Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Ozo institution is a noble institution among the Igbo. It is the highest rank one can attain in one’s life through personal or collective efforts. The aim of the study is to identify the problems confronting ozo and its names in Abba community. Ozo institution has being threatened by foreign influences. As a result, the customs and tradition of ozo society have changed to accommodate these foreign influences. These do not bear eloquent testimony to this great institution because many with questionable character have infiltrated the ozo society. The net result is the collapse of the norms undergirding the ozo title taking. This study made use of primary and secondary sources and adopted descriptive design approach. The study revealed that the lapses in ozo society came because of attitudinal change of the people toward ozo institution. The reason for this attitude was peoples’ contact with the outside cultures. It was observed that many with questionable character have entered ozo society solely for showing off, class distinction, prestige and not necessarily for the preservation of this cultural heritage which is the highest traditional institution in Abba community and the entire Igbo land. The study therefore, recommends amongst other things that the entrance into ozo society should be made strict by the traditionalists whose institution is being desecrated. This will help ozo institution and its names to have enduring values.

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