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Osucaste System he Igbo ethnic group, which occupied the eastern region of Nigeria, is well known for its multi-branched culture, traditions, and religious T beliefs, which it believes is essential to its way of life. Among the numerous traditions is the Osu caste system, where an ostracized group of Igbos was considered as inferior beings, believed to belong to the gods of Igboland. This ancient practice discourages social interaction and marriage with these individuals, leading to intense discrimination and atrocities toward the Osu people up to this very day. This discriminatory tradition is still practiced in the southeastern states of Abia, Imo, Delta and Edo. ORIGINS Traditionally, there are two classes of people in Igboland- the Nwadiala (free born) and the Osu (outcast). The Nwadiala literally means ‘sons of the soil’, making them the masters. The Osu was dedicated to the deities of Igboland; therefore, they were regarded as slaves, strangers and untouchables. The origins of the Osu caste systems varies depending on who you ask in Igboland. Oral history states that Osu was a devoted monk who dedicated himself to the service and worship of the local deity. Thus, he was regarded as ‘a thing to be given to the gods’, making his future generations, an Osu. Before the introduction of modernization and Christianity, an Osu was a respected individual and considered holy. The Osu lived around shrines and consecrated themselves to their deities on the behalf to the Igbo communities. Even conquered slaves, were donated as Osu to the deities. Due to their aura of consecration, the Osu did not mingle much with others in the Igbo society. Therefore, the Osu married amongst themselves. With the end of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, the Osu population increased. They lost their prestige and became an ostracized group rather than a consecrated group. Before long, the Osu was regard as inferior and were demonized. Another view on history of the Osu caste system centered on ostracization as punishment. When an individual or a group of individuals refuses the orders of a king or community, they were banished from the community. As a result, the victim and his/her generations became Osu. It is believed that the Osu caste system can be traced back to the Nri kingdom. Additionally, it is believed that the Nri possessed a hereditary power in cleansing various kingdoms of abomination. Any community that refuses to be cleansed became an Osu. DISCRIMINATION Since it is widely believed that the forefathers of the Osu people pledged themselves and their descendants to forever remain a sacrifice to their deities, the Osu people were treated as inferior individuals. They are kept in a state of permanent and irreversible disability, subjected to various forms of abuses and discrimination. The Osus are forced to live separately from the Nwadiala, close to shrines and market places. The discriminatory acts against the Osus include: - Denial of any relationship with the Nwadiala - Denial of dancing, drinking, holding hands or relations with the Nwadiala - Not allowed to break kola nut at meetings - Not allowed to pour wine on the graves or pray to God on the behalf of a Nwadiala at any community gathering (it is believed that doing so would bring calamity and misfortune) - Denial of an Osu to marry a Nwadiala - Denial of rights to freedom, political activities, fair hearing, and sometimes, life Human rights groups, who call for the abolishment of the Osu caste system, stated that some punishments committed against the Osus are: - Parents administering poison to their children - Disinheritance - Ostracism - Denial of membership in social clubs - Violent disruptions of marriage ceremonies - Denial of chieftaincy titles - Organized attacks - Deprivation of properties - Expulsion of wives These forms of maltreatment and punishment have forced the Osu to flee to other countries for survival. OSU CASTE SYSTEM: HOW IT AFFECTS MARRIAGES he Osu caste system is very pronounced in the area of marriage. One of the reasons why conducting extensive family background checks is T significant in traditional Igbo marriages is because of the Osu caste system. Because an Osu is forbidden to marry a Nwadiala, believing that doing so would defile the Nwadiala family, the Nwadiala families are always up in arms against any members marrying and Osu. In Igboland, a thorough investigation of the male and female’s families are conducted by the village elders. If it is discovered that one of them is an Osu, the marriage is automatically abandoned. Many marriage plans have been cancelled, while married couples had been forced to divorce due to the Osu factor. This Osu tradition has led numerous heartbreaks, emotional traumas, and frustration among the Osu. WHY THIS TRADITION DOES PERSISTS UP TO TODAY? The Power of Religion The reason why this cultural practice has refused to go away, despite the modernization of Igboland, is because of the Igbos’ strong adherence to their religious beliefs. The Igbos are deeply religious and theistic people. Despite their Christian dedication, when push comes to shove their traditional views comes first. Also, their support of the Osu caste system due to the fact that this system was ordained by their ancestors. Hence, they do not want to mess with it. It is interesting to note that such superstitions were woven around albinos, who were considered evil and bad luck for the community. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS TODAY? he introduction of Christianity and modernization made the Osu people hopeful of being free from the stigma of this debilitating tradition. T However, social disadvantages and impaired social acceptance has hindered the social acceptance of the Osu communities. Neither wealth, advanced education, nor improved social status saves an Osu from outrageous contempt. In 1956, the Eastern government of Nigeria passed a law abolishing the Osu caste system, making anyone who violated the law a criminal and liable to punishment. However, over 50 years later, no one has been prosecuted or convicted for breaking the law. Many religious and traditional rulers have spoken out against the practice. Nevertheless, such efforts have fallen on deaf ears since the Igbo people believe that the cultural norms are sacrosanct and should not be tampered with. Hence, the practice of the Osu caste system continues to thrive Igbo land. However, not all is lost. In Anambra state, the Osu caste system has been abolished in virtually all communities in the state. This was achieved by burning all the forest in the communities of Anambra state where the deities existed. Despite being woven around the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal doctrines, the Igbo community is not courageous enough to speak openly against the Osu caste system and take action to end their suffering. Those who are courageous enough to speak up, lack the confidence to let their children associate or marry an Osu. Blacks, African Americans and Nigerians, including the Igbos, strive to fight against the racial segregation and discrimination imposed on them by the white community who believe that blacks are inferior beings. So why should the same sense of discrimination exist among their own kin? .
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