Kola with one cotyledon is a dumb
kola of
oji ogi. It is called oji mmuo that is, kola of the spirits. It is not
eaten. Kola with two cotyledons is equally a dumb kola and it is not as well eaten. This sit e main reason why the Izzido not use the gworo or kola
nitida for rituals or in serious traditional celebrations. Kola with three cotyledons is called oji
ike oji ikenga, that is, kola of the valiant only warriors or brave men and consecrated or ordained persons are permitted to eat this kola, as a matter of principle.
Kola with four cotyledons is
called ‘oji udo na ngozi”. That is, “kola of peace and
blessing” it is the normal kola. Izzisymbolism
of the number four shows that number
four is very sacred among the Izzi clan. Kola with
five cotyledons is oji ubara mmadu, omumu
na ukwuoma that symbolizes increase in procreation, protection and good
luck.
Kola with six cotyledons
indicates communion with our
ancestors, that is , oji ndi mmuo na ndi mmadu jiri gbaa ndu” the smallest part or cotyledon is not eaten but is thrown away fro
the ancestors to eat. In like manner, kola with one cotyledon is not eaten by
man, that means that it is not broken
during ceremonies because it belongs to
the ancestors, as attitude reminiscent
of the direct link between the living and the dead in the whole of Izzi
clan