In Igbo land, “Kola nut” is regarded as a sacred fruit. It is very respected and almost adored. In the Igbo culture and tradition, it plays a vital role in their ceremonies. It is also said to be used as an object of ritual and communing with God and their ancestors. It is said that the Igboland attaches some sacredness to kola nut commonly called “oji”.
Basically, there are two species of kolanut in the Igbo land. The first one is grown in Igbo land (‘oji Igbo’), the other one is grown in Western part of the country (‘oji Hausa or gworo’). The ‘oji Hausa or gworo’ is mainly consumed by the people from the North. It is usually not used to perform any traditional or cultural ceremonies in Igbo land. It is used only for consumption.
In the Igbo land, Kola nut is used for all ceremony, festivals, settlement of disputes and many others. The kola nut rituals must be done in Igbo language. It is believed that kola nut signifies peace that is why it is the first thing usually served to visitors. It also signifies hospitality.
It is said that the kola nut must be presented in whole. After which it is first broken into lobes before prayers are said. This is to be certain that it had no bacterial infection. Infected kola nuts are usually thrown away since it is believed that God and their ancestors will not accept it.
It is pertinent to take note of the following;
- Kolanut is not sweet to chew but it is a vital part of the Igbo culture.
- A woman does not climb the iroko tree (osisi oji) in Igboland. It is considered as a taboo and abomination.
- When a person steals anything aside kolanut in Igboland, he or she will be punished but when kolanut is being stolen, it is seen as a great abomination.
- Both young and elderly men break the kolanut.
- People have committed an abomination (ihe ala na-asọ nsọ) are not allowed to break kolanut. There’s an Igbo saying “ọjị bụ nwa Amadị, aka rụrụ arụ anaghị aga ya n’ihu. ” (kolanut represents freedom, a filthy hand does not touch it).
- A man does not break kolanut at his in-laws place.
- An elderly will not be in a gathering and a young man breaks kolanut. It considered disrespectful. Unless the elderly man gives his consent.
- A woman does not break kolanut in the mist of men neither does she pray with it.
- Unless she is a native doctor, a woman cannot break a kola nut. Although, she is allowed to present it. She can break it and eat alone with her spiritual entities. A separate one must be presented.
