17/10/2026
The Omu of Okpanam, Delta State, photographed in 1912.
Long before colonial rule, several Igbo communities had powerful women who held positions of political and economic authority.
Among the Enuani Igbo of present-day Delta State, the Omu was a female traditional leader who exercised considerable influence over markets, trade, and women's affairs.
The Omu served as a female counterpart to the Obi (king), although she was neither necessarily his wife nor a member of his family. Her position represented a distinct institution of female authority within the community.
This rare photograph was taken by British anthropologist Northcote Thomas in 1912. Unfortunately, the woman's personal name was not recorded, leaving us with an image of a powerful traditional leader whose identity has been lost to history.
A reminder that women held recognized positions of authority in Igbo society long before modern debates about women's leadership.
Photograph: Northcote Thomas, 1912.
