Kolanut, known as Ọjị in the Igbo language, holds great significance within the Igbo community, including the people of Uturu.
It is often said that while it is cultivated in the western part of Nigeria, consumed in the north, it is highly valued in the east. In Igboland, Ọjị is widely regarded as a symbol of honor and is used to welcome visitors and strangers. There are two types of Kolanut: Ọjị gworo and Ọjị Igbo. Both types hold similar symbolic value in general and private settings, except for important traditional ceremonies such as weddings or coronations, where only the Igbo Kola is used.
In traditional Igbo culture, a Kolanut with one cotyledon is referred to as Ọjị ogbu, also known as a dumb kola. People from Uturu believe that it is ọjị ndi mmụọ or the kola of the spirits. This kola is not consumed by humans as it is considered to belong to the ancestors.
Similarly, a Kolanut with two cotyledons is also known as a dumb kola and is not eaten. This is why the Igbo people do not use the gworo or cola nitida for important traditional celebrations.
On the other hand, a Kolanut with three cotyledons is called ọjị ike or ọjị ikenga, which represents the kola of the valiant. Only titled men, warriors, brave individuals, and consecrated persons are allowed to consume this kola. A Kolanut with four cotyledons is known as “ọjị udo na ngọzi” or “kola of peace and blessing”.
This is the standard Kolanut used and it symbolizes the four markets in Igbo land: Eke, Orie, Afo, and Nkwo. A Kolanut with five cotyledons represents fertility, protection, and good luck.
Lastly, a Kolanut with six cotyledons symbolizes communion with the ancestors, and the smallest cotyledon is left for the ancestors to consume.
There is also a rare Kolanut with seven cotyledons known as “Oji-Igbo” which signifies procreation and calls for celebration when it is broken. In such a case, the person who breaks the kola takes it home.
The symbolism of the kola presentation becomes apparent when many people are present. It serves as a social aspect as the kola is passed from one person to another based on their kinship relationship.
The kola starts from the host’s home and moves in a left to right direction, eventually returning to the host. For example, in Uturu, if there is a community meeting at Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonnaya’s Palace in Umuanyi, the host will present the kola to the eldest man in Umuanyi, who will then pass it to the eldest man in Mba-ugwu, and so on, until it returns to the host.
This symbolic action is a way to take attendance and identify all the attendees in the gathering before any discussion can begin.The kola presentation is a symbol of peace and welcome, and if someone makes a mistake while carrying the kola, it is considered a serious offense known as “ịpa ọjị”.
The offender will face consequences according to tradition, as this error signifies a lack of responsibility and reliability.It is important to note that kola is believed to only understand the Igbo language within a traditional Igbo setting. Therefore, all prayers said during the kola presentation must be in Igbo.If men are not present in a gathering, the eldest woman may have the privilege to break the kola.
However, this privilege is forfeited if there is a boy present. During the presentation of kola, it is not shown to women and grandchildren within a specific kindred.The blessing of the kola, known as “ịgọ ọjị”, is the right of the eldest person in the gathering or the Eze (king), depending on the situation.
However, in most cases, the oldest person is preferred because they are seen as the custodian of truth. Nowadays, an ordained minister or someone consecrated to God may take precedence in blessing the kola, but the eldest person or the Eze will grant this privilege to the minister, not as a right.
Kolanut holds great importance in Igboland, particularly for the Uturu people. They use kolanut (known as Ọjị) as a gesture of welcome to visitors, distinguishing them from some other parts of the Igbo cultural group (Agulari, Umulari etc) Offering Nzu (white chalk) to a visitor signifies their welcome, and in return, the visitor will draw four lines with it on their right leg toe.
More importantly, Ọjị symbolizes life and peace, reflecting the belief that whoever offers kolanut offers prosperity and well-being.
