DIRT ON WHITE SPECTRUM: Myths, Travails and Legacies of Eze Nri, the Custodian of Igbo Tradition and Nigeria’s Oldest Kingship Institution” by Chukwuemeka Ifeanacho Onyesoh

Overview: “DIRT ON WHITE SPECTRUM” by Chukwuemeka Ifeanacho Onyesoh is a comprehensive historical account detailing the myths, challenges, and legacies of Eze Nri, the revered custodian of Igbo tradition and the oldest kingship institution in Nigeria. Published on October 28, 2021, this book offers an in-depth look into the rich cultural heritage and high-profile civilization of the Igbo people, with a particular focus on the influential role of Eze Nri.

Key Themes:

• Historical Significance: The book traces the origins of the Eze Nri kingship to before 900 AD, highlighting its long-standing importance in the governance and cultural preservation of the Igbo people.
• Cultural Custodianship: Eze Nri is portrayed as a pivotal figure in maintaining Igbo traditions, including the regulation of the Igbo calendar, the introduction of title-taking ceremonies, and the establishment of monotheistic worship practices.
• Human Rights and Governance: Onyesoh emphasizes Eze Nri’s advocacy for pacifism, the sanctity of human life, and dignity, predating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by over a thousand years.
• Colonial and Political Challenges: The narrative addresses the efforts by colonial powers, missionaries, slave traders, and modern Nigerian politicians to undermine Eze Nri’s influence, yet the enduring legacies of Eze Nri continue to shine as an “irrepressible constant star” in Igbo culture and beyond.

Author’s Perspective: Chukwuemeka Ifeanacho Onyesoh provides a detailed and reverent portrayal of Eze Nri, underlining the significance of this historical figure in preserving and promoting Igbo cultural heritage. The book is a call to recognize and appreciate the profound contributions of Eze Nri to both the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian society.

Publication Details:

• Format: Paperback
• Print Length: 377 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 979-8752357954
• Publication Date: October 28, 2021
• ASIN: B09KN7ZNM8
• Dimensions: 6 x 0.89 x 9 inches
• Publisher: Independently published

Audience: This book is essential for readers interested in African history, Igbo culture, and traditional leadership systems. It offers valuable insights for historians, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the historical and cultural complexities of the Igbo people and their influential kingship institution.

Conclusion: “DIRT ON WHITE SPECTRUM” is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account that sheds light on the profound legacy of Eze Nri. Chukwuemeka Ifeanacho Onyesoh’s work is a significant contribution to the documentation and appreciation of Igbo cultural heritage, emphasizing the timeless relevance of Eze Nri’s principles and practices. This book is a must-read for those interested in exploring the deep roots of one of Nigeria’s most ancient and respected kingship institutions.