In Ohafia, a town in Abia state, Igbo land, ‘Ikwu nne’ (mother’s lineage) is considered more important than the father’s.

In Ohafia, a town in Abia state, Igbo land, ‘Ikwu nne’ (mother’s lineage) is considered more important than the father’s. People believe that a child belongs to their mother’s family, known as ‘Ndi Ikwu nne’. They follow a matrilineal practice, where people are seen as part of their mother’s kin group and inherit property from them.

According to Ohafia folklore, in the past, when Ohafia followed a system where inheritance was based on the father’s lineage, a man accidentally k!lled one of his relatives. He sought refuge with his father’s family, but they rejected him. He then turned to his mother’s family, who welcomed and protected him. One of his mother’s sisters even sacrificed herself to ensure his safety.

Touched by the support of his mother’s family, the man decided to leave all his possessions to them before he passed away. This led the Ohafia people to believe that a mother’s role is supreme, a concept known as ‘Nneka’. Today, this matrilineal system still exists in Ohafia.