The photograph, taken at Obu Umunri, captures a priest leading prayers while Cabinet Chiefs and Ndi Ozonkpu stand in attendance. Observers have noted that while most of the titled men and Cabinet Chiefs had removed their red caps during the prayers, Ozonkpu Chief Barrister Jude Ekwunife (Okwuatuegwu Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri), who also serves as the Minister of Culture in Enugwu-Ukwu, kept his red cap on.
It is important to clarify that Ozonkpu Ekwunife’s action was neither an act of defiance nor one of disrespect. Neither was it an attempt to assert the supremacy of traditional religion and Igbo culture over Christianity, or vice versa. Rather, his action reflects a long-standing tradition in Enugwu-Ukwu, where titled men are not obliged to remove their red caps during public prayers or ceremonial occasions.
Long before the advent of Christianity in Igboland, holders of titles such as Ozo, Ozonkpu, Nze, and Cabinet Chiefs occupied revered positions in society and performed important spiritual and ceremonial functions. They still do. In carrying out these responsibilities, they traditionally wore their red caps, much in the same way that Christian clergy wear their liturgical vestments including caps while officiating religious services.
Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnaeme Ekpeh, who is also the head of the Enugwu-Ukwu Traditional Authority, has repeatedly explained that no title holder-whether Ozo, Ozonkpu, Cabinet Chief, or Nze-is in breach of any tradition by choosing to keep or remove his red cap during prayers. According to the Igwe, the decision is a matter of personal conviction and individual expression of reverence to God.
Personally, I remove my red cap during prayers. Others, however, may choose differently, and both positions are consistent with the customs and traditions of Enugwu-Ukwu.
Perhaps, then, this entire debate is much ado about nothing-a quiet storm in a teacup.
Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D.
Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri
Traditional Information Minister, Enugwu-Ukwu