Cultural Reconstruction of Ọzọ Initiation Rites in Igbo-Ukwu Southeast, Nigeria and Identity Preservation

Abstract Most aspects of Igbo culture were abandoned and some faced the threat of extinction as a result of colonialism and Christian religion. Ọzọ title taking, an exclusive title for honest and successful men was abandoned in Igbo-Ukwu because of its connection with Igbo traditional religion. The study employed qualitative approach to investigate the traditional ọzọ initiation ritual, the reconstructed version and the role of the ọzọ title taking in preserving Igbo culture and identity. The study established that the realization of the role of ọzọ institution in building morals and preserving Igbo identity by the traditional leadership of Igbo-Ukwu led to its revival by reconstructing its initiation rite. The reconstruction involves removing parts of the ọzọ initiation rite connected with Igbo traditional religion to make it more acceptable to people of all religious leanings. Although, some people argued that the disconnection of the ọzọ title from Igbo traditional religion has reduced it to a mere social title. They fail to realize that any aspect of culture that is not adapted to meet the current societal need will eventually be extinct. The study recommends the thorough character investigation of prospective ọzọ candidates to ensure they are honest and responsible men. Van Gennep’s Rites of Passage is adopted as explanatory framework for this study. Secondary data were used to compliment primary data collected. Primary data were analyzed descriptively.