By Dominic Umoh
November 11, 2026
The people of Ekinigbo community in Apara Kingdom, Rivers State, have expressed concern over the gradual erosion of their cultural heritage, including a longstanding traditional prohibition against keeping female dogs.
The community, located in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, attributed the declining observance of indigenous customs to urbanisation, the influx of non-indigenes and increasing Western influence.
The concerns were raised during a cultural orientation programme organised for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Culture and Tourism Community Development Service group.
The programme was hosted by the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Gift Eziwhuo Johnson, Eze Ohna Apara IV, alongside members of his Chiefs-in-Council.
Speaking during the engagement, the leader of the NYSC group, Dominic Umoh, explained that the visit was intended to help corps members understand the traditions of their host communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
He noted that cultural awareness was important because some corps members could eventually establish family relationships with people from their places of service.
Lectures on Ikwerre culture and traditions were delivered by Eze Chibuike Wali, Darlington Wigwe, Professor Nmecha Akani and Chief Chinedu Amadi.
Addressing the participants through the palace spokesman, Chief Amadi, the monarch explained that the community maintained several traditional restrictions, including the prohibition against female dogs.
He also highlighted customary practices surrounding deaths occurring on particular days, especially a day known locally as Iriagbo.
According to the monarch, some residents and newcomers have continued to disregard these traditions.
He disclosed that traditional authorities previously ordered the killing of female dogs found within the community but acknowledged that such measures were no longer appropriate under modern circumstances.
The monarch said alleged violations would instead be referred to law enforcement authorities.
However, the existence of the traditional restriction does not, by itself, establish that keeping female dogs constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Eze Johnson also expressed concern over the sale of ancestral lands and shrines, poor documentation of oral histories and declining cultural education in schools.
He warned that younger generations risked losing important knowledge of their heritage unless deliberate efforts were made to preserve indigenous traditions.
The traditional ruler urged residents to respect cultural differences, stressing that no ethnic group should regard its customs as superior to those of others.
He reaffirmed the traditional institution’s commitment to preserving Apara Kingdom’s cultural identity while adapting to changing social realities.
