Ihite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ihite | |
|---|---|
town | |
  Ihite Ihite in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 5°56′31″N 7°15′05″E / 5.94194°N 7.25139°E | |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| State | Anambra State |
| LGA | Orumba South |
| Population | |
| • Ethnicity | Igbo |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Ihite is a town in Orumba South Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is located south-east of the local government area on the Nnobi-Ekwulobia-Ufuma-Umunze-Ibinta-Okigwe federal trunk road. Ihite shares boundaries with Umunze in Anambra State, Aondizuogu, Ndiochi and Okannachi in Imo state, and Nneato in Abia State.
The origins of Ihite can be traced back to its founder, Ogbuodudu, a skilled hunter of high repute. While the exact founding year remains unknown, it is believed that Ihite has been in existence for over six centuries, dating back to the 1400s. Ogbuodudu, a migratory figure from the Utorikpo family of Uturu in Isukwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, discovered Ihite during a hunting expedition. Enchanted by the area's comfort and favorable conditions for hunting, he decided to settle there. The name 'Ihite' is thought to symbolize his commitment to staying ('Ehitelem'). Ogbuodudu, the father of Ihite, had two children, Danankwo and Ubendu, shaping the familial traditions of the town.
Danankwo, Ihite's only daughter, played a significant role in the town's familial structure, embracing the practice of "Iha nwayi na ebete," allowing a female child to bear children in her father's house. Facing challenges with conception due to fibroids (Akpuru), Danankwo sought the assistance of a herbalist, eventually giving birth to a son named Akpuru. The naming reflected the hardships her mother had endured. This practice of "Iha nwayi na ebete," which continues in Ihite today, reflects the town's adherence to its cultural roots.
Villages in Ihite
Originally consisting of four villages – Umuezeagu, Umuokwa, Danankwo (Amakpuru), and Amoji – Ihite has evolved, presently operating with two divisions: Usbue (Ubendu) and Amakpuru (Danankwo). For administrative convenience, these divisions further divide into six villages, namely:
1. Umuezeawuru (Unuezealabara)
2. Umuokpalaukwu
3. Amaore (Umuezeagu)
4. Amoji / Ilili
5. Umuonyekamma
6. Umuekwere
Ihite's historical ties with the Arochukwu people in Abia State have significantly influenced the town's development. The Aros played a pivotal role in maintaining order within Ihite, assisting in purging the town of criminals. Even today, there exists a population of Aro migrants residing in Ihite. Notably, individuals from Ndiokpuehi and from Ndiukwu have integrated into the community. These migrants have established themselves in specific areas, with residents of Ndiokpuehi settling among Amorie village and those from Ndiukwu residing within Umuokpalauwku village.
On the other hand, Ihite has waged wars such as 'Ogu Ibu' and 'Ogu Ezeama,' during which alliances with Umunze and Umualaoma were formed to resist Aro warriors seeking slaves for trade with European slave traders.