By Frontline Reporters
A wave of jubilation swept through Oguta, an ancient community in Imo State, on Sunday as traditional leaders officially abolished the centuries-old outcaste (Osu/Ohu) system — a practice that had long divided families, denied marriages, and branded generations with a mark of social inferiority.
The landmark decision, announced by Chief Nduka Oduenyi, the Ogana (spokesman) of the traditional ruler of Oguta, Eze Nnani Eze-Eyiche, marks a turning point in the town’s history and a major victory against discrimination and inherited stigma.
“The long-standing Ohu caste system — a practice widely regarded as discriminatory and inconsistent with human dignity — no longer exists in Oguta. Today marks a historic moment of renewal, unity, and equality,” Oduenyi declared to thunderous applause.
For decades, the Ohu and Osu caste systems in parts of Igboland condemned certain families as “outcastes” — restricting them from marrying into so-called freeborn families, holding titles, or participating fully in community life.
The abolition followed relentless advocacy by the Oguta Ohu Eradication Dialogue Group (OOEDG), a coalition of influential sons and daughters of the town — including scholars, clergy, professionals, and traditional title holders — who sustained dialogue and community sensitization until a unanimous consensus was reached.
Oduenyi said the move was both moral and spiritual:
“This practice has long been a stain on Oguta’s conscience. It divided our people and denied many the dignity God gave every human. From today, no one in Oguta shall ever again be called or treated as an outcaste.”
Under the new declaration, all forms of social discrimination are abolished. Sons and daughters of Oguta are now free to intermarry and participate equally in community affairs without stigma or restriction.
“Our children can now marry who they love. Every Oguta man and woman stands equal before God and before man,” the spokesman said.
Chairman of the OOEDG, Chief Mike Ogbonna, expressed deep emotion over the achievement, saying it took years of dialogue and courage to end a system that had caused heartbreak and shame across generations.
“It took efforts from Oguta people at home and abroad to end this curse. This system broke hearts, led some to suicide, and denied people basic rights. To see it finally gone is our greatest joy,” he said tearfully.
“If this is all we achieve in our lifetime for our people, then we are fulfilled.”
Among those present at the proclamation were representatives of the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, and the Anglican Bishop of Oguta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chijioke Otti, as well as priests, elders, and prominent community members.
Prof. Lawrence Okwuosa, a Catholic priest and member of the OOEDG, described the day as “spiritually liberating.”
“With this proclamation, all caste distinctions have been abolished. Every Oguta indigene is now officially free and equal. This is both a human and divine victory,” he said.
Okwuosa noted that many of those labelled outcastes were descendants of individuals who, centuries ago, were given out to other families in settlement of debts or servitude — an injustice perpetuated through ignorance.
He urged other Igbo communities still practicing caste segregation to emulate Oguta’s bold step:
“We must end every form of discrimination and bondage. No Igbo man or woman should be treated as less than human because of ancestral circumstances.”
Community leaders and observers have hailed the development as a moral rebirth for Igbo society, with calls for other traditional rulers across the South-East to follow suit.
“Oguta has led the way,” said one elder. “Let this freedom echo across Igboland — from Anambra to Abia, Enugu to Ebonyi — until no family bears the burden of being called an outcaste again.”
As drums rolled and prayers of thanksgiving filled the air, the people of Oguta — once divided by lineage — embraced one another in celebration, marking not just the end of a cruel tradition, but the dawn of unity, equality, and healing in their homeland.
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