What Is OSU
The term “Osu” is a social categorization system that is found in some parts of Imo State, Nigeria. The Osu caste system is a form of discrimination based on ancestry and is associated with the worship of deities or gods in some communities.
In many traditional societies in Nigeria, there is a belief that certain people are dedicated to serving the gods or deities of the land, and this belief often creates a divide between the Osu and the non-Osu people. The Osu are believed to be descendants of people who were dedicated to the gods in the past and were therefore considered to be permanently set apart from the rest of the society.
The Osu caste system is a form of discrimination that affects people’s social and economic lives. In many communities, the Osu are excluded from certain social and religious activities, and they are often not allowed to marry outside their caste. This practice creates a social hierarchy that perpetuates inequality and discrimination.
The term “Osu” is considered derogatory and offensive by many people because it implies that a certain group of people are inferior to others. There have been several campaigns to eradicate the Osu caste system in Imo State and other parts of Nigeria, with many organizations working to promote equality and inclusivity in their communities.
Read Also : The Most Populated States In Nigeria
The List Of Osu Villages In Imo State
AZUZIAHI-EZIUDO
A village in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
AMAUDI
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
AZUAHIA
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.<
AGUNA
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
DIALUM
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
DURUNAEZIKE
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
EBEOKIMMA-DIBIA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
EGBE-OWERRE
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
IDEM
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
IKPEM
A village in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
ISIEBU
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
NNEATO UGWUNEZE
A village in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
OBOKWU
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
OKOHIA
A village in Osu-Owerre community of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
OKPOFE
A village in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUOMA
A village in Onicha town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUAWAM
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihhite Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUELUMA
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMOSISI
A village in Obizi town in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUIRE
EZIAMA-OBIATO
A village in Mbatoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
UGWUALA
A village in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEGBE
A village in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUNEKE
A village in Anara Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUOLUWE
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEHIE
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUAGWU
A village in Anara community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UKWUAKWU
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUAGWUNTA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUAGWUUKWU
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUCHIOMA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUDUR
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUDURU-ORJI
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUDURU/NNEJI
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEBOISE
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEGBE
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEKE
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUELEMA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEZEALA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUEZEALA-EGBEMA
A village in Umuduru town in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUICHIE
A village in Umuduru town of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMULUWE-AJIRIJA
A village in Umuduru town of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
UMUOGWUMA-UMUNWAEBO
A village in Umuduru town of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
In Conclusion
Christianity has had a significant impact on the practice of Osu in the Imo State and other parts of Nigeria. The introduction of Christianity in Nigeria, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, marked a significant turning point in the history of the Osu caste system.
Christianity preaches the message of love, equality, and non-discrimination. The message of Christianity challenged the Osu caste system and other discriminatory practices prevalent in traditional societies in Nigeria. Many Christian missionaries and preachers in Imo State and other parts of Nigeria actively worked to eliminate the practice of Osu and promote inclusivity in their communities.
The Christian message of equality and non-discrimination has had a significant impact on the practice of Osu in Imo State. Many people who were once discriminated against and excluded from certain social and religious activities because of their Osu status have now found acceptance and equal treatment in Christian communities. Many Christian churches and denominations in Imo State have also actively worked to eliminate the practice of Osu in their communities.
However, it is important to note that the elimination of the practice of Osu is an ongoing process, and there are still instances of discrimination against Osu in some parts of Imo State and other parts of Nigeria. Efforts must continue to be made to promote inclusivity and equality in all aspects of Nigerian society.