The Importance of Oji (Kola Nut) in the Igbo Culture
‘Oji,’ is popularly known as ‘kola nut’ in the English language, and ‘kola’ amongst the Igbo tribe. It plays an important role in almost all traditional celebrations and gatherings observed in Igboland, the Southeastern region of Nigeria. The use of kola nut amongst Igbo people is one of the interesting customs that unite the tribe. Today, we share the importance of Oji in the Igbo tradition.
Oji is an important fruit that symbolizes peace, unity, reconciliation, hospitality, goodwill, and kindness in every Igbo community. In most traditional Igbo homes, Oji is the first thing presented to a visitor as a token of appreciation and acceptance.
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Oji plays a significant role in many Igbo gatherings and ceremonies such as chieftaincy, naming ceremonies, festivals, coronations, burials, and even traditional wedding ceremonies. Most times, Oji is included in the list of items needed for most of these ceremonies, without which the ceremonies might not hold.
Before an occasion begins properly, Oji is usually presented (Ime Oji) by the host, and then passed on to a spiritual person or the eldest man in the audience for blessing (Igo Oji). The elder typically takes the Oji in his right hand and makes a blessing, prayer, or toast; using a proverb in the Igbo language. The Igbo language is used because it is believed that the Oji doesn’t understand the English language. The Oji is then broken (the lobes are first separated) into smaller pieces, (Iwa Oji) before being presented (Ike Oji) to everyone.
Sharing the Oji in any gathering is usually done in order of hierarchy. The common practice is that Oji is presented first to the chairperson of the occasion, followed by an elder or an important guest.
In Igbo culture, Oji cannot be cut, presented to, or served by a woman. The rites of the Oji do not recognize women in the traditional Igbo society. The role of women is to prepare a very spicy sauce called ‘okwa ose,’ or ‘ose Oji,’ (alligator pepper or groundnut sauce) to be eaten with the kola nuts.
Tell us about an important occasion you attended where Oji (kola nuts) was served.