ABSTRACT
This research focuses on the history of Agbogugu from the earliest times to 2000. It examines the unique history of the town and its customs and traditions through the centuries. The work examines the town’s traditions of origin and analyses its position as a member of the Ntuegbe-Nese clan. The study traces its history through pre colonial, colonial and post- colonial times. The research reveals in detail the socio-political and economic development that has taken place in Agbogugu.The people have evolved a complex, stable social, political and religious organization, which was in balance with their character and morals. They had their cultural beliefs and activities which made up their unique identity. This work also highlights the colonial experience of Agbogugu and their reaction to the British ‘pacification’ of Igboland, the impact of British rule and its work as an agent of change in the people’s lives and the developments that occurred due to this forceful impression of culture. In the end, the study maintains that regardless of the changes that have taken place in Agbogugu during the colonial time. The town has developed into a mega socio- economic and political force to be reckoned with in Awgu local government area.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover i
Title ii
Certification iii
Approval iv
Dedication v
Acknowledgements vi
Abstract vii
Table of Contents viii
List of Illustrations x
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of Problem 2
1.3 Purpose of the study 2
1.4 Significance of the Study 3
1.5 Scope of the study 3
1.6 Literature Review 3
1.7 Methodology 8
End notes
CHAPTER TWO: LAND AND ITS PEOPLE 10
2.1 Socio- cultural organisation 12
2.2 Agbogugu Inter Group Relations 16
2.3 Political Organisation 18
2.4 Religious Organisation 24
End notes
CHAPTER THREE: TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS 30
3.1 Marriage and birth 30
3.2 Betrothal Marriage 32
3.3 Abomination 33
3.4 Masquerades 35
End notes
CHAPTER FOUR: BRITISH CONQUEST OF AGBOGUGU 1907 – 1920 AND THE PEOPLE’S RESISTANCE 39
4.1 Educational Developments 40
4.2 Introduction of Warrant Chiefs 41
End notes
CHAPTER FIVE: AGBOGUGU 1967 – 2000
5.1 Agbogugu and the Nigerian Biafran War 43
5.2 Agbogugu Developments 44
End notes
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY 47
6.1 Conclusion 47
Bibliography 49
Primary Sources
Oral Interview
Archival Materials
Secondary Sources
Books
Unpublished projects
List of Illustrations
Map 1: Enugu State showing Agwu L.G.A
Map II: Old Awgu Division showing the study Area
Map III: Agbogugu showing the nine villages
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Agbogugu is one of the twenty five autonomous communities that form Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. It is located on latitude 6.15N and on latitude 7.28E[i], on the Nigerian map. The town of Agbogugu was once a part of Udi Division. The Awgu Division was created in 1922 due, probably to the cantankerous nature of the towns of Nenwe, Mgbowo, Mmaku and Awgu which were giving difficulties to the district officer who administered them from Okigwe[ii]. Agbogugu, with Ituku, Isuawaa, Ihe, Agbudu and Ogbaku belongs to the Mbanabo Local Government which was a local government created by Shehu Shaghari administration[iii]. Abgogugu is bounded to the south by Ihe, to the east by Amuri, to the north by Ozalla and to the west by Isuawaa. Agbogugu has a wooded, level and arable land, stretching from north to south and east to west which is suitable for agricultural purposes. The famed Nvuna River serves as the boundary between Ozalla and Agbogugu. The Enugu-Awgu road runs through the middle of the town connecting it to the Enugu metropolis. The 1991 census put Abgogugu’s population at 12,767[iv].
Agbogugu town has nine villages, which are sub- divided into two wards namely. Amakpu ward comprising of Amofia,Umuoye, Obinagu,Umuobom and Shikaghom. The Eziama ward comprised of Umueveh, Umuonwo, Ohumagu and Akwu[v].
The people of this area constitute a homogenous cultural entity in the native ‘Wawa land’ (Enugu). They also occupy one of the most fertile area of the state lying deep in the center of the former east central state between Udi hills and Okigwe . There is no doubt it is the fertility of the area that made most indigenes agrarian in occupation. The period of time covered by this study will trace through the pre colonial, colonial and post colonial history of Agbogugu.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The history of Agbogugu has not found its deserved place in Igbo historiography among historian. This is partly because most works on Igbo history tend to focus on the most prominent Igbo towns like the Aro and their neighbours without due diligence to the people beyond the coastlines. As a result of this neglect, not much work has been done to reconstruct the history of smaller Igbo groups like Agbogugu. The study of the history of Igboland from earliest to 1960 has suffered from a number of problems part of which includes but not limited to the following; firstly, not much was documented on the prehistory of Igboland. Secondly, much of what we have on precolonial and colonial history of Igboland deals on a few towns like the Ezza, Afikpo, Aro etc. The final challenge is that Agbogugu is largely reflected in terms of proper documentation of the developments it has witnessed during and after colonization. It is therefore these loopholes that necessitated an enquiry into the historical past of Agbogugu.
1.3 Purpose of Study
This work is primarily researched upon to determine and bring to light the pre colonial, colonial, post colonial history and culture and traditions of Agbogugu. It also aims at highlighting the socio- cultural and historical developments that have taken place in Agbogugu from time immemorial to 2000. It is hoped that the present work will unfold the untold happenings in Agbogugu from earliest times to 2000 and finally to arouse the interest of future researchers in this area. Furthermore this work seeks to show the unique culture of the Agbogugu people.
1.4 Significance of Study
The paucity of written materials in this area of local history challenges the attempt to reconstruct the history of Agbogugu from earliest times to 2000. Albeit, the significance of this work will be found in the fact that the present effort will be a readily available tool in the hands of future researchers who may desire to reconstruct the history of Agbogugu or any of her neighboring towns. It is also hoped that the present effort will protect a better image of the people and culture of Agbogugu.
1.5 Scope of Study
This work covers the earliest history of Agbogugu to 2000. This study involves all the component villages of Agbogugu. The choice of its earliest history involves the reconstruction of the foundation and origin of Agbogugu. It will also cover the history of Agbogugu from pre-colonial to post colonial times, the year 2000 was chosen as the termination of its scope because it was the start of the twenty first century gained. This work covers the earliest known history of Agbogugu dating back to prehistory up to the post colonial era.
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