True
344;
Score | 716
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1820
46469
221
98
In History and Culture • 2 min read • Oct 25, 2022 10:17a.m.
THE OSU CASTE SYSTEM
You might have heard of the Osu caste system in Igbo land. In case you haven't, this is a system of ostracization of certain people who have been judged to have committed an abominable act. It discourages social interaction, and even marriage with these people. So how does a person become an Osu? As stated earlier, these people have been judged and found guilty to have committed a terrible offence. In the past, the Igbo people lived their lives according to the Odinani (the laws of the earth). These laws were created by the earth goddess Ala, for the people to live by. Anyone who commits an atrocity against these laws, risks ostracization; thereby becoming an Osu. An Osu could be sold to slavery, or become properties of deities. Either way, social interaction is severed with these people. They are seen as inferior humans, unworthy to associate with the Nwadiala. They are seen as unclean and are even not allowed to break kola; which as you may know is very important in the Igbo culture. They are also made to live in shrines and market places, away from others. And should they bear children, those children automatically become Osu. It can become a generational thing. Modern times, have brought with it the criticism of this system. It has been considered as a violation of human rights, with some of the punishment associated with it labelled as inhumane. Human rights groups were known to have been really vocal about it, calling for its abolishment. According to history, the osu caste system has been abolished. This was on the 28th of December 2018, in a ceremony conducted in Nri. However, the question here is - how effective has this abolishment been? Till this day, families are hesitant to let their children marry a person who was born into a family identified as osu. Some outrightly forbid such union, believing it is a marriage which would be plagued with series of unfortunate events. It is one of the several 'findings' done by most families, during the introduction phase of a proposed marriage. Isn't it strange that even with the advent of Christianity and evolution, there are certain people who are still rooted in ancient practices? It goes to show that, tradition still has some sort of hold on us, even if we choose not to admit it.
THE OSU CASTE SYSTEM
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
1
views 708
0 share
Jefferson Nnadiekwe is the most viewed writer in
Literature, Writing and Blogging, Politics.
Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...

Other insights from Jefferson Nnadiekwe

Insights for you.
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide c...
city Uyo, Nigeria
History and Culture
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in I...
 Nzu (White Chalk) is a very significant substance in  Igbo culture. It is a symbol of purity, innocence, peace and progress. Nzu, as it Is cal...
3084 views
4 upvotes
0 comments
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
Politics
THE LUXURY OF THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
 One of the accusations levelled on those who sell their votes is that; they are selling their future or throwing it away. And the frustrations we f...
1839 views
2 upvotes
1 comment
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
People and Society
Social media (in)tolerance?
 I would like to believe that social media was created to bolster and improve communication and interaction amongst ourselves. And part of communica...
1460 views
3 upvotes
3 comments
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
Literature, Writing and Blogging
A little about the Nkwerre people
 Nkwerre is one of the local governments in Imo State, Nigeria. It is a small town of about 80,000 people (according to the 2006 national population...
1312 views
5 upvotes
2 comments
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide c...
city Uyo, Nigeria
History and Culture
The significance and interpretation of Kol...
 I am very much aware that most of my readers would be bothered about why I have decided to write again on Kolanut. But you see, the truth remains t...
1146 views
4 upvotes
0 comments
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide c...
city Uyo, Nigeria
History and Culture
The Symbolic Representation of Ose Oji (Al...
 Alligator Pepper, Mbongo spice or Ose Oji as it is called by Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria is a West African spice that is extracted from the...
1144 views
3 upvotes
0 comments
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide c...
city Uyo, Nigeria
History and Culture
LIP STRETCHING AMONG THE WOMEN OF SURMA IN...
 Even though I have said it once in one of my articles, I will continue to say it until it sinks into the heart and minds of every of the people. Af...
821 views
3 upvotes
0 comments
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
People and Society
LET'S TALK ABOUT FAKE FRIENDS
 Quite often, we see post from contacts on our social media, about fake friends. Friends who do not reciprocate the energy or affection given to the...
800 views
3 upvotes
1 comment
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
People and Society
MORALITY VS OUR LOVED ONES
 It is no news that social media and maybe even the country is buzzing with the story of Ike Ekweremadu and the allegation of organ harvesting. That...
793 views
2 upvotes
2 comments
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creat...
city Lagos, Nigeria
Africa
CONCEDING SUPREMACY - THE OWN GOAL PHENOMENON
 An African man would never agree to the notion that the whites are superior to us. The strange thing however, is that their actions suggest otherwi...
736 views
2 upvotes
0 comments
What is TwoCents? ×