Costumes, Colours and Symbols as Seen in Ozubulu Chieftaincy Coronation Title

1.1 Introduction

Chieftaincy coronation title is one of the biggest event, highly recognized and one of the most celebrated ceremonies in Ozubulu and lgbo land entire. Costumes, colours and symbols seen in Ozubulu chieftaincy coronation title concerns with the clothing Attires, out fits of a chieftaincy title holder in Ozubulu and its symbols and significance.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Ozubulu Anakpu is a larger town in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is the headquarter of the Ekwusigo Local Government Area. Ozubulu has four major autonomous communities in which are Amakwa, Egbema, Eziora and Nza. Other villages in Ekwusigo Local Government Area are lhembosi, lchi, and Oraifite, in Ozubulu, each community consists of twelve villages and above.

Ozubulu been the headquarters of Ekwusigo Local, Government Area lies between the latitude of 59500 (557,000) (North) and longitude 68500 (650,600.000) (East). A major town strategically located with at the angular intersection of Nnewi/Owerri Road and Onitsha/Owerri express way.

Chieftaincy (OZO) means the leader or head of a group, especially of a clan or tribe. Chieftaincy coronation title is one of the biggest event, highly recognized and one of the most celebrated ceremonies in Ozubulu and lgbo land entire. Ozubulu chieftaincy titles are given to high accomplished men and women who are committed into order for the people of the title such as "NDI NZE OR NDI OZO”.

These people receive insignia to show their status. Membership is highly expensive and to qualify for this great honour, an individual needs to be highly regarded and well-spoken of in Ozubulu community. Chieftaincy titles are normally given to the individuals during “Ofala” festival. Ofala festival is an annual ceremony practiced by the indigenes of Ozubulu and also other villages in Anambra state also Ofala festival is celebrated as the renewal of a King or Obi.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Costumes, Colours and Symbols as Seen in Ozubulu Chieftaincy Coronation Title.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that inadequate selection of costumes, and colours for the reflection of the Chieftaincy coronation in this process, the title holders wear a cloth that is not supposed to be worn on the day of coronation.

1. Poor knowledge on the use of the colours and combinations. This is a situation whereby the title holders do not know the use of the colour of his costume and how to combine them.
2. Poor knowledge on the tradition/symbolic use of costumes. This is a situation whereby the title holder does not really know the use of the costumes given to him/her and what it symbolizes.
3. Problem of frequent use of some costumes, colours and symbols. This is a process whereby titled men are seen with same costumes worn in coronations back then and till now and without trying something new due to civilization.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Costumes, Colours and Symbols as Seen in Ozubulu Chieftaincy Coronation Title. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To know the meaning of the costumes and colours seen in Ozubulu chieftaincy coronation titles and what they symbolizes;
2. To identify the position of chieftaincy title settingof the people of Ozubulu;
3. To expose the distinction between title holder and non-title holders; and
4. To expose the functions or significance of chieftaincy (OZO) titled men in Ozubulu and Igbo lands in general.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Who is a chieftaincy holder?
• What is the role of a chieftaincy holder in the society?
• What are the problems encountered in chieftaincy (Ozo) title holders?
• What is the meaning of the costumes and symbols seen in Ozubulu chieftaincy coronation title?

1.6 Significance of Study

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Costumes, Colours and Symbols as Seen in Ozubulu Chieftaincy Coronation Title.

This is concerned mainly in Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The scopes include decisions and pictures of costumes, colours and symbols in Ozubulu Chieftaincy coronation title giving the meaning of the costumes and their symbols. It also discussed the role of titled individuals and the problems encountered in the chieftaincy titled holders.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The research on costumes, colours and symbols seen in Ozubulu chieftaincy coronation titles was limited by lack of textbooks on the topic while available textbooks were not detailed in the treatment of the topic. The researcher got most of her information from oral interviews with some elderly people in Ozubulu town. Other limitation includes;

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
3. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.9 Method of Data Collections

For the successful explanation of field information, the following methods were used for data collections. The researcher collected information through oral interview with some elderly people in Ozubulu town. The researcher also made online research on the topic and also this helped to know more on the topic.

1.10 Definition of Terms

OZO: this is a prestigious traditional lgbo title. Ozo titles are a designation to which some persons are according to customs and are legally entitled to the possession of particular dignities. It is a traditional chieftaincy title or honorary chieftaincy tittle.

NZE-NA-OZO: This an Ozubulu name for chieftaincy tittle society.

Culture: This has been defined as a totality of the people’s way of life.

ALA: The lgbo word “Ala” literally means earth or Land.

Rituals: These are the rites and ceremonies associated with a particular event or occasion, in this case, Ozo title taking.

OFO: This is a cult staff which is a symbol of justice in lgbo land. It is a stick from Ofo trees and it is a symbol of authority from the ancestors.

EAGLE FEATHER: It is for adorning the cap ofa titled man.

IKENGA: This is the wooden figure of a horn representing the man‘s guardian angel.

AKUPE (Hand Fan): It is carried by titled men for restage and it is occasionally used to create a peaceful atmosphere around him.

NKPARA (Walking Stick): This symbolizes support and a helping hand for a titled man in old age.

OSU: Osu is a cult slave who has been dedicated to the service of the dictators’ deity, whose descendants are also Osu.