Imo monarchs to end Osu caste system

TWENTY-FOUR traditional rulers in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, penultimate weekend agreed to abolish the Osu caste system in order to free affected people from stigmatisation.
The age-long system is also known in some Igbo tradition as Osu, Diala or Ohu, depicting slavery to either a human being or deity.
The Osu caste system regards some people as out caste in Igbo land.It is an ancient practice that discourages social interaction and marriage with a group of persons called Osu.
The Osu suffers unbearable discrimination because they are seen as corrupted beings.
The Osus who are seen as unclean are not allowed to break kola nuts or make prayers on behalf of the real born because it is believed that they will bring calamity upon the society.
The Osus are given separate seats in churches. The Osus are made to live in shrines or market places and are not allowed to have any relationship with the real born.
Since the introduction of modernization in Igbo land, the Osu caste system has been criticized by people who feel it is against human rights.