Igbo proverb "Okokpa na-akwa n'Oma Mbala na-akwalu Eze Okpo" “The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo” has an interesting story behind the perfect warrior proverb.
Perfect Warrior
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.
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| The rooster crowing in Oma Mbala crows for Eze Okpo |
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
