Chukwu is the supreme being of Igbo spirituality. In the Igbo pantheon, Chukwu is the source of all other Igbo deities In Nsukka, the supreme being is known as Ezechitoke, among the Western Igbo he is Olisaebuluwa Each name emphasizes a different attribute.
Conception of Chukwu
Early Igbo Bible translations used Chukwu for both the Christian God and lesser deities, before later translators standardized Chineke for the supreme God and chi for minor gods.
Many Igbo Christians refer to the Christian God as Chukwu. Chukwu (Chu-kwu) is similar to "The Most High" and "The Almighty" instead of a name like "God" which is of Germanic origin. Chukwu in Igbo language means God the Almighty, the supreme and most high. Most Igbo names are attached to the supreme Being (God) example Ugo Chukwu, Ebere Chukwu and many more. The Igbo believe it is impossible for humans to conceive of the unlimited greatness of Chukwu. Many Igbo dialects refer to The Almighty by titles such as "Chukwu" (Chi Ukwu), "Chineke" (Chi Na Eke), "Chukwu Okike" (Chi Ukwu Okike), "Chiokike" (Chi Okike), "Chuku" (Chi Uku), "Ebili Ukpabi" (Ebili nu Ukpabi), and "Obasi" (Obi Alusi).
See also
- Chukwu (surname)
- Ibo loa
- Igbo culture