For the uninitiated, Omugwo is a tradition that originated among the ‘Igbos’ largely domiciled in the Eastern part of Nigeria.
It is a postpartum care package for the newborn baby and mother for 3-6 months.
It is so effective and wonderful that it has been adopted by almost all cultures in the country.
It helps the new mother to heal and learn the ropes of motherhood right in her home.
It is such that a mother-in-law, mother, or a close female relative takes on cooking, cleaning and other domestic duties during this period.
It thereby reduces postpartum depression, anxiety and stress—issues that are prevalent in Western nations.
Omugwo is indeed a veritable system of transfer of skills from one generation to another.
This was how it played out back then before the advent of the woke generation.
Back then, Grandma Eliza would travel from Nnewi to Lagos to put her daughter through the demanding job of childcare, and cooking, and pamper both mother and new baby.
After 3-6 months she headed back home laden with gifts of fabrics, foodstuffs, jewellery, cash gifts and medications.
It is not so anymore as the centre can no longer hold in some homes visited by modern day Grandmas!
For one, some have simply refused to return home to their husbands after Omugwo has ended.
Some have become dragons and outlaws.
Others have turned around to terrorize their in-laws.
Maybe I should regale you with some of the atrocities of some Omugwo devotees:
There was the case of a Grandma that got pregnant for daughter’s husband!
Another one conducted sizzling love affairs with neighbours instead of caring for mother and child.
One Grandma even absconded from her daughter’s abode with her new lover.
Another Grandma was pathetic and lazy. She behaved as if she was on vacation. She just loved to lounge like prima donna, eating endlessly, taking calls, dressing up and watching Soap Operas on DSTV.
Others took delight in breaking up marriages of their wards through intimidation and control.
Another set have simply refused to return home to their husbands when the Omugwo location is in the UK or US, because of comfort.
Which is why I’m asking if Omugwo is now a Retirement Plan or an avenue for escaping bad marriages by older women?
Clearly, as far as Nigerians are concerned—-Anything that women cannot reinvent or manipulate simply does not exist!
Till next week Friday. Goodbye, and Goodluck.
By Mubo Okosun
Women’s Editor.
Egogonewshub.com
Comments and feedback can be sent to mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com.
