Kolanut is an invaluable fruit amongst the West Africa people. It is common among the Men, women and children as it has significant socio-cultural/Medicinal importance in this region hence necessitating its popularity. As a matter of fact Kolanut is one of the indigenous cash-crop in Africa, thus, it isn’t strange as it was used as a means of exchange in the olden days. Newly harvested Kolanut is described to be bitter when consumed but this bitterness becomes lessened when stored for a period of time.
Several researches have shown that Kola nut contain some important compounds such as caffeine, theobromine, kolatin, and glucose and these compounds are what exerts the beneficial effects of Kolanut when consumed. In fact, Caffeine has one of its extracts compound is used as an important constituent in the manufacturing Coca cola.
Traditionally there are six types of Obi in accordance to their number of lobes and this classification is based on their divination purpose.
- The single type of Obi called Akiriboto; this type of Obi has just one lobe and It is very rare but it is used for some sorts of medicinal purpose
- Obi Gbanja; this has two lobes but does not really have a demarcating line between these lobes. It is frequently eaten by lovers of Obis. It has no divination use because it lacks both male and female characteristics. This type of Obi majorly is always consumed as stimulants.
- Eta-Obi; this type of Obi has three lobes and it’s Eshu Elegbara’s favourite.
- Obi Abata/Iya-Obi: This type of Obi is used for divination purposes because it has the 2 male and 2 female lobes.
- The five lobed Obi called Olufuwa; this Obi is said to be preferred by Osun shengeshe (the goddess of purity, whiteness and serene water)
- Iwarefa (King of all Obis); this is a special type as it is used on special initiations such as Ogbonis initiation, Kings and chiefs installation etc.
The Kolanut has Socio-cultural/religious and medicinal uses and they are as follows;
The socio-cultural importance of Obi include; Divination and offering purposes: as many deities and Orisha require this, used in entertaining visitors at home and festivals, used as an item of prayer during naming and marriage ceremonies, used in community meetings etc
The medicinal uses of Kola include; management of severe headaches, aids in treating heart diseases, It helps in increase energy, has antibiotic effects, treatment of Ulcer, tooth ache and periodontitis, serves as an antidepressant, increases appetite, cough, asthma, constipation etc.
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