Osu cast system in Igbo land- Favour Chinah
Favour Chinah (aka BRYAN), a Nigerian living in the UK, is a model, an athlete, and a nurse who is now enrolled at London South Bank University’s master’s program in nursing.
Bryan, an American football player for the London Blitz, a British team that has won the BritBowl five times (in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012), elaborated on the Osu caste system in Igbo land in an exclusive interview with Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi.
1.What do understand by the meaning of Osu in Igbo culture?
In Igboland, Nigeria, there is a form of ancient practice known as the Osu cast system that prevents a certain set of people from interacting with others. The custom forbids marriage to slaves, outcasts, or members of the Osu caste. The deities (Alusi) of the Igbo people employ the Osu as slaves. They are typically separated from the Nwadiala or Nwafor (real born), who are thought of as inferior beings with no value.
How does one become an Osu?
In Igbo territory, the Osu system dates back to times before civilization. When the gods known as ODINANI ruled over the Igbo people. According to the Osu system, rules are made by the gods or deities for humans to follow in order to receive blessings and prosperity in the region. Anyone who disobeys the law is considered to have committed an abhorrent crime that will result in misfortune in the land, and as a result, anyone found guilty will be exiled. They are also viewed as Osu, or slaves, and some are sold as slaves or used as sacrifices.
Can you tell us the difference between Osu and Ume?
The Ume in Igbo country refers to situations in which regular people engage in sexual activity with immediate family members, either knowingly or unknowingly. Taking a father and daughter as an example, a mother and son, or a brother and sister.It is known as incest in English. These basically are the two types of pariah you will discover in the Igbo country (the Osu and Ume), and even Christianity disapproves of this practice.
Which part of Igbo land was Osu caste system prominent?
Imo state, Abia, Anambra, and some areas of Enugu and Ebonyi state are dominated by the Osu system.
Majority of people where Osu caste was in practice are Christians, does Christianity not forbid such segregation?
The Christian faith opposes slavery. It is abundantly obvious from Christ’s teachings that God loves everyone. There is no discrimination in Christianity. People who are viewed as Osu or slaves in their communities or villages participated in all forms of Christian worship without being treated differently from free people.
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persons who are perceived as slaves marry free born persons in churches without any type of prejudice. We even have clergymen who are slaves. In Christianity there is equality for everyone.
Can you say Osu is still in practice?
Yes, this social evil is still present in some Igbo lands, in my opinion. Despite the fact that Christianity has strived to eradicate this practice. I’m talking about a friend of mine who was prevented from marrying the person she loved because the man’s family still views her tribe as slaves, and as a result, they are against their son wedding her.
What is the position of the law on Osu?
Since Igbo land has recently undergone modernization, the Osu system has come under fire for violating human rights. Organizations has made effort to eliminate this practice. A few academics have also likened the Osu system to slavery and think it ought to be abolished.
