Historic Move: Imo Communities Pledge to Abolish Outdated Caste Systems

Historic Move: Imo Communities Pledge to Abolish Outdated Caste Systems

In a significant step towards social progress, two Imo State communities, Amurie Omanze and Oboro Amurie, located in Isu Local Council, are poised to abolish the Osu, Ohu, Ume, and Diala caste systems on January 4, 2024. This transformative decision follows years of advocacy by human rights activists and organizations, including the National Human Rights Commission, Pillars of Hope Africa Initiative (POHAI), G’naira Family Foundation (GFF), and Kemdi Chino Opera Foundation (KCOF).

Chinyere Oge-Kalu, the Executive Director of POHAI, expressed optimism that the efforts to dismantle these caste systems will extend beyond the two communities, eventually encompassing the entirety of Imo State and Igbo land. Oge-Kalu applauded the traditional rulers and the people of Amurie Ancient Kingdom, specifically Amurie Omanze and Oboro Amurie, for taking the lead in eradicating these dehumanizing caste systems that have treated fellow compatriots as slaves or outcastes.

The proclamation to abolish the Osu, Ume, Ohu, and Diala caste systems on January 4, 2024, was made by Eze Udo II of Amurie Omanze, Eze C.O Nnajiemere, and Duruoha 1 of Oboro Amurie, Eze V.O Ahamefule Durugwoegebu IV. This historic move is a testament to the collective commitment towards fostering a more inclusive and egalitarian society in the region.