Ogu na Ofo

rdf:langString Ogu na Ofo

rdf:langString The ofo is a staff carried by selected Igbo leaders — notably patrilineage priests, kings, onyishi, and some masqueraders — that signifies authority, the right to command, administrative powers, and/or the conferment of leadership and power bestowed by the gods..It is typically six to seven inches long and made of bronze, brass, or wood. Vernantius Emeka Ndukaihe wrote in his book "Achievement as Value in the Igbo/African Identity: The Ethics”, in the section The ‘Ofo’ as a sacred symbol of worship: "The most important 'Ofo' is the lineage 'Ofo', believed to have been acquired by the founder of the 'Umunna' (family lineage group), as the head. At the death of such a head, the next 'Okpara' (first male child) inherits it. So it goes, handed from generation to generation. There is also the personal 'Ofo'. A young man acquires his first 'Ofo' when he is initiated into his first 'Ozo' (a sacred institution reserved for the honorable elders of the community) title. As one advances into the more senior 'Ozo', one acquires the corresponding 'Ofo'. Thus, to possess 'Ofo' is a symbol of great social, religious and moral achievement. The individual 'Ofo' of the 'Ozo' titled man can only be inherited by his eldest son after burial rites have been completed. It is regarded a calamity when a dead father has no son to inherit his 'Ofo'".