Imo community set to abolish Osu caste system to free people from discrimination
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Obnoxious cultural practices, including the Osu caste system, are to be abolished in Amurie Omanze community in Imo on 4 January 2024, the community has announced in its bid to rid itself of traditions that hinder human development.
The traditions to be abolished also include Ohu, Ume, and Diala caste systems, according to the community leader, C.O Nnajiemere, who made the disclosure at a meeting with residents of the community.
Nnajiemere lamented Amurie Omanze has for the past three years been enmeshed in unnecessary conflicts on whether to abrogate these discriminatory cultural practices devised in the stone age.
He said the caste systems which fostered man’s inhumanity to fellow man, are an affront to 21st century global freedom.
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Consultations and comprehensive agreement on abrogation
The community had on 14 August 2020 inaugurated an Abolition Committee in conjunction with the Eze-in-council led by Obinna Greg Madu.
Nnajiemere said the decision was taken in total agreement by all village heads, kindred chairmen and their executives, all town union executive members, Ndi Nze na Ozo, town union women wing, all religious heads, youth wing of all villages in Amurie Omanze, abroad union representatives, per reporting by The Guardian.
He confirmed they all signed the abrogation document which empowered the committee to begin the task.
“An originating document detailing the decisions of the Eze, Eze-in-council, Ndi Nze na Ozo, the President General (PG) and the village heads in agreement to abrogate, abolish the obnoxious caste system which they described as very reprehensible, barbaric and absurd as well as the terms of reference to the Committee was duly signed by all concerned,” he explained.
“The committee went into full action with groups, individuals and village to village consultation/awareness campaign, prompting them to painstakingly make a comprehensive, well detailed and articulate report to the palace and also made recommendations on the need for the community to adopt the recommendation for the abolition.
“A date has been slated for the public pronouncement of the abrogation of the obnoxious caste system (Osu/Ume/Ohu/Diala). The abrogation event will take place 4th January, 2024.
“To be candid, the stipulation and eventual acceptance of a set date for the abrogation of all forms of caste system in Amurie is and still a mystery that only the spiritually minded can decipher.”
