Mbaise is one of the oldest Igbo communities in Nigeria, located in Imo State in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Mbaise has a rich history and cultural heritage, as well as stunning natural scenery, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers. The Mbaise people are predominantly farmers, growing yams, cassava, cocoyam, and palm produce.
If you want to experience the real Nigeria, Mbaise is a must-see. You’ll get a glimpse into traditional Igbo life with colorful festivals, music, and traditional dances.
About Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
Mbaise is a region in Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. The region encompasses various towns and cities; it is in the heart of Igboland. It is a confederation of indigenous clans linked together by intermarriage. Mbaise is West Africa’s most densely inhabited area, with a population density of almost 1,000 persons per square kilometer; its 2006 population was 611,204.
The term “Mbaise” was formed from five clans: Agbaja, Ahiara, Ekwereazu, Ezi na Ihite, and Oke Uvuru. Mbaise’s three local government areas cover approximately 404 km2 (156 sq mi); Aboh Mbaise covers 185 km2 (71 sq mi), Ahiazu Mbaise contains 111 km2 (43 sq mi), and Ezinihitte Mbaise covers 108 km2 (42 sq mi).
The History and Origin of Mbaise
Mbaise was conquered by the British during the Anglo-Aro War in 1902 when the British Aro Expeditionary Force defeated the Aro Confederacy in Owerri and Mbaise. By the end of the operation in 1906, present-day Mbaise was united under British rule with some local autonomy.
A native court was formed in Obohia in 1907 to supervise the clans, and it was transferred to Nguru in 1909. The Nguru court was destroyed in 1929 as a part of the Igbo Women’s War. In reaction to the 1930s home rule movement, regional courts were established in Obohia, Itu, Ife, and Enyiogogu. In 1941, the region was unified as a political and administrative unit.
The colonial authority imposed taxation in 1927. In 1929, taxes were raised, and the Women’s War was launched to oppose social and economic inequality. The native court at Nkwogwu and the governor’s residence was destroyed. Courts were created in Itu (for Ezinihitte), Afor Enyiogugu (for Agbaja), Obohia (for Ekwerazu), Orie-Ahiara (for Ahiara), and Uvuru (for Oke-Uvuru).
On June 12, 1941, Mbaise created a federation of five clans: the Agbaja (Nguru, Okwuato, Enyiogugu, Obiangwu, and Umuohiagu), Ekwerazu, Ahiara, Ezinihitte, and Oke-Uvuru. A treasury was opened in Enyiogugu in 1942, and it was transferred to Aboh in 1948. Obiangwu and Umuohiagu, which were previously part of Agbaja, joined Ngor Okpala in 1957.
Mbaise was now divided into three municipalities: Ahiazu, Aboh-Mbaise, and Ezinihitte. The Mbaise County Council initiated two landmark development projects in Aboh between 1955 and 1958: Mbaise Secondary School and Mbaise Joint Hospital (now General Hospital).
Mbaise Culture: Religion, Language, Cuisine, and others
Mbaise culture is deeply rooted in tradition and community.
Religion
The majority of Mbaise people practice Christianity, specifically Catholicism. The Catholic Church has a strong influence on Mbaise culture and traditions.
Language
The main language spoken in Mbaise is Igbo, one of the major languages in southeastern Nigeria. Most Mbaise people are bilingual and also speak English.
Cuisine
Typical Mbaise cuisine includes dishes like ji mmiri oku (yam pepper soup), ugba or Ukpaka(oil bean salad), okazi soup, oha soups, and Abacha. Ugba is usually served with raffia wine. Palm wine and fresh tropical fruits are popular drinks. Mbaise cuisine makes use of palm oil, chili peppers, leafy greens, and starchy tubers.
Music and Dance
Mbaise culture is rich in music and Igbo dance. Music is performed on the wood xylophone, hand piano, long, short and slit drums, pots, gongs, bamboo horn, and calabash. There are dances for childbirth, weddings, funerals, collective labor, and other social occasions. The Agbacha Ekurunwa dance is performed upon childbirth, whereas Alija and Ogbongelenge are performed during marriage. At male funerals, Esse, Ekwerikwe Mgba, and Nkwa Ike are performed, whereas Uko and Ekereavu are performed at female funerals.
Occupation
The Mbaise people are predominantly farmers, growing yams, cassava, cocoyams, maize, melon, and leafy vegetables. Fishing and palm wine tapping are also common. Trading and craft-making provide extra income, with goods sold at local markets.
The Mbaise people value hard work, community, and traditional ways of life. Their history is rich, culture vibrant, and kinship ties strong. The Mbaise people take pride in their identity and seek to preserve their heritage for future generations.
The Mbaise people have strong cultural values built upon community, family, and Igbo traditions that have endured for generations. Their cultural heritage continues to shape life in Mbaise today.
What traditional festivals do Mbaise people celebrate?
Some cultural and traditional ceremonies have survived the influence of Western culture. The annual August 15 new-yam festival has been a Christian variant of the eight-day Ahianjoku festival since 1946. Every year on January 1, Oji Ezinihitte commemorates the Ezinihitte. Itu Aka encourages people to weather the climate, modernity, and new obstacles before the farming season.
Demographics
Mbaise experiences tropical weather and receives significant precipitation for the majority of the months in a given year. Aridity, on the other hand, only occurs for a brief period of time. The primary climate in this area is classified as Am by the Köppen-Geiger system. The average annual temperature in Mbaise, according to available data, is 25.9 °C (78.6 °F). There is around 2412 mm (95.0 inches) of precipitation every year here.
Mbaise is a culturally homogenous area with strong kinship ties, socio-economic cooperation, and solidarity among the people. The local dialect of Igbo, cultural practices, and identity bind the people together.
What are the Characteristics of the Mbaise people?
The Mbaise people are known for several characteristics:
Strong Family Ties
Family is the center of Mbaise culture. Mbaise people value strong family bonds and connections. Extended family members are an integral part of one’s life and support system. Elders and ancestors are revered and respected.
Hardworking and Entrepreneurial
Mbaise people are industrious, hardworking, and entrepreneurial. Many are business owners, traders, and farmers. There is a spirit of perseverance, resilience, and determination.
Love of Education
Education is highly valued. There is a strong emphasis on formal education and lifelong learning. Parents make great sacrifices to ensure their children have access to education.
Christian Faith
Most Mbaise people are Christian, predominantly Catholic. Faith and spirituality are an important part of the culture. The church is a center of community life.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Mbaise culture is rich in music, dance, folklore, and cuisine. Cultural traditions are passed down through generations. The Mbaise language, Igbo, is widely spoken.
Communal Spirit
There is a strong sense of community support and civic responsibility. Members come together for life events functions and to address issues affecting the community. There is a spirit of goodwill, hospitality, and sharing.
Respect and Politeness
Mbaise people are known for being respectful, courteous, and polite. Respect is shown to elders, those in authority, and all people. Proper etiquette and graciousness are valued.
Fertility
Mbaise women are known for their fertility. To be an Eghu Ukwu, a woman must bear at least ten children; some women have given birth to as many as fifteen.
Mbaise people are also known for their bravery and hospitality.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and modern life in Mbaise. This small region in the heart of Igboland has a story to tell. Though times are changing, the Mbaise people remain proud of their heritage and continue to pass down traditions to new generations.