Alayi

Alayi
Country	Nigeria
State	Abia State
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Alayi is a community in Abia State, Nigeria. Alayi is divided into two sections, Amankalu and Akoliufu .

Demographics

Many of its people are from Bende LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. But people of other ethnic origins, as well as some foreign Nationals from Ghana, Togo and other country also live and work in Alayi in a peaceful atmosphere.

Constituencies and Neighbouring Areas

Alayi is divided into 2 constituencies: Amankalu and Akoliufu, with 10 autonomous communities:- Alayi (Amaeke), Amaukwu, Amakwu, Umenyere, Etitialayi, Isiaku, Isiama, Amaigwu and Umukalu. Alayi is bordered by Item, Igbere, Ozuitem, Isukwato, Ezeukwe Alayi and Ugwueke Alayi.

Government & Leadership

The hereditary supreme ruler of Alayi Kingdom is called Igboji. The last Igboji - His Royal Majesty (Eze) Onwukwe Onwukwe was buried in December 2008. His Royal Majesty (Eze) Ukaejelam Philip has been nominated to assume the staff of Igboji of Alayi. It should be noted that Amaeke community is the only community that did not became autonomous and retains the name Alayi, and happens to be the home of Igboji, the official seat of government in Alayi. Naturally, upon Igboji's death, the people of Ndi Elendu Royal Family will nominate one of their illustrious sons to take over the staff of Igboji. The Igboji of Alayi is the head of all the Alayi Traditional rulers and represents the Alayi Community in the Abia State Council of Ndi Eze (Traditional rulers).

There has been a controversy regarding the status of Amaeke and Igboji in general. When the HRM Eze Onwukwe Onwukwe passed, one of the traditional rulers partitioned the Alayi Development Union, requesting to allow him to assume the Igboji title, the request was unanimously declined.

People have asked why is it that Amaeke is not autonomous like other communities that make up Alayi. The answer is very simple; Amaeke Alayi is the seat of government in Alayi, not rule by any autonomous leader. Amaeke status is simply more like Abuja and Washington, DC in analogy.

Traditional rulers

Title	Autonomous Community	Traditional Ruler	Sub Section	Palace
Igboji of Alayi	Not Autonomous	H.R.M. Eze Ukejelam Philip	Akoliufu	Amaeke Alayi
Akoliukwu of Agboakoli	Agboakoli	H.R.H. Eze Linus Okoronkwo	Akoliufu	Agboakoli Alayi
Mgbidiukwu of Amakwu	Amakwu	H.R.H. Eze Christopher Ukoma	Akoliufu	Amakwu Alayi
? of Amaukwu	Amaukwu	H.R.H. Eze Emmanuel Chukwu	Akoliufu	Amaoku Alayi
Enyereukwu of Umenyere	Umenyere	H.R.H. Eze Chima Eke Chima	Akoliufu	Umenyere Alayi
? of Etiti Alayi	Etiti	H.R.H. Eze Morris Eke Okorie	Akoliufu	Umenyere Alayi
? of Isiaku	Isiaku	H.R.H. Eze (Barr.) Uche Elekwa	Amankalu	?
? of Isiama	Isiama	H.R.H. Eze K. C. Abba	Amankalu	?
Anaorie of Amaigwu	Amaigwu	H.R.H. Eze Aka Ejere	Amankalu	?
? of Umunkalu	Umunkalu	H.R.H. Eze Steven Igwe	Amankalu	?
Nkalukwu of	?	H.R.H. Eze Ufere	Amankalu	?

Culture

Many Alayi people are traders and industrialists in Aba and Lagos, as well as the used clothing importation business in countries like Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana. The most common religion is Christianity.

Alayi has a very rich culture, which is reflected not only in their language and food but also in dances, group formations, festivals, etc. The people have norms, customs and practices that have endured over time through which conflicts are controlled and resolved. The New Yam Festival is the most popular which are celebrated in August with a lot dances including Okonko, Ekpo, Oboni and Akpaniko are exclusively for men, there are also many other seasonal dances like Ikoro, Ajonkwu (Amaeke), Edere (Umuenyere) Lughulughu (Amaoku/Amaukwu) Igwansi (Amakwu).

Mode of Governance

Alayi is governed by the traditional rulers with the help of the Council of Chiefs. There is also the Youth Movement called "Uke Oza Ama" who also see to keep the youths under control and also see to the cleanness of the village. This group dciplines any child that gets beyond the control of his/her parents thereby helping other children to behave well.

References

Umuagbala Amautazi Amankalu Alayi is also a community in Alayi which observe a unique culture known as Ekete. this is performed by playing a particular drum by men, performing magical acts (spiritism) and also dancing. During this festival women and children are regarded as observers. This festival is observed during the New Yam Festval(2 days after eating the new yam. This community is borded by Ndiotai and has what is known as (Ikwu)which are Ndiokereke, Ndiotai, and Umuachom. Their old men worship an idol god known as (Ogbaegbu) discovered by their fore fathers. Allegance to ths deity is deteriorating through the influence of Christianity.

External links

• Alayi Development Union
• Map of Alayi