African Food and Art

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Perfect Warrior Story

The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo perfect warrior African folktale.

During a time of intense fighting between clans living in Oma Mbala and Ikwuabo villages of Nigeria, the warring Igbo communities held the bravest fighter from Eze Okpo, Ezekwuabo, in high esteem.
The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo

Perfect Warrior Igbo Story 

During a time of intense fighting between clans living in Oma Mbala and Ikwuabo villages of Nigeria, the warring Igbo communities held the bravest fighter from Eze Okpo, Ezekwuabo, in high esteem.

The Eze Okpo of the proverb was the fearless Ezekwuabo, a fighter who combined an ability to fight successful wars with a skillful use of charms. According to folklore, he killed one of his daughters whose parts he used in preparing a magical charm that was said to produce thick smoke in which he could move without being noticed and attack his enemies.

Ezekwuabo was said to have an akpu, his personal shrine that he called akpu Ekwensu or devil's shrine, where he used to make offerings and sacrifices at the end of every successful battle. He was so feared that the nearby village of Oma Mbala regularly sent him giant roosters as a way of discouraging him from invading their village.

However, dispite the bribes, Ezekwuabo’s pride and prowess caused him to lead a raid against Oma Mbala. Ezekwuabo was so feared by Oma Mbala it was said they hired mercenary fighters from other neighboring villages. It is rumored in the nearby village of Nnewi where the most intense fighting took place; the bones of the dead at that battle can still be seen wandering around haunting villagers. 

“The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo” - Igbo proverb

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