It is shocking to observe in this 21st century the existence of barbaric customs in some communities. Man in all ramifications is believed to have moved away from primitive behaviours and customs/culture that cause harm and diminish the dignity of man.
The existence of IDA MIRI and the barbaric rituals that take place behind the scene in Umuosu, Abia State, Eastern Nigeria is worrisome. Evidences abound that the level of barbarism that takes place days before the final ceremony is unimaginable. Stories have it that females are circumcised while adult males are made to take oath of secrecy and drink unhygienic concoctions. Those who undergo this ritual are regarded as full fledged members of the community. They are entitled to all traditional rights and protection. They are permitted to own and inherit landed properties belonging to their families and kindred. On the other hand, those who refuse to undergo the ritual are treated as outcasts. They are deprived of so many traditional rights and suffer persecution.
However, while it’s tolerable for an ordinary member of the community not to belong, it is viewed as sacrilege for a member of the royal family not to undergo the IDA MIRI rituals. The royal family is the custodian of the people’s custom. No member of the royal family can afford to act contrary. Disobedience attracts severe punishments which are mainly diabolical.
This is the sad experience of one Mr Rowlex Õgbonna and his family of Umùosu. Mr Rowlex is from the royal family and his uncle is the current Eze (king) of his people by name Eze ONYENDILAMA OGBONNA (Ishi Bu Mba of Umuosu). Though Rowlex has performed his own rituals many years back, trouble broke out when the royal family and Eze-in-Čouncil demanded that his family should be brought to the village for IDA MIRI. His wife Rachel Ogbonna vowed that her children would not be subjected to such barbaric and inhuman treatment based on her Christian faith. The battle line was drawn and there were attacks and persecution on Rachael and her four children.
Investigation revealed that Rachael and her children went into hiding and are taking refuge in an undisclosed location.
The royal family irked by this development directed their attack on their son Rowlex to pressure him to produce his family. Unfortunately, sometime in May this year Rowlex himself got missing. His cousin who spoke on the condition of anonymity disclosed that his whereabouts remain unknown. Rumour has it that the royal family may be behind his disappearance to force his wife and children to surface.
Rowlex’s cousin is using this medium to call on the Abia state government and security agents to intervene and save Rowlex and his family. Also, this incident is a wake up call on religious bodies and civil society groups to redouble their efforts in sensitising the public on the need to abolish primitive and barbaric practices that still exist in some areas.
