These are the spiritual heads of the families, kindreds and villages of the community. They are not elected or appointed but inherit their ancestral positions. Succession is based on blood line as established by the  founding fathers. Consequently, Diokpaship is most fundamental to the existence of any Onitsha indigene and is jealously protected. The Diokpa is the living representative of the ancestor father of the lineage he represents and is, accordingly, revered by all descendants of the lineage, irrespective of his natural age. He is responsible for the well-being and other matters concerning his ancestral unit, including land matters, marriages, settling of disputes, upbringing of adolescent youths into adulthood, etc. The Diokpa appoints a spiritual leader for the women of the family, kindred group, or village known as Onye Isi Ada (the first daughter).