The name “Aba” carries profound historical and cultural importance in Igboland, where it appears in the names of various towns and cities. In Anambra, for instance, there are Abagana and Abatete, while Abangwa is found in Abia State. Ebonyi State is home to Abakailiki and Abaomege, and in Delta State, there is Ahaba, also known as Asaba. Additionally, many people in Igboland bear “Aba” as part of their surname, such as in the case of Abaribe.
Despite its widespread use, the true meaning of “Aba” has long been a subject of curiosity. HRH Eze Ikonne, Enyi 1 of Aba, provided some insight into this matter a few years ago. He explained that the name Aba Ngwa, often synonymous with Enyimba, carries significant cultural meaning.
In Igbo culture, names often reflect spiritual beliefs or local features, such as Kamalu and Agwu for deities, or Enugwu (Hill top) for geographical characteristics. Most Igbo names are imbued with meanings that convey deep cultural significance.
HRH Eze Ikonne, who served as the former chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, celebrated his 90th birthday and 46 years on the throne in 2022. As the monarch of Eziama community, one of the original Osusu settlers in Aba, he shared the rich history and significance of the city.
Aba, also known as Enyimba City, remains a crucial commercial hub in the South East, and Nigeria, despite facing infrastructural challenges before . The name “Enyimba” is deeply embedded in the city’s identity, with public institutions often bearing the name, and it is also the name of the city’s football club, Enyimba International FC.
The origin of the name “Enyimba City” is linked to the migration of Igbo groups from Uli, in present-day Anambra State, to Aba area. As these migrants reached the Imo River, some crossed quickly, earning the nickname “ndi ome ngwa ngwa” (people in a hurry), while those who stayed behind to roast yams were called “umu ohuhu” (those who roast yam). This migration contributed to the settlement of the Ngwa people in what is now Mbaise, Imo State.
The Ngwa people who crossed the Imo River eventually settled in Okpuala, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government of Abia State. As their population grew, some ventured to establish new settlements. According to legend, an elephant emerged as a divine guide, leading the people to the area now known as Aba. As the elephant cleared the path, the people followed and settled there, in an area initially occupied by the Osusus, Eziukwus, and Ohazus.
The Ngwa people’s meeting point was Ehi Road, named after the mysterious elephant that vanished upon reaching this location. The community views the elephant as a divine instrument guiding them to their new home. Another significant site was the Uha tree, which stood at the centre of the city, where Azikiwe Road and Asa Road intersect today. This tree served as a communal meeting point and a place for religious consultations.
When the British colonial administration arrived, the first administrator, Mr. Fox, asked the locals for the name of the plain area in their native language. The response, “Aba,” derived from the Igbo word “baraa,” meaning plain, became the city’s official name.
Under colonial rule, Aba saw the introduction of warrant chiefs, with Chief Ogbonna Oguikpe Nkwogu serving as the first warrant chief. These chiefs acted as judges, maintaining justice without corruption. The city’s expansion continued with the development of the Ekeoha market, attracting traders from across Nigeria and even Cameroon.
Aba’s growth also included the construction of its first roads, such as Faulks Road, Howell Crescent, Azikiwe Road, and Ngwa Road, as well as the establishment of primary schools and churches like St. Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church and Christ the King Catholic Church on Asa Road.
Today, Aba is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population that extends beyond its original inhabitants. Although the Ogbor people are now part of Aba, their history does not include the divine elephant migration story.
In summary, the name “Aba” is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural fabric of Igboland. It has played a crucial role in shaping the identity and development of the city of Aba and its people.
