The History and Heritage of Aguleri

Aguleri is a significant town in Nigeria, belonging to the Igbo ethnic group. Situated on the banks of the Anambra River, a tributary of the great River Niger, Aguleri holds a prominent position as the largest town in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State. This town is bordered by Umueri, Anam, and Nando to the west; Anaku, Omor, Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, and Umueje to the east; Iggah, Ojjor, Asaba, and Ogwurugwu communities of Uzo Uwani LGA in Enugu State to the south; and Obele, Odeke, and Eshonwa communities of Ibaji LGA in Kogi State to the north.

The origins of Aguleri are deeply rooted in oral tradition, which traces back to a man named Eri. According to legend, Eri settled at the bank of the river and constructed an altar of onyx at the confluence of the Ezu and Omabala rivers. However, due to annual flooding, Eri relocated upland to Eri-aka near the Odanduli stream, eventually establishing his final settlement at Obu Uga (Obu-Gad).

Eri had five children: Agulu (Aguleri), Attah, Oba, Menri, and Adamgbo (Iguedo, his only daughter). All of Eri’s children lived together in Aguleri until his death. After Eri passed away, his sons dispersed to various locations where they founded new kingdoms. Attah, the second son, established the Igala Kingdom, while Oba moved to found the Benin Kingdom. Menri left Aguleri to establish the Nri Kingdom. Eri’s first son, Agulu-eri (Aguleri), remained in the area, inheriting his father’s land and expanding the kingdom.

Aguleri married three wives: Ada, Omali, and Eke. Initially, Ada, the first wife, struggled to conceive. Consequently, Aguleri married Omali, the second wife, who bore him his first son, Ivite. Later, Ada conceived and gave birth to the second son, Igboezunu. Aguleri’s third wife, Eke, was blessed with two sons, Enugwu and Eziagulu. These three wives of Aguleri formed the foundation of what is known as Akwukwonato.

Today, Aguleri is divided into three main quarters: Igboezunu, Ivite, and Enugwu na Eziagulu (Ugwu na Adegbe). These quarters consist of component families that are present both in Aguleri Uno and Aguleri Otu. This division reflects the rich and structured lineage of the town, preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Aguleri’s historical narrative is integral to the broader Igbo culture and history. The town’s founding story, centered on Eri, is a cornerstone of the Igbo people’s origin myths. Eri’s establishment of the altar at the river confluence and subsequent movements due to environmental challenges reflect the adaptive nature of the Igbo people. The dispersal of Eri’s sons to establish various significant kingdoms highlights the influential role of Aguleri in the ancient geopolitical landscape of the region.

Aguleri stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural depth of the Igbo ethnic group. From its founding by Eri to its present-day structure, the town encapsulates a legacy of resilience, adaptation, and expansion. The stories of Eri and his descendants continue to be a vital part of Aguleri’s identity, influencing its social structure and cultural traditions. As the largest town in the Anambra East Local Government Area, Aguleri remains a central figure in the history and ongoing narrative of the Igbo people.