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Mbaise is a region and a people located in Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. Set in the heart of Igboland, it includes several towns and cities. The name "Mbaise" was derived from five cities: Agbaja, Ahiara, Ekwereazu, Ezi na Ihite and Oke Uvuru. The area of Mbaise (the three Local Government Areas) is about 404 km²: Aboh Mbaise (185 km²), Ahiazu Mbaise (111 km²), Ezinihitte Mbaise (108 km²). The Mbaise Slogan is ''Seat of Sages''. ==Culture and demographics== The people are Igbo. About 90% Catholics, while Protestants and other religions comprise the remaining amount. The Nkwotile dance (rump dance) is common in Mbaise. This is the chance used for celebrating the annual yam festival and for propitiating the yam god Ajoku (Ahanjoku). This dance has been modified over the years to ekpe, mmanwu (masquerade), Ikoro, ekereavu, abigbo to mgba (wrestling). Other music and dances include: "A gbachaa E kuru Nwa", Nkwa omuru nwa, Alija, Edere, Egwu Onu Nwa, Ekwirikwe Mgba, Ese, Nkelenke, Nkwa Ike, Nkwa Udu, Ogbongelenge, Uko etc. There are also numerous socio-political titles which feature prominently in Mbaise just like in other parts of Igboland. The titles include: Eze (king), Nze, Okenze, Ozo, Duru, Durunze, Ezeji (yam lord) and more. Some famous Eze and chiefs in Mbaise include, late Ezeji and Eze Cletus Ogbonna Oparaoji- Eze Oha 1 of Amuzi Autonomous Community, Late Eze Barr. B.S.C. Nzenwa, Obizie lll of Obizi and "Opara Mbaise". Eze Ambrose Waturuocha Eze Udo IV of Nguru Nwekeoha, Late Eze Pius Oguledo Nwoga of Umuokirika, Ekwereazu, Late Eze Alphonsus A Ezeh (Nkwo of Onicha NweNkwo), Late Eze F. U. Anyanwu (Igwe Akajiaku of Ekwerazu and Odozi Obodo I of Mpam, founder FUASON Industries Ltd), Late Eze R. O. Ekenna (Obizie of Obizi), Late Eze Onyeahialam (Eze of Obodo Ujichi autonomous community in Ihenweorie),late chief sir Geoffrey Onukogu(former president general Ezinihitte Development Association EDA), Chief P. E Madu of Amuzi, late Professor (Chief) COE Onwuliri- former vice chancellor. Federal University of Technology Owerri, Eze Donatus O. Eke (Eze of Akabor in Ihenweorie), Eze Cyril Akagbulem Unamka, Eze Pius Chukwuemeka Unamka, Eze Stephen Nwabueze Ugorji of Lorji Nwekeukwu. Remembering the notable warrant chiefs that governed the land during the colonial rule are Chief Waturuocha of Nguruchief Koko Njoku Ariaha of Obodo Ujichi, Eze Cyril Akagbulem Unamka of Amuzi, MBE, OBE (The first Paramount Ruler of Mbaise and Life President of Mbaise County Court), and others. Nigeria is today a democratic nation, thanks to the untiring and courageous fight of our Mbaise son, Professor Edward Oparaoji, who as a US-based National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain and Chairman Nigerian Democratic Awareness Committee (NDAC) facilitated the transfer of power from the Nigerian military to elected civilians. Professor Oparaoji faced down Nigeria's worst dictator General Sani Abacha, at the height of his oppressive regime. Mbaise also boasts of her sons and daughters who have attained enviable political heights and accomplishments during this new democratic dispensation; namely Hon Emeka Ihedioha -Deputer Speaker National Assembly, Prof. (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri- Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator (Mrs) Chris Anyanwu, Engineer John Chukwu- Permanent secretary Federal Capital Territory The Mbaise people have festivals which attract both locals and foreign tourists - the Iwa Akwa, "Oji-mbaise" (kolanut festival) and the wildly politicized "Iri-Ji-Mbaise" (the New Yam Festival). The "Iri Ji" ceremony is celebrated on August 15 every year. Eyiri eyi Obohia which is celebrated at the second nkwo obohia market day in august every has remained a foremost cultural festival for Obohia people of Ahiazu Mbaise. It mark the beginning of a new calender when Ezeala Ogugo eats new yam. Today Obohia is made up four autonomous communities and they still come together to celebrate this great cultural festival. The highlight is the special ugu mmanu soup only prepared for the ceremony and the ekpe dance at the nkwo obohia market square. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mbaise」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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