Of Acharaugo and Odogwu

M.O. ENE

Igbo lexical items do not enter Nigerian lexicon often; when they do, it is with a big bang. The latest entry comes from the recent release of Omoni Oboli’s, ‘Love in Every Word.’ It is considered the first notable Nigerian Nollywood movie of 2025. Uzor Arukwe is Obiora (‘Odogwu’) and Bamike (Bambam) Olawunmi Adenibuyan is Chiọma (‘Acharaugo’).

Both title names had been in limited circulation. ‘Odogwu’ popped up in Flavour’s “Nwunye Odogwu,” which was translated as “Her Excellency.” ‘Odogwu’ is a loaded man of substance with charisma and power. Obviously, his first lady is “Her Excellency”— even if Odogwu is not the president or a governor. This does not mean that every top politician is ‘Odogwu.’ No, many are “Ọdịegwu”—dark dictators. ‘Odogwu’ takes a lot more than feeding fat on easily embezzled public purse.

No strict measures exist for the “Odogwu” title. We know Odogwu when we see him! (E ji anya ama ọka chara acha.) Versions include ‘Odogwunagha’ (war hero), ‘Odogwu Akataaka,’ ‘Odogwu Silencer,’ and now ‘Odogwu Parara.’ ‘Asa Odogwu’ also trended as a chic side-chick, a trophy spouse of ‘the order room,’ or what the Hausa call ‘Amaria’—a bride.

Acharaugo is straight-forward. It is prominent as a title in circles of beautiful and established women, not as a popular given name. ‘Achara’ is the tender core of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), which is obtained after layers of the tough grass have been removed. It is used to cook ‘ofe achara’ with ground and molded melon seed (egusi) and liberal protein particulars. The delicacy is popular in the Umuahia area of Abia State.

‘Ugo’ is Igbo for ‘eagle,’ but the meaning is deeper. The eagle is the king of birds and depicts royalty, excellence, glory, and honor. The feather signifies beauty, nobility, and uniqueness. Hence, “Tulu ugo!” (an eagle’s feather to your crown) is a way to hail someone’s deserving achievement, i.e. “Congratulations!” Used as both male and female names, ‘Ugo’ is usually a short version of a longer name.

In Chiké’s ‘Roju’ track, “Adaugo” (esteemed daughter; lit. eagle’s daughter) and “Akwaugo” (precious or priceless possession, lit. eagle’s egg), he deploys the symbolic significance of the eagle. The eagle’s egg is considered rare and precious. In Igbo society, to see an eagle is to behold a praiseworthy beauty.

Popular prefix or suffix ‘ugo’ names include Mmirimaraugo, Ugosimba, Ugochi, Ugochukwu, Ugodiya, Ugomma, Ugosinachi, Ugonna, and Ugoọjị. “Achalugo” does not do justice to the beautiful name. It should be corrected to preserve the etymology and to promote standard Igbo. “Acharaugo” is it, not any other version. Odogwu is set; its etymology is a story for another day.