Igwe

No image available
Igwe Title
Detail Information
Meaning Sky
Language Igbo
Usage Method of addressing Igbo traditional rulers
Etymology Derived from Igwekala or Eluigwekala, meaning the sky or heaven above the sky is higher or bigger than land
Historical Context Originally the highest grade of Ozo title held by the Eze Nri until about 1930; now used for senior traditional rulers in many Igbo communities, especially northern Igboland
Significance Implies the ruler is a higher servant of the people, associated with the sky deity, symbolizing elevated status and divinity on earth

Igwe (meaning "Sky"),
is a royal title or method of addressing traditional rulers that control autonomous communities in Igboland. In other words, Igbos approximate the term to the HM style. An Igwe is therefore defined as a holder of a title of respect and honor in Igboland. Such a person is otherwise known as an Eze. One of the respected Igwe's in Igboland is Igwe of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III. Igwe is also invoked as the name of the Igbo Sky Father, the anthropomorphic personification of the heavens themselves. Igwe is also used as a surname by many Igbos as well.

Notable people who make use of the word include Surname:

Amaechi Igwe (born 1988), American soccer player Chioma Igwe (born 1986), American soccer player Leo Igwe (born 1970), Nigerian humanist and activist Given name:

Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu (born 1952), Nigerian politician Title:

Igwe Orizu I (Eze Ugbonyamba) (1881–1924), Nigerian monarch Igwe Josiah Orizu II (1902–1962), Nigerian monarch Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, Nigerian monarch

See also Igwe language Igwe of Awka-Etiti

== References ==

Edit Page