KOLA NUT IN BONACHRISTUS UMEOGU'S IGBO METAPHYSICS

Abstract

Kola nut is a white or red coloured nut contained in a pod as a fruit of a tree called Kola acuminata.. Kola nut is the heartbeat of Igbo culture and tradition. It has a symbolic status in Igbo metaphysics. Obviously, the reality and symbolic importance attached to kola nut in Igbo world view have, in the recent years, drawn the attention of many Igbo scholars. In Igbo world view, symbols are generally used to express realities and beliefs. Kola nut occupies an important position in Igbo world of being and practice. It belongs to the mysteries of Igbo history, culture and tradition. It symbolizes the well acclaimed Igbo culture of hospitality and manifests goodwill. It serves also as a link between human and the divine. Against this backdrop, this research reveals the contributions of Umeogu's metaphysical position on kola nut as a valuable symbolic reality that is capable of engendering the creation and constitution of Igbo science and arts. Arguably, pointing out that the recognition of gender inequality in its doctrine is an impediment towards the establishment of Igbo science and arts. Using the method of hermeneutics, this study argues that our political and economic woes could not be healed through the study of kola nut as posited, regardless of the unity, hospitality, tolerance and goodwill kola nut represents in Igbo land as Umeogu emphasized, in so far as it retains gender discrimination in this globalized world.