Nri tradition begins with Eri, described as a “sky being” sent by Chukwu, the Supreme God, to bring order, cleanse abominations and introduce agriculture. Eri settled in the Anambra River basin; his descendants are remembered as the founders of numerous clans, among them the Umueri and Umu Iguedo.
The first Eze Nri, Ìfikuánim, is said to have succeeded him. Oral traditions date his reign to 1043 CE, while other analyses suggest a later consolidation around 1225 CE — a reminder that Nri chronology remains open to debate.