most Igbo communities, the people of Orodo have always been democratic. It is worthy of note that despite the splitting of Orodo into five autonomous communities (some say for political reasons, and some claim it is to bring development to the grass-root level), the people of Orodo continue to enjoy strong ties and the bond of unity with one another, understanding that they enjoy a common ancestry.

Nkwo Orodo market has been very popular among intra-cummunity traders in Owerri area and beyond. It is one of the vibrant traditional markets in Igbo land. It is most vibrant on Nkwo days which occurs every 4 days according to the Igbo traditional weeks. Orodo hosts one of the biggest Churches in Imo State - Stella Maris Catholic Parish. Secondary schools in Orodo include Orodo Technical College, Ubaha, School for deaf and dumb, Ofekata and Stella Maris. There is at least a primary school in each of the villages. Like most South eastern places in Nigeria, palm oil produce is in abundance. Palm sap from different species is a popular drink. It can be drunk fresh or fermented. It is usually tapped by a skilled palm wine tapper. It is an art worth of note.

Umuduru-obi in Ofekata are noted for orthopedic expertise. This clan have contributed to health before the advent of formal medicine and are still relevant to the people from far and wide. The 'art' has been passed from one generation to the other. Dances and masquredes performed by Orodo people include, Owu, Okorosha, Onye-oma, Ebele, Ozuo and others. It is interesting that the respective villages are experts in some but not all of these dances and masqueredes. Owu and Ekeleke are typical annual festivals in Orodo and every year the people look forward to these. Iri-ji, a typical Igbo tradition, and Ahiajoku, are practised by the people of Orodo. It should be noted also that a lot of these traditions have reduced in intensity owing to changes in the society.

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