Nd’ichie (Red Cap Chiefs)

Nd’ichie were in ancient times warriors in their own right – military commanders of sorts – within the polity. It must be stressed that their roles then were defense and advisory because the monarch does no wrong and therefore cannot be corrected as it were. Nd’ichie (traditional red-cap chiefs) by Onitsha customary practice, are the only recognized chiefs. They are classified into three distinct groups with various levels of authority within the polity. They are also traditional political heads of various clans from where they emanate. The Nd’ichie Ume are on top of the hierarchy. They are just six in number – Onowu, Ajie, Odu, Onya, Ogene and Owelle.