glossary

The meaning of these words is written in the Ibo dialect which meaning is interpreted in English.

Amadioha-  A deity representing the god of thunder, richly dressed and brings wealth to respectable homes and havoc to offenders 

Ichie-  a chief or title holder

Mechie onu-keep quiet 

One ocha - white man or person fair in complexion, sometimes used on someone who adopts the white man's culture 

Nzu- white chalk for divination/ traditional prayers

Nwanyi Atuegwu- a woman without fear ( she is a priestess 

Oke Dibia- A great native doctor /seer 

Ekwulekwu- talkative 

Igwe- King

Udala- star fruit 

Nne- mother /affectionate name for females 

Agwo- snake 

the tusk symbolizes - the staff of authority held by the king known as Ofo

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About the story 

This story depicts the typical Ibo tradition of handing over political as well as traditional power from the predecessor to the successor most times the predecessor must die and pave way for the successor usually the prince at most times and in a situation the king cannot give birth to a male child his throne will be diverted to the next family who gave birth to a male usually related by blood. 

Most times clash of interests is common in the quest of gaining power. 

This is the traditional way of governing the people in Nigeria before the colonial era, this system of government leaned on the patriarchal system of government practiced during the precolonial era. 

spiritualism and the traditional system of government were fused as such the chief priest with the cabinet system must acknowledge the crowned king after he presents the staff of authority. 

Umuagwu is a typical Igbo community with the traditional system of government where the rule must be an elder male in the royal family who must rule over his clan.

Decisions are not made by the ruler alone but with his cabinet members appointed by him and during any decision making the priest must be aware of the issue touches on spirituality and concerns the process of the ruled community, he must be spiritually fortified and ordained before he can take decisions and govern the people.

This is the reason the Igbo system of government is considered to be Democratic, bec, use during the decisions making all the elders, male heads, chief priest, and the king must come to one agreement before the final verdict would be ruled

Kamdili was a dictator and a tyrant leader with much aggression against the people, his system of government was not accepted worse he was not spiritually ordained to rule the people thus his harsh measure was rejected by both gods and men, more he took over power with the coup.

While ziki was accepted by the gods and the people, the late king gave him his blessings.

Autocracy and dictatorship system of government is not tolerated in the southeastern part of Nigeria

This is the reason why colonialism succeeded more in the northern part of Nigeria and failed in the southeastern part of Nigeria.

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about the author 

Joseph Obodeze hails from Anambra state Nigeria, a graduate of political science of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, he has thought in various secondary schools in Nigeria and has a passion for writing stories. 

He currently works as a public servant and hopes to attract more fans with his works