The Okuko in Igbo Sculpture: Deconstructing Identity and Sacrifice in Nigeria’s Hubris.
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Francis Nnamdi Ikwuegbu
Tags: 2025 Nigeria Imo State University Owerri Imo State Francis Nnamdi Ikwuegbu
Abstract
The Igbo people in Nigeria exhibit a dual personality—often perceived as both a blessing and a curse by other Nigerians. Since the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates under British colonial rule, the Igbo have faced persistent strife. European colonial interference, followed by Northern political dominance after the 1967–70 Biafran War, entrenched a legacy of marginalization, terror, and systemic oppression that persists to this day. Despite the post-war declaration of “no victor, no vanquished,” the Igbo continues to endure significant socio-political and economic challenges. While their skills, creativity, ingenuity, and industriousness are celebrated, their oratorical prowess, resilience, demands for equity, and insistence on accountability are often met with hostility and rejection. The Igbo are frequently cast as scapegoats, symbolized by the *Okuko* (cock), a sacrificial metaphor for Nigeria’s *hubris*. The cock, traditionally a wake-up call for the Igbo to confront their challenges, is instead seen by Nigeria as a readily available sacrifice for national cleansing during moments of crisis. This paper examines the folklore, lifeworld, and worldview of the Igbo, as reflected in the symbolism of the *Okuko* in Igbo sculpture and visual expression. Using participant observation for data collection, the study deconstructs the *Okuko* as a metaphor for the Igbo experience in Nigeria. By exploring the positive and negative traits of the Igbo personality, the paper aims to provide insights that empower the Igbo to resist shock, embarrassment, and hatred, enabling them to stand tall amidst adversity.
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