THE OSU CASTE SYSTEM IN IGBOLAND: THE IMMUTABLENESS OF A HIDDEN CONSPIRACY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v7i1.428Keywords:
untouchable, natural rights, Pariah, outcast, panaceaAbstract
The Osu debacle is such a loathsome system that has survived the assaults of modernity and religion. Although a fair proportion of the Igbo race may be thought of have elected to get it into extinction, the body language of a great many seems to show that they are not in a hurry to let go. Given the efforts supposedly made to bring the Osu caste system to an end by various eminent social classes and persons, and its continued existence without demur, one wonders whether the proponents of its abolition are not but paying lip services. This paper, therefore, proffered some measures that may be taken to drive enough nails to the chest of the obnoxious system.
References
A. Okoli, D. Agbo, P. Okutu, C. Alozie, C. Adonu, I. Odu & J.Ikemefula, Osu caste system: Fury in Igbo land over continued practice, Vanguard, September 16, 2020.
C. Achebe (1958), Things fall Apart, Heinemann Ltd.
C. Achebe (1960), No longer at ease, Heinemann Ltd.
C. Amadife, ‘The Culture That Must Die’ Sunday Times. 12(34), March 23, 1988, p.3.
C. O. Mgbada (2016). Osu Caste System and the Problem of Slave Integration in Igboland,
The Abakiliki Experience, pp 351-370. In: D. Imbua, C. Ogbogbo, S. Effah, and Y. Ochefu (Editors) Okon Uya @70: Issues in Historiography, Nation-Building and the African Diaspora. 585p. Aboki Publishers, Markurdi.
F. Onwubuariri,. Appraising the Osu caste system in Igboland within the context of complementary reflection” IGWEBUIKE: An African Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2: 4 (2016) 54-93.
G. Anyanwu, Clergy unite against Osu caste system in S’ East, The Sun, 26th July 2018
G. D. Berreman, "Caste" The International Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences L. David Sills (ed.) Vols. 1 and 2 Macmillan and Collier Inc. (1968) pp. 333-338.
L. Njoku, Taming Osu Caste System in Igbo land, The Guardian, 20 January 2019.
L. William (2002). The Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction of Philosophy, Wadworth-Thomson Learning, Belmont, p.592.
N. Anderson ed. (1985), The World's Religions Leicester, InterVarsity Press.
N. Emeghara, The Osu Caste System in Nigeria: A Christian Response, Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology 13.1, pp.26-43
O. T. Abia, N.S. Amalu and C.K. Ariche, Osu caste system and human rights in Igboland:1900-2017, Global Journal of Social Sciences vol. 20, 2021: p.69-76.
U. Ajuzieogu, How People Became Osu in Igbo Land, https://uchechukwuajuzieogu.medium.com/how-people-became-osu-in-igbo-land-a7214ed78bb7


