By Grâçia Ada Obi
Ogwugwu Day (or the festival of the Ogwugwu Nnenwanyi deity) is celebrated amidst intense cultural fervor, traditional rituals, and community gathering in various parts of Igboland, notably in communities like Abagana and other parts of Anambra State.
Ogwugwu is a female deity or alusi and an annual festival is usually held in her honour.
Speaking with our Correspondent, Chief Priest of Ogwugwu Ekwuluomu, Onukwube Nwankwo Mouzoba (Agunechemba Abagana) said based on typical observations of the festival, Ogwugwu Day is celebrated amidst traditional rituals and Offerings.
“The festival features dedicated rituals to the Ogwugwu goddess, viewed as a supreme mother goddess of fertility and protection. This includes placing offerings like cows, rams, goats, Native fowls, yams kolanut, drinks of all kind at the shrine”.
Mouzoba said Ogwugwu deity, which literally means – “the place where you say the truth and live, but you tell lies, you die”. And it is one of the most feared deities in Abagana.
When the newsmen visited the shrine, the Ogwugwu was a very popular deity of the region and that Ogwugwu shrines were to be found in every settlement. One would make sacrifices at the shrine, appealing to the alusi to grant one children and wealth.
The late Chief Priest of Ekwuluomu, Chief John Ufoeze Icheke, Ichie Eze-ubom na Abagana’s first son Benedict Izuchukwu Icheke who missed his father amidst the celebration, noted how his late Dad was Ekwuluomu deity from 2011 to 2025.
Icheke said Ogwugwu is revered not just as a goddess, but as a protective mother figure to her worshippers.
“In Igbo spirituality, Ogwugwu Nne Nwanyi stands as the supreme mother goddess, embodying the divine energy of feminine principles”.
Revered across various regions of Igboland, she is recognized as the goddess who holds the key to all aspects of feminine power, protection, fertility, beauty, sensuality and other characteristics traditionally associated with femininity.
High Chief Obiekii Ugochukwu Stephen Ozo Owulu Ugochimelueze Abagana CEO Snoop media Concepts said Ogwugwu represents the full spectrum of feminine energy, she offers guidance and strength to those who seek her blessings.
“Ogwugwu’s influence is deeply rooted in the feminine principles that govern the world. She is the embodiment of feminine power, a cosmic force that transcends the physical realm and taps into the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of existence.
Ezenwanyi Gbulu Efi (Ada Ekwuluomu Abagana) Dr/Mrs Chinyere Icheke said
Igbo women, especially those heading into marriage, are believed to take on her principles, carrying with them her strength and protection.
” In this way, Ogwugwu acts as a guardian of women, she makes sure that they are empowered and protected as they move through life’s challenges”.
Masquerade Displays and Cultural Performances, the atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and vibrant masquerade displays that showcase traditional heritage.
Communal Merriment and Homage, It is a time for homecoming, where indigene and visitors gather to celebrate, pay homage, and foster unity.
Festive Atmosphere, the celebration is marked by joy, the firing of guns, and the gathering of communities in their traditional attire.
