Ogu na Ofo
The ofo is a staff carried by selected Igbo leaders — notably patrilineage priests, kings, onyishi, and some masqueraders — that signifies authority, the right to command, administrative powers, and/or the conferment of leadership and power bestowed by the gods. It is typically six to seven inches long and made of bronze, brass, or wood. It is a rotational symbol of authority specifically bestowed due to highest age in the Igbo society and tradition of customs.
Vernantius Emeka Ndukaihe wrote in his book "Achievement as Value in the Igbo/African Identity: The Ethics”, in the section The ‘Ofo’ as a sacred symbol of worship: "The most important 'Ofo' is the lineage 'Ofo', believed to have been acquired by the founder of the 'Umunna', as the head. At the death of such a head, the next 'Okpara' inherits it. So it goes, handed from generation to generation. There is also the personal 'Ofo'. A young man acquires his first 'Ofo' when he is initiated into his first 'Ozo' title. As one advances into the more senior 'Ozo', one acquires the corresponding 'Ofo'. Thus, to possess 'Ofo' is a symbol of great social, religious and moral achievement. The individual 'Ofo' of the 'Ozo' titled man can only be inherited by his eldest son after burial rites have been completed. It is regarded a calamity when a dead father has no son to inherit his 'Ofo'".
Ogu
The ofo is often accompanied by an ogu, a shorter stick tied with palm leaves to represent peace and innocence. The ogu serves as a symbol to indicate a desire for a peaceful resolution to a dispute. When the parties involved in a dispute fail to agree on a resolution, the ogu is put away and the ofo is displayed in its place, to indicate an escalation.Nsukka culture
In Nsukka cultural settings, the ofo is often referred to as the ohoo and is made using wood from the ukwu ohoo tree. It is used exclusively by the onyishi as both a symbol of identity and a symbol of worship, since an onyishi often prays with the ofo/ohoo in hand.Associated powers
The ofo grants the bearer the right to:- Offer sacrifices
- Perform rituals
- Make prayers
- Swear oaths
- Pronounce judgement
- Deliberate policy within the family, clan or community, and
- Invoke blessings or curses.
In the words of art historian Nancy Neaher Maas, the ofo also serves as to symbolize the collective power of the gods and ancestors, as well as the truths given by Chineke to a person. The ofo is believed to link its owner to their ancestors. Whatever one prays for, while holding the ofo and stamping it to the ground, is believed to be established.