An Anthropolinguistic Perspective to Ịgọ Ọjị (Kola Nut Invocation) among the Igbo People of Nigeria
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Chiamaka Ngozi Oyeka
Tags: 2025 Nigeria University of Lagos Lagos Chiamaka Ngozi Oyeka
Abstract
One of the outstanding features that mark Igbo culture is the kola nut. Traditionally, the kola nut goes through a ritual termed igo oji ‘the kola nut invocation’ before it is eaten. Research have been carried out by Igbo scholars on the kola nut custom, but inadequate attention has been paid to the invocation involved in the process. The present study examines the invocation process with a view to delineating the nature of the invocation, the structure and the manner of language used in the invocation in contemporary times. Twelve male adults were interviewed for this study. The choice of only males is based on the fact that in patriarchal Igbo society, kola nut is the business of men. The researcher equally observed igo oji in three different occasions. Information gathered from the interviewees and observations formed the data for this study. Analysis of data shows that, the process of igo oji is no longer strictly adhered to due to reasons of changes in religious inclination and orientation among the Igbo. The structure and language of the invocation are no longer followed. It is recommended that, to avoid conflict and disputations, Christians should restrict themselves to prayers over kola nut, while traditionalists should continue with kola nut invocation.
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