History of Ezza Ezekuna People: Origin, Communities, and New Yam Festival

This article explores the origin of the Ezza people, their notable communities, and their famous Oke-Aku New Yam Festival.

Origin of the Ezza Ezekuna People

• The ancestral home of the Ezza people is Onueke, also called Okpoku Ezekuna.

• Ezekuna is the revered progenitor of the Ezza clan.

• Anyigor, his wife, is regarded as the mother of the clan.

• Their father, Ekumenyi, is also the progenitor of the Izzi and Ikwo people.

• Being the eldest among the three sons of Ekumenyi, Ezza holds the seniority, and together, the three groups are collectively referred to as Umuekumenyi.

Location and Spread of the Ezza People

• The Ezza are found in 6 out of 13 local government areas in Ebonyi State.

• Their largest concentration is in Ebonyi Central, but they also have a strong presence in Ebonyi North and South.

• Beyond Ebonyi, the Ezza people can also be found in:

  • Enugu State

  • Benue State

  • Cross River State

  • And other parts of Nigeria due to migration.

Major Ezza Communities

The Ezza have 22 traditional communities spread across Ebonyi State. Some of the most notable include:

• Umuezeokaoha

• Umuezeoka

• Umuoghara

• Oriuzor

• Ezzama

• Amudo

• Ameka

• Amuzu

• Amana

• Amagu

• Amaezekwe

• Amawula

• Nkomoro

• Ogboji

• Okoffia

• Inyere

• Ekka

• Echara

• Idembia

• Nsokara

• Abaomege

• Ukawu

The Ezza also live in Effium (Ohaukwu LGA), Ezillo (Ishielu LGA), and several villages in Enugu and Benue States.

The Famous Ezza New Yam Festival (Oke-Aku)

One of the most significant cultural celebrations of the Ezza people is the New Yam Festival, locally called Oke-Aku (Nne Efi Oha).

When is it Celebrated?

• Usually in July or August.

• Begins with the cleaning of compounds and community preparations.

Why is it Important?

• The Ezza are traditionally the first to celebrate the New Yam Festival in Ebonyi State, before other clans such as Izzi, Ikwo, and Mgbo.

• The festival marks:

  • The end of the planting season

  • The beginning of a new calendar year for the Ezza people.

Rituals and Traditions of Oke-Aku

• No one harvests or eats new yam until the Oke-Aku festival is observed — breaking this rule is believed to bring severe consequences.

• Sacrifices are offered at the shrine of Ezekuna (Nguji Ozo Ezekuna) in Amana Onueke to ensure peace and prosperity.

• Elders distribute palm kernels and oil, symbolizing unity among all Ezza communities.

• The night before, families beat drums and chant:
  “Ejo-Awha Laaoo!” (meaning Unfruitful year, go away).

Significance of the Ezza People

The Ezza Ezekuna clan remains one of the most populous and culturally vibrant groups in Nigeria.

• Their ancestral headquarters is in Onueke, Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State.

• The Oke-Aku Festival is not just a cultural event but also a unifying tradition that connects all Ezza descendants worldwide.

• The Ezza people continue to uphold their industrious spirit, strong traditions, and cultural pride.

Key Takeaways

• The Ezza Ezekuna people originated from Okpoku Ezekuna, Onueke.

• They are part of the Umuekumenyi clan along with the Izzi and Ikwo.

• The Ezza have 22 major communities across Ebonyi State.

• The Oke-Aku New Yam Festival is their most revered cultural celebration, symbolizing unity, harvest, and renewal.

The history of the Ezza Ezekuna is not just about the past but about a living heritage that continues to inspire unity and pride among their people today.