Iwa Akwa
Iwa Akwa is an adult initiation ceremony that draws its origin from Obowo local government area of Imo State. The initiation is also held in other neighbouring towns like Ihitte /Uboma, Ehime Mbano, part of Ahiazu Mbaise and other communities. Iwa Akwa is clearly an initiation into manhood that takes place between the ages of 24-26 years. After the initiation, members are then eligible to pay taxes, partake in communal discussions and decision making of the community. Other communities like Ihitte, Uboma, Ehime Mbano and Ihitteafoukwu expect initiates to have attained the age of 30.
It takes three years to prepare for the next Iwa Akwa ceremony once one has been completed. The latest initiates are usually referred to as Senior age-grade while the upcoming set is called the junior age-grade. After the completion of Iwa Akwa ceremony, the junior age-grade (next set) immediately start their preparation, subjecting to and receiving directions from the senior age-grade; since they are considered to be more experienced. Before their initiation, the senior age-grade guides them through the customs, providing supervision from the beginning of their initiation through the main market-square display, which is the peak of the Iwa Akwa ceremony.
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During the market square display, new initiates would appear with their elegant long-woven wrapper costumes. The display is usually well organized as only performers are allowed to enter the ring while the crowd stay behind to watch. The initiates move and dance in a single line within the ring, while the upcoming initiates dance in front of them, dressed in elegant uniforms. The market display is unarguably a sight to behold. According to tradition, the immediate age-grade set will have to approach the elder age-grade to request age-grade selection for them. This system purely teaches and maintains traditional respect in the community.
Within the three years, the initiates would perform the Ishi Nri Iwa akwa ceremony, a mini ceremony intended by their parents to announce the participation of their son in the upcoming Iwa-Akwa ceremony. Once the initiation is completed, it becomes the responsibility of the immediate age-grade to prepare the upcoming initiates, just as they were guided in the traditions of the land.
The importance of age-grade in eastern Nigeria has made the Iwa Akwa the most celebrated festival among the Obowo clan. Every male child from Obowo anticipates this adult initiation ceremony and looks forward to being part of the established age-grade system. Obowo males are usually identified based on age-grade and members are expectedly closer to one another like blood brothers. The age-grade system in eastern communities is so strong that almost all stages of their life follow an age-grade system; like going to school, getting married, deciding on a job, building of houses, and career decisions.
The ceremony is purely social and carries no fetish or spiritual implication. Although some members of observing communities have refrained from the Iwa Akwa initiation, some are gradually returning to join their age-grades, considering the purity of this initiation.
Have you ever witnessed the Iwa Akwa ceremony? You are welcome to share with us.