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| A SCULPTURE LOCATED IN ENUGU STATE; (A MAN DRUMMING) |
Owelli (Owelle) is the second son among the five sons of Ntegbe which include 0gugu-ntegbe, Owelli (Owelle)-Ntegbe, Ihe-ntegbe, Agbogugu-ntegbe and Akagbe-ntegbe in their order of seniority, which formed what we called today Ntegbenese.
Ogugu being the first son according to the custom inherited the fathers throne, shrine including the staff of leadership, Owelli being the second moved about 5km west of Ogugu their fathers or ancestral home and settled, followed by Ihe the third; fourth, Agbogugu but, Akegbe the fifth and last son moved about 10km west of Agbogugu.
Owelli-town is in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state. It is located in the Northern part of Awgu (Mbanabor) near Nkamu land. It shares boundary with Ogugu in East,Ogbaku in the North, Ihe in the west and Ugbo, Amoli (Ama-owelli) in the south.
Owelli is made up of four villages which include Enugu-Owelli- the eldest, Amabor-Owelli, Umuhu-Owelli, and Awono-owelli and a sister named Ama-Owelli (amoli)
The name Owelli is corruption of the real Owelle which signify wealthy, glory & might. It is about 10Km from Enugu urban the capital city (Enugu).
Owelli is blessed with many influential sons and daughters which include Late C.N Onurah former auditor general old Anambra state, Late Charles Udeani, Justice R.N Onurah, DR. Willy Onurah, Cordinator W.H.O Enugu, Prof Jonas Okafor, Prof Poly Okafor, Emeka Okafor (PHD), Rita Orji (PHD), Most Rev Dr. J.I Okoye Bishop of Awgu diocese, Joe Anichebe, Ogbuefi Victor Okolie CEO Silky Touch Emporium LTD, Engr Sampson Chijoke Okolie to mention but a few.
According to the 2006 National population census, Owelli people were estimated at about (100,000) hundred thousand.
Owelli people Linguistically and culturally belong to the Northern Igbo “Wawa”; this explains why they are called 'ndi wawa' (wawa people). They are also related to many groups surrounded by them, among which are: Nkanu, Nsuka, Ezza, Udi, etc.
The name Owelli-court was used to refer the people of Nothern Awgu region (Mbanabo) which include Ogugu, Owelli, Ugbo, Amoli, Agbogugu, Ogbaku, Agbudu, Isu awaa (also called small london), Ihe, and Ituku
In 1922 Owelli native court was established by the colonial masters, and the Awgu north (Mbanabo town)was being referred as owelli-court native area.
Owelli-court/Town was the headquarters of the defunct Mbanabo LGA, also now the headquarters of Mbanabo south LGDC.
Owelli have one popular market which is Nkwo-Owelli situated at the heart of the town Owelli-court. During Nkwo day many gather to buy and sell. Many from various villages come with their farm products and other goods to sell.
They have a formost exclamation, Owelle 4. Enugu's general exclamation O42, which is significant to them.
THE CULTURE AND TRADITION OF OWELLI PEOPLE
Owelli people are socially oriented. In many aspects which includes their traditional belief, marriage and festivals. Owelli people place great significance especially on these three socio-cultural festival or activities of Mmanwu-Masquerade, iri-Iji- (New yam) and Iwa-Akwa. However, these socio-cutural activities were a religious celebration such as thanks Initiation into adulthood as described by the Emeagwali (1992), is a step forward. From being a teenage to adulthood. He further stated that:
“Initiation of boy between the age of 18 and 22 were performed during the Iwa-akwa festival. All initiated boys are referred to as age grades after the festival giving, protection, sound health and initial Iwa Akwa Cultural Festival (Oriri Anu-Owelle).
They have a special kind of dance characterized with a little squat, toes on the ground and a jumping state when the drum begins. The team of entertainers are armed with instruments like: Ogene, Ekwe, Igba, Opi, Udu etc. The people are also known for their love for 'Abacha and Akidi', as it is used as a main course meal during events of any kind and as Oji (refreshment) when a visitor comes to visit a family. The Abacha goes well with Palm Wine (a white drink usually gotten from a palm tree)
SOURCE; Okolie Sampson
EDITED; CPB
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