Igbo Royal Fathers Back Campaign to End Osu Caste Discrimination Across South-East

The Osu caste system has come under renewed scrutiny after traditional rulers in Anambra and Enugu backed a new Nollywood movie addressing the practice and its impact on people in Igboland.

The traditional rulers spoke on Wednesday when the production team of Properties of the Gods visited their palaces separately to seek their blessings ahead of the movie’s nationwide cinema premiere.

The film was produced by Nollywood actor Joseph Okechukwu and focuses on the Osu caste practice and its effects on people in Igbo communities.

The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, described the practice as discriminatory and said it was inconsistent with the equality of human beings.

Achebe said ignorance had contributed to the persistence of superstitious beliefs and practices despite advances in knowledge and civilisation.

He maintained that all human beings were equal before God and said no person or group should be treated as an underclass.

The monarch called on communities where the Osu system still exists to abolish it.

He also said ending the practice would require more than legislation, stressing mass mobilisation, education and a change in mindset.

The traditional ruler of Nnewi, Kenneth Orizu, recalled that the Nnewi traditional institution had abolished the system.

Speaking through Crown Prince Obi Orizu, he said the decision was informed by concerns about people being kept in bondage and denied opportunities to prosper.

Samuel Asadu, chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, also endorsed the film.

Emmanuel Oko, popularly known as Okwuluora Ndigbo, said the Osu issue remained one of the factors affecting the progress and unity of Igbo people.

The filmmakers said their objective was to advance the conversation around inclusion and encourage Igbo people to embrace one another.

The movie is scheduled for nationwide cinema release on September 4.