FEATURING AWAKPOKO SUPER CLAN VIS-A-VS OTHER SUPER-CLANS AS IT PATTERNS CLANNISH JOKES PREVALENCE AMONGST JUKUN WANU FAMILIAL BY HRH DR SABO AJIDOKU EMMANUEL

 

FEATURING AWAKPOKO SUPER CLAN VIS-A-VS OTHER SUPER-CLANS AS IT PATTERNS CLANNISH JOKES PREVALENCE AMONGST JUKUN WANU FAMILIAL

BY

HRH DR SABO AJIDOKU EMMANUEL

Why is it so? Consider it to be a sociological issue.

                Inspite of the complexities of the human society, for ages people have been co-existing with one another on this planet- the earth. Marriage which is an unavoidable vehicle of integration has been promoting and facilitating this cordiality long before now. And because of growth and development the society has metamorphosed and expanded beyond an unimaginable proportion. In the wake of this phenomenon, orchestrated by nature and human activities, the society has been structured socio-culturally, socio-economically and socio-politically. Today, the human society has advanced from the initial stratum base of primitivism to some balloon strata multiplicities. This advanced process has classified people of different tribes and even within the tribes some segmentation of dialects for ease of communications amongst the groups. The groupings are further sub-divided into nuclear and extended family memberships; otherwise known as either kindreds or clans in which they belong to, of a particular tribe.

                Admittedly, Awakpoko clan, is one of the super clans of the Awanu speaking group or people. They are home-based in Abise (Abinsi) predominantly. The super-clan is of course, one of the ruling houses resident in Abinsi, heir apparent to the traditional kingship institution-seat of Abiseku, revered as Aseebe. Their princely greetings or salutations are ‘Agbo’ for the men-folk and ‘Agodo’ for the women folk. They are very hardworking and display dexterity in managerial abilities. Indisputably, are good administrators where ever they can be found. And to crown it all, hospitable, accommodating and peace loving. These endearing qualities and habits have made them very charming and presentable to so many beautiful women and men from other super-clans of Jukun  Wanu family and by extension some other tribes like Alago, Agatu, Idoma, Etulo, etc. As a result of these inter, intra clannish marriages, Awakpoko are now in-laws to so many super-clans such as: Awagah, Awa Ndolo, Awaboko Ebigye, Awa Nya, Awazyokoh and their Awabweni, Awazjemindo offshoots, Awagbodo, Awamwo, Awagyogo, Awagyetashi, Awagyaha, Awa-Sede, Awanuhwa, Awashuku, Awakatsu, AwaNyishi, AwaNdonufo, Awagbudu etc.

                All these super-clans, due to this age-long and well established cordial relationships are always cracking or making jokes with the Awakpoko super-clan. These jokes are devoid of severe insults or abusive remarks that can be so injurious to the relationship. This joking relationship game, does not as a matter of fact entertain anger and violent attacks as a result of mockery or teasing temptations between these super-clans and Awakpoko super-clan. But rather what dominate at the session are laughters and retaliations in return. Visually, anywhere these super-clans gather or meet, be it at social centres such as: marriages, weddings, at the mourning, burial or funeral arena, relaxation areas, the assemblies and the parliaments, at the community projects or working centres, on fishing expeditions or adventures.

                Characteristically, these pysch out pseudo innuendoes always arouse,` love, good neighborliness and mutuality being summarized as jokes amongst these super-clans. Sometimes, even solecisms, mockeries and teases are accommodated with levity or frivolity. This, of course is a demonstration of their rich vocabularies on sociolinguistics applications and maturity in handling issues of mutual interest.

                The uses of these jokes assist mechanically in arresting any serious burning confrontation that would have ordinarily been considered uncomfortable or bitter rivalries amongst these super-clans. And that is why hardly can one find them engaging in any physical combats, as they relate with one another amicably and not giving the devil a chance of being engaged in some vendetta, odium, truculence, squabbles and skirmishes, leading to blood letting and other concomitant bizarre immoralities and cruelties. It is indeed a very cherished culture and traditions. These super-clans have been respecting it ever since the days of their progenitors. This present generation shall maintain this congenial situation and keep it safe and save for posterity.

                What a display of fraternity. The people of the same consanguinity who are determined to keep peace, maintain growth and development of Jukun Wanu familial, world-wide. And so, may your road be rough. No, hold it, this is not a curse. It is a joke, it is a prayer vaccine, a truth drug towards greatness. Remember, the Wise One, says, the road to greatness is rough and narrow. So claim it. Awanu ndayaa.