Mmaku

History

There have been several myths related to the history of Mmaku.

One of them goes thus:

Anekemmadu is a hunter, he came to a land that is favorable for him and produces good yield and decided to live there with his wife Udumeogwee, his wife gave birth to 3 sons namely, Nnaka known now as Achi the first son, Ezianu known now as Mmaku the 2nd and Ogwunafor know now as Agwu the 3rd. Achi-nnaka the eldest decided to move to north of the land, Mmaku-Eziani retained his father's position and Ogwunafor move southward. The name MMAKU meaning welcomer or embracer, came to existence when the little boy embraced a spirit in form of human, due to his kind heart to welcome visitors, from there the name was given to him in addition to his real name Ezianu. Mmaku-Ezianu as he is called now got married and beget two sons, MMaku-Ukwu and Mmaku-Nta, and Mmaku-Nta beget 5 sons Enugu- Afam, Eziama, mkpurumkpu, Awo, Agboneri, and Mmaku-Ukwu beget 7 sons namely Amanato, Ezioha, Amegu, Enugu-Agu, Okwuluofia, Otokwu,and Ifite.

The other goes like this:

The literal English meaning of the name, Mmaku, is 'Beauty of Wealth'. According to historical and oral evidences, Mmaku was a 4th generation descendant of Nri (the son of Eri, the son of Gad, the son of Jacob (Genesis Chapter 30:9; 46: 16 and Numbers chapter 26:15-19) the acclaimed ancestor of the Igbo Race of the South East Nigeria who migrated southward after the Jewish Exodus from Egypt and migrated towards south of Sudan.

Eri had two wives namely Nneamaku and Oboli. Nneamaku had five children namely Nrifikwuanịm-Menri, his first son, Agụlụ, Ogbodudu, Onogu and Iguedo her only daughter. Nri-Ifikwuanịm beget Agụkwu Nri, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi, Nọfịa, and Amọbia. Nri-Ifikwuanim was a Priest like his father Eri. Eri had continued the Jewish traditional worship even as he settled at Ezunaoamambala (hence Anambra).

Nri-Ifikwuanim being the first child/son of Eri continued to establish and strengthen the kingdom of his father. He was the custodian of the tradition and the Royal Priest. Having begotten five children from his first wife, he continued to have more children from his other wives and concubines. His kingdom was quick to expand.

However, when he passed-on to his ancestors, his entire family could not hold anymore as one, some of the sons left with their families and migrated to the east and south, none migrated north or west. Those that left continued with their father's traditions like the 'Igu-Aro' (observing the yearly calendar) child circumcision and many more rites.

Ezianu, a grandchild of Eri-Ifikwuanim the son of Nneamaku, begot Mmaku, a twist of the suffix in his great grand mother's name, Nneamaku (Mother of the place of wealth). Ezianu (good land) arrived at the green belt after Awka (Oji/Awgu location) and he was so blessed and became so rich that he blessed the god of his ancestors for bringing him to the place and named it 'ezi-anu'. He founded a dynasty after his name, named his first son Mma-Aku (beauty of wealth) and believed strongly that the name of his great grandmother, Nneamaku, has influenced him to become wealthy. Ezianu settled and beget other children including Mmaku as the first son, Achi, Mgbowo, Nkwe, Ezere, Mgbidi, Awgu, and Awgu-nta. It has been confirmed that Ezianu migrated from the present day Amoli. The possibility of blood link with Amoli is till been investigated.

When Ezianu passed-on, Mmaku retained the ancestral and spiritual custodian of the Ezi-anu Clan. Achi, who migrated northward of the Mmaku home, became friendly with other migrated descendants of Eri located at the west of Oji River hence the high influence of the cultures of the neighbors on its original cultures as could be observed today.

Mmaku, the first son of Ezi-anu begot 12 children named, Afam (Enugu Afam, the traditional and spiritual custodian of Ezi-anu deity), Eziama, Ibite, Mkpulukpu, Awo, Ezioha, Otokwu, Amanato, Okwulofia, Amegu, Enugwu-Mmaku and Ifite-ohanta. Some of the descendants of Mmaku also migrated to Arochukwu, today called Mmaku-Aro. Some of the descendants of Ezioha and Amanato migrated to Mgbowo to become what is today called Amanato and Ezioha Mgbowo while some descendants of Okwulofia migrated to Ogwugwu from where is called Ebo-Ogwuwgu.

The ancestral shrine of Mmaku is situated at the family house of Ezi-anu called Ezi-anu Shrine located at Enugwu Affam. Kings are crowned at this location considered the most sacred spot in Mmaku. Till date, the dialect of Mmaku never changed from that of his grand-cousins and brothers in Nofia, Amobia, Enugwu-Agidi, Enugu-Ukwu and Agukwu-Nri. According to Eri, his generational first sons must keep to his (Eri) traditions and one of such is the language.

Spirituality

Due to the continuous upholding of the ancestral Eri traditions, Mmaku has continued to be a great place of spiritual revival. It has produced great Christian preachers and ministers; examples are the renowned songwriter and singer Rev Patty Obasi, South African based Radio Evangelist, Rev Ayobanna Ikeanumba and Rev Fr. James Ani (whom was once alleged to have incited his followers to beat policemen).

Culture

Known to be hospitable. They are most notable for the manner in which they entertain their guests after the initial offering of Kola nut (Oji) in any simple or complex gathering/Event. Mmaku people traditional entertain their visitors by preparing Asaja (a species of Kidney bean).

Population

According to 2006 Census, the population of Mmaku is 256, 000 people consisting of more women than men.

Economy

Mmaku is surrounded by streams hence the perennial production of vegetables and tubers. Agriculture remains the main economic strength of the people. Mmaku has a weekly Afor market located at Affam community.

Landmarks

Mmaku is also a tourist site with various tourist attraction centers such as:

Another landmark achievement of Mmaku is the successful hosting of Gulder Ultimate search 5

Hotels

According to Jumia Travel, there are four (4) prominent Hotels in Mmaku, namely:

Secondary School

Primary School

People from Mmaku