By Staff Reporter
Where one dwells, he calls home, so says an Igbo adage. The Igbo Union Dublin (IUD) once again show why it is the most vibrant and integrated African cultural association in the Irish republic.
As usual, the men and their flamboyant wives called Umunwanyi Ọlaedo (Golden Women) showcased the ‘agbogho mmanwu’ on the streets of Blanchardstown village in the district 15 of cosmopolitan Dublin at the 2025 St Patrick’s Day parade.
Embedded with the IUD exciting troupe, I captured all the glitterati from shamrocks, agbọghọ mmanwu’s costume, Dubliners adulation and the Igbo Union Dublin bigwigs dance steps.
Since 2009 when IUD was formed from the relics of old Igbo community gathering in Ireland, they have showcased different kinds of masquerades. As an integral part of Igbo culture, the display of mmanwu or masquerade is deep in their interpretation of life, whether home or abroad.
There are classes and kinds of mmanwu. There are also night as well as day masquerades too.
Mmanwu is a shortened name for Mmụọ ọnwụ, and an integral part of the Igbo spirituality. It is held in high esteem by the Igbo nation.
Some of the functions include:
- Law and order in the society
- Fundraiser
- Entertainment as in the case of agbọghọ Mmanwu showcased by IUD
Some masquerades in Igbo society include:
Agbọghọ Mmanwu
ljele
Atu and Agba
Okoroshi
Ekpo
Oji ọnụ
Otiaba
Okwemgbeoji
Akakpọ
There are hundreds and as republicans, each Igbo community reveres them.
Having been inaugurated recently, the new administration of Chief Amechi Okafor (Nnabuenyi na Ogidi) and Mrs Edith Okoye decided to showcase the famous agbọghọ mmanwu to the adulation of Dubliners.
Follow the reports and picture story of how the Igbo Union Dublin wowed on St Patrick’s Day parade in the April edition of The African Irish magazine.
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