RENAISSANCE IN THE IGBO CULTURE OF ỌZỌ CORONATION

Abstract

The topic of this study is “A Renaissance in the Igbo Culture of á»zá» Coronationâ€. It is no news that the á»zá» title is an exalted position for those privileged to be coroneted into it. Such people are traditionally highly placed in the land. They are always included in the governing council of the community (land), which makes others see them as superior and more privileged. Compared to them, ordinary people see themselves as commoners consciously or unconsciously. The greeting code of á»zá» titled men is unique, as they are also seen as executives/leaders of the land. It seems that there are many things about á»zá» coronation, its title acquisition and membership that are yet to be revealed. It is against this backdrop that this paper is charged with the objective of exploring into the origin of the á»zá» title. The second objective is disclosing some of the á»zá» title names with their meanings. Another objective is to find out the significance of the á»zá» title in Igbo land. The fourth and last objective is to find out the benefits and dividends that accrue to the bearers. The research method for this study is descriptive survey as data are collected through oral interview from some aged/elders of some selected villages in Igbo land. At the end of this study, Igbo people, students and future researchers would see why the Igbo cultures holds tenaciously to the á»zá» coronation.