Ajani Ichida

Ajani Village is traditionally known as “Obodo Ojiagwu na Ube Okpoko.”
It is regarded as the head village in Ichida, owing largely to the ancestral importance of Isiube, the head kindred in Ichida.

Ajani is made up of several kindreds and communities, including:

• Isiube

• Obiuga

• Umuozala

• Ihunkwo

• Umuokwamma

• Obichukwu

History & Ancestral Roots

The history of Ajani Village is deeply connected to the broader history of Ichida. Historical accounts advise careful documentation to avoid conflicts with established records, especially the works of late Mr. John Humble Ojukwu, whose writings remain a key reference.

Ajani’s ancestral settlements trace back to families rooted in Isiube, where Ezikwu and Ezeigwe, descendants of Okotu and Nwamgbodi, lived and raised their families. Their compound remains historically significant to this day.

The Isiube Kindred Hall stands on this ancestral ground, with Ana Isiube located prominently at the front — a sacred institution respected across Ichida.

Ana Isiube

Ana Isiube served as a powerful spiritual cleansing ground in ancient times. Families, kindreds, and villages in Ichida visited Ana Isiube during periods of uncertainty to seek spiritual purification through a process known as Egbo Ana Isiube.

Anyone who passed through the ritual without misfortune was regarded as spiritually cleansed.

Nkwo Ichida & Ofo Nkwo

Before the advent of formal meetings, all major Ajani assemblies were held under the shade of the Ofo Nkwo tree. The tree remains a powerful symbol, giving rise to the saying, "Ị na-eri okwu I bu ofor Nkwor".

Nkwo Ichida is one of the most revered institutions in Ichida and Ajani in particular. It served as:

• A major marketplace

• A spiritual center

• A judicial ground where disputes were settled

The saying “Ị na-eri okwu, ị bu Ofo Nkwo” reflects the authority of Ofo Nkwo as a traditional court of justice.

Ajani people have historically gone to great lengths to protect Nkwo Ichida, earning the saying:
“Ajani bi na Nkwo” — Nkwo is our other name.

Cultural Institutions & Traditions

Leadership & Governance

Ajani Village has consistently played a responsible and peace-loving role in Ichida leadership.

Warrant Chiefs Era

During colonial administration, Ajani fell under Onuogu Ajani, headed by Chief Ezeudegbunam Ezeokonkwo (Agbakanaogu), a warrant chief remembered for his fairness and fear of God.

Ndi Ichie Representation

Ajani has been properly represented in Ichida’s cabinet across generations, including respected Ichies from Isiube, Umuelimehi, Umudunnu, Umuebo Ajani, and Obiuga axis.

Role in Igwe Selection

Ajani played a decisive role in the selection of Ichida’s first Igwe and subsequent Igwes, consistently placing the unity of Ichida above village advantage.
Traditionally, an Ajani person crowns the Igwe of Ichida, a role Ajani has performed with honour on multiple occasions.