Abstract: In most patriarchal communities in Igboland particularly Orodo, the act of widowhood is not just about death or burial, rather it is the start of a very serious tough moment for the widow. This is due to the patriarchal formations in the communities and how she will be subjected to series of inhuman treatments. This research explores the ordeals and challenges of widows in Orodo, a prominent community in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. According to the findings, widowhood practices in Orodo goes beyond mourning and other ritual performances, widows are expected to abide to strict customs and traditions that sometimes influences their style and color of dressings, public appearance and general behaviour. The study discovered a more nuanced reality: Women (umuada) sometimes are at the forefront of enforcing these norms which shows how deeply rooted these cultural expectations are within the general community.
Keywords: Widowhood practices, Gendered power, Patriarchal structures, Igbo society, women’s agency
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