Igbo political life included a “dual-sex” system. The Umuada, the assembly of daughters of the lineage, held real authority in family disputes, funerals and moral enforcement. In western Igboland (Anioma), the Omu — often translated “Queen Mother”, though not necessarily a king’s mother or wife — was a female sovereign chosen by oracle to lead the women and protect the market.
The Omu’s installation involved secret nocturnal rites. She lived in her own palace, wore male monarchical insignia, carried her own Ofor staff and held independent executive and judicial power over the market economy, ruling alongside the male Obi. Historical Omu include Obi Maria Ejima Obielua-Chizea of Asaba, Obi Martha Dunkwu of Okpanam and Theresa Uwadia of Onicha-Uku.