A young man acquires his first 'Ofo' when he is initiated into his first 'Ozo' (a sacred institution reserved for the honorable elders of the community) title.
The individual 'Ofo' of the 'Ozo' titled man can only be inherited by his eldest son after burial rites have been completed.
[3] The ofo is often accompanied by an ogu, a shorter stick tied with palm leaves to represent peace and innocence.
When the parties involved in a dispute fail to agree on a resolution, the ogu is put away and the ofo is displayed in its place, to indicate an escalation.
[7] The ofo therefore plays a role in prayer, ritual sacrifice, contact of spirit patrons, magic, naming ceremonies, determining schedules of events, affirming moral uprightness, sealing covenants, legitimizing states or offices, making decisions, settling disputes, taking oaths of administration, and promulgating and enforcing laws.