The Concept of Ezi na Ulo.

There is no doubt that the traditional Igbo family has been grossly and variously misapprehended and misrepresented by both the colonial writers and some contemporary African writers. Yet a little study of the Igbo family reveals the rich ideals of mutual respect, dialogue, consensus, freedom, et cetera.

The wrong impressions about Igbo family that have been disseminated ought to be corrected.
According to the late Ugandan scholar, Okot p’. Bitek, ‘The African scholar has two clear tasks before him. First, to expose and destroy all false ideas about African peoples and culture that have been perpetuated by Western scholarship. Second, to present the institutions of African peoples as they really are.’

Ndi Igbo as a people has diverse backgrounds. Beautiful people with hospitable hearts. There level of hospitality and adaptability is unique. Hence they can live and multiply anywhere even in isolation.

Before the precolonial era down to the late 90s, a true Igbo man is a polygamous being even when he marries only one wife. It is believed that one or two concubines are attached to every responsible Igbo man. This is because their wealth is showcased by the number of women and children that one had.
A man who has plenty of land and livestock marries as many wives as he can catter for and they help out to tile and farm their land. Hence the belive that "Igwe bu ike" multitude is power.
Ndi Igbo Women never had any problems or difficulties associating with their co wives or their husband's concubines.
Troubles started with the advent of Christianity. They are now made to understand and believe that polygamy is a sin hence it is viewed as a taboo that men hide their concubines from their wives for fear of what she would do if she finds out.
But till date when we exchange pleasantries, our well wishers still ask the undying question "Kedu maka ndi ezi na ulo gi"? Meaning your family and your concubines/sidechicks because it is believed that you have one out there that calms your nerve every now and then.