Discover Abatete!!

 Abatete is a historic town in Anambra State, located in Idemili North Local Government Area. It is surrounded by neighboring communities including Uke, Ogidi, Abacha, Oraukwu, Alor, Ideani, Eziowelle, and Umuoji. 

 The people of Abatete are part of the Igbo-speaking ethnic group of Eastern Nigeria, with a rich cultural, religious, and political heritage. 

Abatete traces its ancestry to Okolie Otie, regarded as the ancestral father of:

 Abatete

Umuoji

Nkpor

 Though Otie’s origin remains historically unsettled, his descendants shaped several major communities. 

1. Edeogu – Founder of Abatete
2. Ora – Ancestor of Umuoji
3. Ideke – Ancestor of Nkpor
    

Edeogu married Mgboko Eke and had nine sons:

• Nsukwu
• Agbaja
• Isiuzo
• Akwa
• Azuogwa
• Mputu
• Odida
• Ogbu

Over time, only four survived to form the four major villages of Abatete:

• Nsukwu
• Agbaja
• Odida
• Ogbu
   

The Isiuzo clan later formed a quarter but was eventually driven out due to internal feuds.

 Originally:

• Mbateghete
• Corrupted to Abateghete
• Eventually became Abatete during British colonial administration.
   

Edeogu proudly referred to his children as “Igwulube-Otie”, signifying the strength in plurality.

 In 1904, the British Protectorate of Southern Nigeria based in Onitsha launched a military operation called Otiji Egbe.

• British soldiers posed as peacemakers.
• Asked gun owners to assemble at the market square.
• Once gathered, they:

• Opened fire
• Burnt shrines and market stalls
• Confiscated and destroyed native guns
   

This marked:

• The collapse of Abatete’s military strength
• The imposition of colonial authority
• A deep mistrust of colonial rule (especially in Ogbu)

 After colonial conquest, the British required each quarter to appoint a Warrant Chief. 

 Selected Chiefs: 

 Agbaja:  Ogbuefi Omenyi Anaekwe 

 Nsukwu:  Chief Onwadiebo Nebuwa Ezekwe 

 Odida:  Chief Eze-Elisiaku Anyaegbu 

 Ogbu:  Chief Uduezue Omaliko 

 These chiefs became intermediaries between colonial authorities and the people. 

  1908 – First Church & School

Built by Catholic missionary Rev. Father Ward at Agbaja.

• 50 boys from each village
• Penalty for lateness: one fowl per offense
• Led to tensions over distribution of fines

The Church Missionary Society (C.M.S) built:

• Christ Church, Olile-Nsukwu (1914)
• St John’s Church, Ogbu-Ikwele
   

In 1930, both merged to form:

• Holy Trinity Church at Afor-Agu

 Growth of Schools in Abatete:

• 1937 – Holy Trinity School (Uno Akwukwo Afo-Agu), founded by the Anglican Mission.
   
• 1945 – New Africa School (later renamed Chukwura Primary School), founded by Sir P. E. Chukwura.
   
• 1948 – Holy Rosary Convent School, founded by the Catholic Mission.
   
• 1958 – Notre Dame High School (formerly Lugard Memorial High School), founded by Chief T.O. Morah and Chief S. Mbakwe.
   
• 1979 – Girls Secondary School, established by the Abatete Social Club.

  Christianity introduced rivalry between:

• Anglican
• Catholic

This rivalry spilled into politics.

Eastern Region Government required towns to appoint a recognized monarch.

Two candidates emerged:

• Chief Peter Aroh Eze-Onyeka (Anglican)
• Chief Onunkwo Ezenwayo (Catholic-backed)
   

Abatete had two rival Igwes.

Supporters coined phrases:

• “Utala n’ofe”
• “Akpu aghaka”
   

The crisis lasted until 1963 when resolved at Ekeagu.

 1976 Government Policy

Anambra State required formal recognition of traditional rulers.

Candidates:

• Chief P. U. Mkpume
• Chief J. C. J. Anaekwe
• Chief Anisiobi
   

After Justice Agbakoba’s Commission of Enquiry:

🏆 Chief P. U. Mkpume was recognized.

On Nkwo market day, Saturday June 9, 1990:

Chief Patrick Ugochukwu Mkpume was crowned
Igwe Edeogu I of Abatete

 Abatete reflects classic Igbo socio-political structure:

• Village-based governance
• Strong kinship lineage
• Market-centered economy
• Dual religious legacy (Traditional + Christian)
   

Despite colonial trauma and religious rivalry, Abatete evolved into:

✔ A center of education
✔ A politically structured town
✔ A culturally resilient Igbo community

• 1937 – Holy Trinity School (Uno Akwukwo Afo-Agu), founded by the Anglican Mission.
   
• 1945 – New Africa School (later renamed Chukwura Primary School), founded by Sir P. E. Chukwura.
   
• 1948 – Holy Rosary Convent School, founded by the Catholic Mission.
   
• 1958 – Notre Dame High School (formerly Lugard Memorial High School), founded by Chief T.O. Morah and Chief S. Mbakwe.
   
• 1979 – Girls Secondary School, established by the Abatete Social Club.