Draft:Aku

| official_name = Aku | settlement_type = Town and ward | pushpin_map = Nigeria | coordinates = 5.6790°N 7.3337°E / 5.6790; 7.3337 | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Nigeria | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Imo State | subdivision_type2 = Local Government Area | subdivision_name2 = Okigwe | population_estimate = 35,000–43,000 | timezone = WAT | utc_offset = +1 }}

Aku is a culturally significant town and electoral ward located in Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. It comprises two autonomous communities and several villages, known for their traditional heritage, festivals, and socio-political identity.

Location and Geography

Aku is bounded by:

• Ihube to the north
• Umulolo to the west
• Nneato (Abia State) to the east
• Umuawaibu and Leru to the south

The town lies in a tropical zone, with terrain composed of clayey and stony soils. It contains several natural water sources including:

• Ele Nwannem – a rock spring discovered ~35 years ago by Mrs. Igwe Ikpechi (née Unaegbu)
• Streams: Eeebee, Eeebu, Ngele Ohii

There are unverified local reports of mineral resources such as sharp sand and crude oil.

Communities and Villages

Aku comprises two autonomous communities:

• Aku Ihitte Autonomous Community – Villages: Umuanu, Ofoisii, Amaorie, Uhuala, Umunuo, Umuogazi, Umuomanya, Ofoato
• Aku Ikenga Autonomous Community – Villages: Agbala, Umunnekwu, Amalato, Udomi

History

Local tradition traces the origin of Aku to an ancestor named Aku. Oral history suggests that neighboring communities like Uturu and Ihube originated from this lineage. An Igbo saying reinforces this: Ihube bu ihu ehuru Aku na Uturu ("Ihube is the face seen between Aku and Uturu").

Governance

Aku was historically ruled by a council of elders. Colonial intervention introduced the role of a central chief:

• Chief Nwokoro was the last ruler before leadership tensions split the community into two autonomous groups.

Each group now has its own traditional ruler (Eze) and governance system.

Culture

Traditional religious practices existed before the spread of Christianity, and many sacred places such as shrines and groves still exist. Sacred customs include:

• Prohibition of fishing or eating from specific streams
• Taboos on killing certain animals

Visitors are expected to respect local customs or seek clarification.

Festivals

• Ihe Ji Oku Festival – Celebrates the largest yam harvest; the farmer is crowned Eze Ji
• Nwa Lu Wa – A year-end communal festivity
• Ogbuagu Masquerade – A sacred male-only night masquerade

Religion

Christianity is now dominant, with denominations including Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and various Pentecostal groups. However, traditional religion retains cultural influence.

Demographics

The population is estimated at 35,000 to 43,000 people. A significant number of natives reside in major Nigerian cities and abroad but return during festivals and communal events.

Infrastructure

• Education – Multiple schools; facilities require upgrading
• Health – One basic health center; serious cases referred to Okigwe or Umuahia
• Roads – A federal road to Nneato initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was abandoned. Most roads are unpaved and seasonally impassable.
• Electricity – Electrical poles installed, but the project remains uncompleted

Socio-Political Context

The town has been affected by regional unrest, including activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). Development efforts have stagnated due to neglect by successive governments.

The administration of Hope Uzodimma, declared governor by the Supreme Court after placing fourth in the 2019 gubernatorial election, remains unpopular.

Economy

The majority of residents are subsistence farmers and traders. Crops include:

• Cassava
• Yam
• Palm oil
• Vegetables

Traditional dishes include Abacha (cold cassava salad), known locally as ncha — hence the nickname Aku Ncha.

Notable Sites

• Ele Nwannem Rock Spring – A small drinking water source
• Sacred groves, shrines, and streams

References

• National Population Commission of Nigeria
• Premium Times article on Imo State politics
• Nigeria Galleria – Igbo Traditional Festivals

Category:Towns in Imo State Category:Populated places in Nigeria Category:Communities in Igboland