The term Eke Uke is often used derogatorily to describe local dogs and, at times, people who are considered old-fashioned or outdated.
Uke is a town located in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State, neighboring towns such as Ojoto, Umuoji, and Nnobi. Like many Igbo communities, Uke has a market named after one of the four traditional market days, in this case, Eke. The market is therefore called Eke-Uke, similar to how markets in other Igbo towns are named after their dominant market days—examples include Nkwo Igboukwu, Eke Okigwe, Eke Onu Imo, Nkwo Achara, Nkwo Nnewi, Orie Nimo, Afor Nnobi, Eke Awka, and Eke Akpara etc.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Eke-Uke market became widely known for its dog trade, much like how Afor Nnobi is currently famous for goat and sheep sales. Various types of dogs were available for purchase in this market, from healthy, energetic ones to sickly or unattractive ones. However, the market became associated with dogs of a less appealing appearance, leading to the term Eke Uke being used to describe ugly or undesirable dogs.
Over time, the phrase evolved and continues to be used today, referring to both unattractive dogs and, more broadly, anything considered outdated or unappealing.
