Fractured Unity: The Saga of Intermarriage Between UMUASE and Ukehe Okwojo from an Umuase perspective. PART 1

Fractured Unity: The Saga of Intermarriage Between UMUASE and Ukehe Okwojo from an Umuase perspective. PART 1

In the annals of Ngwo's history, amidst the chronicles of wars and conflicts, one particular tale stands out not for its bloodshed, but for the rift it carved between two villages: UMUASE and Ukehe Okwojo. What transpired to fracture the bonds of marriage and unity that had endured for generations? Join me as we journey through the tumultuous events that led to this age-old schism.UMUASE, comprised of the three harmonious hamlets of Umuokpara, Umuewe, and Ibute, had long coexisted in unity, symbolized by the metaphorical Ekwuneto—the three stones balancing the communal pot of life.Also, they have shared a cordial relationship with Ukehe and the Okwojo community in general. Yet, amidst this harmony, a discordant note arose. A respected Ọzọ titled man from Ukehe Okwojo, enamored by a married woman from Ibute Umuase, ignited a narrative reminiscent of King David and Uriah's wife. Exploiting her vulnerability, he clandestinely visited her, taking advantage of her husband's absence due to his hunting expeditions.The hunter, burdened by the knowledge of his wife's betrayal, concocted a plan. Concealing himself one fateful day, he lay in wait as the Ọzọ titled man made his customary visit. In a moment of reckoning, fueled by a mixture of despair and defiance, he confronted and fatally shot the interloper , whose bell of royalty tolled his demise.News of the incident rippled through Ngwo, igniting tensions between UMUASE and Ukehe Okwojo. The latter, emboldened by their strength, demanded retribution, clamoring for the heads of nine young men—a demand impossible for Ibute Umuase to meet. In a bid to quell the brewing conflict, the only viable solution was offered: the sacrifice of a fellow Ọzọ titled man.However, Ibute Umuase lacked such number of young men and even if they could, it means a total annihilation of the hamlet. At that time, the village had no Ọzọ titled man—a distinction reserved for the elite and respected within Ngwo's social hierarchy. For clarity, the first Ọzọ titled man in Ibute was Ozoonoh (Ozo Ọnuamaonyeka), a man destined to alter the course of history. Tragically, Ozoonoh passed away in the year 2010.In a stirring display of sacrifice and solidarity, Ozougwu, of the lineage of Ozoogbozoalor, stepped forward. Unbeknownst to his kin, he embraced his fate, requesting only that his family be cared for and honored.On the appointed day, amidst festivities veiling the grim reality, he was delivered to Ukehe Okwojo, where his life was forfeited to appease the clamoring demands for their purported justice. UMUASE mourned the loss of their hero, yet his sacrifice paved the path to peace and longevity to Ibute Umuase, albeit at a grievous cost.In the years that followed, as a testament to their reverence for the fallen Ọzọ, Umuokpara and Ibute collectively decided to share their (Ishiegu) the fertile lands of Ebali with Umuewe—a gesture of appreciation born from tragedy and death.And thus, from the ashes of conflict arose a solemn decree: never shall the blood of UMUASE mingle with that of Ukehe Okwojo Ngwo, a testament to the enduring legacy of sacrifice and the indomitable spirit forged amidst adversity.