Traditional leaders abolish outcast system in Imo community

Traditional leaders in Oguta, in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, on Sunday, abolished the age-long outcast (Ohu) system

The Osu and Ohu caste systems had for decades classified persons born into affected families as inferior, barring them from holding traditional positions or marrying into free families.

The proclamation was made by Nduka Oduenyi, the Ogana (spokesman/assistant) to the traditional ruler of Oguta, Eze Nnani Eze-Eyiche.

He said the abolition followed sustained advocacy by the Oguta Ohu Eradication Dialogue Group, a coalition of sons and daughters of the community.

Oduenyi stated that respected community leaders, scholars, professionals, clergy, and traditional title holders drove the process.

“The long-standing Ohu caste system, a practice widely regarded as discriminatory and inconsistent with human dignity, no longer exists in Oguta going forward,” he said.

He said Oguta people acknowledged that the practice discriminated against families, restricting social interaction, marriage, and participation in community affairs.

He explained that with the abolition, sons and daughters of Oguta can now inter-marry without any reference to anyone as an outcast.

Chairman of the group, Mike Ogbonna, said he was glad the long-standing discriminatory practice had ended.

“It took the efforts of many of us, both in the diaspora and in Nigeria, to achieve this. The outcast system has caused heartache, and denied people opportunities, including traditional titles. As educated people, we consider it abominable,” he said.

A Catholic priest and member of the group, Lawrence Okwuosa, said the proclamation had effectively ended the system in Oguta.

“With this public declaration, all forms of caste distinction have been abolished. Every Oguta indigene is now equal before God and man,” he said.