#Omu of Okpanam

[larryhappiday]

INTERNMENT: Casket For Omu Martha Dunkwu

[ukpuru]

The Omu of Okpanam, whose name was not recorded, photographed by Northcote Thomas in 1912. Okpanam is an Enuani Igbo town near Asaba in Delta State, Nigeria today. The Omu [awe-mu] are titled women who control markets and are spiritual protectors to the Obi, the king, in Igbo communities west of the Niger River, typically among the Enuani, and in the past in Onicha (Onitsha) and Osomari on the east bank of the Niger River. There is one Omu in each community with the institution. The Omu work closely with diviners performing rites for the community and are the authorities over the opening of markets and resolving disputes within the market. The Omu depending on the community and period take titles typically reserved for men and also dress like men, as a consequence women who are post-menopausal are preferred for the role because such women in Igbo society could achieve the same status as men. As is custom in most communities, the Omu was not allowed to be married to a man, Omu were known to marry wives to assist them and have children for them. Colonialism greatly reduced the power of the Omu in the market and over society in general due to gender bias in the indirect rule system, colonialism was also partly the cause of the disappearance of the institution in some Igbo communities. Today there are many Omu who are still active in their roles.

[newshubnaija]

Delta female monarch establishes girl-child foundation, women training centre

Delta female monarch establishes girl-child foundation, women training centre

The Omu of Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, has established girl-child foundation and a centre for Omuship and women development initiative. Obi Dumkwu disclosed this while speaking to journalists in her Palace after the celebration of her 20th years coronation anniversary as Omu of Okpanam kingdom. The monarch said the foundation was to give scholarship… Read More

[gobtv]

Omu Dunkwu Congratulates Ugoani On His Doctorate Award, Dissociates Self From Statement Signed By Chiefs

Omu Dunkwu Congratulates Ugoani On His Doctorate Award, Dissociates Self From Statement Signed By Chiefs

By Kenneth Orusi, The Nigerian Voice, Asaba

The Omu of Okpanam and Anioma, Her Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi Martha Dunkwu has congratulated the Ugoani of Okpanam community, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu on his recent award of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Arts in Peace, Conflict Resolution and Community Development by the European-American University, Commonwealth of Dominica,…

[larryhappiday]

TRANSITION: Death of Omu of Okpanam

(Buried with 48 hours of death) The death has occurred of the Omu of Okpanam, Obi Martha Dunkwu (68). She was an avatar of sorts as she was the least anyone expected to ascend the ancient position of Omu, given her early life exposure to Western education and modern life. After twenty years as the highest titled female office holder in the Okpanam traditional institution, she is seen as a…

[larryhappiday]

Okpanam Association North America Offers to Partner Martha Dunkwu Foundation on Girl-Child Education

As the final burial rites of the late Omu of Okpanam Obi Martha Dunkwu begins today, the Okpanam Association North America, a registered Non-Governmental Organization, issued a heartfelt tribute, commemorating the life and legacy of the revered leader and offering to support the  girl-child programme being promoted by Martha Dunkwu Foundation, which the late Omu founded. Azuka Okafor, Vice…