Reading Camera Laye's autobiographical novel, 'The African Child', one would notice that in most parts of Africa, certain mystical events are observed as a hallmark or rites of passage from childhood to adulthood.
In the world of the Igbos, especially in Amasiri where I come from, 'Isiji' (i.e initiation into adulthood) is a revered mystical rite every male child in his teen must undergo to be transformed into a responsible, productive and community-oriented adult. And I was just in my 11years of age as a matter of fact, when I had my initiation into adulthood-'Ite isiji', thus preparing me for social responsibilities both in my community and the outside world.
It was in early November morning amidst the heavy haze of Harmattan, when my father came to our 'Ulo-nte'- a room apartment meant for male folks who have not undergone initiation-and knocked with hard and repeated bangs on the door. It was unlike my father to wake any of his children in such cold morning unless he had pressing issues to discuss with his family. Sleepily, I managed to unbolt the door and let him in. I listened to him half-awake and half-asleep.
'Amadi', he called out, 'today will mark the beginning of the most important stage in your life after which you become a fully functioning adult institutionalised to the ethics of your culture and tradition. You are long due for initiation into the 'Ogo' cult compared with some of your mates who had theirs two or three years ago. May the the blessings of a good father see you through in your transition into adulthood', he said.
Immediately I hurried to the 'Ogo' scantily dressed in a worn-out smoke white singlet,perforated shorts and escorted by 'Okpaa'- a masquerade whose mystical chant instills fears and terror in the non-initiates. Upon arrival I met a group of elders whose spiritual duties were to link me to the spirit world. 'Undress yourself', fired one of the elders. I quickly obeyed. The boys who would undergo initiation ceremony would tie around their waists long and narrow reddish towel-'Anam uhie' which signfied that they were about to be initiated into manhood.
The 'Isiji' however, was to last for good 'Orie Esaa' (i.e seven market days)within which I would be subjected to strict disciplinary and leadership training. I was not allowed my culture and tradition to talk to a woman including my own mother for that long period of time. I ate barely to keep the body alive. If I took ill and die during this period I would be buried with much less regard. Within me died the ecstatic joy of what it felt like being in one's mother's bosom. I missed my siblings and my mother greatly. I missed her usual love, coddling and excessive care. But culture and tradition had set us apart. My father was not the kind that wished his sons to be called 'Ena' - a derogatory term for the non-initiates. Yet I knew it was more honorable to man up even if it meant enduring pricks and pains or any other form of endurance tests than remain a feeble weakling under the suffocating warmth of my love ones.
Of course, 'Isiji' elevates one from the status of 'Ena'( or what Chinua Achebe refers to as 'Efulefu' - a worthless man- in his timeless classic, 'Things Fall Apart'), thus making him a member of an exclusive position in his community at large. It's also a spring board for one to qualify to marry and even have sexual intercourse with a woman. With time I was used to the life of a hermit, seclusion from the community and concern of everyday life. Bravery, toughness and independence soon became my second nature. And those were the focus of the first four market days of my initiation into adulthood.
However, the tail end of my initiation into the 'Ogo' cult - 'ite isiji' - was a period of series of spiritual communion with the ancestors of my community. I was entangled into the secrets and mysteries of the land and was bound to undergo spiritual rebirth-that's dying to my child self in order to be reborn into my adult self. The presiding elders who represent core cultural and traditional values made offerings and incantations to the gods to guide and protect me and provide me with deeper consciousness, insight and wisdom. The spiritual communion I took equipped me with high spirit of principled leadership. Then after I took the vow of secrecy. No bit of my initiation process was to be divulged to female folks and non-initiates alike as its consequences are usually very devastating. A huge ceremony was held to mark my successful transition from childhood to adulthood.
In a nutshell, these rites agreeing with Manu Ampim, were and/or are critical both to me and my community development, and it should not be taken for granted that people automatically grow and develop into responsible, community oriented adults.
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