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Ozo is a gripping, moving tale, it draws in the reader and holds him in its world. It is set in pre-colonial and early colonial Africa among the Anigbo people of Eastern Nigeria. This book provides a wealth of cultural information about the Anigbo including a lot of names and their meanings. For this reason alone it is a must read for those interested in African culture.

The author Professor Aniagolu brings to us, in vibrant color, a word painting of life in the villages and homesteads of the Anigbo before colonialism. In the tradition of African Griots he preserves the memory and culture of his people and especially of the great institution of OZO.

The Ozo are the great men of Igbo land, they live by a strict honor code. They are an African Knighthood of great warriors and men of ability and wealth. Accession to the title of Ozo is by merit. Each Ozo titled man earns his title by his courageous exploits in battle, by his skill as a provider and by his honesty and integrity. The title and status of Ozo must be earned and cannot be inherited. Africa today is sorely in need of the honor and integrity of the Ozo. Today’s leaders would be well served in emulating these great men and this ancient institution.

Ozo is a novel about a great Ozo titled man, Ogbuefi Ozo Obiagu. It explores his road to becoming an Ozo, his love for a beautiful outcast girl and his tragic and heroic end. Ozo wrestles with the questions of traditions while conceding that some traditions do indeed need to change. This book reminds Africans of what is great and worthy and that has been discarded. The search for viable cultural and governing systems in Africa must include these traditional structures and systems.

Published by Griot Press Inc 2572 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus , Ohio, USA 43211 ISBN: 0-9755208-1-4

Review for Namesite.com By: Robert Kamau