Draft:Aku, Imo State

Aku is a historic town and electoral ward located in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. It consists of two autonomous communities and is known for its rich cultural traditions, sacred streams, festivals, and ancestral lineage. Aku is often confused with "Aku Ihube", which is inaccurate; it is a distinct town that shares borders with Ihube, Umulolo, Nneato, Umuawaibu, and Leru.

Geography

Aku lies at approximately 5.6790°N 7.3337°E / 5.6790; 7.3337 and experiences a tropical climate. It is characterized by hilly terrain, streams, and deposits of stone and clay. Notable water bodies include Eeebee, Eeebu, Ngele Ohii, and a rock water spring called Ele Nwannem (not considered sacred), discovered by Mrs. Igwe Ikpechi (née Unaegbu).

Administrative Structure

Aku comprises two autonomous communities:

• Aku Ihitte Autonomous Community: Umuanu, Ofoisii, Amaorie, Uhuala, Umunuo, Umuogazi, Umuomanya, Ofoato
• Aku Ikenga Autonomous Community: Agbala, Umunnekwu, Amalato, Udomi

History

Oral tradition holds that the town was founded by an ancestor named Aku, who settled the area thousands of years ago. Aku is considered a progenitor of neighboring towns such as Uturu and Ihube. A ceremonial union under an ube tree between Aku and Uturu led to the founding of Ihube, hence the phrase: "Ihube bu ihu ehuru Aku na Uturu".

Culture and Religion

Christianity is widely practiced in Aku (primarily Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant denominations), but traditional beliefs remain respected. Sacred taboos persist:

• Fishing is forbidden in some streams.
• Certain animals are not to be harmed.
• Visitors are expected to inquire locally to avoid offenses.

Festivals

• Ihe Ji Oku Festival: Celebrates the best yam farmer, crowned "Eze Ji" (Yam King).
• Nwa Lu Wa: Year-end homecoming and feast.
• Ogbuagu Masquerade: A night masquerade celebrated by initiated males.

Governance

Historically governed by elders, the town transitioned to centralized chieftaincy during colonial rule. Chief Nwokoro was the last unified traditional ruler. Following disputes, the town was split into its two present autonomous communities, each with its own Eze.

Demographics and Development

As of projections from the National Population Commission and local records, Aku has an estimated population of 35,000 to 43,000. Many residents live in major Nigerian cities or abroad but retain strong ties to the town.

Infrastructure

• A federal road project by the NDDC linking Aku to Nneato was initiated but abandoned.
• Electrical poles were installed but the town remains unconnected to the national grid.
• The area has seen neglect from successive governments.
• Local polling indicates dissatisfaction with current state governance, particularly under Hope Uzodinma, who became governor via a Supreme Court decision despite finishing fourth in the 2019 elections.

Economy

Farming and small-scale trading dominate. Key produce includes cassava, yam, palm oil, and vegetables. "Abacha" (cassava salad), known locally as ncha, is a delicacy.

Notable Natural Features

• Ele Nwannem: A rock spring, not sacred.
• Eeebee, Eeebu streams
• Sacred shrines and groves protected by local tradition

References

• National Population Commission (Nigeria). Census 2006 Ward-Level Data
• Premium Times. "Supreme Court sacks Ihedioha as Imo Governor, declares Hope Uzodinma winner", January 2020
• Nigeria Galleria. "Traditional Festivals in Igboland"
• Maps-Streetview. "Aku, Nigeria - Latitude and Longitude"

See also

• Okigwe
• Imo State
• Ihube
• Uturu

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Towns in Imo State
• Populated places in Imo State
• Igbo people