Many of us today hear the word Lolo and quickly assume it simply means the wife of a chief or Eze’s wife. But the truth runs far deeper, rooted in the rich traditions of our Southern Igbo people, especially in places like Ihiagwa and Nekede.
In the past, titles weren’t handed out lightly. Taking a title in Igboland was rare and sacred, those who earned one were seen as Nde Ichie (ancestors), people of honour. And among women, the title of Lolo was one of the highest forms of respect.
Who truly was a Lolo?
A Lolo was not simply a Chief’s wife. A Lolo was a woman who earned her place through her own achievements , through wealth, hard work, spiritual strength, and service to her people. She was a priestess in her own right, someone who could offer sacrifices and lead spiritual matters in a society largely led by men.
What did it take to become a Lolo?
It wasn’t easy. A woman had to be a successful farmer, with large barns full of cocoyam and many livestock. She would go through sacred rituals like Iwhoahia and Itu Anya, ceremonies that tested her courage, discipline, and spiritual readiness.
One of these rites involved wearing only traditional beads, anklets, and loin cloths while running around the market square, a display of strength and purity. At the end of these tests, she earned the right to wear anklets (nkalarị) and beads, symbols of her new status.
A Lolo’s role in society
A true Lolo was like the female equivalent of an Eze. She could bless kola nuts, own land and property in her name, and her children could proudly carry on her name. Some, like the Lolo Ede, were celebrated for their wealth from cocoyam farming and acted as priestesses, bridging the gap between the people and fertility gods like Nguma and Ajoku.
Sadly, today, the title Lolo has been reduced to something else entirely, often used without understanding its true meaning. Let’s honour our history by remembering that being a Lolo was about merit, sacrifice, and service to the community.
May we never forget the true worth of our traditions.
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