Market days in Igbo land are very significant that the four market days, Eke, Orie, Afo and Nkwo are uniformly observed within every community in Igbo land. It was during the reign of Eze Njiriofor 1(1300-1390AD), the fifth Eze Nri, in the line of succession that the Igbo tradition of four market days was instituted.

According to Igbo historical records, one day, during the reign of Eze Njiriofor 1, four wise strangers came to visit him at his palace. When they arrived, these four men pretended to be deaf and dumb. They did not say their names or their mission to Nri kingdom.



They were welcomed by the King of Nri. When it’s about to get dark, one of the servants in the palace, who was under the instructions of the King led them to the visitors chambers, where they would pass the night.

Later the King of Nri went to their chambers with kolanuts for discussion but the visitors didn’t utter a word nor accepted his kolanuts.

The king out of curiosity consulted his native doctor, who devised a way of getting the names of the said visitors.
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