CASTE SYSTEM IN IGBO LAND:
A BILL TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF THE WORDS, OSU, OHU, ORU, AND UME IN IGBO LAND

Given the stigma, social isolation, and discrimination faced by people labeled as Osu, Ohu, Oru, or Ume in Igbo land, it is now an offense punishable by fines and/or imprisonment to address or label anyone as Osu, Ohu, Oru, or Ume in Igbo land.

In the first instance of using such words and on lodging of an official complaint by the victim of such abuse, the perpetrator of the abuse shall pay a fine of 50,000 Naira or be imprisoned for six months.

In the second instance of using such words and on lodging of an official complaint by the victim of such abuse, the perpetrator of the abuse shall pay a fine of 100,000 Naira or be imprisoned for twelve months.

In the third instance of using such words and on lodging of an official complaint by the victim of such abuse, the perpetrator of the abuse shall be imprisoned for twelve months without the option of a fine.

Subsequent uses of the offensive words by the same individual after the third offense shall attract a fine of 50,000 Naira in addition to a mandatory twelve months imprisonment.

This bill has been passed by the Houses of Assembly of Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States and assented to by the respective State Governors at a joint signing session at Enugu on this —– day of —– 2023

——- Abia State Governor
——- Anambra State Governor
——- Delta State Governor
——- Ebonyi State Governor
——- Enugu State Governor
——- Imo State Governor
——- Rivers State Governor

Efforts are underway to make this a Federal offense.