eBook

Dr. Oforchukwu studied Philosophy in Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. He holds Master’s degree in Political Science and in Education from the University of Akron, Ohio, USA. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology. Dr. Oforchukwu has written many books and articles.

Today, Dr. Oforchukwu is the founder and director of the Ezinne Philomena Scholarship Foundation, Inc. which he designed to assist those who have no one to help pay for their much needed school education. Also, he is the founder of St. Vincent De Paul Society in St. Philomena’s Parish, Isuobishi, which has spread to most of the parishes in the Diocese of Orlu. St. Vincent De Paul Society takes care of the poor, the neglected, and the least favored in the society. He is presently on the State of New Jersey Psychiatric Advisory committee, Hammonton, in the United States of America. Dr. Oforchukwu is also an Adjunct Professor at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Do the Igbo people have true leaders? Can the practice of “Ozo title taking” be inculturated into Christianity? In this insightful book, Dr. Oforchukwu provides us with some probing questions to reflect upon with regards to Ozo title taking in the Igbo Catholic communities. Dr. Joachim debunked the popular view that has referred to the Igbo nation as, “a kingless race” – Igbo Enwe Eze. In this book, the author explores the Theological analysis of Ozo title taking and its implications for current leadership issues in Igbo Catholic Church. The purpose of this research study is threefold.

• First, the author sets out to investigate if the Igbo people really do have true kings and leaders (Igbo Nwere Eze).
• Second, Dr. Oforchukwu demonstrates that Ozo titled holders have held legislative, executive, and judicial powers within the Igbo community and, thus, can step forward and truly act as leaders of the Igbo people.
• Finally, this author demonstrates that Ozo title taking can be “Inculturated” into the Catholic Church. Among the Igbo people, an “Nze” is the equivalent of a Catholic Knight. A titled holder is widely known for having an impeccable character: Title holders are regarded for their honesty, truth, and the love and care they demonstrate for the least advantaged in the society.

Dr. Oforchukwu proposes some pragmatic guidelines that would serve as benchmark in Ozo title taking all across the Igbo Catholic Community. Joachim invites those who read this insightful book, to join hands to work towards inculturating this long held Ozo institution into Christianity, especially, in the Diocese of Orlu, where the Church leadership used the 2000 Diocesan Synod to, not only ban and ostracize, but to excommunicate the Ozo titled holders.

“Shedding Light to the Misunderstood Igbo Culture and Their Leadership Structure

Dr. Joachim Ifezuo Oforchukwu shares his insights and educated hypothesis on ways to effectively inculturate the Ozo title taking the tradition of the Igbos into Christianity.

In his book, “Inculturating the Ozo Title Taking into Christianity,” Dr. Oforchukwu shares his research on the real status of the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Ozo title holders. Contrary to the belief that Igbos are kingless, the author debunks it and showed that they actually have structured society and a very complex leadership system. Igbo Enwe Eze which directly translates to, the Igbos have no king was a common misconception by early missionaries, colonialists, and neighboring ethnic groups. This has caused the church, prior to Vatican Council II, to have a negative outlook towards Ozo title holders and in effect alienate them.

This book will give you a more in-depth perspective on the complexities and uniqueness of the Ozo title culture. This will lead to a better understanding of the Igbos culture and will give the Catholic church an idea on what approach can be effective to inculturate Ozo title taking.

The author offers a one-of-a-kind paradigm shift for readers and clears up the cobwebs so that people can comprehend the distinctiveness of this tradition and understand the reasons as to why it is important to preserve such culture. Complete with statistics and graphics for better visual interpretation, the book will certainly take you on an educational journey and will certainly provoke your cognitive senses. Dr. Oforchukwu also shares a constructive guideline that if effectively followed, can definitely help Igbo communities that practice Ozo title taking, have a more solid outline, and make significant strides toward Christian inculturation.

Indeed, this book is another showcase of brilliance from Dr. Oforchukwu. Learn more about the culture of the Igbos. Stimulate your mind and broaden your understanding.”