Whenever we hear about history, the only things that come to our minds are battles, wars, and conflicts. I have gone through many history books, and they are filled with stories of nations going to war and kings fighting for power. Truly, these events are important; I keep telling people that history is bigger than warfare. History is about traditions, achievements, culture and the life history of our forefathers.
There is a particular history in Nigeria that has nothing to do with war; it is the abolition of the Osu caste system in Igbo land. The osu system is popularly practised in Igbo land; this osu has been existing for centuries, almost in every Igbo community in southeastern Nigeria. Certain individuals and families are labelled 'osu', which means they are dedicated to local deities. Because they are seen as osu, they are treated differently from people who are not osu; no matter your wealth, education, and achievement, the discrimination was severe. Even now this practice still exists in some Igbo lands.
I know of a friend whose marriage was cancelled because the man found out that she was an osu person; people who are osu face restrictions on leadership, opportunities, and interacting with people. People who are osu are forbidden from marrying into the non-osu family. People who are osu are mostly treated as slaves. In the olden days, they were excluded from many functions because they were osu.
There is some other history that doesn’t involve war; that is what makes history significant. It is a social struggle and not war. When it comes to the OSU system, there are no armies across battlefields. No king is giving orders to kill other kingdoms; instead, it is a fight to end discrimination.
As the world becomes civilised, many people are questioning the practice of the osu system: individuals, religious organisations, and activists speaking against the discrimination. According to history, in 1956 the eastern government passed legislation to abolish the Osu caste system. The law is to help promote equality among the citizens. Till today there are some people who are osu, and we can see them in some communities.
The abolishing of the Osu caste system reminds us that everything is not about war; most times the best battle is fought within society itself. They are battles against discrimination, injustice, and so on. Every history must be about war history like this; it is important because it will help us understand the complexity of human history. It helps us have a clearer understanding of how people who existed before us lived their lives; it also shows growth.
History is not only about stories of people who won wars. It is a story of humanity's history that helps us to have a clearer understanding of where we are coming from and how we can build a better future.
The history of the OSU system is an example of history without war. Story about human dignity.
All image is generated with chatgpt
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your comments, support, and upvotes. Do have a lovely day.
Posted Using INLEO
