Alayi

Historically, Alayi like many other Igbo communities, did not have a king. But the supreme leadership role of all the Alayi clans was maintained by Ọha Anọ, headed by Umuokpo Amakwu Akoliufu.

In the 20th century, upon arrival of the European missionaries and Western colonialism, the warrant chieftaincy role was given to Mazi Okereke Aka which later translated to pseudo-kingship. The ruler of Alayi is given the title of Igboji. All ten villages that make up Alayi have "Onu-mkpu" (a centre) at Eke Akoli in Amaeke Alayi, symbolizing the origin of each village. The immediate past rulers of Alayi since the first warrant chief include Eze (His Royal Majesty) Ukeje Aka, the father of Eze Okereke Aka (a.k.a. Okereke Nne-Ote) the uncle of Eze Onwukwe Onwukwe. (During the late 1960s when Eze Okereke Aka became ill and was incapacitated, he appointed Chief Okereke Elendu (a.k.a. Okom Ikpo) to head his council, and he was succeeded by Chief Edward Okorie (a.k.a. Okorie Emeri) after he died. Chief Edward Okorie headed the council until Okereke Nne-Ote died and thereafter. Chief Edward Okorie is the father of Chief Chekwas Okorie.

Upon the death of Eze Okereke Nne-Ote, his son Chief Nwosu Okereke was appointed to take over the position of Igboji. However, he declined the offer, and it passed to his cousin Eze Onwukwe S. Onwukwe who reigned until his death in 2008. Eze Onwukwe Onwukwe was buried in December 2008.

Since the death of Eze Onwukwe S Onwukwe, there was no successor to the Igboji of Alayi title because all the ten villages are now autonomous, each with their traditional ruler.

There weas a controversy regarding the status of Amaeke and Igboji in general. This has been settled as the traditional ruler of Amaeke has assumed the title of Ignoji of Amaeke.

Many Alayi people are traders and industrialists in Aba and Lagos, as well as the used clothing importation business in countries like Republic of Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast and Ghana. In recent times, Alayi has produced many professionals including academics, lawyers, doctors, and accountants. The most common religion is Christianity.

Alayi has a very rich culture, which is reflected not only in their language and food but also in dances, group formations, and festivals. The people have norms, customs and practices that have endured over time through which conflicts are controlled and resolved. The New Yam Festival is the most popular. It is celebrated in August with many dances including Ọkọnkọ, Ekpo, Ọbọnị and Akpanikọ. These dances are exclusively for men. There are also many other seasonal dances like Ikoro, Ajọnkwụ (Amaeke), Edere (Umuenyere) Lụghụlụghụ (Amaọkụ/Amaukwụ) Ịgwansi (Amakwụ), Enyom (Elugwu and Obuchie Amankalu), Aka Ọkụkụ (Ezi Alayi), Omume Anyụ (Amaigwu, Amankalu), Oborri (Umuezike Amankalu).

Ụmụagbala Amautazi and Umuachom Amankalu Alayi are also clans in Alayi which observes a unique culture known as Ekete. This is performed by playing a particular drum by men, performing magical acts (spiritism) and dancing. During this festival women and children are regarded as observers. This festival is observed during the New Yam Festival (precisely two days after eating the new yam, Afọ market day. These clans have what is known as (Ikwu) which are Ndiokereke, Ndịọtai, and. The ikwu in general is called Ụmụ Anya. Their old men in Umuagbala worship an idol god known as (Ọgbaegbu) discovered by their forefathers. Allegiance to this deity is deteriorating through the influence of Christianity.

• – Abia State of Nigeria - Website
• – Abia State of Nigeria - A Profile
• – Abia State Background Information
• – Alayi Development Union - Community Organisation
• – Alayi (Igboji), Bende local government area, Abia State, Nigeria (General,), Nigeria Geography Population Map, cities, coordinates, location - Tageo.com
• – Federal Nigerian Army Blunders of the Nigerian Civil War