Isu People of Nigeria
The Isu people are one of the largest subgroups of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria. They are historically rooted in Isuama, a region known for speaking the purest form of the Igbo language.
Linguistic and Cultural Significance
- Isuama lies at the heart of Igboland, considered by many scholars to be the fountain-head of Igbo culture.
- The purity of the Igbo language in this region supports the belief that other Igbo clans trace their origins to Isuama.
- Nri (or N'shi) people, known for conferring traditional titles and kingship, support this theory of origin.
Pre-Colonial Period
- The dense forests in Igboland served as natural protection from external invasions.
- This isolation promoted linguistic and cultural diversity.
- Neighboring Oratta (Owerri) warriors viewed the Isu people as primarily traders, not warriors.
Isuama and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
- Isuama (south-central Igboland) was a major source of slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
- The name lives on in the Carabali Isuama society in Cuba, reflecting ancestral ties.
- At one time, the Isuama language was spoken in Cuba but was later displaced by the Abakua language, Brikamo.
Modern Settlements of the Isu People
Abia State
- Isuikwuato (Imenyi, Amawu, Oguduasaa)
- LGA headquarters: Mbalano
- Traditional ruler until 2024: Eze Ezo Ukandu, Enyi na Obiangwu of Imenyi
- Isuochi (in Umunneochi LGA)
- Isu Amawu (Isuikwuato)
- Isu Amachi (Arochukwu)
Imo State
- Isu (largest settlement)
- Isu Njaba (Njaba LGA)
- Abor Isu (Isiala Mbano)
- Isu Osuama (Isiala Mbano)
- Agbaja Isu (Nwangele)
- Umuozu Isu (Nwangele)
- Isu Agbabor (Onicha)
- Isu Achara (Onicha)
Ebonyi State
- Afor Mgbaleze-Isu (Onicha)
- Isu Agbabor (Onicha)
Anambra State
- Isu Ofia (Aguata)
- Isu Okpu (Aguata)
- Isu Ulo (Orumba South)
- Isu (in Ihiala LGA)
Enugu State
- Isu Awaa (Awgu)
- Isu Ikem (Isi-Uzo)
Rivers State
- Isu Owu (Ozuzu, Etche LGA)
Geographic Distribution
The Isuama people inhabit parts of:
- Imo State: Isu, Njaba, Nkwere, Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North & South, Nwangele
- Anambra State: Ihiala LGA
- Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers States
Festivals and Culture
- The Igba-Nta celebration is an annual cultural event in Nwangele LGA of Imo State.
- It serves as a major tourist attraction.
Notable Leadership
- Eze Innocent Ikejiofor, traditional ruler of Amandugba, in northern Isu LGA (Imo State), as of September 2010.
- He called on diaspora Isu citizens in the U.S. to support Governor Ikedi Ohakim's reelection bid in 2011.
Largest Isu Settlements in Eastern Nigeria
| Settlement | Location |
|---|---|
| Isu | Isu, Imo State |
| Isu Njaba | Njaba, Imo State |
| Isuochi | Umunneochi, Abia State |
| Abor Isu | Isiala Mbano, Imo State |
| Isu Achara | Onicha, Ebonyi State |
| Isu Aba | Arochukwu, Abia State |
| Afor Mgbaleze-Isu | Onicha, Ebonyi State |
| Isu Agbabor | Onicha, Ebonyi State |
| Agbaja Isu | Nwangele, Imo State |
| Umuozu Isu | Nwangele, Imo State |
| Isu Osuama | Isiala Mbano, Imo State |
| Isu Amawu | Isuikwuato, Abia State |
| Isu Amachi | Arochukwu, Abia State |
| Isu Awaa | Awgu, Enugu State |
| Isu Ofia | Aguata, Anambra State |
| Isu Ulo | Orumba South, Anambra State |
| Isu Owu | Ozuzu, Etche, Rivers State |
| Isu Ikem | Isi-Uzo, Enugu State |
| Isu Okpu | Aguata, Anambra State |
References
(To be added based on source citations)
Sources
(Document any historical, anthropological, or scholarly texts consulted)