The traditional presentation of the Kola nut, or “Nye Oji,” in Aro culture follows a structured protocol:
1. “Icho Oji” – The Kola nut is presented in the Aro Traditional plate known as “Okwa Oji Aro” with nzu by the owner of the house or, in the owner’s absence, the eldest person in the home.
2. “Igozi Oji” – The Kola nut is prayed over by the house owner or the eldest person present.
3. “Iwa Oji” – The Kola nut is cut or broken by the youngest person among them.
4. “Ike Oji” – The Kola nut is shared, with the visitor being the first to receive a portion, followed by the house owner and other individuals.
In an Aro man’s home, when a visitor arrives, the owner of the house, or in their absence, the eldest person present, will offer a Kola nut. This Kola nut is presented in the traditional Okwa Oji Aro plate, containing nzu. It’s important to note that Aro culture does not present a single seed of Kola nut to a visitor; it must be more than one seed.
Upon presenting the Kola nut, the house owner hands the Okwa Oji Aro to the visitor, who responds by touching it. The Kola nut is then blessed with nzu. After the blessing, one seed of the Kola nut is given to the visitor to take home.
The remaining Kola nut is divided into portions by the youngest person present. The visitor is the first to receive a portion, followed by the house owner and any other individuals in attendance. If only the visitor and the house owner are present, the house owner will divide the remaining Kola nut seeds and then pass the Okwa Oji to the visitor to take one.
In the event that there are two visitors from different states or ethnic groups, each is given a portion to take home to their respective regions after the Kola nut is blessed with nzu.
