Why Igbo Women Don't Inherit Ancestral Land 1. Igbo women inherit ancestral land, just not from their fathers. First thing to understand is what is ancestral land, how it differs from land, and why this custom exists. (Thread)

13. Finally, some communities required its men to be a part of specific moral orders in order to hold public office. For Aros and related community, this was Ekpe/Okonko who's members were Maazi. For most Ndiigbo it was Nze na Ozo, who's members were Nze, Ozo or Igwe (the leader)

13. Another type of traditional ruler emerged as warlords or hyper-successful men who's status was preserved as a hereditary monarchy. Typically in the coastal Niger Delta and previously known as Merchant Kings. This class tends to have more direct command of their communities

12. The Igwe (Men's government) and Omu (Women's government)'s primary responsibility is the spiritual balance and well being of the community. Most of their duties are conducting ritual and prayer. They can often veto decisions which violate Ofo Ala.

11. Eze/Igwe titles are a creation of the Ofo an Ogu cosmological framework. Meaning all things in creation have an Ofo. the Ofo is it's mandate to exist in the eyes of Ala na Igwe. Every community has an Ofo, the Igwe/Eze is the Ofo holder/caretaker of the community (Ejiofo)

10. The Oha democracy system therefore had several autonomous unions with specific roles in the community and legally binding jurisdiction. So what is the role of the Eze/Obi/Igwe etc?

9. Other autonomous 'governments' were Masquarade Societies (Otu Mmuo), Market Women's Unions, and Craft based unions such as Otu Agwu (Dibia Union), Otu Nka (Smith's Union) Otu Ahia (Market women's union). All of these bodies regulated and governed their industries

8. Age grades had social responsibilities assigned. One age-grade formed the military, another cleaned and maintained public infrustructure, another cleared farm land, one build houses etc.

7. And example is the age grades. Each age grade, like the Umunna and Ndiiyem, were self governing units. They could hold court among members, regulate member behavior, make laws, provide mutual aid and set initatives. This means 1 person can be a part of many 'governments'

6. The Oha is an assembly which formed the town's collective government where town-wide decisions were made. Important to note that in most towns, Oha was 'summoned' when an affair arose, or met at set times of the year. This is because most social units were self-governing