Kola with one cotyledon is a dumb kola of oji ogi. It is called oji mmuo that is, kola of the spirits. It is not eaten. Kola with two cotyledons is equally a dumb kola and it is not as well eaten. This sit e main reason why the Izzido not use the gworo or kola nitida for rituals or in serious traditional celebrations. Kola with three cotyledons is called oji ike oji ikenga, that is, kola of the valiant only warriors or brave men and consecrated or ordained persons are permitted to eat this kola, as a matter of principle.
Kola with four cotyledons is called ‘oji udo na ngozi”. That is, “kola of peace and
blessing” it is the normal kola. Izzisymbolism of the number four shows that number four is very sacred among the Izzi clan. Kola with five cotyledons is oji ubara mmadu, omumu na ukwuoma that symbolizes increase in procreation, protection and good luck.
Kola with six cotyledons indicates communion with our ancestors, that is , oji ndi mmuo na ndi mmadu jiri gbaa ndu” the smallest part or cotyledon is not eaten but is thrown away fro the ancestors to eat. In like manner, kola with one cotyledon is not eaten by man, that means that it is not broken during ceremonies because it belongs to the ancestors, as attitude reminiscent of the direct link between the living and the dead in the whole of Izzi clan
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