Abiriba
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Abiriba is one of the major town in Ohafia local Governments Area in Abia state of Nigeria, Abiriba consist of Amogudu, Ameke, Agboji. Abiriba is popularly known as Small London.
The origin of the Abiriba people is not as speculative as the origin of other Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria. Historical evidence exists to support the fact that Abiriba people have common ancestor with the Yakor tribe of Ekoi of cross river basin and the people of Arochukwu. At Ekoi, constant disputes between the seven families under Ukpaghiri prompted the clan to move to Ena and finally to Akpa.
The settlement at Akpa was difficult for many years due to hostilities of the neighbors. After the death of Ukpaghiri, Mbiriba and his group moved to Usukpam and stayed there for many years but were never at peace with the neighbors. Mbiriba decided to move to Udara-ebuo whereas Otusi led the other branch of the family down stream and eventually founded Arochukwu. The term Nwadim is often used between Abiriba and Aros because of our common lineage. Mbiriba who had advanced in age, moved his group once more and settled at Udara-ebuo.
Nature was inhospitable to the inhabitants at Udara-ebuo. There was no water and the place was overrun by monkeys. Oral history has it that monkeys used to visit homes to look for food, and the people became sick living on monkey meat only. Mbiriba died at Udara-ebuo and left his son Ifa Mbiriba in charge.
Ifa Mbiriba finally moved to Uruanta and Agboha and settled there. The new settlement was very fertile and had a natural fortress. Thus Abiriba was derived from the name Mbiriba or nickname “Ebiri-Aba”.
Oko Ogo opened Ndi Okogo which is currently where the Chiefs palace is situated. Nwagu Ifa founded Okagwe and later Agboji. Ngwu founded Ihungwu. Chukwu Oke founded Amogudu. The name Amaeke was derived from the market day Eke. The Capital of Abiriba is Ameke and the paramount Chief for the whole Abiriba uses the title Enachi-oken.
Incessant conflicts and border skirmishes between the Item and Amogudu led to the creation of a standing army in form of the age-grade system. Historical artifacts exist to support the consensus that the age-grade system started at Amogudu. Nwagu Ifa, Ngwu, Oko Ogo and Chukwu Oke used the age-grade as a standing army to protect the Abiriba from hostile neighbors. Among the accomplishments of the age-grade systems are:
Akahaba-Abiriba Joint Hospital by Akahaba Age grade The Clock Tower by Ojighiri age-grade Onarubi Secondary/Technical School by Onarubi age-grade Abiriba Post Office by Nchina age-grade Central School New Duplex by Akpankuma age-grade Erinma community hall by Erinma age-grade. Nursing school by Onyiba age-grade Stadiums by the Akhaba II age-grade..
There are numerous accomplishments by the age grades that are not listed here.
Abiriba has achieved tremendous success in business and industry but has not been very active in politics. They take pride in their culture and traditions. They resisted the early European influence but were open to innovation and receptive to foreigners. Thus the old Abiriba saying “Obia Ibe Nwaaba bu Nwaba” (He who lives at Abiriba is an Abiriba citizen.) There are numerous accomplishments by the age grades that are not listed here.
